Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Top Residential and Commercial Roofing Contractors in Northern Ohio

If you own or manage a building or home, you will need to repair or replace the roof at some point. In doing so, you are going to research different commercial roofing contractors to find the one that best fits your needs.

[caption id="attachment_25184" align="alignright" width="300"] Steep Slope Roofing[/caption]

It’s common for building owners and managers to ask us this question: “If we don’t use West Roofing Systems, who would you recommend?”

That’s why we have compiled a list of the best roofing contractors in the Cleveland, Ohio area for not only commercial facilities but also for homes and residential roofs.

Residential Roofers in Northern Ohio

Brad Smith Roofing

Location: Westlake, Ohio

Year Founded: 1979

Brad Smith Roofing is a residential and commercial contractor that also offers professional roofing repair, new roof construction, gutter installation, masonry repairs and siding placement. They also have home improvement services including carpentry, windows and door installation and renovations.

[caption id="attachment_25288" align="alignright" width="197"] Residential Roofing Cleveland Ohio[/caption]

Franciscus Roofing

Location: Westlake, Ohio

Year Founded: 1991

Franciscus Roofing is a residential and commercial contractor that also offers new roofing, re-roofs, tear-offs, new construction, insulation, windows, siding, gutters, leaf protection, roof repairs, ventilation, storm/hail insurance consultation, and ice dam removal.

Absolute Roofing

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Year Founded: 1985

Absolute Roofing is a family owned contractor that also offers, new roofs, re-roofs, repairs, coatings, gutters, copper work, church steeple renovation/restoration, slate, tile along with home remodeling and renovations

Check Out: 10 Tips to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Commercial Roofers in Northern Ohio

Simon Roofing

Location: Youngstown, Ohio

Year Founded: 1990

Simon Roofing markets itself as a contractor that also manufactures their proprietary roofing products. The company can repair or replace metal, built-up, modified, spray foam and sustainable roofing structures. With 66 service centers nationwide, they are ISO 9001:2008 certified companywide.

[caption id="attachment_25289" align="alignright" width="300"] Flat Roofing Cleveland Ohio[/caption]

Warren Roofing & Insulating Co.

Location: Walton Hills, Ohio

Year Founded: 1922

In business for more than 90 years, Warren Roofing and Insulation provide built-up, modified and single ply, as well as green roofing, roofing coatings, and solar technology. Warren Roofing works with over 20 contractors in the Ohio area on industrial facilities, retail stores, and higher education facilities.

Industrial Energy Systems, Inc.

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Year Founded: 1983

Established in 1983, IES has been a prominent roofer contractor in Cleveland for many years. Their 14,200-square foot facility allows them to fabricate custom sheet metal products for the repair and replacement of single-ply, built-up, modified, architectural sheet metal and siding systems.

CentiMark

Location: Stow, Ohio

Year Founded: 1967

While their headquarters are near Pittsburgh, PA, CentiMark has a notable location in the Stow, OH area. They offer services for thermoplastic, EPDM, spray polyurethane foam, roof coatings modified bitumen & built-up roofing, metal, steep slope along with flooring services as well.

Check Out: National Roofing Association: How to Choose a Contractor

Now that you’re armed with some information on the best roofing contractors in the Northern Ohio consider the services your home or facility needs so that you can choose the best contractor.

It’s best practice to vet any contractor you consider for your property project. As with any service industry, you have good contractors, bad contractors, and people who aren’t contractors at all. Remember to consider these factors while doing so:

Ask to see a portfolio
Ask to see their license or letter of Good Standing
Ask to see their liability insurance

Read: Roofing Contractor Warning Signs: 4 Red Flags of a Disreputable Contractor

Investing in a commercial roofing project can be a daunting task. But by being prepared and asking the right questions, you can find the right contractor to deliver high-quality work at a reasonable price.

Choosing West Roofing Systems as a turnkey roofing company will provide you with highly trained teams and award-winning service. Our services are flexible and diverse; we can recoat, repair or replace your facility’s roof so that it lasts decades. With a team of service professionals located in LaGrange, OH, West Roofing Systems can provide you with local and reliable commercial roofing services.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Preparing Your Commercial Facility for a Holiday Vacation: Checklist

It’s that time of the year again, snow falling, gift giving and getting to spend time with your family. But you can’t relax when you are thinking about what is happening at your commercial facility during the holiday vacation time.

It can be a long list of tasks to prepare your facility to be closed for the holiday, whether it’s a few days or a few weeks. From protecting your data to safeguarding your building, there are precautions you can take to ensure you come back to work ready to go!

