No two buildings are constructed in an identical manner and when it comes to replacing an old roof or finding out which is the best roof to get for a new construction, many people do go wrong. This is because they may choose the roofing solution that their neighbor used without realizing that what is sweet for one can be poison for another. By getting the answers to some key questions, a homeowner will be able to identify the best roofing solution for his building and also choose the right home contractor for his needs.
Here are some key factors that need to be considered:
• Purpose of the building
• Elements that will influence selection of the roofing system
• Different roofing Landscape Design Plans options available
• Purchase guaranteed roofing materials
• Check if wind uplift Lennar Homes test is required
• Weight of the roof
• Expertise of the home contractor selected
• Warranty
The roofing solution that the owner selects must be based on the purpose for which the building is being constructed or renovated.
If the building is going to remain the same for the next 20 or more years, if there are plans to expand the existing construction or make new additions – all these determine the type of roof. For example, a data center that will be occupied 24 x 7 with a lot of computers will require a different type of roofing solution to a spec building or a residential building. Once these factors are determined, the owner needs to consider other elements that will affect his selection like – weather zone, building codes, topography, size, age, design, shape, height of the building etc.
If the roof already exists and is to be replaced, you need to try and incorporate existing building structure with the new roof like slope, protrusions, edge details etc. Next the owner needs to know about the roofing option he plans to choose. There are different flexible membrane roofing materials available and each serves a different purpose like – withstand damaging effects of the sun, provide increased strength and stability. These kind of technical details need expert opinion of an architect or a home contractor.
Make sure the roofing materials you plan on using have been tested by the Underwriter’s Laboratories. Sometimes, the product that is tested and the one that is actually supplied will be different. So, you must make sure that all the roofing materials have the UL label on them and that they have been tested together. For example, the insulation and the membrane must be tested together for them to be the perfect roofing solution. Some areas are prone to very strong winds. So, if the building is located in these wind zones, ensure the wind uplift test has been done and the right rating given. This will determine the selection of the roofing system.
When re-roofing is being done, the load capacity of the entire structure, especially the roof deck must be calculated. If a very heavy roof is installed and the rest of the building cannot take this weight, the entire structure could collapse. Since so much of expertise is involved in selecting and installing a new roof, the home contractor you select must have the right credentials. There are many changes that have been introduced in the way roofing is done and the type of roofing materials that are being used.
A good home contractor must be aware of these different materials and options available and offer the best solution for the building owner. Make sure the roof contractor is a member of the national, state, local, regional industry association, which will help him, be familiar with all the latest developments in the construction business. Ask the home contractor for copies of relevant certificates and also get information on the clients he has worked with in the past. Try and contact at least a couple of his past clients so that you can know about the quality of his work.
When it comes to roofing warranties, there are two that the owner will need – the contractor’s warranty and the manufacturer’s warranty. The latter only covers the materials supplied and will not be liable if the roofing was not installed properly. To ensure you are covered against any structural damages, you need a contractor’s warranty. Be very careful, read these warranties thoroughly, and seek a second opinion if needed. Always remember that proper maintenance is required if the roof needs to last long.
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