Choosing the Right Roofing Material for a Hospital

Choosing the right roofing material for a hospital is a very important decision that should be considered carefully. The right material should be easy to install and repair to ensure minimal disruptions. You also want to avoid introducing any foreign materials into the hospital environment to ensure a clean environment for both patients and healthcare providers. In this article, we will look at the factors to consider when choosing roofing materials for hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Chemical Components

All roofing materials must have very low quantities of volatile organic chemicals and other chemical compounds. This is especially important for hospitals that routinely deal with elderly and immunocompromised patients. All roofing materials must have little to no odor, especially in areas where having as little exposure to foreign chemicals or odors is critical.

Easy Installation

The type of material chosen should be easy to install. Hospitals and healthcare facilities cannot afford any interruptions or contractors on their premises for too long. Additionally, some hospitals might not have the funds to hire a project manager to oversee a long-term roof installation or repair project. These hospitals need reliable contractors to install the roof fast.

The Climate

The roofing material you choose should be compatible with the climate in which the facility is located. This is because natural elements such as snow, rain, and strong winds can damage a roof and if the wrong material is used, the hospital might have to close its doors or endure the complexities involved in moving patients when repairs are being done.

Also, some materials reflect sun rays, thereby helping keep the inside of the hospital cool. When you keep the inside of the hospital cool, this can help reduce energy bills during the hotter months. Talking to a roofing contractor should help administrators have a better idea of the different roofing materials for different climates so they can choose the best one for their facility.

Cost

Cost is another huge factor to consider. Hospitals that do not have the funds to purchase expensive roofing materials are looking for cost-effective solutions that tick lots of boxes including low cost, ease of repair, and minimal disruption during repairs. These materials should also be durable so the hospital does not have to replace them for a very long time. Having durable roofs also helps save money, especially in smaller healthcare facilities that might not have the funds to repair or replace their roofs every decade or so.

Future Expansion

Hospital floor plans and space rarely remain the same through the years. Hospitals expand, with additional spaces that are added requiring roofing too. The material chosen today should make it easier for a contractor to expand the existing roof over the new space.

Choosing a roofing material for a hospital is very different from choosing one for a residential or commercial property. This is because there is a lot more to consider than the roof itself. Contractors must think about the patients, avoiding disruptions to service provisions, as well as the cost of both installation and repairs before settling on a material.