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The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Roofing in Austin

When it comes to commercial buildings, quality is important. Commercial buildings need sustainable commercial roofing in Austin that will last. You don’t want your business reroof to raise your insurance premiums or affect your bottom line. Additionally, there can often be customers or clients seeing your roof daily. A poorly installed or aging and damaged roof can affect first impressions. More so, roof damage can disrupt your daily business operation, such as a severe leak. Whether it’s metal, modified bitumen, or TPO, Wilson Roofing can install the best option at the most competitive price.

Austin is known for unpredictable weather like hail storms and the occasional winter storm. Therefore, durability and longevity are a top priority. Metal roofs can be an ideal commercial option, as metal roofing typically lasts for up to 50 years. More so, Austin is known for its extremely hot summers with temperatures getting above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for days at a time. A TPO roof, also known as thermoplastic polyolefin, is a common commercial roofing option in Austin. TPO is a white membrane that will reflect heat instead of absorbing it, reducing energy consumption and saving your business money. It’s also a very durable option and can last for 30 or more years when properly maintained.

If you’re in need of a roof repair or reroof for your commercial business, make sure to choose commercial roofing in Austin. Choose a roofing company that is locally known and has experience with other commercial businesses in town. Request references from other local businesses to ensure the roofing company has experience with your type of commercial building. Commercial businesses’ roofing materials and labor tend to cost more due to size and materials. You don’t want to risk going with a roofing company that will later leave town and not hold up their warranty.

Understanding Commercial Roofing in Austin

Commercial Roofing Versus Residential Roofing

Commercial roofing refers to roofing installed on commercial buildings like restaurants, office buildings, retail stores, industrial facilities, and more. Conversely, residential roofing typically refers to roofing installed on homes. A primary difference between commercial and residential roofing would be materials. Materials commonly used in commercial roofing in Austin are TPO, concrete, modified bitumen, built-up roofing system (BUR), tar, and gravel. While residential roofing materials usually consist of asphalt shingles. However, metal and tile can be a popular choice here in Austin. One of the most differentiating factors of a commercial roof versus a residential is the sheer size. Commercial roofs are usually much larger than residential roofs.

As mentioned above, it’s important to choose an experienced commercial roofer. Commercial roofing projects can be far more complex than residential. A commercial building can have a unique shape, making installation more intricate. Office buildings are often taller than a residential home, and the roofing crew needs to have experience at certain heights.

Specific Requirements for Commercial Roofing in Austin

• Insurance Requirements

Commercial roofing projects are larger in scope than residential roofing projects. Therefore, they require general liability (GL) insurance. Luckily, here at Wilson Roofing, we’re experts in insurance and can guide you through your insurance claim and make sure you have the correct insurance.

• System Requirements

Typically, a commercial building has to bear a larger load than a residential home. The roofing company that is installing or reroofing your commercial building must understand the intricacies of the roof and the weight it needs to bear. Fire safety, mechanical rooms, and HVAC equipment can all be located on a commercial roof. There can even be generators. Your roofer can help guide the process of understanding the manufacturer’s recommendations for heavy equipment. The right roofer will evaluate the type of roofing material necessary to support all of the equipment on the roof.

• Support After the Fact

Regular maintenance is of the utmost importance after initial installation or reroof. Maintenance should be factored into your capital budget. Your local roofing company should help you select the roofing material and take expected maintenance into account. For example, metal roofing will last longer and require less maintenance than a TPO roof.

Austin Weather

Weather in Austin should be highly considered when deciding on your commercial roofing material. A local Austin roofing company will understand Austin’s weather and can determine the best material for the building based on Austin’s weather patterns and long-term costs based on your budget.

• High Temperatures and Sun

There’s no denying Austin has hot weather for several months throughout the year. This past year Austin had 78 days of 100-degree weather. Excessive heat can cause some materials to expand, leading to cracking. Hot weather and high humidity can lead to moisture build-up that can cause leaks.

• Torrential Rain

When it rains in Central Texas, it pours. Austin is known for flooding and is located in the heart of Flash Flood Alley Heavy rains will make any current damage on the roof worse. A crack in the roof left unattended could lead to a major leak during a storm.

• Hail

If you live in Austin, you’re familiar with the recent major hail storms. Baseball-sized hail has occurred in recent years (and months), but even small hail can cause serious damage to a roof. Denting and cracking from hail will make your roof more vulnerable to the effects of other weather like UV rays and heat.

Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing System in Austin

Types of Commercial Roofing Systems

It’s critical to consider all of the factors mentioned above when deciding on a commercial roofing system. The right local roofing company can help you determine the best option for your commercial building. However, if your building’s roof is in need of a reroof, you should familiarize yourself will all options.

• TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

TPO is used on low-slope roofs most commonly. It included reinforced sheets that feature heat-welded seams and are highly reflective. This material comes in a variety of colors although the most popular are white, grey, and tan. It’s the most commonly used commercial roofing product because it’s usually the most economical. TPO also provides extreme flexibility and long-term durability.

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is composed of two layers, unlike TPO. The top ply of PVC contains additives that make membranes UV-resistant. PVC is known for its longevity, durability, and fire resistance. PVC can be water resistant if it’s welded to an adjoining sheet. As an added bonus, PVC can be recycled and reused in new sheets.

• EPDM Roofing (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

EPDM is known for its elasticity and toughness. It has a fantastic ability to resist the UV rays of the sun. EPDM rubber roofing is highly desirable in commercial roofing because of its low cost and resilience.

• Modified Bitumen

A modified bitumen roof is comprised of asphalt and a unique chemical polymer for flexibility and temperature resistance. These roofs are rated against wind, fire, and hail, making it a good option for Austin.

• Built-Up Roofing System

This is one of the oldest roofing systems available. Built-up roofing consists of 3-5 layers for enhanced protection. Built-up roofing has been around for over 100 years and is great for extreme weather resistance in both high and low temperatures.

• Metal Roofs

Metal roofing is known for its aesthetic appeal, longevity, and durability. Many commercial building owners prefer the look of metal roofing.

These are some of the most popular commercial roofing systems available on the market. However, you can find plenty of more options out there.

Best Roofing System for Austin Climate

Metal roofing tends to be the most popular commercial roofing material in Austin. This material is an effective reflector of sunlight, which can help reduce your high AC bill from the Texas heat. Metal roofs are more resistant than other roofing materials from cracking. This is beneficial for the frequent hail storms experienced in Austin.

How to Select the Best Commercial Roofing Contractor in Austin

• Check for How Long the Company has Been in Business

It’s essential to check how long the roofing company has been in business. This will show the experience of the roofing company and will reveal their reputation.

• Roofing Company Must Have License and Insurance

Whether it’s residential or commercial roofing, the roofing company you choose should be a permanent business with a license and insurance. You should always ask for this upfront before signing a proposal.

• Ask for References

In today’s modern age, you can always go online to search for reviews. If the business has been operating for several years, they should have reviews to back them up. Never hesitate to ask your roofing advisor for references. The roofing company should be able to give you contacts for satisfied previous customers.

• Ensure the Roofing Company Offers Warranties

Make sure you understand the terms and length of the warranty before hiring them. They should be able to offer several types of warranties depending on the product and service.

Contact Us Today

Wilson Roofing has been in business for over 47 years and we have decades of experience in commercial roofing. We’re experts in insurance and we will be your liason to get you everything you’re owed. Contact us today to speak to our team and schedule an inspection.