Commercial flat roofs are an essential part of the infrastructure of any commercial building. Flat roofs are known for their unique aesthetic appeal, low maintenance, and effective use of space. However, the installation process of a commercial flat roof is not as simple as many people may think. This blog post aims to provide insights into the process of commercial flat roof installation.
Design and Planning
The planning process of a commercial flat roof installation project is paramount. It starts with the design aspect, which involves creating a suitable layout for the flat roof. The design determines the materials, cost, and installation process. The project manager or architect will work with you to create a design and plan that meets your needs and budget. The design will depict the slope, drainage insulation, and expected load-bearing requirements. The design process is highly collaborative to ensure that the project reflects your intended purpose.
Preparation of the Roof Deck
Prior to installation, the roof deck must be inspected and prepared. If there is pre-existing damage or leaks, the contractor will repair them. The contractor will ensure that the roof deck is structurally sound, moisture-free, and clean. The contractor will also install a tapered insulation board, which helps to drain water from the roof. Proper drainage is critical to the durability of the flat roof. The type of insulation board and application method will depend on the design and budget.
Roof Membrane Installation
The next step is the installation of the roofing membrane. The kind of membrane the contractor uses depends on the design and budgetary constraints. The two most common roofing membranes are TPO and EPDM. The membranes come in varying widths, and they are joined using heat welding. Heat welding creates a bond that is stronger than the actual membrane. The contractor ensures precise measurements are taken to accommodate all roof protrusions and obstacles.
Flashings and Edgings
The next step of the installation process is the installation of flashings. Flashing is a weatherproof material designed to prevent water intrusion. This step prevents water from infiltrating the seams and penetrations around the roof’s walls. After installation, the flashings are carefully inspected to guarantee their efficiency. The contractor will also install edgings around the perimeter of the roof. Edgings secure the roofing membrane to the rooftop, and they provide an appealing finish to the roof's design.
Final Inspection
After installation is complete, the contractor will perform a final inspection. The contractor will ensure that everything is in place and that the roof meets all the design requirements. The inspection team will check for water leaks, the integrity of the flashing, and drainage. After the inspection, the contractor will clean up the area and provide you with warranty documentation.
Commercial flat roof installation requires a high level of expertise and experience. It involves tedious planning, measuring, and installation processes to avoid roofing failures. The process requires the use of high-quality materials, tools, and specialized equipment. The importance of hiring a qualified contractor cannot be overstated.
Once you watched someone put a roof on a home, you have a much deeper understanding of what's involved in this sort of work. Roofing is not easy. There's a big mental component since the roofers need to decide how how many shingles to use, how to best lay them out, and so forth. Then, there's the physical aspect of roofing. Lugging packages of shingles onto the roof is not easy, and nailing them down take a lot of work, too. With that in mind, we welcome you to read more about roofing on this blog. Let the articles inform your opinion of the profession.