West Roofing Systems is located in Cleveland, Ohio; our teams install quality roofs that are made to withstand hard winter weather. We work with commercial facility owners and managers every year to prepare their buildings for the winter season and holiday vacation.

Why Do Companies Shut Down? Should Your Company Shut Down?

It’s widespread practice for companies to close their doors during the last few weeks in December. Closing your business for a brief time at the end of the year could be beneficial for your employees and bottom line.

PREPARING YOUR COMMERCIAL FACILITY FOR A HOLIDAY VACATION

Here are some reasons why companies close for a holiday vacation:

Save on overhead
Business partners are not in their offices
Improve employee morale
Perform maintenance on their facility

Adding a long list of tasks to complete before you leave for the holidays can be daunting, you want to make sure everything is done on time, correctly and safely. Here is a list to follow when you are closing up for your winter holiday break!

General

Update emergency contact list and post in an easy to access area: facility manager, contractors, key contacts
Clean out perishable food from kitchen and break rooms
Confirm that all kitchen equipment, both gas and electric is turned off
Update voice messages to reflect holiday times
Update website and notify customers
Turn off interior lights
Empty all trash and waste

Offices

Turn copiers, printers, projectors, and computers off
Lock desks, filing cabinets, and offices
Run a backup cycle on computers and servers
Ensure all personal heaters are turned off

PREPARING YOUR COMMERCIAL FACILITY FOR A HOLIDAY VACATION

Plants

Perform safety inspection
Ensure all non-essential equipment is placed in standby mode or turned off
Check to see that all compressors used are turned off
Properly store flammable items
Ensure all chemicals are locked securely

Facilities

Contact contractors to perform critical building maintenance
Change HVAC to power-saving mode or set to 55º F
Ensure that nothing is stacked on HVAC unit ventilators
Turn off all automatic and manual exhaust fans
Ensure all windows are closed and locked
Set security alarms and inform your security company that your property will be vacant (you may want to have some patrol during your vacancy)

Preparing Your Commercial Facility for a Holiday Vacation

Outdoor

Schedule for a landscaping company to keep up with snow removal and to salt walkways
Schedule final roof inspection with roofing contractor
Ensure all gutters and downspouts are cleaned
Check all gutters, flashings, and accessories are securely attached
Set exterior lights on a timer

Winter holidays are a time for you and your employees to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future together. You can take the time to prepare your facility beforehand properly; you can spend the holidays carefree. Pull in your key personnel to handle every aspect of your business: customers, offices, facilities, specializes areas and security to share the workload and make sure nothing is missed.

At West Roofing Systems, we take pride in the new roofs we install and the maintenance we provide for our customers and their commercial, industrial and manufacturing buildings. Our M.a.R.S. (Maintenance and Repair Service) Program is available for new and existing roof systems.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Spray Polyurethane Foam Overspray: Prevention and Cleanup

When arranging a new roof project, you have a lot to worry about from hiring a contractor to making sure everyone is safe. It’s important to work with your contractor in taking the proper precautions to protect your people and adjacent property.

Here at West Roofing Systems, we’ve been installing Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofs for over 37 years. And in that time, we’ve worked with customers to keep not only their new roof looking good, but their commercial property safe and clean.

What is Spray Polyurethane Foam?

Spray Polyurethane Foam, more commonly referred to as SPF, is a material that is sprayed and expands into a foam, creating a stable layer across an existing roof.

While SPF roofing is not the most known type of roofing material, the technology has been around since the early 1960s for industrial, commercial, and residential facilities.

[caption id="attachment_25022" align="alignright" width="300"] SPF Installation[/caption]

Before the installation can start, the existing roof needs to be prepared. Rather than stripping the existing roof, the contractor will most likely prepare the substrate by getting rid of all dirt, dust, and contaminants.

The first layer put down by the contractor is the polyurethane foam. This foam is created by combining two liquids as it’s sprayed onto the existing roof substrate. As the liquid is sprayed onto the existing roof, it expands to form a solid foam surface.

When the SPF layer has been completed, it is then coated with a layer(s) of elastomeric silicone or acrylic coating with embedded granules.

What is SPF Overspray?

Spray Polyurethane Foam is installed as a liquid and expands into a foam, SPF overspray happens when the fluid is carried by the wind and lands on surrounding property and expands to foam. The result looks like varying size white spots. While not ideal, it is rather easy to prevent and clean up overspray.

How to Avoid SPF Overspray

It’s in everyone’s best interest to invest the time and energy to prevent and avoid overspray during an SPF Roof Application.

