If you’re planning significant changes to the load on the roof of your commercial structure, you may need the services of a structural engineer. Installing a commercial roof air conditioner (AC), evaporative cooler (EC), or rooftop exhaust fan (EF) impacts the entire building. Overloading your roof can cause serious damage and even structural failure.

Building owners throughout the Southwest rely on The Structures Group to solve their structural problems. If your commercial roof structure needs reinforcement or modifications to support the load from a new HVAC system, we can help. Our commercial roof experts will ensure that your improvements are structurally sound.

Structural Concerns When Installing Air Conditioning on a Commercial Roof

Overloading

Excessive weight can cause many types of structural damage to a commercial roof. When a roof truss becomes stressed beyond its load capacity, it may buckle, crack, or break. Before installing a new HVAC system, you should consult a structural engineer to make sure that your roof can handle the load.

Deterioration

If your building is over 30 years old, the condition of the roof may have deteriorated over time. You should always inspect the roof for potential structural problems and repair any existing issues prior to installation. Without proper planning, you could compromise the structural integrity of your entire facility. 

Moisture 

Water that collects on a commercial roof can also cause structural damage. You’ll need to perform regular inspections to ensure that water isn’t ponding on the roof due to debris or excessive deflection. Roofing should also be inspected regularly for leaks. Water damage is one of the main causes of roof truss failure, even in the dry Southwest climate.

Installation

You may need to hire a structural engineer to oversee or inspect your HVAC support installation to make sure it’s done properly. Unless your HVAC installers are also structural  experts, they could cause accidental damage during installation or provide inadequate support. 

Commercial Roof Modifications

If you need to make modifications to your roof so that it can support a new air conditioner, evaporative cooler, or exhaust fan, contact The Structures Group in Phoenix. Our team of experts has vast experience in modifying commercial roof structures. We are licensed throughout the Southwest, including Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial roof modification, construction, and repair services.