The Weight Factor: building structure and your roof
Your building’s current roof impacts replacement plans
Considering a commercial roof replacement?
Factor in your current roofing system.
Your building’s structural integrity could depend on it.
The Fifth Wall
Roofing systems and commercial buildings come in many shapes and solution combinations. Appearance and durability often dominate the conversation, but there’s another critical element: weight. A roof does more than keep water out—it interacts constantly with your building’s structural framework. Every commercial roof sits atop a structure that was engineered with specific load limits in mind. These limits include:
- Dead load (permanent weight of the roof system, HVAC, and other roof-top units)
- Live load (temporary loads such as snow, ponding water, and maintenance activity)
When considering a replacement, it’s not as simple as choosing the most durable or longest-lasting option—the new system must be compatible with what’s already there or what your structure can safely support. Choosing a system that exceeds load limits can compromise the building’s framework over time.
As your commercial roofing partner, we’ll investigate what roofing systems exist on your building.
Some key questions to ask:
– How many roofing layers are currently installed?
– What type of roof deck does the building have (steel, concrete, wood)?
– Was the structure originally designed to support heavier systems?
In some cases, a roof can simply be “roofed over” to save time and money. While a “lay-over” may be a great choice in some situations, it factors heavily into the weight conversation.
A professional roof assessment can identify:
– Which systems offer the best balance of weight, performance, and lifespan
– Whether a tear-off is required
– If structural reinforcement is necessary
Different roofing systems come with very different weight profiles—and stacking one system over another can dramatically change the total load.
Understanding what’s currently installed helps narrow your replacement options and prevents overloading the structure.
Consequences of ignoring structural capacity may include:
– Roof deck damage
– Wall and beam stress
– Long-term structural degradation
– Increased insurance concerns
By factoring in roof weight early, you protect not just your roof investment, but the entire building beneath it.
Be sure your commercial roofing partner includes the removal of your existing roof as part of the planning phase.
Our Commitment to You:
We commit to showing up at your building in-person, analyzing your roof’s condition, and learning the current roofing system.
It’s important that we understand fully what your needs and goals are. Then, we can create a customized solution for you.
We aim to be your roofing partner for the life of your roof and beyond. Great Lakes Roofing offers 24/7 emergency roof services.
Don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Great Lakes Roofing Corporation at 800-871-5151.
