Commercial roofing companies face a variety of expenses that can impact their profitability. These include labor costs, material costs, equipment costs, insurance premiums, permit and licensing fees, vehicle and transportation expenses, marketing and advertising expenses, utility bills, and maintenance and repair expenses.

These companies need to have accurate cost breakdown analyses. This helps them determine whether they are charging enough for their products and services and allows them to identify areas where costs can be reduced.

Cost of Materials

Roofing materials are one of the most significant expenses in commercial roofing. The type of material you choose will affect durability, energy efficiency and cost. It is important to consider each option’s benefits before deciding.

The square footage of the roof is an essential factor in determining what your roofing costs will be. The square footage is calculated by multiplying the length of each plane of the top by the width of that plane.

Once you know the square footage of your roof, you can calculate the required materials by dividing it by the price per square foot for your chosen roofing material. You will also need to consider the thickness of the metal used on your roof, which the gauge number can determine. Thicker gauges cost more than thinner gauges.

Whether you have a flat or sloped roof will also impact the cost of materials. A  reputable roofing company Baton Rouge can supply you with commercial flat roofs made from various materials, including EPDM, TPO or PVC membranes. These roofs are typically more expensive than single-ply systems, but they are much easier to remove than multi-layered substrates such as Modified Bitumen or Built-Up Roofing (BUR). You can also opt for a green or energy-efficient roof, which may cost slightly more.

Cost of Installation

Commercial roofs differ from residential ones, requiring a more extensive roofing system. These systems vary in techniques and options and can cost significantly more to install or replace. The flat or low-sloped roof will also impact the cost.

For example, a built-up roof (commonly referred to as tar and gravel) will cost more to replace than an EPDM or PVC membrane. This is due to the multi-layered nature of a built-up roof, which requires more labor to remove.

The condition of the underlayment and decking will also play a role in the final cost. If these materials are leaking or otherwise damaged, they will need to be replaced, which can increase the overall cost. Additionally, if the underlayment or decking contains trapped moisture, this will add to the project’s overall cost.

For metal roofs, the cost will depend on whether the top is being coated or replaced, as well as the panel type and gauge. For example, Kynar coatings will cost more than acrylic finishes. The indicator of a metal roof is also an important factor, with higher numbers representing thicker metal and lower ones being thinner. The slope of the roof will also impact the cost, with steeper roofs requiring more labor. Other factors that can affect the price include staging costs and the availability of space to store materials. For instance, staging a roof replacement in a dense downtown area will be more costly than in an industrial park with plenty of surrounding space.

Cost of Repairs

Replacing a commercial roof is one of the largest capital expenditures a building owner or facility manager will make. This is because commercial roofs tend to be larger than residential roofs. The size of the top and the material used for installation can greatly influence the overall cost of a new commercial roof.

Several factors also affect the cost of repairing a commercial roof. For example, the price will be higher if the top needs to be replaced due to extensive damage. Additionally, the condition of the substrate materials can also impact the re-roofing costs. For example, if the existing substrate materials are corrupted or damaged, then these will need to be replaced before installing the new roofing materials.

Another important factor that impacts the re-roofing costs is the availability of easy access to the roof. This can affect the overall cost of a project, as it will influence how much time and effort is needed to load materials on the top, remove the old roof, and transfer them back down to the ground.

The accessibility of the roof can also be impacted by whether or not the building is occupied during the construction process. If the building is occupied, then special precautions must be taken to ensure that the occupants’ health, safety, and productivity are not impacted during the construction project.

Cost of Maintenance

In addition to the cost of materials and installation, commercial roofing involves significant maintenance. The frequency and scope of care can vary based on the type of roof, its age, and the weather in your area.

The most important factor impacting maintenance costs is the condition of the underlayment. If the underlayment is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced. This can add $2-$4 per square foot to the total project cost. The type of flat roof material can also influence maintenance expenses. Businesses with flat roofs require more maintenance because of water and debris build-up. Additionally, flat roofs have less surface area to protect against UV rays and other environmental factors.

Another factor is the location of your facility and the number of workers needed to complete the job. A larger facility requires more workers than a smaller one because of the increased space needed to work on the roof. The height of the building is also a consideration, as taller buildings require additional safety equipment to access all areas of the top.

Some municipalities require that your roof meet specific fire resistance, wind resistance, or energy efficiency criteria. This can also increase the overall project cost, as it might necessitate using specialized materials or components.