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Category : Commercial Roofing

Checking if Your Flat Roof has a Low Spot

low spots on flat roofing

low spots on flat roofing

Low spots in flat roofing are common and can cause damage and expensive repairs if not taken care of. But how do you know if you have any low spots? There are signs to look for to identify a low spot, so you can contact a roofer to help get it taken care of before it causes too much damage.

Checking if Your Flat Roof has a Low Spot

Pooled water: Flat roofing is not completely flat and has a small incline. This allows water drain off to the gutters away from the roof. Water that has pooled or accumulated is one of the first signs that you have a low spot, as it prevents water from its natural flow down the gradient. These pools will weaken the roof and eventually cause leaks and even structural damage to the roofing system.

Clogged drains: When drains or gutters are clogged, they collect water. The strain of the backed-up water weight can cause a low spot. You need to check your drains regularly and clean them out if you notice clogs. You should then check to see if water runs off, if not, then you may have a low spot.

Collected dust: Low spots provide protection from the wind for leaves and debris so piles on the roof could indicate a low spot. Collected dirt and debris can also become heavy like water causing damage to roofing materials. You need to clear these out and get the low spots repaired right away.

Concentric sediment circles: Unless you are on the roof directly after it rains, then you may not see any puddles. They do leave tracks though. Puddles will leave concentric circles after the water has evaporated that indicate there was once a pool there. These circular deposits let you know that you have low spots.

Moldy smells: Pooled water can collect bacteria which can increase chances of mold growth and odd smells. Black mold growing on your ceiling or strange musty smells can indicate that water is collected on the roof in a low spot.

Changes in the ceiling: If your ceiling is sagging, stained, or dragging, then you have a low spot in the roof. Low spots collect water which becomes heavy and causes leaks into the building. The signs will be apparent on your ceiling before you even identify the spots on the roof.

If you know what to look for and you check regularly, low spots are easy to identify. Once identified contact us right away to help get them fixed. We use a number of different methods to fix low spots so we guarantee to find a way to get your roofing repaired right away.

 

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Commercial Waterproofing Can Save Your Business

The Benefits of Reflective Roof Coating

The Benefits of Reflective Roof Coating

Waterproofing your commercial building is one of the best ways to protect your investment and your building. It helps to save money as water damage can be expensive especially if water leaks to the inside of the building. The tenants in your commercial property rely on you to keep the building safe and this means roofing needs to be secure and waterproof.

Commercial Waterproofing Can Save Your Business

When it comes to waterproofing your building, to get the best security you need to look beyond the roofing. The integrity of all outdoor structures is important so be sure to invest in waterproofing decks, walkways, parking garages, and elevator pits.

  • Decks: Water leaks can damage and stairs which can potentially injure someone. Water can also leak into balconies causing injury and structural damage.
  • Walkways: These are often made of concrete which means they are not immune to cracks and leaks. Waterproofing walkways prevent damage to the foundation and injury.
  • Elevator pits: Water can seep into elevator pits because they are below grade. Flooding in these pits can cause electrical as well as mechanical damage and serious injury.

Waterproofing the roofing and building helps to protect your investment and the building tenants. With this proactive action, you can prevent damage that can lead to serious problems and even lawsuits. You need to hire a professional and experienced contractor to waterproof your building so that it is done correctly and safely. Waterproofing systems are available for both above grade and below grade structures. Contractors work with coatings for decks and floor systems and a number of sealants depending on the structural material in your building.

Final Thoughts

The best contractors also have access to the latest technology and materials to ensure that any waterproofing jobs are done right. Call us today as your local waterproofing and commercial roofing expert, and we will inspect your property and help design and develop the best waterproof system for your building. We want to keep you safe, your building in top shape, and protect your investment.

 

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Why Your Commercial Building Needs a Cool Roof?

(A-One) Why Your Commercial Building Needs a Cool Roof

(A-One) Why Your Commercial Building Needs a Cool Roof

 

You may live in a generally mild climate, but there will always be times where the weather can get unpredictable. There can be days where it gets so hot, you feel as though you could cook on the roof of your building. Planning ahead is the best way to prepare for such unexpected changes and to protect your roofing and building. The changes in weather from day to day can have big effects on your roofing surface, even if the heat only varies by a few degrees.

