Page 45 - College Planning & Management, March 2018

STAY ON TOP OF THINGS. Problems with roofing do not usually happen overnight (severe weather events excluded). A trained inspector can spot problems before they go too far. By the time you notice a leak, there may already be structural damage to the roof, damage to equipment and inventory, or mold. In addition, it can take more time and effort to correct a problem once it’s progressed.
reason, when a problem arises, key decisions makers should first consider whether to repair or replace it. Understanding the primary cost factors involved in a commercial roof replacement can help
in that decision, as well as in deciding what type of replacement to choose and how much to budget. Bringing the existing roof up to the most recent building code requirements should also be evaluated.
All roofs have an expected useful life, depending on the type of roof, materials used, climate conditions, and the type of build- ing the roof is on. The nearer the roof is to the end of its expected useful life, the more likely a replacement is the most cost-effective option. Cost of repair also plays a role. A very inexpensive repair may be worthwhile even on a roof near the end of its useful life.
A common mistake to note is that building owners and facility managers often assume that if leaks occur repeatedly, the entire roof is faulty and should be replaced. Repeat leaks often have more to do with installation errors than the roof itself, and a proper repair can be a much lower-cost option.
The first place to look when this happens is at any penetra- tions in the roof. Penetrations are areas where holes are punched through the roof, such as mechanical equipment stands or service conduits. If leaks are occurring at a penetration, then it probably wasn’t properly installed. Depending on the number of penetra- tions, it’s likely that repairing the flashing will fix the problem much more efficiently than a complete replacement.
Replacing a roof on a commercial building is a considerable invest- ment, and rarely in the budget. Therefore, routine roof inspections
and maintenance programs are critical. A successful roof inspection and maintenance program should consist of periodic inspections and regularly scheduled maintenance. A roof inspection and maintenance program will reduce ownership costs, reduce leak frequency and sever- ity, extend the life of the roof, and reduce maintenance inefficiencies.
Choose a Roofing Contractor
A roof is more than a component of a building; it’s an asset, investment, and a commitment. Nothing can compromise the integrity of a structure faster than the improper maintenance and repair of a roof system. Therefore, the first item on the list for the facility manager is vetting potential commercial roofing con- tractors. It is imperative that the commercial roofing contractor follows best business practices—including being legally licensed, bonded, and insured—receives positive client testimonials, and provides a long business history with a proven track record.
Facility managers should conduct their own research about the optimal roof systems for their commercial buildings. However, the roofing contractor will be able to supplement that research with extensive knowledge of the type of roof system that is best for the building’s location and its intended use. Additionally, the facility manager should hire a commercial roofing contractor that has extensive experience with all types of roof systems. CPM
Bill Klein is an estimator and project manager for RSS Roofing Ser- vices & Solutions (www.roofingsands.com) in St. Louis, MO, and has more than 20 years of commercial roofing experience. For more information, he can be reached at bklein@roofingsands.com.
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MARCH 2018 / COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT 43