Here are a few ways that you and your contractor can prevent overspray:

Check the Wind

It’s a good idea to check the wind strength and direction before your contractor begins spray polyurethane. If you can tell what direction the wind is blowing, you can take extra precautions. Some companies will use a windsock.

Clear & Barricade the Parking Lot

[caption id="attachment_25274" align="alignright" width="300"] Covering nearby vehicles with car covers during the project[/caption]

One of the most common overspray problems companies has overspray on nearby cars. Since they are working on a roof, the SPF is carried down to the adjacent parking lot. You can prevent this from happening a few days:

Evacuating and barricading the parking lot to keep cars at a safe distance
Covering nearby vehicles with car covers during the project

Evacuate the Area

Anything that can be moved should be moved to inside storage or a safe distance from the worksite.

Mask Items That Can’t Be Moved

When large items and equipment can’t be moved, you can use tape, plastic, paper, burlap, mesh or boards to cover and protect them.

Windscreen

Your SPF contractor should have and use windscreens during the application process. These are transportable and can be held up by a team around where the SPF is being prayed. In some instances, your contractor can use an enclosure made of mesh, such as a Kwik Book, for total protection.

One person screen can be used in the light wind from one direction
two person screen can be used in slightly higher winds
Total enclosure on wheels adds the best protection

How to Clean Up SPF Overspray

Cars

It may be a shock to see all of the white spots on your vehicle. Fortunately, it looks worse than it is, overspray does not damage your car or paint. If left alone, the foam will disintegrate on its own with the sunlight in about a few weeks.

But you can take your car to a detailing company to have the foam removed, usually with a clay bar to remove the overspray from paint and a razor to remove it from the glass. Make sure to contract the SPF contractor prior to having the work done so that all parties are aware of the damage and the agreed upon expense for the repair.

Landscaping

Depending on the severity of overspray, you usually don’t need to replace plants within your landscaping.

The simplest recourse is just to allow the foam to degrade in about a few weeks. If some areas have more visible overspray, you can trim leaves or branches.

Windows

Most of the time, any windows that are at risk for overspray will be covered. If overspray does land on windows, you can take the same approach as a car by scraping the foam off with a razor blade.

The energy efficiency and environmental sustainability can lead to lower life-cycle costs to install and maintain an SPF roofing system. When installing an SPF roofing system, in some instances, there is no need to strip the existing roof. This saves money on labor and debris removal. The longevity of a properly maintained system can be beneficial in the long run when there is no need for replacement.

Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing Systems are becoming the go-to roofing for commercial, industrial, and even residential facilities that are looking for a long-lasting, economically efficient option. As the cost of energy increases, so will the demand for SPF roofs.

Original Post Here: Spray Polyurethane Foam Overspray: Prevention and Cleanup

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

5 Steps to Prepare Your Flat Roof for Winter

WINTER IS COMING.

Have you heard? Winter is coming...in some places, it’s already here! Is your facility ready to tackle the cold and snow? It takes thinking ahead and preparation to prevent leaks and other roof issues during the winter months.

Here are 5 steps to prepare your flat roof for winter.

1. Schedule a Roof Inspection

Commercial Roof Surveys and Inspections

Before winter weather hits, it’s essential to get a professional on your roof. A licensed contractor or inspector should walk your roof and look for damage or areas of potential damage. It’s important to fix any issues with your roof system because when the snow and ice hit your roof, it can turn minor problems into the major issues very quickly.

Regular inspections should be performed before and again after winter to ensure you don’t run into surprise puddles in your facility.

What Your Contractor is Looking For

Open or Loose Seams
Cracked Caulking and Failed Sealants
Gaps or Separations
Cracked or Rusted Flashings
Loose Roof Edge/ Perimeter
Punctures in Membrane

2. Clean and Clear

While your roof is being inspected for potential problems, it’s important to prevent issues by making sure your roof and gutters are clean and clear of debris. Branches, leaves, trash, equipment and anything else that doesn’t belong on your roof should be removed. Anything sitting on your roof surface is a hazard to your entire system. If you have the spare equipment or loose branches on your roof, you risk puncturing your roof membrane and allowing water into your system.

When the snow melts, the water needs a place to go. Make sure all of your gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves, twigs and other debris to prevent water from backing up and sitting on your rooftop.

3. Evaluate Adjacent Areas

5 STEPS TO PREPARE YOUR FLAT ROOF FOR WINTER

It’s not only important to examine your roof and facility, but you also need to look at the surrounding areas adjacent to your facility. You want to look for trees and buildings that can affect your roof during the winter season.