Why Your Commercial Building Needs a Cool Roof?

The majority of commercial buildings have dark-colored roofing surfaces and this is not good when the sun is out all day. These dangerous surface temperatures have allowed for cool roofing to be developed and it is becoming more popular for commercial roofing. Thanks to durability, reflectivity, and better energy efficiency, cool roofing systems are the best way to cut down your bills and increase the longevity of your roof. Cool roofing absorbs less heat than standard granulated roofing which means better inner temperature regulation. This reduces overall maintenance and energy costs and also ensures your roof will last longer by reducing the extent of any heat damage. Cool roofing also reduces carbon emissions and the overall “urban heat island” effect commonly found in large cities. This is especially important in today’s “greener” society. A fluid-applied cool roofing system is the best option. It can easily be applied over modified bitumen, metal, and single-ply roofing that is already in place. By avoiding re-roofing, you save a bundle as this can be a very costly process. Once you experience the more comfortable building temperatures and energy savings, you will realize the change was more than worth the initial investment.

Final thoughts

If you have a standard dark-colored roof and want to cut down on energy usage and carbon emissions as well as increase the longevity of your roof, do not wait. Call us today to discuss your cool roof options so we can help you keep your building temperature low and your energy bills even lower.

 

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Estimating The Life-Cycle Costs Of Commercial Roofing Systems

life time cost of a roofing system

life time cost of a roofing systemWhether you are a building manager or owner of a commercial building, it’s undeniable that getting the right value for money is something that is almost always on your mind, and you want to focus on all types of costs so you can make the right decisions. Most of the time, commercial projects are focused or evaluated based on their initial costs, but the truth is that there is more to consider. Every roofing system has different life-cycle factors to be considered, and such factors can have severe effects. You can choose a roofing system that requires less maintenance but is expensive to install or go for one that offers considerable energy-saving value, but costly to install, or even choose a system that is cheap to install but needs expensive maintenance. With so many options to consider, what are the areas of concern that you want to look at when estimating life-cycle costs?

Estimating Life-Cycle Costs Of Commercial Roof Systems

Installation

This is one of the most significant costs that you have to deal with when setting up a commercial roof. Even though some individuals consider it as one large sum, it’s not, and is made up of the following costs:

  • Cost of the roofing material to be installed
  • Cost of installation
  • Tear-off cost (might be required at times)
  • Operational disruption cost

All of the above expenses have to be considered when determining the life-cycle cost of roof installation.

Repairs

When estimating the total life-cycle cost, repairs also have to be considered as they have different requirements such as tools needed, products used, laborers, and others. Repairing your roof, therefore has several connected costs that may include but are not limited to:

  • Clean-up costs
  • Interior damage costs
  • Costs of using temporary solutions before the repair is commenced
  • Mold and mildew elimination costs
  • Additional fees for emergency site visits and repair

(A-One) What To Look for In Your Roofing EstimateDurability

This is another major area that has to be considered when determining life-cycle costs. Even though most commercial roofs are designed to last long enough, you still have to carry out some maintenance services to ensure that the roof serves you for as long as it’s meant to. That means factoring in maintenance costs as part of the life-cycle costs. That is also in consideration that different types of roofing material will require different maintenance services, which may vary the life-cycle cost.

Energy savings

Since most modern roofing products offer energy saving capabilities, that might mean some “profits” from cost-savings coming into your pocket. In some cases, you might even qualify for incentives, rebates, or even tax breaks, depending on your location. Such benefits affect the life-cycle cost of a commercial roof system by lowering the cost a tad.

Warranty

Evaluating the warranty that comes with your commercial roof system is vital to avoid any exclusions or caveats that can affect the life-cycle cost. Keep in mind that warranties are different and that not all will cover the roof’s lifespan.

