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Category : Commercial Roofing

Is there a Connection Between Ponding Water and HVAC Units?

Is-there-a-Connection-Between-Ponding-Water-and-HVAC-Units

Is-there-a-Connection-Between-Ponding-Water-and-HVAC-Units

Having more than one HVAC unit on your roof increases your risk of ponding water. Flat commercial roofing is known for having ponding issues, especially when multiple HVAC units are positioned on the roof. Many people do not realize that the HVAC units themselves could be contributing to the ponding problem along with a lack of drainage on the flat roof. Roof top units like HVAC units, skylights, and cooling towers can cause ponding if they are not protected by crickets. Crickets are triangle-shaped structures that are designed to divert water away and without them, water can accumulate. HVAC units also regularly produce condensation which additionally should drain away but cannot if there is no cricket, this does not happen.

Is there a Connection Between Ponding Water and HVAC Units?

The weight of the HVAC unit also contributes to the problem of deck deflection. The presence of any low spots around the unit as a result of poor or aging insulation can damage the roof membrane. The structure of HVAC units can also pose as obstacles that trap debris and accumulated debris interferes with water flow into the gutters causes ponding. Rooftop HVAC units are ideal because it keeps these bulky items out of sight but with the risk of ponding water being high, there are things you should know to effectively prevent this from happening. You first need to make sure that no interior damage or structural damage has occurred before repairing any low spots. Then, make sure all gutters and downspouts are cleared of debris so water can flow without interference.

Keeping Your Roof Dry

Once the flow of water has been corrected and there is a minimal risk for ponding, you need to look for ways to prevent future ponding. The best way to avoid low spots is to fix smaller problems before they turn into larger ones. When there is any rain, be sure to schedule inspections right away to check for ponding. The sooner you find and address issues, the fewer problems you will have in the long run.

Conclusion

Having your HVAC units on the roof keeps the noisy and unsightly equipment out of the way, but they can contribute to low spots and accumulating water. Ponding water causes serious damage to the interior and exterior of your roof and building but can be prevented with proper maintenance and regular inspections. If you have a rooftop HVAC unit, be sure to inspect the surface regularly and take care of all repairs right away. Preventative care is the best way to keep your roof dry and free of ponding-related damage.

 

 

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Why Commercial Roofs Should have a Slope

commercial-sloped-roof

commercial-sloped-roofFlat roofing is thought to be completely flat, but a slope is beneficial to these roofing systems, even if it is only small. Roofing needs slopes to prevent the accumulation of water on the surface. Ponding, or the accumulation of water, can happen anytime there is rain and without a slope to lead water away, you end up with pools. It has become more accurate to refer to commercial roofing as ‘low-sloping’, rather than flat. The pitch of a roof determines the materials you use as well as what is best in terms of building design. The ability to effectively shed water and prevent ponding is important to the longevity of any roofing system. The slope of a roof determines how well a roof will perform over time and how long it will last because preventing ponding protects the roof for longer.

The Problem with Low Spots

A low spot can cause problems and can threaten the integrity of the roof and building if ignored. There are several factors that contribute to the development of a low spot.

  • Settling of the building
  • Expansion and contraction of the roofing materials
  • Expansion and contraction of the ground beneath the building
  • Compressed or failing roofing insulation
  • Inadequate drainage that allows water to accumulate

Ponding or the collection of water happens in low spots, and the water can sit for days and even weeks. This invites mildew and mold to grow and can damage the roofing membrane the longer the water sits. Water can also penetrate through cracks causing damage to the internal structure of the roof and building. Low spots and ponding cause sagging, leaks, and serious internal and external damage.

Why do Commercial Buildings have Flat Roofs?

If low spots and ponding are common on flat roofing, then many people wonder why it is used. Flat roofing is useful despite this and they have economic value. They easily accommodate HVAC units and other bulky equipment that can take up valuable real estate and these systems are more economical to build because they reduce the overall volume of the building and save on energy costs. It is important to regularly check and maintain flat roofing to avoid low spots and ponding. With regular inspections, you can identify these problems before serious or permanent damage is caused. You also need to maintain the components such as the scuppers, gutters, downspouts, and internal drains to ensure water flow away from the roof is unhindered.

Conclusion

Adding a slope to a flat roof is an effective way to ensure proper drainage and prevent the development of low spots and ponding. Contact us today to discuss the options available for adding a slope, or repairing any low spots.

