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From Traditional to Metal: How to Plan a Roofing System Upgrade

If you’ve been relying on traditional roofing for years, making the switch to metal can feel like a big leap. Many property owners worry about costs, downtime, and whether their building is even suited for a roofing system upgrade. The good news is that with a trusted partner like Rainville Carlson, you can navigate this transition with confidence and set your facility up for long-term success.

Understanding Traditional Roofing Systems

Before planning your roofing system upgrade, it’s helpful to understand the traditional systems you may already have. Each comes with its own strengths and limitations, which is why many building owners have started exploring metal as a superior alternative.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen roofs have been a popular choice for commercial buildings thanks to their durability and multi-layer protection. However, they’re prone to cracking and blistering over time, especially under harsh UV exposure. Unlike metal, they generally require more frequent patching and resurfacing.

TPO Roofing

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is known for its energy efficiency and white reflective surface. While effective for managing heat, TPO membranes can become brittle, or seam failures can occur after years of expansion and contraction. Metal roofing, on the other hand, offers decades of robust performance with far fewer concerns about seam integrity.

EPDM Roofing

EPDM, or rubber roofing, is praised for its flexibility and affordability. Yet, it’s also more susceptible to punctures and UV degradation over time. Metal roofing systems provide superior resistance to punctures and environmental stress, making them a smart alternative for owners seeking a long-lasting solution.

The Metal Roofing Transition Process: Step-By-Step

Switching from traditional to metal is a strategic roofing system upgrade. With the right planning, your roofing transition process can be smooth, minimizing disruption to your operations.

Step 1: Professional Roof Assessment

The first step of a successful roofing system upgrade is a thorough evaluation by trusted experts like Rainville Carlson. Their team inspects your existing roof for signs of structural fatigue, damage, or hidden issues. It checks the building’s load-bearing capacity to determine if it can handle a metal system. They’ll also evaluate whether a full tear-off is necessary or if a metal roof retrofit is feasible.

This careful assessment lays the groundwork for a safe, high-performing upgrade.

Step 2: Planning and Custom Design

Once your roof is assessed, the planning stage begins. Rainville Carlson collaborates closely with you to choose the best metal roofing panel profile, protective coatings, and fastening systems to suit your specific building. They also ensure the new design complies with local codes and aligns with your property’s goals, whether that’s improving energy efficiency, enhancing curb appeal, or preparing for solar.

This tailored approach guarantees your metal roof investment delivers exactly what your facility needs.

Step 3: Removal or Retrofit Preparation

With a solid plan in place, Rainville Carlson prepares your site for installation. This may involve carefully removing old roofing down to the deck if it’s deteriorated or unsuitable for layering.

Alternatively, if your structure allows, they’ll perform a metal roof retrofit, installing a new metal system directly over the existing roof with added insulation or spacer systems. This retrofit approach can save on metal roofing costs and minimize disruptions while still providing a robust, modern upgrade.

Step 4: Installation of Metal Panels

This is the exciting phase where your roofing system upgrade takes shape. Rainville Carlson’s expert crews install structural supports, underlayments, and precision-fit metal panels, taking extra care at seams, fasteners, and flashing to create a secure, watertight system. Their attention to detail throughout the process ensures superior weather resistance and long-lasting durability.

With decades of experience, they deliver a metal roof installation that meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Step 5: Final Inspection and Warranty Registration

After the installation is complete, Rainville Carlson conducts a meticulous final inspection to confirm everything meets project specifications and performance standards. They check for proper fastening, sealant applications, and clean site conditions.

Once satisfied, they’ll register your warranties, covering both manufacturer materials and workmanship. This step ensures you’re fully protected and gives you lasting peace of mind, knowing your new roof is backed by robust protections and a contractor who stands by their work.

Upgrade your traditional commercial roof by exploring Rainville Carlson’s expert metal roofing services and give your building lasting protection. 

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The Long-Term Benefits of a Metal Roofing System Upgrade

Investing in a metal roofing system upgrade is about more than just aesthetics. It’s a strategic decision that delivers value for decades to come.

Increased ROI and Property Value

Metal roofs often last 40-60 years or more, which means fewer replacements over your building’s lifespan. This longevity significantly improves your ROI and can even boost your property’s market value.

Superior Energy Efficiency

High-quality metal roofs reflect solar radiation, helping maintain cooler interior temperatures and reducing HVAC strain. Over time, this can deliver substantial energy cost savings, which is particularly important for large commercial facilities.

Reduced Maintenance Needs

Unlike traditional membranes that may require frequent patching, metal roofs demand minimal upkeep. This lowers your lifetime maintenance costs and means fewer disruptions to your business.

Exceptional Durability and Weather Resistance

Metal roofing far outperforms most traditional systems in terms of resistance to heavy snow loads, high winds, hail, and temperature extremes. This makes it an ideal upgrade for building owners seeking worry-free protection.

Factors to Consider When Upgrading Your Commercial Roof

While the benefits are clear, many commercial building owners and managers may still have questions about your specific roofing system upgrade. Here are common considerations commercial property owners often weigh when making the switch.

Can I replace my flat roof with a metal roof?

Yes, experienced contractors like Rainville Carlson can design low-slope metal systems or engineered solutions tailored to your existing structure.

What’s involved in switching roofing systems?

The process may require structural assessments, potential reinforcements, and either removal or a retrofit over your existing roof to ensure proper load support.

How long does the transition process take?

Most commercial metal roof installations take a few weeks, but timelines vary based on roof size, complexity, weather, and whether it’s a tear-off or retrofit.

Each factor underscores why working with an expert like Rainville Carlson is so important. We’ll walk you through every option and help you make an informed decision that’s right for your property and budget.

Start Your Commercial Roofing System Upgrade With Rainville Carlson

When it’s time to plan your roofing system upgrade, turn to a team that specializes in making the process seamless from start to finish. Rainville Carlson’s decades of expertise in commercial metal roofing mean they know how to minimize downtime, control costs, and deliver outstanding results that stand the test of time.

Whether you’re exploring a complete tear-off or a smart metal roof retrofit, Rainville Carlson provides a streamlined roofing transition process that protects your investment and enhances your building for decades. Reach out to our team today to start planning your upgrade with confidence.

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