Factors to Keep in Mind While Replacing Your Commercial Roof
There are many questions that come to mind for business owners when it comes time to replace their commercial roof. The most common question is, "Can I keep my business open during the roof replacement?" Depending on the type of business, the answer to this question is a simple, "Yes!"
One word doesn't cover everything business owners need to know about commercial roof replacement. A roof replacement can take a month or more, depending on the size and type of the building and how extensive it is. Ask a roofing company to know the exact time that you need.
Scheduling work hours for the roofers is another important issue that affects the timeline. Roofers will have to work when the facility has people inside if the business roof replacement is for a 24/7 operation like a factory or hospital. To avoid disruptions, it may be advisable to plan their work hours early in the morning or late at night for a retail area, restaurant, or school.
Even with the most efficient timetable on paper, things like inclement weather and the time it takes for various equipment and systems to cure, dry, or settle into place can stymie the process. An experienced and skilled roofing contractor is needed for the work.
Commercial Roof Replacement: What to Expect?
As a business owner, you can prepare for your commercial roof replacement, whether it takes a few days or a month. Preparing ahead of time will not only benefit the roofing company when they arrive, but will also reduce employee stress as well as customer inconveniences.
Recognize the Process
Before meeting with the roofing contractors to discuss your commercial roof replacement, it's a good idea to prepare a list of questions. Information such as:
How will workers gain access to the roof?
Are there any restrictions on how long employees can work?
Where can the workers park and store their supplies if they choose to?
When it comes to preparing for potential noises, smells or debris
Will the HVAC system be impacted by the ice storm?
Are there any indoor areas that should be off-limits to visitors?
The job's timeline will also help you inform customers, employees, and anyone else who may be affected by the work, of course. A roofing company will help you through the process flawlessly.
Building Access is a Must
Despite the fact that most roofing work is done on the outside of the building, speak with the roofers to find out if and when they will need access inside. In order to reach the roof, they may need to use elevators or stairways, or send supplies up there.
Your roofers should if possible use low-traffic areas like back entrances, service elevator or hydraulic lift if you have one. The roofers should also be notified well in advance of when your busiest hours are so they can work around them. So if you own a store that's closed on Sunday, let your customers know about it! In contrast, if you are replacing a church's roof, Sundays may be off-limits.
Preparation of Parking
A parking lot area away from entrances and exits is a good place for roofing contractors to store dumpsters and other materials, as well as vehicles. They will not interfere with the flow of traffic in and out of the building, and everyone else will still be able to park as usual as a result of their presence. A fire lane or an emergency exit should not be blocked by the roofers' work area.
Try asking your employees to carpool or find a nearby parking spot for the duration of the project if your building's lot is small or shared with other properties.
Dust and odors are likely to accompany your project
A commercial roof replacement will leave your building dusty and stale. If the building has a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system, it's best to turn it off during the renovation. Circulating the air may seem like a good idea, but in most cases, it just spreads the dust and odors to more places.
If you want a low-temperature roof, ask your roofers to try and place it downwind. Also, let employees and customers know that they may feel some discomfort as a result of this. Do not hesitate to ask the roofing company about the product lines they use or any other health & security questions if you are worried about exposure to certain chemicals.
Decide on a way to reduce the noise
Drills, hammers, and other loud noises are all part of the process of replacing a commercial roof. If you're a building occupant, there are ways to reduce noise.
As a rule, roofers should refrain from playing loud music while they are working.
Inquire about less hammering installation materials.
Instead of shouting, ask roofers to use walkie-talkies or cell phones to communicate with each other
It's common for good roofers to gladly comply with such requests, as they know how important it is to keep everyone inside the building comfortable and productive at all times
Come to Elliot Roofing if you are looking for a credible roofing contractor in Tulsa area of Oklahoma.