Question 1: How much does a roof cost?

Answer: A roofing project is a complicated process involving many steps. A "per square foot" price is not generally applicable because the construction of perimeter flashing details and flashingsof various roof penetrations impact the cost of the project substantially. Since these are integral parts of the roof system but largely independent of its area, a unit price can vary widely from project to project.

There are other factors that affect the cost of the roofing project. These include insulation requirements, building height, roof preparation requirements (i.e. demolition costs, etc.), and mobilization costs. Contrary to popular belief, the type or brand of roof system has a relatively small effect on the price of the project.
To answer this question properly, specific project requirements must be ascertained to give even minimal accuracy to the estimate. When you need a budget price, call a professional roofing contractor.


Question 2:What is the best kind of roof?

Answer: With scores of roof systems available for consideration, choosing the one that is best for a specific project is not a simple task. It requires considerable knowledge of the history of various roofing systems. Low-slope membrane roof systems can be arranged in four general categories:

1. Built-up roof systems
2. Modified bitumen roof systems
3. Thermoplastic membrane roof systems
4. Rubber membrane roof systems

Built-up roof systems have been in use for approximately 100 years. They are tough, durable, and long lasting. A coal tar built-up roof system has a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years, or more. An asphalt BUR has a life expectancy of at least 20 years.

Modified bitumen roof systems are similar to built-up roofs in that they are typically comprised of multiple layers of reinforcing and waterproofing materials. Modified asphalt membranes have been around for about 30 years, with a very good track record. Modified coal tar membranes have been around only a few years. Modified Bitumen systems offer flexibility in more ways than one. Thepolymer modifiers added to the asphalt or coal tar provide flexibility to the membranes. The new techniques that are used in their installation provide flexibility of application that was notavailable in built-up roofing.

Thermoplastic membranes have been on the market for 35 years. The PVC membranes are the oldest, but there are numerous varying formulations of thermoplastic membranes available. Some of them have a good track record; others have a poor track record. Some thermoplastic membranes offer very long life, though they are not as tough as built-up roofs.

Rubber membrane roofs (typically EPDM rubber) have been on the market for about 25 years. These systems typically last 10 to 15 years but are lower cost alternatives to built-up roofs. Most EPDM rubber roofs have a low puncture resistance and do not tolerate exposure to animal fats and oil.

The selection of the "best" roof system for a given application is dependent on many factors, but in all cases, an extended positive track record of the system should be a requirement. It takes at least 10 to 15 years of field service to gain a sufficient amount of data to assess the performance of a new roof system in general use.


Question 3: How long does it take to replace a roof?

Answer: Replacing a roof on a commercial or industrial facility is a labor-intensive process. Some roof systems require more labor steps than others. Production rates are substantially impacted by weather, roof type and rooftop conditions. As a rule of thumb, removing and replacing a built-up roof might proceed at a rate of approximately 1,500 square feet per day. In large open areas, this rate can double. When talking about single-ply roofs, the rate is closer to 2,000 to 4,000 square feet per day. Inclement weather has a major impact on the progress of roofing work. Wind, precipitation and even the threat of precipitation will impede the progress of the work. Careful planning and close project management can reduce some of the delays caused by bad weather. As with the matter of cost, the schedule of a project should be discussed with a professional roofing contractor prior to bid.


Question 4: Do you guarantee your roofs?

Answer: Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal guarantees the roofs it installs. Most professional roofing contractors do. In addition, reputable manufacturers offer extended warranty covering materials and labor. All warranties are limited and these extended warranties are no exception. A long-term warranty is no substitute for quality materials or workmanship. Furthermore, a warranty should notbe considered as an indicator of quality. In fact, some of the most notorious roof system failures have been on projects that carried extended warranties. When considering various roof types, look to the track record of the system rather than its warranty. The warranty should be reviewed after all the other factors have been considered in selecting a roof system.