Other potential costs

Even though the above-listed are the most common areas to consider when estimating the life-cycle costs of any commercial roofing systems, additional costs may come up as a result of:

  • Inflation
  • Replacements
  • Record keeping, and others

Final thoughts

Evaluating the life-cycle costs of your building’s commercial roofing system is imperative to making important decisions that may affect the future. Paying attention to such expenses can make your building exist smoothly as you anticipate all costs, or make your building become a hassle as time goes by.

 

 

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How Roofing Helps Your Leasing Rates?

A-One (How Roofing Helps Your Leasing Rates)

A-One (How Roofing Helps Your Leasing Rates)

When you own property, it is a good idea to look for ways to recoup your investment and get the most on any financial return. There are a number of ways to do this and some are much easier than others. New roofing is a great way to increase the value of a building and increase your investment value too. A new roof will go a long way even in an older building.

How Roofing Helps Your Leasing Rates

What is gross leasing? Having a gross lease is where the property owner pays for the upkeep of the building as well as an annual payment. The tenants of the property will usually only pay monthly bills and rental fees. Maintenance costs are the owner’s responsibility and this will include roofing. These are different from net leases where the tenants are responsible for some of the additional costs like maintenance. The biggest issue with gross leases is that as the owner you will constantly have to address problems and you then have to reflect this in rental rates. Gross lease rates will almost always go up after additional expense. It is essential for property owners to stay ahead of this and predict ways to not fall behind and new roofing can help you with this. Investing capital into your property is risky but when it comes to roofing, the benefits far make the risk more than worth it.

  • You will get improved efficiency: If the gross lease has you responsible for utilities and energy bills, new roofing will significantly lower these each month for you.
  • Better technology: roofing technology has come a long way and with a reflective coating, stronger bonding agents, improved insulation, and more reliable materials. When roofing lasts longer, you save money.
  • Reduced maintenance: The better materials used today, as well as more efficient installation methods will lighten the maintenance required each year. You get a much longer life out of a new roof and better protection from weather damage.
  • Happier tenants: New roofing adds a new look to a building which makes it more appealing to tenants, both current and prospective ones. With better protection from the elements too, tenants will feel safer in a building with newer roofing.

Any financial investment into a building can come with risks and we understand it can be challenging. With a new roofing system, you get more benefits than risks and in the long term, you recoup the initial investment and so much more. Call us today to discuss your roofing options and we will help you find the best roofing for your property.

 

 

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Preparing your Commercial Roof for the Summer

(A-One) Preparing your Commercial Roof for the Summer

(A-One) Preparing your Commercial Roof for the Summer

Summer is right around the corner and some days it feels like it is already here. It is important to realize that the surface of your commercial roofing can reach extreme temperatures during the summer months and this can cause damage if you are not prepared. Constant UV exposure can damage roofing membranes and cause cracks. So you need to get your roof prepared for the summer heat. The first thing commercial building owners need to do is to develop a maintenance plan. This is the best way to prevent damage to your roof during extreme heat. Regular maintenance and inspections also allow you to identify any damage before it gets worse which can prevent more expensive problems and structural damage.

Preparing your Commercial Roof for the Summer

Work with a licensed commercial roofing contractor to get an inspection done before the summer arrives. They will inspect both the inside and outside to ensure your roof is up for the challenge of the summer heat. The following signs are important to look for as they may indicate prior damage that you will want to fix before the heat arrives.

  • Discolored or water-stained ceilings
  • Cracked walls or masonry
  • Deteriorated areas on the walls below the roof deck
  • Loose or buckled flashing
  • Nails or screws backing out through the roof membrane
  • Bald or bare spots on the surface from UV damage
  • Cracks, blisters, or punctures in the roof membrane
  • Gaps in any caulking around roof penetrations (vents or HVAC units)

By regularly inspecting and maintaining your commercial roof, you can identify problems before the summer heat arrives. Work with an experienced professional to make sure all damage is found and immediately fixed. Don’t let the summer heat destroy your roof and empty your wallet. A damaged roof can lead to injuries as well as a loss on your investment, so call us today and we will help you prepare for those summer rays.

 

 

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Are Metal Roofs Worth the Investment?