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Common Mistakes Made in Roof Bidding

A-One-Construction-Roof-Bidding-Mistakes

A-One-Construction-Roof-Bidding-Mistakes

Roofing replacement and large maintenance projects can be expensive but they are necessary to protect your investment. It is important to avoid complications where possible because of this. There are common mistakes that you can make and know what these can help you to take care of your roofing and bidding projects more efficiently.

Common Mistakes Made in Roof Bidding

  • Soliciting Bids without Specifications: This causes bids to be created that cannot be compared which affects decision making. A specification can be as small as one page, but it must be complete and detailed for large projects. Larger projects are typically prepared by an architect or roofing consultant. The job specifications should not be prepared until after the final product selection is made.
  • Accepting Lowest Bid Too Early: Associations try to save time by just selecting the lowest bid. Not all contractors are the same quality and lower bids are likely missing important costs that will cause increases to the final cost. You need to meet with several contractors to accurately evaluate the strengths of the companies and their experience.
  • Large Deposits: It is a common mistake to give contractors large upfront deposits for materials. All successful contractors have credit accounts with their suppliers, so this is not necessary. If a bidder cannot fund their payroll until the first payment is made, the association should reconsider moving forward with that contractor.
  • Measurable Work: You should only pay for measurable work on these projects. Measuring progress as a percentage is difficult, so it is better to pay only for pre-agreed benchmarks of construction once they are completed.
  • Failure to Plan in Advance: Early and efficient planning can help to limit or eliminate emergency assessments, disruption to daily lives and unnecessary costs. Planning ahead for a major roofing project is best done at least five years in advance to avoid these problems.
  • Believing that City Inspectors Ensure Proper Work: City inspectors make sufficient job-in-progress visits to verify the work is done per code or manufacturer’s specs.
  • Making Final Payment without Closeout Documents: Closeout documents include permit, warranty, and lien releases. You need to get these right away and if necessary withhold final payment until they are in your hands.

Conclusion

Knowing the common mistakes that are made when it comes to roof bidding can help you avoid them. This ensures a more efficient process when it comes to getting your roof projects taken care of and protects you from unnecessary financial loss.

 

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Roofing Contract Checklist

Roofing Contract Checklist

Roofing Contract Checklist

It is important to consider some facts before entering into a roofing contract. You should always have the agreement reviewed by legal counsel first. In doing so, the following factors need to be considered and reviewed.

Roofing Contract Checklist

  • License: All contractors need to have their license reviewed and it must be current and appropriate for the work required. The use of unlicensed contractors can cost avoidable expenses and damages.
  • Insurance: Make sure the contractor carries worker’s compensation as well as any other insurance that is necessary for the project. Have the contractor provide proof of insurance and the names of those insured before entering the contract.
  • Governing Documents: Make sure the contract does not violate any limitations with regards to the association’s governing documents.
  • Problem Provisions: Legal counsel needs to review all contracts before they are signed. It is not a good idea to sign a contract or work order prepared by the vendor as they are not written in your favor. The issues and clauses that need to be reviewed in all agreements include:
  • Parties: The opening paragraph of a contract will name the parties to the agreement. The party to the agreement should be the association and not the director. This protects the directors from being named personally in any litigation that may occur. The contracting party is the corporation which the directors sign on behalf of the corporation.
  • Scope of Work: The scope of work needs to be clearly stated and understood by all. If the definition is incomplete, this can give rise to disagreements and will make it challenging to hold the vendor accountable for his work.
  • Payment Schedule: Define the payment schedule in the contract. You do not want to issue full payment upfront since this can expose you to a significant risk of loss if the contractor does not perform. If necessary, you can pay money upfront for the contractor can purchase materials. You should also keep a percentage of the contract amount until everything is inspected and signed-off.
  • Insurance: Define the types of insurance and a minimum limit the vendor must carry has to be listed.
  • Time for Performance: If completion dates and times are important, they must be included to ensure you get things done as and when you need them.
  • Permits and Licenses: You need to confirm that all permits and licenses are in order. Pull permits whenever appropriate and provide the association with copies of both.
  • Warranties: If there are promises to stand behind the work done, be sure to put it in the contract to enforce accountability.
  • Mechanics Liens: These provisions should be included to protect the association in the event the vendor fails to pay his subcontractors or material suppliers.
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution: Having this provision helps to keep litigation costs to a minimum and can speed the resolution of any disputes.
  • Termination Clause: If work is not performed satisfactorily, there should be a provision for terminating the agreement.

Final Thoughts

Contracts are a way to keep all members of a project informed. Every party has its terms addressed and once in writing all parties can be held accountable. A contract is binding, so it is essential to have any paperwork reviewed by legal counsel before signing to make sure all parties are protected fairly.

 

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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 to 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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