our blog

The Environmental Case for Roof Lifting

Roof Lifting is the Eco-Friendly Way to Grow Your Business and Reduce Waste Simultaneously.

There has never been a stronger demand for environmentally conscious businesses than there is today, in the year 2024. All around the country people are increasingly choosing where they spend their money based on environmental and social factors, as individuals want to feel the businesses they contribute to are also doing their part to improve our shared environment.

Likewise, businesses are feeling more pressure to curb their environmental impact as new building codes and restrictions handed down from authorities have started piling up each year, guiding commercial companies to implement eco-friendly initiatives on their own.

Fortunately, for many growing businesses and commercial real estate firms, roof lifting emerges as one of the most environmentally conscious strategies to increase productivity without compromising any green construction commitments. Among the many benefits of roof lifting, a reduced carbon footprint, minimized waste, conservation of resources and greenspace, as well as the help from government-backed certifications top the list of environmentally friendly justifications.

In this blog, we’ll explore how roof lifting could be your businesses’ solution for sustained growth while continuing a commitment to a better environmental future.

Reducing Carbon Footprint Through Sustainable Construction Practices.

Sustainable construction is all about building in a way that allows for minimal disruption of ecosystems and a reduction in waste typically associated with clearing and developing new land, along with several factors that play into the daily operation of the final structure.

By lifting the roof on an existing structure, properties like warehouses, retail centers, and manufacturing plants are eliminating the need to develop more land horizontally while actualizing similar results as if they did. Additionally, they eliminate the need for heavy demolition and new construction, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing roof lifting, businesses can actively reduce their environmental impact while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Minimizing Waste: Recycled Structural Steel Expansions.

The use of structural steel in roof lifting projects plays a critical role in minimizing waste in the construction industry. Steel is highly recyclable, with the industry boasting a recycling rate of 85% in the United states. Industry experts like LIFTEX use this steel to vertically expand properties through a proprietary method, therefore eliminating the use of many other less-reclaimed materials.

When a property is built up instead of outward, the waste associated with demolishing another existing building is also negated, and therefore preventing unknown tons of waste from heading to landfill. Real estate professionals are looking toward roof lifting more every day to take advantage of the inherent recyclability of steel, and to prevent excessive waste and expenses from demolition.

Preserving Natural Resources and Land with Roof Lifting.

Roof lifting contributes to the preservation of natural resources and land. The lifting technique, developed over 50 years ago by LIFTEX, allows for the expansion of building space vertically and has helped revolutionize the way many commercial properties operate. Lifting the roof is particularly beneficial in urban areas where land availability is limited and expensive, and where zoning restrictions often prevent the ability to develop new property.

Many believe that the future of human society relies on the increased use of tall vertical structures due to eventual land scarcity. By expanding upwards, roof lifting conserves land and reduces the impact on the surrounding environment, preserving green spaces and minimizing the ecological footprint of new constructions.

The Phases of Roof Lifting.

Roof lifting is a science, just like any other construction project. All of the components of a roof lift will fall into one of the four following categories, from due diligence to close-out documents.

Design: creating and engineering a plan to both lift the roof and complete the “vanilla-shell” in accordance with related building codes. Concurrently, schedules for materials and manpower are developed.

Preparation: getting the right pieces in place. Prep includes permitting, fabrication & delivery, coordination with other trades, and installing structural steel with roof lifting equipment.

Lift: the act of lifting the roof. The process typically takes an hour per foot, per section of roof lifted, depending on the size of the roof. Most roofs are lifted one section at a time.

Close: to finish the job, additional structural steel is installed to support and brace the taller building. The open space between the previous roof and the existing wall is enclosed and made “water-tight.” Punchlist items and final inspections are completed for closeout.

Green Building and LEED Certifications.

Another benefit of roof lifting is that it can play a significant role in achieving Green Building and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications. By reusing existing structures and minimizing the use of wasteful and hazardous materials, roof lifting aligns with LEED’s emphasis on sustainable site development, water savings, and energy efficiency.

It’s worth noting that buildings that undergo roof lifting can potentially earn LEED points, enhancing their marketability and demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. This not only benefits the environment but also provides a competitive edge in the real estate market, appealing to environmentally conscious tenants and investors alike.

Talk to a Roof Lifting Expert to See Your Options.

With all of the environmental benefits of roof lifting, it’s worth serious consideration for your next expansion project or real estate purchase. See how LIFTEX can help your property attract more tenants and cost-efficiency with a structural steel roof lift. Talk to a roof lifting expert and discover your environmentally friendly options today.

Talk to the Experts at LIFTEX.

LIFTEX pioneered the commercial roof lift, helping businesses across the country earn more out of their existing spaces!

If your team is looking for options, or simply have questions about roof lifting, contact our team of roof lifting experts today!

Explore your options today – call LIFTEX!

GET A QUOTE.

For a quick estimate, fill out and submit the quote form. While a firm quote requires a site survey, we’ll provide an indicative figure. Attach documents, drawings, or images to the lead form for better assessment. Thank you!