With so many commercial roof systems available, building owners typically rely on roofing contractors to help select the right options for their properties. As a commercial roofing professional, you should consider several factors when deciding which roof system is right for the building. Without all of the necessary information, it can be hard to know if you made the right recommendation.
This is a common challenge for many contractors. In response, GAF has assembled a team of professionals that can provide support and guidance. Through our local Commercial Territory Managers and Design Services team, GAF can help you evaluate different roof systems and identify the suitable options for your projects.
Greg Colletto, Director of Design Services at GAF, explains that his team works hard to find the right products for each situation, so you can meet your clients' needs. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a roofing system and how GAF can help.
Consider the Building's Function
When choosing a roofing system, first consider the building's function. The scope of projects spans a diverse array of facilities, each with its own unique challenges and requirements. These include schools, hospitals, cold storage units, and food manufacturing facilities. Additionally, the portfolio extends to data centers housing next-generation AI technology, warehouses and distribution centers, as well as retail establishments. All have varying needs and come with their own complexities. Manufacturers like GAF offer a variety of roofing options for this reason. Learning about the building is one of the first steps you should take. In addition to determining the building's use, ask other questions, including: Is the building occupied? Will people be coming in and out during the installation? Is a low-odor installation needed?
Don't discount the importance of location either. For instance, the building may not be a food manufacturing facility, but what exhaust or fumes are the neighbors generating? Is the building located in a coastal area that may have to consider the effects of wind and salt? When selecting or recommending a roofing solution, the more knowledge you have, the better.
Appearance Also Plays a Role
Aesthetics matter too. Different installation methods can produce different results, says Colletto. "Mechanically attached roofing is the most common because it has lower upfront costs," he explains. "If people are going to see the roof, contractors may shift away from that method because mechanically attached systems tend to flutter and wrinkle a bit because they are secured within the seams of the sheet versus the field." However, it's important to note that while mechanically attached roofing may seem cost-effective initially, this perception changes when considering long-term energy efficiency. Over a 15-year period, other installation methods may prove more economical by reducing thermal bridging which can affect the performance of roofing insulation.
An adhered installation results in a smoother appearance, he says. "If the building's a high rise with multiple levels where people are going to be looking down on the roof, visual aesthetics often play a critical component."
Curate Roofing Options on a Case-by-Case Basis
When comparing roof systems, Colletto recommends probing into the building owner's needs and identifying a solution that meets those objectives, while also fitting within their budget. Factors to consider include the local building codes, insurance requirements, and desired warranty or guarantee coverage. These factors can vary from one project to the next, so attention to detail is crucial.
Building Codes
Always start by following the local building codes, says Colletto. Wind uplift, for example, is driven by ASCE 7, the American Society of Civil Engineers' minimum standards for a building's structural safety, including the roof. You want to design the roofing system to meet your local code, but insurance companies, such as FM, often have stricter requirements.
Note that codes may vary for each building depending on the number of stories and whether it's a school, healthcare facility, or manufacturing plant. Navigating codes can be challenging because each jurisdiction (township, county, municipality) could have different requirements. Colletto says Florida Building Codes are one of the most widely accepted and can be helpful, but interpreting those "300-page reports on websites" can become overwhelming. "If you have questions that need support, we're here to help you," he notes.
Aprobaciones de FM
If FM Global insures the building, Colletto suggests using the FM's RoofNav program. "It's a free online tool that contractors can use to identify FM-approved roofing systems. Our team is available to provide assistance in how to facilitate, navigate, and interpret search results."
Colletto says roofing systems with FM approvals are often considered some of the best when it comes to performance. Manufacturers spend time and money on having FM review, test, and approve their roofing products. The roof systems are subject to rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand the forces of nature, including wind and hail.
GAF has various options and roofing systems, ranging from asphaltic to single ply, that meet FM's requirements.
Warranties/Guarantees
Finally, determine the desired warranty or guarantee duration. Manufacturers have specific guidance on the type of system that meets the warranty or guarantee requirements. If the owner isn't sure what they're looking for in a warranty or guarantee, GAF offers an online tool that compares guarantee options for single-ply and asphaltic commercial roofing systems. Guarantee durations range from 10 to 35 years on qualifying systems, so chances are you can offer the owner a solution that works for their building.
GAF also offers unique guarantee solutions for buildings with a combined steep and flat roof, so one warranty or guarantee can be issued for both systems, making it easy to resolve any issues.
GAF Specialists Can Help Support Your Project
Because every building is different, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to roofing systems. Codes, insurance, building location and design, plus desired warranty or guarantee coverage all play a role in determining which roof system is the right choice for a project.
GAF is committed to helping contractors succeed. Reach out to our Design Services team for assistance with your toughest projects. You can find your local territory manager here.
