Factors affecting the cost of a commercial roof replacement

Having a safe, effective roof is vital to maintaining the integrity and value of commercial buildings. That’s why it’s so important to replace an aging or damaged roof before it becomes a larger problem with skyrocketing expenses. For building owners in Vancouver, commercial roof replacement costs will vary according to a few factors. Here are some of the elements commercial roofers will examine when assessing your roof.

Size of the roof

The larger the roof, the more materials and labour will be involved in the installation.

Flat/low slope vs sloped

Many commercial buildings have flat or low-sloped roofs but some have sloped roofs. Flat and low-sloped roof replacements are generally less expensive, taking less time to install. The number of Hvacs and rooftop exhaust fans/units will affect this. For sloped roofs, the number of peaks and valleys is a factor as these take more time.

Roofing Material 

The traditional tar-and-gravel built-up roof (BUR) is a budget-friendly option. Torch on roofing is slightly more expensive to install than some other roofing types, but pays off with increased durability. Torch on roofing in Vancouver can generally last twenty-five years or more. Other options include Inverted roofs which offer exceptional stability and durability, and green roofs for energy efficiency.

Building accessibility

The higher the building, the more it costs to get equipment to the roof. The ability to get necessary equipment to the property and how much room there is to store materials are also factors. The safety, productivity and comfort of the building occupants are considered, for instance where extra precautions or working uncommon hours are necessary. 

Condition of material/structure under the roof

Roofers will check the underlying structure for age, areas of damage or trapped moisture. Repairs may be required.