(A-One) Are Metal Roofs Worth the Investment

(A-One) Are Metal Roofs Worth the Investment

Unlike other things that you can consider buying, your roof plays a vital role in your commercial building. However, depending on the quality of the roof, the price will keep on changing. Low-quality shelters will come at a low cost while high-quality covers feature high prices. You can consider selecting a cheaper option, but reliability will also be on the lower end. Paying a bit higher price can have a better repay. Buying a roof is comparable to purchasing machinery. You can consider taking low prices for equipment that break down daily eating on your pocket massively. Such a machine will save you cash at the initial stage of buying, but the results are regret. On the other hand, you can consider spending a lot at buying price and buy a device that will last for a long while before it starts to break down. It’ll eat into your pocket at the initial stage of purchasing but save for you on the repairs. The same case applies to roofs. The fact is that perfect shelters are expensive and retailers understand this issue. As a result, they will alter prices to give you what looks like a good deal but in a real sense is not.

Are Metal Roofs Worth the Investment?

Points to Note

When you go shopping for roofing materials, understand that the service is not a one-time cost. Roofing comes with repair and maintenance costs. The initial value will always impact on the subsequent maintenance cost. Metal roofs are long lasting and can withstand strong storms over an extended period. But do you consider if you don’t have the aim of staying for many years? Will it still be a perfect choice? Of course yes. Here is the thing; when you resell the roof, a large part of the roof cost can get recouped. Research shows that most of the property owners who used metal roofs reported a recovery of approximately 85% of the initial charge in resale.

The case is different from others who used asphalt shingle roofs. These roofs are quick to get damages. The type is the cheapest and therefore needs to get replaced at an average of three times as much as the metal roofs. What does this imply? It shows that metal roofs are expensive, but from their durability, they cost you less in maintenance cost. Metal roofs save you approximately 61% maintenance and installation cost as a result of their strength. It’s worth noting that, most of the warranties are manufacture type. They only cover manufacturer defects. Any repairs in times of storms are your additional cost. It is for this reason we recommend metal roofs. Note that, metal roofs are reflective and therefore are capable of maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures be it a cold or hot season. It means that you’ll be using less power to regulate room temperatures, thus saving you a lot on energy bills.

Do Your Research

After deciding to purchase a metal roofing system, you need to conduct extensive research. Look at different brands, and reviews to see which one has a good reputation. Also, check on metal sheets used for the making of the roofs. 

Consider metal roofs as a worthy investment, and you’ll not regret your choice in the future. Fifteen years today, you’ll compare the options and feel proud of your decision-making today.

 

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Not So Obvious Signs Your Roof Is At The End Of Its Life

Signs of end of roof life

inspect your roof before sell

Many times you can tell just by looking at your roof, that it needs repair. It’ll give you common signs like sunshine rays passing through or perhaps collapses. But there are times, the indicators are not that straightforward, and you may not know whether your roof needs repair or replacement, especially for commercial rooftops. Commercial buildings use different roofing materials and designs to support the massive footprints. As such, signs of deterioration aren’t that obvious. And again, it is easy to inspect the roof of your house as it is just a few feet up there. However, it’s almost impossible to get the view of an office building rooftop with over five floors, unless you go up to the ceiling. But even with that, you’ll be able to see only the common signs like the cracks and tears. Here are not so obvious warning signs that it might be time to call a roofer.

Not So Obvious Signs Your Roof Is At The End Of Its Life

Paying More Electricity Bills

Many reasons cause your energy cost to increase. But did you know that a bad roof is one of them? If it feels like you are trying too hard to control the weather inside your house, then it may be an indication that you need a new roof. A good start will be to take your electricity bill receipts over the last years and compare all relevant factors including the temperature. It’s best that you also put into consideration any changes that you made, which might be affecting the energy costs such as additional blinds. Make sure that you compare month to month. For instance, if February is less warm this year than last year, your electricity cost would be higher. But if the only thing you did was adding UV reflecting materials and the temperatures have dropped, but you still see a rise, that should raise your suspicions. Someone with a poor quality roof will be paying more money on energy because their roof is unable to efficiently seal the building hence unable to control the temperature. Which means, during warmer and colder climates the air conditioning system will use more energy to bring the temperatures inside the house to favorable degrees.

