How Hospital Roofs Differ from the Typical Commercial Roof

When it comes to choosing the right contractor for your roof replacement project in Kansas City, there are many things to consider. Of course, you’ll want to screen the contractor for the basics: proper licensure, proof of insurance, and a good reputation. But you’ll also want to hire someone who understands the unique needs of your organization. 

For those in charge of operations at a hospital, this rings especially true. Medical settings present a distinctive set of challenges when it comes time to make roof repairs or conduct roof maintenance. 

Here are a few ways hospital roofs differ from your typical commercial roofing structure. As you read through these, keep in mind that not all commercial roofers are created equal. Some have more experience than others when it comes to working on occupied buildings filled with people who have specific requirements. 

Hospitals Never Close

There’s no such thing as a snow day when it comes to the hospital setting. Healthcare providers work around the clock to provide care to patients throughout the metro area. In some cases, their work is literally life-saving. That’s why extra consideration needs to be taken when it comes to hospital roofing repair and maintenance. Patients and staff need 24/7 access to the building, and the helipad on the roof must be accessible for life-flight emergencies. Not every contractor has the experience or patience to work around these delicate issues, so hiring a team with experience repairing hospital roofing in Kansas City is a must. 

Hospitals Are Highly Regulated

Due to liability issues in the healthcare profession and the fragile nature of many hospitalized patients, most hospital systems are highly regulated. Roofers have to be able to work closely with hospital administrators to ensure they are following safety protocols, discarding waste properly in a timely manner, and providing thorough cleanup at the end of each work day. They also need to make sure any work-related noise is filtered and project odors are ventilated in a way that does not exacerbate patient conditions or distract physicians and nurses from their responsibilities. This requires clear communication and an agreed-upon set of expectations before the project kicks off. 

Hospitals Have Unique Budget Restrictions

Hospitals (especially nonprofit facilities) have a lot of red tape to work through when it comes to the budget. When an unexpected roof replacement on a Kansas City hospital is required, administrators have to go through a series of approvals, often reworking and reallocating funds to minimize negative impacts on patient care. That said, roofers must take a creative approach to their roofing bid if they want to present a project estimate that satisfies the hospital’s stringent budget restrictions. 

Hospitals Have Specialized Construction Needs

Hospital roofs are highly complex. From helipads to specialized data and communication centers, the roof of a hospital houses a hodgepodge of equipment necessary for daily operations. Roofing contractors tackling a hospital roofing project need to take a holistic approach to their work, understanding how the roof supports the day-to-day function of the hospital.

Does Your Hospital Need Roof Repair or Replacement? Shamrock is Up For the Challenge!

Clearly, hospital roofing in Kansas City requires a specialized skill set and an experienced commercial roofing contractor. Shamrock Roofing and Construction is the team you want by your side when your hospital requires a roofing specialist. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial roofing services. You’ll appreciate the care we take to avoid interrupting your patient care!