Roof Talks: Commercial Roofing Reconditioning Supported by Data-Driven Process

When talking about the commercial roofing industry, the phrase data-driven probably isn’t used too often. However, that’s not the way that Fortis sees the industry. Fortis has been a pioneer in evaluating roofing and turning to data to deliver reconditioning plans versus replacement. On this episode of Roof Talks, we explored the Fortis model and how it differs from the traditional roofing industry with the company’s President and CEO Rick Lewis.

“We started the company in 2003 based on the Fortis Roof Risk Assessment (FRRA) process. It’s an assessment that’s noninvasive and looks at the roof’s ability to perform over time. The app’s been running for over 15 years, but we are always refining because we learn something new about the industry every day,” Lewis said.

With the FRRA, the company looks at the top 15 risk characteristics of assessing a commercial roof. They also look at the physical qualities of the roof in the lab and its history. “The FRRA derives a score. This, coupled with the other assessment processes, help us determine if this roof can be reconditioned, which most can. Commercial roofs are replaced far too often. We have a different approach—developing a reconditioning plan that identifies defects and a plan to correct them so that the roof becomes warrantable by our standards,” he said.

With 15 years of data collected, Fortis has a unique model when it comes to the roofing industry. They recognize that many building owners may have questions about reconditioning versus replacement, but Lewis said the benefits are hugely advantageous. “Reconditioning is going to cost a fraction of what a replacement will. You’ll have a better warranty with much fewer exclusions and a stronger financial guarantee than a new roof,” he said.

Learn more about the Fortis story and their unique approach to extending the life of commercial roofs by giving this episode a listen.

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