Shingles, Nails, and Beyond

If it's time to have the roof replaced on your commercial building, you may be curious about the cost of getting a new roof. A commercial roofing contractor will give you a price quote, but here are some general things that can affect the cost.

1. The Building Height

You may pay more for a roof if you have a multi-story building since it's more difficult to get supplies to the roof and dispose of old roofing materials. If the roof on a tall building is sloped, the crew has to take extra safety precautions and work more slowly, so that might increase labor costs. Also, if the roof has a unique design, such as a dome or a curved surface, that requires custom work that makes getting a roof replacement cost more.

2. The Condition Of The Old Roof

If the old roof is completely worn out and water damaged, the roofer may need to replace everything from the deck up. If your old roof is still in fairly good condition, the roofer might just add a new layer of roofing over the old roof and that can cut down on costs.

3. The Type Of Roofing Materials

The type of roofing materials you choose has a big impact on the cost of a roof replacement. You might choose roofing that gives your building a professional look, such as clay tiles or copper. Copper, slate, and clay tiles are more expensive than asphalt shingles or membrane roofing. If your building has a flat roof and is out of sight, then appearance isn't as important as durability.

Flat roofing choices include membranes and spray foam. Your roofing contractor can explain the pros and cons of each so you can compare costs based on initial installation, longevity, and anticipated need for repairs.

4. The Size Of Your Roof

One thing you can't control when it comes to cost is the size of your roof. You'll have to pay more for a large building when it comes to the amount of materials you'll need and the hours of labor it takes to replace the roof. What may seem like a small price difference per square foot when comparing roofing material prices could amount to a significant amount of money when your building has a large roof. Compare prices based on the size of your roof rather than a small section such as a square or square foot.

Although a commercial roof replacement might be a large investment for your business, the new roof should last for many years, especially if you keep up with repairs before water damage can occur. The roof of your building is important for protecting the building and its contents from water damage, so it's good to have your old roof replaced before it gets so worn out that your building is in danger and the cost of a replacement escalates.

For more information, contact a company like Durafoam Roofing LLC.