Weathering the Storm: Commercial Roofing Resilience

By: | September 11th, 2023

Photo by Raze Solar on Unsplash

You have just bought a commercial property, and it needs a little work. You are looking for a roofing contractor in Carmel staffed with experienced roofers who will install a sturdy and long-lasting roof for you. 

One of the most important elements a commercial roof needs is resistance to the elements. Indiana is a state that experiences harsh weather, so there are a few factors that you should consider when you select new roofing for your commercial property. 

Wind Resistance 

Chicago isn’t the only windy city in the mid-west because Carmel gets quite breezy as well. Hence, your Carmel, Indiana roof should be wind-resistant. Roofing material and design have a wind resistance rating. 

Metal roofs are considered the most wind-resistant. However, just getting a metal roof is not enough. The thickness and weight of metal is measured in gauges. The higher the gauge and the closer the fasteners of the planks are together, the better the wind resistance. 

Roofers can also attach a membrane to a long piece of metal that is installed about 2 feet from the perimeter of the roof. The metal adds an extra element of wind resistance to your roof.

It is best to get a roof with wind-resistant shingles, which can be made with several different types of materials. 

R-Value

R-value is a system that gauges how effectively the installation material used for roofing blocks the flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the more resistant your roof will be to heat. 

Because a high R-value makes a building more energy efficient, state governments have requirements for R-values on commercial property. The state of Indiana requires a minimum R-20 value.

Impact Resistance 

A commercial building in Indiana needs to be resistant to anything that may impact it, such as hail and falling tree branches. Metal roofs are very resistant to hail, and will not be punctured. However, some metals are susceptible to denting, but a steel roof is very hail-resistant.

Synthetic slate roofs are resistant to hail as long as it is not more than 2 inches in diameter. These roofs are more economical but do not last as long as metal roofs. 

Moss Resistance 

Indiana is home to many species of moss that can eat away at a roof. Some roofing companies offer moss-resistant shingles that will resist algae and mold. These shingles are chemically treated, and some tenants may object to this. Furthermore, rain and snow will eventually wash chemical treatments away.

Copper and zinc are both toxic to algae and resistant to moss. If you cannot afford a copper roof for your building, you can always add metal strips and flashing. Install metal along the sides of the roof where the unwanted vegetation is likely to grow.

A building that is resistant to the elements and is energy efficient, is a building that is easy to rent, manage, and sell.

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