Our recent case study in Oklahoma City highlights the importance of getting a yearly roof inspection for commercial buildings.
Leaks are the leading cause of premature roof replacement for commercial buildings. With material costs increasing, the cost of a new roof for a large commercial building can be upwards of $100,000 if not more. Getting a yearly roof inspection for commercial buildings is the single best way to offset the high cost of replacement by fixing problems quickly before they spiral out of control. Read on to learn why and what steps you can take to keep your commercial roof in tip-top shape.
Roofing Project Details
Client: Korean First Presbyterian Church
Location: Oklahoma City
Roof Inspection Date: March 2024
Roof Replacement Completed Date: April 2024
Roofing Issue
In March of 2024, Korean First Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City faced a critical problem when heavy rains caused significant roof leaks within their church buildings. The alarming number of leaks prompted the church to seek professional assistance.
Initial Roof Inspection
Upon investigation by Triple Diamond Construction, it was discovered that the root cause of the roof leaks was unresolved hail and storm damage. Historical records revealed that the last major storm occurred on July 9, 2023, unleashing hail as large as 2.5 inches in diameter for approximately 8 minutes.
Notably, these storm reports were made at 3:21 AM, a time when the church building was closed and thus the damage went undetected. Over time, this neglected damage got worse and eventually led to the roof leaks experienced in March 2024.
Repair Plan
Due to the severity of the hail damage and subsequent roof leaks, the repair plan had to be broken up into two phases: the first phase included a full roof replacement and the second phase included fixing and repairing the interior damage caused by the extensive water leaks.
Roof Removal
Korean First Presbyterian Church includes 4 separate two-story buildings, all of which needed a new roof. The team at Triple Diamond Construction worked quickly and efficiently to remove each section of the old roof to limit the amount of time the building was exposed to the elements.
New Roof Installation
Before the new roofing shingles could be installed, the roof decking had to be replaced due to the extent of the roof leaks. Synthetic felt underlayment was used to increase water resistance.
The client selected GAF’s Timberline® NS shingle in the color charcoal. This architectural shingle offers superior performance and the look of cedar shake without the price tag.
While this type of shingle would be considered an “upgrade” compared to the 3-tab shingles on the old roof, it’s often well worth it. Architectural shingles are thicker and therefore more resistant to small hail and wind. In addition, these shingles come with built-in algae resistance which means less maintenance in the future.
Completed Roof Replacement
While our team makes projects of this size look easy, building owners need to understand that there is a significant amount of project planning that goes into delivering results like this! Choosing a roofing contractor with experience is critical to keeping your building safe and protected – even while the job is in progress.
After each installation, our team fully inspects the roof again to ensure the project meets our quality standards. We are proud to say this entire project got the seal of approval!
Why Get A Yearly Roof Inspection For Commercial Buildings
This unfortunate scenario highlights the importance of yearly roof inspections for commercial buildings. By catching such issues early on, minor repairs can be implemented, significantly mitigating the risk of escalated damage and substantial repair costs.
Unfortunately, building owners and managers are often too busy dealing with day-to-day business operations and roof inspections are often last on the list until a noticeable problem (like roof leaks) is spotted inside.
This case study serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable role that annual roof inspections play in safeguarding the structural integrity and longevity of commercial buildings. Through proactive maintenance and timely repairs, businesses can mitigate risks, protect their assets, and ensure the safety and comfort of their occupants.
Key Takeaways
Triple Diamond Construction’s intervention in diagnosing and addressing the roof leaks at Korean First Presbyterian Church underscores the vital importance of getting a yearly roof inspection for commercial buildings. By prioritizing regular inspections, commercial building owners can identify and address potential issues before they evolve into costly and disruptive problems.
