You might think your new commercial flat roof replacement project is finally over—but is it? When you invest in a new roof, remember the final steps that should take place after installation. As many building owners have experienced, leaving loose ends can cause hassles, added expense, or even the risk of injury.
Part 3 in a series on commercial flat roofing replacement
The post-completion tasks for commercial flat roofing replacements discussed below will help ensure the success and longevity of your roofing system.
This article on post-completion tasks is the third installment of a three-part series. We also invite you to review Part 1 or Part 2.
Read Part 1 of the series: 10 Essential Steps to Prepare for a Commercial Roof Replacement
Read Part 2 of the series: 12 Essential Steps for Managing a Commercial Roofing Project in Toronto
1. Conduct a final roof inspection
Just like you have a pre-project roof inspection and possibly a mid-project inspection, a final inspection ensures that all contractual obligations are met. A final inspection is a complete walk-through of the roof to check that the membrane and flashings are installed correctly, all other sub-trades’ work is completed correctly, and the roof complies with code/warranty requirements. Any issues, such as visible defects or leaks, should be addressed and resolved before the final inspection is done.
2. Document the job
A responsible property owner will keep complete records relating to every aspect of and participants in the project. Years or even decades from now, you may need to check a warranty, identify roofing materials, or produce other documents or photos of the work completed. Keeping your roofing documents safe and at hand will help you down the line.
Your documentation should include:
- Bids, quotes, installation contracts
- Permits and other code-related documents
- Invoices for all elements of the project
- Warranties from the roofing contractor and manufacturer, as applicable
- Information about equipment on the roof, such as HVAC, skylights, antennas or PV solar panels and related racking
3. Clean up the commercial flat roofing site upon job completion
Leaving roofing materials, equipment, or debris around the site is not only irresponsible, but it’s also a danger to other people on the roof and in or around the property. Following the installation, the roofing contractor is responsible for ensuring safe access for tenants and disposal of waste materials according to local regulations and possibly as part of the contract between landlord and contractor.
Post-completion clean-up includes:
- Cleaning all debris, especially from walkways, as well as signage and warning tape
- Removing all roofing equipment and materials—including those stored in stairwells, parking lots, or other areas on the property
- Checking that safe and appropriate roof access is in place or, alternatively, advising the client if there are any issues
- Removing landscaping protection or restoring grass damaged by construction processes
4. Understand your commercial flat roofing warranties
No matter how good the manufacturer, roofing contractor, or other subcontractor, no roof lasts forever. When leaks or other problems occur years or even decades after installation, warranties provide dates of coverage, list terms and conditions, and identify who is responsible for the materials and labor to set things right.
Property owners should fully understand two basic types of warranties for roofing projects:
Standard manufacturer’s commercial roofing warranty
This warranty from the product manufacturer covers its products, including the membrane and accessories. The property owner must understand the type of coverage: No-dollar-limit coverage is vastly different from a material or membrane-only warranty. The warranty will also cover what voids the agreement, such as not performing regular maintenance and unauthorized roof modifications.
Workmanship commercial roofing warranty
This warranty from your roofing contractor protects the property owner against workmanship related problems. If the property has been maintained in accordance with the warranty terms, the contractor will cover the labor required to remedy the situation. The warranty may become void if the property owner has other trades perform work on the roof or if there is unreported damage to the roof membrane for a protracted period of time.
Regular commercial roofing inspections protect the property owner
Ensuring good roof performance, longevity, and a sound warranty requires ongoing maintenance and prompt repairs. A semi-annual roof maintenance program helps property owners avoid unnecessary damages and costs.
5. Enforce the responsibilities of other trades
A successful rooftop replacement usually requires several trades to collaborate, such as mechanical, electrical, and solar. Each sub-trade is responsible for completing work assigned by the general contractor, roofing company, landlord, or other party who hired the subcontractor– in a specified time frame. When they have completed their tasks, they should remove their equipment and resulting debris so that the project can proceed as planned–avoiding damage to the membrane, removing safety hazards for workers, and protecting other equipment on the roof. Additionally, other trades should also reinstate all mechanical and electrical connections that were removed to allow the project to proceed.
6. Maintain your commercial flat roofing replacement for a longer life
Property owners maximize their roof investment by keeping their roof in good condition. Here are important maintenance tasks that will extend your roof’s lifespan:
- Get regular roof inspections once or twice each year
- Get leaks and other damage related to the roof fixed right away by reporting them promptly to the roofing contractor on a timely basis
- Avoid unnecessary roof traffic
- Check for roof damage after bad storms
- Keeping the roof cleared of excessive snow piles and secure loose items to avoid wind-blown debris
- Keep gutters clear of obstructions
- Prune overhanging tree branches
- Ensure that all equipment on the roof is functioning
Quality workmanship for your entire roofing project
Specific post-completion tasks will vary depending on the nature and scale of your commercial or industrial roofing project. A reputable roofing contractor like Elite Roofing, serving the greater Toronto area, will provide expert roofing services for all stages of your flat roofing project—pre-construction, project management, and post-construction.
Contact us today for the Elite Advantage.
