Roof replacement projects are among the most disruptive, expensive, and (in)visible capital improvements a facility can undertake. Whether you’re managing a private school, a historic church, or a commercial property, the roof over your head does more than keep out the rain—it protects your structure, your people, and your investment.
We’ve seen too many organizations make quick decisions under pressure from leaks, only to face greater issues down the line. A measured, thoughtful approach to roof replacement helps avoid scope gaps, contractor missteps, and long-term regrets.
Budget First, Not Later
Sticker shock is real—but so is cost creep. Rushing into a roofing project without a clear understanding of the full scope almost always results in budget overruns. When you’re reacting to complaints rather than planning for replacement, you’re more likely to:
- Skip over investigative roof surveys or core cuts.
- Overlook code upgrades or structural reinforcements.
- Miss opportunities to align with long-term maintenance or energy efficiency goals.
In institutional and nonprofit settings, those extra costs aren’t just inconvenient—they can derail capital plans and strain already tight budgets. This mistake is often compounded by bringing a consultant in at the last minute.
Beware the Hidden Costs
Permits, asbestos abatement, moisture intrusion into wall assemblies, access coordination, and soft costs often catch facility teams off guard. More so, we frequently see issues when roofs are torn off, only to reveal unforeseen structural deck or masonry repairs.
Take the time to properly survey, test, and plan—especially for complex assemblies such as IRMA systems, cathedral ceilings, or roofs supporting solar panels.
Don’t Undervalue Quality and Compatibility
We often encounter owners and managers who look at purchasing a roof like they look at purchasing soap for the bathrooms (a bit of an exaggeration, but not much in some cases). A roof is not a commodity. The design and installation of a high-performing and long-lasting roof system is an engineering challenge that needs to account for:
- Drainage design.
- Existing construction tolerances.
- Roof insulation R-values for energy code compliance.
- Flashing integration with parapets, walls, mechanical curbs, skylights, etc.
- Future access needs for HVAC or solar
Your system selection should also reflect your building type:
A low-slope EPDM roof system may suit an office complex that is only accessed once a year for minor maintenance, but not a high-traffic school gym where the HVAC equipment is serviced more regularly, or a church with a decorative cupola. It is important to remember, improperly installed or incompatible systems will void warranties and may compromise your building envelope’s performance. For example, if you have an aluminum flashing terminating onto a copper panel, you should budget for some serious leak repair costs in the future due to the galvanic corrosion between the two.
Vet Your Contractor and Your Consultant
Choosing the right contractor or consultant isn’t a formality—it’s risk management. We regularly encounter projects where unqualified contractors or out-of-town vendors undersell the job, underdeliver on execution, and disappear when problems emerge.
Ask for:
- References from similar facility types.
- Sample warranties and safety plans.
- Experience with applicable codes
In mission-critical buildings such as churches, schools, and labs, even minor errors can lead to water damage, or costly operational downtime.
Timing Matters More Than You Think
If you’ve ever walked into a building with half its roof off during a Nor’easter, you know that timing isn’t just about logistics—it’s about risk.
- Avoid winter installs unless absolutely necessary. Adhesion issues, labor slowdowns, and weather delays are all common.
- Schedule work when school is out, services are reduced, or tenant load is lower.
- Engage early in the year, or better yet, the fall of the previous year if you want to secure a qualified contractor before their calendar fills up, or even just have time to properly investigate and plan for the options.
Roofing is seasonal—and the good teams book up fast.
Think Long Term: Value Over Velocity
We often remind owners: a rushed job creates a new leak—it just takes longer to show up. A strategic roofing project should:
- Align with your capital plan.
- Address energy performance (and support solar readiness if applicable).
- Be eligible for a 20–30-year warranty.
- Be fully documented for warranty, insurance, and compliance purposes.
A well-executed roof doesn’t just seal out water—it adds value, peace of mind, and longevity to your building asset.
Final Thought: Slow Down to Do It Right
We get it—roofing projects can feel urgent. But urgency should never trump due diligence. Assemble the right team, plan properly, and commit to quality. Your congregation, your tenants, your board—and your future self—will thank you.
Kevin M. Duffy
Principal
Duffy Engineering
