Roofing Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common and beest commercial roofing systems?
TPO
TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is the fastest roofing product within commercial roofing.
Silicone Roof Coating
A cost-effective alternative solution rather than replacing an entire roofing system.
PVC
A highly durable, chemical-resistant solution perfect for restaurants and many other commercial roofing applications.
Modified Bitumen
An excellent choice for flat or low-slope commercial roofing systems.
Metal
A popular choice for many commercial enterprises.
Built-Up Roof
A popular choice for many commercial enterprises.
We Have Answers!
At Parsons Roofing Company, we want our customers to be heard and well informed. We have put together a few frequently asked questions to help you understand your best way forward.
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Do I Need To Replace My Entire Commercial Roof?
Usually not. If your building has only one existing roof layer and the insulation is dry, a re-cover (new membrane over the old roof) or a silicone coating restores it for well under the cost of a tear-off. Georgia code allows a maximum of two roof layers, so buildings that already have two must be torn off.
If you only have one roof on your building and it is in acceptable condition, you may be able to install a new roof over the existing layer.
What If Our Roof Has Two Layers Of Existing Roof
By law, commercial buildings may not have more than two roofing layers, as too many layers can add excess weight and stress to the structure of the building. Read more about the International Building code language for roof tear-offs.
What About Unsafe Conditions?
A qualified contractor will need to tear off and install a new roof if the existing one is damaged, saturated, or unstable.
How Do I Know If My Commercial Building Needs A New Roof?
If an infrared scan shows saturated insulation across more than about 25% of the roof, replacement is usually the right call; below that, a repair, coating or re-cover is typically cheaper. Warning signs from the ground are repeat leaks in the same area, ponding water that lasts more than 48 hours after rain, blistering or open seams, and a roof past its expected life (15 to 25 years for most systems in Georgia).
Parsons Roofing Company’s expert inspectors will perform a free roof evaluation, complete with infrared thermography imaging, to determine the quality of your existing roof. Visible moisture damage, leaks, or mold on the building interior are all indicators that your roof may need replacing.
How Much Will A New Roof Cost?
Rough installed prices in metro Atlanta, per square foot, for a typical roof of 20,000 square feet or more (smaller roofs run higher): TPO replacement $5 to $10, PVC replacement $6 to $12, re-cover over an existing roof $3.50 to $7, silicone coating $3 to $5.50. Repairs typically run $500 to $5,000 per visit, and an infrared moisture survey starts around $500. Every roof is different, so we give a written price after an inspection.
We take a consultant-based approach with each roof, as each building is unique with its own set of challenges. Many factors contribute to the price of your new commercial roof. Parsons Roofing Company provides free roof consultations and budget forecasting to prepare you for the costs involved with roof maintenance and replacement.
- Cost And Installation Of Preferred Materials
- Roof Access
- Roof Penetrations
- Warranty Options
- Square Footage
- Existing Conditions
How Long Will My Commercial Roof Last?
In Georgia's climate: TPO 15 to 25 years, PVC 20 to 30, modified bitumen 15 to 20, built-up 20 to 30, metal 30 to 50, and a silicone coating adds 10 to 20 years to an existing roof. Twice-yearly inspections and clean drains are what get a roof to the top of its range.
Many factors affect the useful lifespan of your commercial roof; these are averages for commonly used roofing systems.
- TPO
- Roof Coating
- PVC
- Modified Bitumen
- Metal
- Built-Up Roof
How Long Does It Take To Install A New Commercial Roof?
The type of roof, roof size, existing damage, weather conditions, inspections, and permits are all factors influencing project completion time. Each building is unique with its own set of challenges. After a complimentary roof evaluation, we can provide an estimated completion time for the project. Your Parsons Roofing Company project manager will be in regular communication with you regarding the project progress and status.
How Do I Know Which Type Of Roof Is Right For My Building?
Our seasoned roofing experts will thoroughly evaluate your roof and communicate with you to best understand your needs and priorities. After we gather all the necessary information, we will help you determine the best roofing system for your building and budget.
- TPO
- Roof Coating
- PVC
- Modified Bitumen
- Metal
- Built-Up Roof
How Can I Choose The Right Commercial Roofing Contractor?
Because of the internet, consumers around the world have an incredible advantage when hiring roofing contractors. However, with access to more businesses and service providers, it is more crucial than ever to conduct thorough research into who you are hiring. Several key factors determine quality commercial roofing contractors from the rest.
- Have You Confirmed Their Insurance Coverage?
- Is The Company Just Subcontracting Your Work Or Supervising The Work Themselves?
- Do They Have A Portfolio And References To Prove Their Knowledge And Experience?
- Does The Company Have Quality Supplier Relationships?
- Are They Certified Commercial Roofing Installers?
- Check Online Reviews, Ratings, And Scoring With The BBB – How Does The Company Rate?
What Do I Need To Do To Maintain My Commercial Roof Warranty?
The most common warranty options include contractor’s warranty, manufacturer’s warranty, and a manufacturer NDL (no dollar limit) warranty. Parsons Roofing Company is proud to offer all three warranties on every re-roof project. Manufacturer warranties require a third-party inspection of the work completed to guarantee the warranty. Regular roof inspections and seasonal maintenance are often recommended or required to uphold warranties.
What Should I Do If I Have An Emergency Commercial Roof Leak?
Call Parsons Roofing at (678) 756-0224; we respond to emergency commercial leaks within 24 hours across metro Atlanta. Before we arrive, move or cover anything under the leak, put a container under active drips, and photograph the ceiling and roof area if it is safe to do so. Do not send anyone onto a wet flat roof.
Your priority is to protect your assets inside your facility from water damage. Move technology, cover equipment, and call the professionals at Parsons to repair the leak as soon as possible. Parsons Roofing Company has a 24/7 emergency roof repair hotline for situations like these.
How Often Should I Inspect My Commercial Roof?
Twice a year, spring and fall, plus after any major storm. Most manufacturer warranties require documented inspections to stay valid.
Roof inspections are necessary to maintain the useful lifespan of your commercial roof system. We recommend bi-annual roof inspections. Parsons Roofing also emphasizes the importance of seasonally clearing debris from the roof surface and making any repairs as soon as possible.
Can A Flat Roof Be Repaired Instead Of Replaced?
Is A Silicone Roof Coating Worth It?
Yes, if the existing roof is structurally sound and dry. A silicone coating costs 30 to 50 percent less than replacement, adds 10 to 20 years of life, carries a manufacturer warranty, and reflects heat, which lowers summer cooling costs. It is not a fix for a roof with wet insulation.
Does Parsons Roofing Do Residential Roofing?
No. We only work on commercial and industrial buildings, almost all with flat or low-slope roofs.
Commercial Roofing Glossary
View our Glossary to learn roofing terms commonly used throughout the roofing industry.
Most Popular Blog Posts
What Is A Built-Up Roof System?
Built-Up Roof system or BUR system is a common built-up Commercial Roofing system provided by Parsons Roofing Company.
TPO Vs Silicone : Best For Commercial Roofs
As technology has advanced in the roofing industry, so has the variety of solutions for commercial roof repair and maintenance.
Ponding Water : #1 Best Solutions For Commercial Roofs
On many commercial flat roofs, water doesn’t properly drain off the roof.
Why Infrared Commercial Roof Inspection?
The age of technology has advanced business and effective problem-solving in a way that is best described as immeasurable.
Why Commercial Roof Walk Pads?
Your commercial roof will be a host of a number of added structures. HVAC units, for example, are common structures that require frequent maintenance and servicing.
