Retrofitting a Roof, and when it’s time to do it

When it’s time to replace commercial roofing, one option is retrofitting a roof. Steel paneling in this scenario is installed over the existing roof, but with a substructure that provides additional slope for water and snow runoff.

Save on Tear Off Expenses

One of the first advantages of choosing a retrofit commercial roof, is that it avoids the tear off and disposal expenses associated with the remove and replace option.

When you decide that retrofitting a roof is the method that will work for your building, the labor of removing the existing roof is avoided. In addition to labor, you also benefit by avoiding disposal fees of existing tear off materials, which can be expensive, depending on your location and the material you’re disposing.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked savings though is that a business does not need to close during business hours due to the construction. Hours of inoperation can be costly to any business, and this process allows little disruption. With roof removal and replacement, disruption will take place at some point. Since the original roof remains in place during a retrofit, a commercial roof retrofit allows businesses to operate normal hours while workers are on top of the building.

Safety

Adding a roof over an existing roof is also much safer working conditions for installers. The installation crews are able to work on, and walk on the existing roof, while doing their job of installing the new one.

Shorter Construction Timeline

The overall cost of the project will be reduced, since the overall construction timeline is much shorter than the standard “remove and replace” option. Installation crews can begin installing the new roof right over the existing roof without the time and expense of removing the old roof first.

Reduced Energy Costs

The Benefits of retrofitting a roof, by installing a steel roof over an existing roof also may decrease energy costs in the long-term.

The building owner can choose to add insulation between the old roof and the new roof, or opt for an energy saving ventilated air space between the two roof surfaces.

When making the decision about adding insulation, it’s important building owners realize that according to the Department of Energy, 35% of energy costs for the average building is spent on heating, cooling, and ventilation. Adding insulation will most certainly benefit the business or building owner in terms of heating and cooling energy savings.  So it’s a great idea to re-evaluate your roof’s insulation while going through the retrofitting a roof process.

Contact All American Steel today and let’s get the materials ordered for your next roofing project.  To see some metal panel profiles and colors in person, visit your closest All American Do it Center (located in Tomah, Sparta and Richland Center Wisconsin).

Retrofitting a roof
Retrofitting a Roof