Hospitals play a crucial role in society. They exist to help treat and make people better, thereby saving millions of lives in the process. With these institutions playing a vital part, it is imperative that the infrastructure itself remains strong and resilient at all times.
One of the most important aspects of any infrastructure is its roof, particularly when it comes to hospitals. Roofs may look pretty much the same, but upon closer look, these couldn’t be more different from one another. Commercial roofs are even different from that of hospitals.
Over time, hospital roofs tend to deteriorate and undergo wear and tear. Because of this, having specialists who know how to deal with hospital roofing needs and concerns is a must, particularly when this type of roofing poses some challenges at times. Get to know how typical commercial roofing differs from hospital roofing.
Table of Contents
How Hospital Roofing Differs from Traditional Commercial Roofing
One of the main differences between hospital roofs and traditional commercial ones is that the former actually requires specialized assembly and construction. Most buildings are typically built to simply have access and support for air conditioning vents and units, but hospitals need more than just these.
Hospital roofs need to be strong and secure enough to accommodate helipads and helicopters, particularly during emergencies when transporting a patient, medical equipment, or organs in question.
Moreover, it’s also essential to point out that apart from accommodating the needs and specifications of the particular hospital, such as having a helipad if needed, these roofs should be well equipped to provide the whole facility with proper insulation, all the while staying within the budgets required by the hospital.
The overall hospital design may also pose certain challenges when it comes to roofing, making repairs and maintenance work much more taxing compared to typical commercial roofing projects. Some of the challenges that hospital roofs bring include water absorption and water leaks, keeping up-to-date with building codes, as well as daily operations.
Hospitals are stretched and overworked enough as it is, which is why the need to have continuous operations should be observed. Even the smallest disruptions could bring about difficulties in the services rendered by these medical facilities.
As such, all projects, including hospital roofing projects, need to be tailored around the activities of the hospital to ensure that they remain functional at all times.
Compared to private businesses and companies, hospitals that may need roofing updates or repairs likewise need to work within their means and budgets, which is why finding the right contractor for the job is a huge help.
Importance of Maintaining the Hospital’s Roof Health
There are various reasons why hospitals should always maintain their roofs. Below are some of these reasons.
Keep Regular Operations Seamless
Hospitals are always open, even during the holidays. Unlike businesses or establishments which can close up shops, these medical facilities and institutions cannot close since numerous patients and people rely on them for medical help.
By constantly maintaining the hospital roof, medical staff and other key individuals within the facility can attend to patients and keep doing their jobs. This could also mean lives saved and disruptions avoided, especially when it involves a patient’s life on the line.
Reduce Unexpected Budgetary Expenses
As mentioned, hospitals are usually stretched thin. Having regular maintenance checks and updates could significantly reduce unexpected expenses and surprises, allowing these facilities to better allocate their resources to something more important.
Keep Up-to-Date with Codes and Standards
The healthcare industry is one of the most robust around the world, with constant changes and happenings revolving in and around it. By maintaining the hospital’s roof and its general structure, these facilities ensure that they pass the standards required by the state and or the association they are with.
What You Need to Keep Your Hospital Roofing in Check
Regular Checkups and Maintenance Work is Key
Of course, it goes without question that to keep your hospital roof healthy, having regular scheduled checkups and maintenance work is vital. Experts in the field can see the most minute details and can recommend the work that needs to be done or covered, thereby potentially saving the facility time and money in the long run.
What’s more, it’s important to point out that regular roof inspections allow contractors not only to work around the schedules and activities of the hospital for the day, but it also benefits hospitals in that it keeps unexpected or unwanted happenings from further causing damage.
Ensure the Safety and Security of the Roof
Regular hospital roof maintenance ensures the safety and security of the structure at all times. Experts who come and oversee the roof have prior knowledge of any repairs or replacements that need to be done in order to keep the roof safe.
In addition, roofing contractors and experts can also gauge when hospitals might need a new roof. The general rule of thumb when it comes to hospital roofs is that these need to be replaced every 30 years, with some requiring more immediate changes depending on the weather or climate in the area, as well as the general wear and tear, and the activities conducted on the roof.
Work closely with Reliable Contractors
With the extensive range of events and maintenance work that needs to be covered, working with knowledgeable and reliable roofing experts and contractors is a must. Roofing projects are all important, but more so in a hospital where lives are at risk.
Since hospitals can run into any type of roof-related emergency, especially when these are related to the changing weather and climate, knowing the right team to call at once and who can do a superior job can spell the difference between life and death.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a reputable firm that can help maintain the condition of your hospital roof is essential. By reaching out to a reliable contractor, you can get more efficient services that survey and maintain your roof throughout the year.
For those who are on the lookout for hospital roofing works or repairs, feel free to get in touch with commercial roofing experts who are knowledgeable in the field.
