At this point you may be wondering how complex the flat roof replacement process could be. Next, we’ll expose all the stages of this process for you to fully understand how it is, specially if you are a Jacksonville resident. Keep reading to fully understand the process from the materials selection to the actual installation
Initial Roof Inspection
The first step is to perform an inspection. For this matter, you’ll need to contact a local professional that can give you a diagnosis of your current roof in order to confirm if you actually need your flat roof to be replaced, however, if your roof has age signals or damages, the full replacement is probably the option to take.
It will be necessary to check on the roof’s surface and verify insulation and structural conditions. This professional should also check the deck to verify if there’s any damage.
This initial inspection is very useful to identify damages, underlying issues and potential failures that can affect the replacement process. The most common issues identified during this inspection are moisture damage and rot and it is very important to identify them in order to include the required repairs in the replacement process
2. ) Choosing the right material
If you have already confirmed that your flat roof needs to be replaced, then you need to choose the material that best suits you according to your needs, your building structure and your budget.
Given the humid and hot weather in Jacksonville, choosing a material that can resist extreme weather conditions is critical but you should also consider energy efficiency. In any case, the best that you can do is to contact an expert for this matter to get properly advised and choose the right material for your flat roof.
3. ) Removal of Old Roofing Material
After choosing the right material for your flat roof, it is necessary to prepare it for the installation by removing the old roofing material. This is another critical process because the contractor will be able to inspect the deck and identify any issue that wasn’t identified during the first inspection.
The only thing that will remain after the remotion process will be the deck. If it’s in good condition, the only thing to do would be to clean it and prepare it for the new roofing, but, if the deck is in bad conditions, like damaged for mold or cracked, it would be necessary to perform more repairs to ensure the foundation for the new roof.
4. ) Repairing and Replacing the Deck
If the roof deck is too damaged or deteriorated for moisture, rotting wood or cracks, it would be necessary to repair it before moving forward. It is important to keep in mind that the high levels of humidity and rainy weather of Jacksonville can severely affect the wood…and if there is a leak, the damage can be even worse.
The deck’s repairing process involves replacing the damaged sections with the new ones to make sure the roof can support the new system. Performing a proper repair at this point is crucial to prevent future damages or failures and extend the lifespan of the new roofing system.
5. ) New Insulation
Flat roofs require insulation as an indoor temperature control method that, besides, helps to reduce energy costs. After the deck has been repaired, it is necessary to install a layer of insulation.
By reducing heat loss during winter and heat absorption during the summer, insulation is very important for energy efficiency. However, there are several insulation options like: polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS). Polyiso is one of the most popular due to its thermal resistance and compatibility with the membranes of most of the roofs
6. ) Installation
After finishing the insulation process, it is time to install the new roofing. The process will depend on the material you have chosen. There is how it is like the installation process with each one of the materials already mentioned:
– For EPDM, TPO AND PVC (Single- Ply Membranes): These membranes are installed in large sheets that can be fully adhered, mechanically attached or ballasted. In the case of TPO and PVC the seams between the sheets are sealed by heat welding, while for the case of EPDM they are sealed with adhesives. Proper sealing is crucial to ensure the roof is waterproofing and, therefore, prevent leaks.
– For Modified Bitumen: This material is installed in layers using hot asphalt or torching down the layers to create a waterproof surface.
– For BUR (Built-Up Roofing): This system’s installation involves alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics, usually topped with a reflective coating, creating a thick, multi-layered system ideal to protect the roof against rain, wind and sunlight damage
7. ) Flashing and sealing
Once the roof membrane has been installed, the contractor will install flashing around the edges, seams and penetrations like vents, chimneys and skylights, ensuring these areas are well-sealed, preventing infiltrations and leaks. Sealing is very important for flat roofs due to the high risk of ponding for its shape.
8. ) Final Inspection and Cleanup
The last step is performing a final inspection to make sure everything has been properly done and also to identify any issue or mistake to repair it before the project is completed.
Once everything is alright, the contractor will clean up the work area and provide you the maintenance guidelines for you to take the required care for your new flat roof.
As you can see this is a complex process that demands planning, a careful material selection and proper installation. Every step, from the first to the last, is very important to ensure you’ll get a functional and durable flat roof. It is essential to choose a qualified professional to perform this job and, of course, choosing high-quality materials that suit Jacksonville’s extreme weather conditions to make sure you’ll have an energy efficient flat roof for many, many years.
If you already understand the whole replacement process but you’re not sure about the professionals to perform this procedure, you don’t have to keep looking. Advanced Building and Roofing provides the best flat roof replacement service in the Jacksonville area. Our highly skilled team of experts will carefully follow all the steps mentioned above to properly replace your flat roof in the most efficient way so, when the procedure finishes, you’ll have a high quality roof for your building. Don’t hesitate to call us and get your quote today!
