Retiring old rooftop equipment takes more than lifting a unit off the roof. The goal is to leave the roof better than we found it. On a recent project in San Diego County, that's exactly what our crew did.
A swamp cooler past its service life
This evaporative (swamp) cooler had served well past its normal life. Corrosion had set in and it was rusted through. Rather than replace it, the owner chose to decommission it for good.
Lifting it off with a crane
Our crew brought in a crane and lifted the old unit off the roof. A crane lift keeps the work controlled and avoids dragging heavy, corroded equipment across the roof surface.
Sealing the old curb
Taking the unit away leaves an opening to deal with. We installed new flashing and a custom sheet metal platform cap over the existing curb, sealing and concealing the old penetration so the roof stays watertight.
A useful upgrade on the water line
While we were up there, we replaced the valve on the water supply line and added a new rooftop hose bib. Now the owner has an easy way to rinse their solar panels as part of routine maintenance.
Why a clean decommission matters
For property owners and facility teams, a properly finished removal means one less piece of aging equipment to maintain, a sealed roof penetration, and a site that's easier to care for going forward. Clean, watertight and done right: that's how we approach every job, big or small.
Have old rooftop equipment that needs to go?
Precision Air Inc is a locally owned heating and cooling company serving San Diego County. Call us at (760) 858-8000 or visit precision-ac.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 to 5.
Need service? Call (760) 858-8000, Monday–Friday 8–5, or send us a message.