Presence of Bubbles and Blisters

Tears and cracks are visible signs that your roof needs replacement. But another indication that should worry you is if you notice bubbles and blisters on your roof. When liquid moisture is trapped on the roof membranes, bubbles are formed. If the problem is not solved right away, and the moisture is such that is trapped between the layers of the membrane or even the deck, blisters are formed. Science tells us that water evaporates when it is heated and enlarges the void that contains it. And with time, this leads to the creation of a blister. When the temperatures cool, the moisture condenses and creates a partial vacuum that can draw in air or water vapor via the tiny cracks. The process continues over a long time as the blisters enlarge and cause more damage to the membranes. However, the presence of blisters and bubbles doesn’t automatically mean that your roof needs repair. Check to analyze the damage (if any) first.

Rings of Dirt

After the rains, water dries up and leaves behind algae, fungus, dirt, and dust. If you don’t clean your roof regularly, moss could trap moisture against the roof which can damage it. Check mostly where the water puddles for any signs of moss. Remember, the more brown or green dirt rings or moss you have, the higher the chances that your roof may be nearing its end.

Your Roof is in its Late Twenties

Most roofs have a life span of between 20-30 years and some 50 years. Even if your roof is not showing any warning signs of poor performance, just the fact that it has stayed for over 20 years should be enough reason for you to make repair or replacement arrangements. It can be hard to tell if your roof is in bad shape especially if you are not a roofing expert. That is why it is essential that you have it inspected regularly by professional roofers. Doing that can help you know the early signs and fix them immediately before they become a bigger problem.

 

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More About The National Roofing & Union Contractors Associations

Commercial Roofing (A-one)

 

NRCAOne of the strongest roofers’ association in the roofing industry in the US is the National Roofing Contractors Association. This union, even as a nonprofit body, has grown to a big voice in the roofing industry, offering its members information, education, technology, and advocacy. The association, since its establishment in 1886, has strongly backed all segments of the roofing industry, especially commercial & industrial. The association boasts of a strong membership base of more than 3500 members, all remarkable from 50 states and 53 countries and is affiliated with 97 local, regional, regional, and international roof workers associations.

The NRCA Membership

The membership of the NRCA is open to all bodies that are in the roofing industry, ranging from the most conventional roofers/contractors, manufacturers, distributors, architects, consultants, engineers, building owners, and the regional, state and national government agencies. 

Qualification for Membership

Insurance and License

To become a member of the NCRA, the roofer must be licensed as a professional roofer. Also, to avoid cases arising from liabilities in accidents at work, the roofer must have liability insurance coverage before becoming a member of the NCRA.

Head office

Every roofer ought to have a permanent physical business address, a telephone number, and a tax identification number.

Benefits for Membership

  • Continuous and up to date education: the NRCA keeps its members abreast by providing steady and up to date information for all its members. By virtue of being a member, you stand to enjoy free access to up to date training programs ranging via monthly webinars to special reports discussing technical, risk management, safety, and legislative developments that affect the roofing industry.
  • Regulation and legislation: The NRCA create a strong voice, by synergizing the opinions of its members, the union creates a strong influence to various regulatory and legislative issues that is related to the roofing industry, such as tax reform, incentives, labor and personnel training, energy efficiency.
  • Improve public relations: being a member of the NRCA is a sure thing to be proud of as a roofer. This no doubt improves the general image and influences on potential client perception of the roofer.

Aside from those mentioned above, there other numerous bodies established solely to fight for and protect the interest of roofers. Some of them are;

The Union Roofing Contractors Association

The URCA prides itself in the continuous upgrade of the working standards and conditions of its members via assiduous workshops organized for its members with the most key target been safety. Also, the union maintains a vigilant stance on California and Federal issues that directly affect the performance of its member as it relates to roofing, waterproofing, and contracting. URCA provides member contractor employees with up to date safety training of all kinds.

