Commercial Roof Replacement: What is involved?

Planning a commercial roof replacement for your building? Here’s what to expect.

Replacing a commercial roof in Minnesota is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. The process involves several key steps, which can vary depending on the size and complexity of the roof and the specific needs of the building. This blog will outline nine stages of a commercial roof replacement project, from concept to completion.

Here is a brief overview of what is typically involved in replacing a commercial roof in Minnesota:

1. Assessing the Condition of the Existing Roof: Before any work can begin, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate the existing roof’s condition. This may involve conducting a physical inspection of the roof and reviewing any available documentation or records. This assessment aims to identify any problems or issues that need to be addressed as part of the roof replacement process.
2. Site Evaluation: In addition to assessing the existing roof’s condition, it is also important for commercial roofing contractors to thoroughly evaluate the site where the work will be performed. This includes assessing the layout and grade of the property, as well as any possible obstructions or hazards that may impact work, such as power lines, neighboring buildings, or nearby trees.
3. Develop a Project Plan: Once the existing roof’s condition and the worksite have been assessed, it’s time to determine the best replacement approach. In some cases, this may involve simply removing the existing roof and installing a new one on top of the existing structure. In other cases, building a new roof over portions of the existing structure while removing and rebuilding other sections from the decking up may be more advantageous.
4. Selecting a Material for the New Roof: Once the approach for replacing the commercial roof has been determined, it’s time to choose a material for the new roof. Commercial roof replacements often use traditional flat roofing material, such as EPDM rubber or modified bitumen. However, commercial or industrial buildings may also require products such as TPO or standing seam metal, or some other type of specialized commercial roofing material to replace the existing substrate (or deck).
5. Developing a Plan: Once the roof’s condition has been assessed, the next step is to create a replacement plan. This may involve working with an architect or engineer to design a new roof that meets the building’s specific needs and considering any applicable building codes or regulations.
6. Obtaining Necessary Permits: Depending on the scope of the work, it may be necessary to obtain various permits from local government jurisdictions prior to starting the roof replacement process. This typically includes a building permit and any other permits that may be required for the specific type of work being done.
7. Removing the Existing Roof: The next step is to remove the existing roof. This may involve tearing off the old roofing materials, disposing of them properly, and removing any debris that may have accumulated on the roof.
8. Installing the New Roof: Once the old roof has been removed, the next step is to install the new roof. This may involve laying down a new underlayment, installing flashing, and attaching the new roofing materials. Depending on the specific type of roof installed, ventilation systems or other components may also be installed at this time.
9. Finishing the Job: After the new roof installation has been completed, the final step is to wrap up any remaining work and tidy up the site. This may include cleaning up any debris or materials generated during the roof replacement process and performing any necessary testing or inspections.

Because creating a roof replacement plan takes time, January is an excellent time to start planning for commercial roof replacement. Many contractors are already booking jobs for the spring and summer months, so it is important to begin researching options early to secure a preferred contractor who can complete your roof replacement on schedule.

Overall, replacing a commercial roof in Minnesota is a complex process requiring specialized skills and knowledge. Working with a qualified and experienced contractor is essential to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Mint Roofing is one of Minnesota’s leading commercial roofing companies, with 73 years of experience helping businesses succeed with commercial roof replacements. If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced contractor to help with your commercial roof replacement project, let’s get the conversation started today!