Commercial Roof Replacement Process and Timeline in Savannah

Replacing a commercial roof is a project with many steps, and knowing the sequence helps you plan around tenants, operations and budgets. Here is how a typical commercial roof replacement in Savannah moves from first call to final paperwork. Timelines are general; your contractor will give you a schedule for your building. Call (912) 513-1486 and we will connect you with an independent local commercial roofing contractor.

Step 1: Initial inspection (about 1 to 2 weeks from first call)

The contractor walks the roof, measures it, checks drains, curbs, parapets and edge metal, looks at the underside of the deck where accessible, and asks about leak history. On older roofs, they may take core cuts to see how many layers are there and whether insulation is wet. An infrared moisture survey, usually done in the evening as the roof cools, can map wet areas across the whole roof.

Step 2: Options and written proposal (about 1 to 3 weeks)

You should receive a written proposal that names the system (TPO, EPDM, PVC, modified bitumen, metal or coating), membrane thickness, insulation type and R-value, attachment method and wind uplift rating, flashing and edge metal details, how wet insulation and deck repair will be priced, warranty terms, exclusions and an estimated schedule. Ask for more than one option if the roof might be a candidate for a coating or recover. Compare bids line by line.

Step 3: Contract, license and insurance checks

Before you sign, verify the contractor's Georgia license with the Secretary of State's online lookup and get insurance certificates sent directly from the agent. Read the payment schedule, change-order process and warranty carefully. For HOAs and churches, this is often when the board or committee votes.

Step 4: Historic review, permits, materials and scheduling (about 2 to 8 weeks, sometimes longer)

If the building is in a downtown historic district and the work will change anything visible from the street, check with the City of Savannah's historic preservation staff about whether review is needed, and build that time into the schedule. The contractor pulls the city or county permit and orders materials. Lead times for membranes, insulation, metal panels and edge metal vary with demand, and after a major storm both materials and crews get booked up. The contractor plans staging, dumpster and crane locations, and daily work hours. Property managers should notify tenants now.

Step 5: Pre-job meeting

A short meeting covers access, parking, fire lanes, rooftop equipment, interior protection, noise and odor concerns, and who to call on site. On downtown buildings, it also covers street or sidewalk use, which may need its own city approval. Ask your HVAC contractor whether any units need to be disconnected or raised.

Step 6: Tear-off and dry-in (days to weeks)

Crews remove the old roof in sections, only as much as can be dried-in that day. Damaged deck is repaired, and new insulation and cover board go down. Every evening, the roof should be watertight. Savannah's summer thunderstorms can build fast in the afternoon, so good crews watch the radar, keep the open area small and often start early. If a tropical system is forecast, the contractor should have a plan to secure materials and seal the roof.

Step 7: Membrane, flashing and edge metal

The membrane or panels are installed with the fastening pattern the design calls for, seams are welded, taped or seamed, and walls, curbs, drains and penetrations are flashed. Edge metal, coping and gutters go on last and should be secured for the building's wind exposure.

Step 8: Inspection, punch list and closeout (about 1 to 2 weeks)

The building inspector signs off on the permit. You or your representative walk the roof with the contractor, note anything that needs touching up, and confirm cleanup, including the magnet sweep for nails and screws in parking lots. If a manufacturer warranty is included, the manufacturer's inspector may visit before the warranty is issued. Keep the warranty, permit, material specifications and photos in a roof file.

Typical total timelines

Weather and seasons in Savannah

Spring and fall often bring the most reliable roofing weather. Summer is workable but hot, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that cut work days short. Hurricane season runs from June through November, and a storm threat can pause work for several days while crews secure the site. Winters are generally mild, though cold mornings, rain and short days can slow adhesive and coating work. High wind days stop membrane work entirely.

After the new roof

Schedule inspections every spring and fall and after major storms, keep drains clear of leaves and moss, limit foot traffic and keep a log of anyone who works on the roof. Learn more about commercial roof costs in Savannah.

Ready to start? Call (912) 513-1486.