Bottom Line

To excel as a roofer, you can’t possibly rule out the impact of roofers’ union/association. The earlier you consider joining one, the better. The amazing part is that irrespective of where you stay, there’s always a roofers association available close by.

 

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Converting Flat Roofs into Pitched Roofs

Why Use Flat Roof For Your Commercial Building

Why Use Flat Roof For Your Commercial Building

Interested in converting your existing flat roof into a pitched roof? If so, you probably know the possibilities pitched roofs offer, such as increasing storage space, curb appeal, and in some cases your living space. However, did you know a pitched roof requires less maintenance on average while reducing the risk of structural issues later? Although, there are some downsides to making the leap and converting a flat roof. For instance, pitched roofs can still leak, and pose issues. The largest setback many encounters is the overall cost.

To help you take a closer look into considering if the switch is right for you, we will go over the basics so you can decide what’s best for you.

Flat Roofs, Bad Reputation

Although flat roofs are commonly used on commercial structures, they typically have a poor reputation within the residential building business. A stroll around a flat roof enriched area will reveal this phenomenon clearly. Did you know there are insurance company’s that simply refuse to cover flat roofs? But, why?

They require consistent maintenance, replacing roofing materials, and the cost of installation. Over time, gravity results in a sagging structure because flat roofs have a single (slight) pitch. Meanwhile, repairs or installations are often used low-quality material. Even professionals could lack experience, leading to vulnerabilities, including undersized structural members and sections where the roof planes connection. Furthermore, residential properties do not typically use the higher graded roofing materials used by large commercial structures.

Methods of Roof Conversion

Depending on the situation, the flat roof can be removed or left while a pitched roof is built above it. Leaving the flat room installed lowers costs, but it adds additional weight to the structure that it may not be designed to handle. Removing the old flat roof costs more, but creates options for extra space, higher ceilings, etc. Pitched roofs can be designed and built using traditional rafter framing or engineered wood trusses. Finally, the decision to convert has to gain approval from a certified building professional or engineer.

Reasons to Consider Converting a Roof?

Below are common reasons why property owners decide to convert:

Maintenance: Original construction design was low-quality and/or improper causing constant leaks. While a single leak may not be enough to convert, experiencing multiple leaks in a short period could be.

Expense: Old flat roofs with significant structural problems could result in repetitive repairs and possibly a full renovation. In these situations, the repair expense can be within a range of installing a pitched roof.

Increased Lifespan: Flat roofs should have similar lifespans, but due to improper installation being common, and improved material quality, pitched roofs tend to last longer. Additionally, homeowners should compare overall high-quality durability between shingles and flat roof options, torch down, tar and gravel, and others.

Improved Ventilation and Insulation: Because of the limited space a flat roof offers, using insulation with high R-values are difficult, but not with pitched roofs. Also, a flat roof generally is not ventilated (and should not be in most cases), whereas a pitched roof can benefit from ventilation.

Additional Space: Sometimes that additional storage or living space is important. Many factors determine how much space is added, from slopes, house size, and structure. Others aim for visual appeal with raising the ceiling height.

Curb Appeal: The final choice here depends on the taste of homeowners. Modern home designs have utilized flat roofs for many homes for centuries, but most prefer the look, low maintenance and overall space from a pitched roof.

Selling: When selling a property, the roof could become the difference between a fast sale or sit on the market. Pitched roofs have become the favored modern style, while some still prefer the older flat roof look.

Reasons Not to Convert?

Pitched roofs, just like flat roofs will eventually leak from failing flashing, materials or metal pieces that cover joints. In other cases, roofing materials wear out over time or could have poor installation, repairs or low-quality design. Other elements may wear down or cause issues, such as the walls, a chimney, ventilation piping, etc.)

Frequently, property owners learn their issues are caused simply from improperly installed or low-quality materials, while the overall structure and roof design remain solid.

To determine if converting is needed, have your roof diagnosed by a professional. Simply upgrading the roofing to high-quality materials could provide the same lifespan of a pitched roof. Contact a locally licensed roofing pro today to assist in making the correct approach for your flat roof.

 

 

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