Commercial Asphalt Roofing Installation: What to Expect
Asphalt roof installation is a very common choice for commercial buildings. It is durable, strong, and long-lasting. A good asphalt roof not only protects the building from various weather effects, but also enhances its safety and durability. A strong and properly installed asphalt roof ensures the longevity of the building and keeps it safe from extreme weather challenges. With the right understanding and knowledge of the installation process, we can ensure that our roof will be durable and will not face any kind of problem in the future.
Asphalt roof installation consists of several steps, and each of these steps must be followed correctly. The quality of each step affects the longevity and durability of the roof. Whether it is surface preparation, selection of the right material, or regular inspection, each step is important. Also, regular maintenance of the roof is also important for its longevity and performance.
1. Selecting the right material
The right selection of asphalt roofing material is very important for the durability and performance of the roof. Choosing the right material will ensure that your roof remains durable and safe even in different weather conditions.
Material Options
- Asphalt Sheets: Asphalt sheets are sheets made of asphalt that are spread and applied on the roof. This material is waterproof and protects the building from rain, sun, and snow. These sheets are generally durable and have a long life, thereby increasing the safety of the roof.
- Felt and Bitumen: Felt and Bitumen provide a strong base that is applied to the lower part of the roof. Felt and Bitumen protect the roof from moisture and water. They are used to protect the lower level of the roof so that there is no damage to the roof due to moisture.
Handy Tips:
- Choose Material According to the Weather: Keep in mind the weather of the place while selecting the roofing material. In colder or rainier regions, it is better to use waterproof materials.
- Pay attention to high-quality materials: It is important to pay attention to the quality of the material, as it determines how long your roof will last. Select high-quality materials so that the roof’s durability is maintained and it requires less maintenance.
2. Preparation before installation
Thorough surface preparation is necessary before asphalt roofing installation. A clean and properly prepared surface ensures proper installation and longevity of the roof.
Surface preparation
- Clean surface: It is important to clean the roof surface completely. It is necessary to remove dust, dirt, and old debris from the surface so that the new roof can be laid without any hindrance. If the surface is not cleaned properly, problems may arise in the roof, such as cracks or leaks.
- Moisture test: It is important to check the moisture content of the surface, as moisture can weaken the roofing material. Moisture can cause the material to rot and reduce the longevity of the roof. Moisture testing ensures that the surface is completely dry and the material can be laid properly.
Handy Tips:
- Keep the surface dry and clean: While preparing the surface, ensure that the surface is dry and free from dirt. This ensures the durability and safety of the roof.
- Check for cracks: Check for any kind of cracks or imperfections on the surface and repair them. Cracks can weaken the roofing material and cause damage in the long run.
3. Laying of asphalt sheets
The process of laying asphalt sheets is highly important for the durability and safety of the roof. Properly laid sheets help protect the roof from external elements.
Process of laying sheets
- First layer: First a layer of felt or bitumen is laid. It provides protection from moisture and makes the roofing material durable. This base layer is the main protection of the roof, which protects it from moisture and water.
- Laying the sheets: The asphalt sheets are then laid on the roof. These sheets are slightly overlapped on top of each other so that water cannot penetrate inside the roof. This overlapping strengthens the roofing material and makes it waterproof.
Handy Tips:
- Overlap the sheets properly: Overlap the sheets in such a way that water cannot penetrate from anywhere. This gives additional protection to the roof.
- Press the sheets firmly: Press the asphalt sheets firmly so that they are laid properly in their place. If the sheets are not seated properly, water can leak and damage the roof.
4. Take care of ventilation
Ventilation also plays an important role in the durability of asphalt roofing. Proper ventilation prevents the accumulation of moisture and heat under the roof, making the roof durable for a long time.
Benefits of Ventilation
- Moisture prevention: Proper ventilation allows the moisture under the roof to drain easily. This prevents problems like fungus or rotting inside the roof and keeps the roof safe.
- Temperature balance: Ventilation regulates the temperature under the roof, keeping the roof cool in summers and damp in winters. It also prevents any kind of expansion or contraction in the roof material.
Handy Tips:
- Create a proper ventilation system: Creating a proper ventilation system is important in commercial buildings so that moisture can escape and the roof does not get damaged.
- Take care of vents: Create proper space for air inlet and outlet on the roof so that there is proper air flow in the roof.
5. Periodic inspection and maintenance
Even after the installation of asphalt roofing, it is important to do regular inspection and maintenance. This ensures that the roof remains safe and in good condition for a long time.
Inspection and maintenance steps
- Visual inspection: Inspect the roof from time to time. It is important to identify any kind of cracks, leaks, or other problems on the roof. These types of problems can be fixed on time and major damage can be avoided.
- Minor repairs: Minor problems, such as cracks or minor wear and tear, should be repaired immediately. If not fixed on time, these problems can become major and damage the durability of the roof.
Handy tips:
- Do regular inspection: Inspect the roof at least twice every year so that any kind of problem can be identified on time.
- Pay attention to water leaks: Pay special attention to water leaks and cracks, as these can weaken the roofing material and cause long-term damage.
6. Importance of Drainage System
Properly functioning drainage system is important for the longevity and safety of the roof. It ensures that water does not accumulate on the roof and drains away easily.
Drainage System
- Gutters and Pipes: Properly functioning gutters and pipes are very important for draining water from the roof. This prevents water from accumulating on the roof and protects the roofing material from water damage.
- Pay attention to slope: It is important to have the right slope on the roof so that water can drain away easily and does not get accumulated on the roof. If water gets accumulated on the roof, it can weaken the roofing material over time.
Handy Tips:
- Clean the gutters and pipes: Clean the gutters and pipes regularly so that water can flow away easily and does not accumulate anywhere.
- Avoid water accumulation: Make sure that water is not accumulating on the roof, as this can cause long-term damage to the roof.
Commercial asphalt roof installation is a crucial process and doing it right ensures the longevity of the roof. Important aspects such as choosing the right material, surface preparation, ventilation, and drainage system are important to take care of. Regular inspection and maintenance ensure that your roof remains in good condition for a long time and is protected from any kind of damage. A well-installed and properly cared for roof will keep your building safe and sound for many years.
