Standing Water
Low spots hold water for days after rain. Membrane under a pond ages fast, and any pinhole there leaks steadily. The retrofit slope carries that water to gutters instead.
Service Area
Kendallville Commercial Roofing Contractor
Standing-Seam Panels That End Ponding on Old Flat Roofs
Much of our Kendallville commercial roofing turns leaking flat roofs on older buildings into sloped metal roofs on retrofit framing.
Kendallville Commercial Roofing Retrofits From Flat to Metal
Kendallville commercial roofing on older buildings often starts with a flat roof that has held water for years.
A retrofit leaves the old roof in place as a base and fastens a light-gauge steel frame over it. The frame sets a new slope toward the eaves, and metal panels go on top.
Before any framing, an engineer checks the walls and structure for the added weight and the snow load the code requires. The old roof stays dry-side up underneath, so tear-off debris drops sharply.
- Steel framing adds slope over the old roof
- Panels and clips sized for design snow load
- Space inside the frame for more insulation
Commercial Roofing Problems on Older Kendallville Roofs
A flat roof that leaks year after year usually fails in these five spots. Each one shapes the retrofit plan.
Low Parapets
Short walls trap drifting snow on a flat roof. A retrofit frame either ties into them or the parapet is cut down to the new eave. Cut-down parapets get new coping at the new eave height.
Undersized Drains
Older roofs often drain through one or two small interior drains. Sloped metal moves that water to gutters outside instead. Gutters and downspouts are sized for the roof area each one drains.
Through-Roof Units
Units on a flat roof need curbs extended up through the new frame and flashed to the panels, or they are moved to the ground. Moving a small unit can leave the new metal roof with fewer openings.
Tired Decks
Wood or steel decks under decades of leaks get checked for rot and rust, since the frame fastens through to the structure. Bad sections are replaced so the framing has solid anchorage.
What Changes After a Metal Retrofit
The first spring thaw after a retrofit tells the story.
Before
- Ponds that sit for days after every rain
- Snow drifting against short parapets
- Interior drains that freeze and back up
- Patches stacked over old membrane
- Rooftop units crowding a flat, ponding roof
After
- Water carried off the panels to gutters
- Eaves and trim built for snow and ice
- Drainage moved outside the building
- Old roof left in place as a dry base
- Units on extended curbs flashed through the new panels
Commercial Roofing Systems We Install in Kendallville
Metal leads here, but some Kendallville buildings fit another system better.
Welded White Membrane
TPO Roofing
Roofs crowded with units, or too large to frame, go back in welded TPO over tapered boards that fix the drainage.
TPO Roofing details
Rubber Sheet Roof
EPDM Roofing
Rubber stays the answer on some low roofs with many walls, where framing would bury windows or doors.
EPDM Roofing details
Plant And Factory Roofs
Industrial Roofing
Plant buildings with stacks and process exhaust get flashing and pads planned along with any retrofit.
Industrial Roofing details
Standing Seam And Panel
Commercial Metal Roofing
Standing-seam or ribbed panels on retrofit framing turn a ponding flat roof into one that sheds water.
Commercial Metal Roofing details
Tired of Patching the Same Flat Roof?
We check whether the structure can carry a retrofit and lay out what framing and panels would take.
Or call (574) 384-0850
Kendallville Commercial Roofing Retrofit Steps
A retrofit adds structure, so the paperwork comes before the panels.
Survey And Engineer
Our crew measures the roof and walls, and an engineer checks the structure for framing weight and snow load. The engineer's drawings set the frame height and spacing.
Plan Units And Drains
Rooftop units, vents, and old drains are laid out so each one is extended, moved, or capped. Each unit gets a note on the drawings.
Frame Over The Roof
Steel framing is fastened through to the structure at the slope set on the drawings. Every connection follows the stamped detail.
Panel And Trim
Insulation and panels go on, then eaves, rakes, and gutters are trimmed out and checked. Snow guards go over doors and walkways.
Walk And Document
We walk the new metal roof with you, note the panel type, gauge, and fastener schedule, and hand over the framing drawings for your files. Your file keeps the panel and fastener details.
Other Towns We Cover Near Kendallville
We work in Kendallville and five more towns. Outside them? Call us or send us a message.
- Elkhart
Home base: RV plants, instrument shops, warehouses, and offices.
- Goshen
Lots with several buildings, each roof priced on its own.
- Warsaw
Manufacturing roofs replaced over clean, running production areas.
- Columbia City
Warehouses and offices cored for wet insulation before bids.
- Angola
Industrial roofs with pads along every equipment service path.
Commercial Roofing Questions From Kendallville
Can you install a commercial metal roof in Kendallville?
Yes, standing-seam and exposed-fastener panels on commercial and industrial buildings in Kendallville, including retrofits over old flat roofs. The design follows local snow loads and drainage, and we confirm requirements with the building office before work.
Is a metal roof over a flat roof a good idea for my building?
It fits when the structure can carry the frame and snow load and the roof is not crowded with units. An engineer checks the structure, and we check the units and drains before recommending it.
What does retrofit framing on an older building cost?
Roof area, frame height, the engineering, panel type, and how many units must be extended set the price. We price it after the survey and the structural check.
Standing seam vs exposed fastener: which suits a Kendallville shop?
Standing seam uses hidden clips and needs less fastener upkeep. Exposed-fastener panels cost less to install and need washers and screws checked over the years. Budget and roof pitch usually decide it.
Does the old flat roof have to come off for a retrofit?
Usually not. The old roof stays as a base under the frame, which saves tear-off and disposal. Wet insulation or a damaged deck under it is dealt with first so moisture is not sealed in.
How much slope does retrofit framing add?
Enough to carry water to the eaves for the panel type chosen, set on the engineered drawings. Low-pitch standing seam needs less slope than ribbed exposed-fastener panels.
What happens to interior drains after a metal retrofit?
Water moves to gutters and downspouts outside, so the old interior drains are capped or tied in under the frame, depending on the plan the engineer and plumber agree on.
What permits does a Kendallville metal retrofit need?
A retrofit adds framing and roof load, so the permit question comes up early. We confirm requirements with the local building office for your address before any steel is ordered.
Hire a Kendallville Commercial Roofing Contractor
Send the address and a note on the ponding. We check the structure and lay out the options.