Trees

Snow adds weight. Surrounding trees and branches hanging over and around your facility are a potential hazard. These branches can dump a significant amount of weight, or the entire branch can break and land on your roof.

Surrounding Buildings

If you have other buildings surrounding your facility, you have the potential of snow to drift from their roof to your roof. It’s important to know these potential hazards as you enter the winter season so that you and your contractor are prepared.

4. Prepare Important Information

No matter how you treat a commercial roof leak, it’s important to remedy the problem before it grows. Even the smallest leak can cause serious problems if not treated. Water getting through your roofing system can cause considerable damage to your building from mold to structural damage.

Call Your Insurance Agent

Make sure you are up to date on your insurance policy. Talk to your insurance agent to make sure you have adequate coverage and that you know how to reach them in case you need to file a claim.

Roofing Contractor Warning Signs: 4 Red Flags of a Disreputable Contractor

Review Your Warranty

Look back at your files to review your current roofing system’s warranty. It’s important to know what your warranty covers and what it doesn’t cover. You also want to make sure that your roof is still under warranty and that you are taking the proper steps to stay under warranty.

If you have recently installed a new roofing system, make sure to contact your contractor to see if they can help prepare for the winter weather.

5. Prepare Your Action Plan

If you do find yourself in the middle of a roofing emergency this winter, prepare ahead of time by creating or reviewing your action plan now. Make sure that your team knows who to call and what to do in the event of a roof leak or worse. Gather your contractor’s information, insurance paperwork and a copy of your warranty somewhere that is easy to access.

Originally Published Here: 5 Steps to Prepare Your Flat Roof for Winter

Monday, November 13, 2017

Commercial Roof Warranties: Which is Best for Your Facility?

A new roof is a significant investment, a lot of money, and is supposed to last upwards of 40 years. If something goes wrong with your roof system, a warranty makes sure that your problem is corrected without costing you more money.

Most people don’t think about the warranty they purchase, but they receive one at the end of their roof project. Roof warranties are essential to protect yourself and your building from faulty products and installation costing you more in the end.

At West Roofing Systems, our team of experts help customers with new and existing warranties every day. That’s why we have this article to help clear up popular warranty questions.

Scope of Warranty

MY CONTRACTOR RIPPED ME OFF: WHAT DO I DO?

When you install a new roofing system, you will have a few warranty options.

Contractor’s Workmanship Guarantee

A contractor workmanship guarantee is issued by the contractor or company that installed the roof on your facility. These warranties protect you against poor workmanship and installation mistakes. Workmanship warranties typically cover the cost of labor and materials for the necessary repairs and last one to ten years depending on the contractor.

Manufacturer’s Material Warranty

A manufacturer product warranty is issued by the company that manufactures the materials used by your contractor. These warranties cover any failures or defects in the materials used and are only issued after the contractor installs the materials correctly. Unfortunately, these warranties have a narrow scope compared to other types of warranties and last ten to thirty years.

Manufacturer’s Full System Warranty

A full system warranty that is provided by the material manufacturer covers not only the material used, but it will also cover the flashings and other accessories used for the roof system. These warranties, when used, will cover any materials and labor needed for repairs that are within the warranty guidelines.

What Do Warranties Cover?

You may be surprised by what your roof warranty does and doesn’t cover. It’s important to review your warranty and make sure that you are covered by purchasing more coverage or looking into coverage from your insurance company.

Commercial Roof Leak

When You’re Covered

Incorrect Installation – If you roof installer improper installs part of your roof that leads to a leak, you should be under warranty to have it corrected.

Material Failure – Although usually rare, if your roof material fails you should be covered to have that material (usually some kind of membrane) replaced.

High Wind – Wind is something that can vary between warranties. Some warranties cover up to certain wind speeds, and you can purchase additional coverage.

When You’re Not Covered

Incorrect Repairs – If your roof does have damage or a leak, it’s important to stay within your warranty to resolve the problem. If your contractor uses the wrong materials or methods, your bill may not be covered by the warranty.

Unauthorized Alterations- If a contractor that is not listed on the warranty makes repairs or changes to your roof system, any leaks or damage will not be covered.

Standing Water – Standing water, or ponding water, on a roof, can cause significant damage to your facility. Standing water typically occurs when there is no proper drainage on your roof. Any damage from standing water is not covered under warranty.

Acts of God – While your warranty may cover some wind, rain or hail, it will not cover major weather instances such as tornados, hurricanes or major

Do I Need a Maintenance Plan if I Have a Warranty?

As the person in charge of your facility, it’s your responsibility to maintain your roof system. If you fail to have your roof regularly inspected, cleaned and having minor repairs performed, you may void your warranty when a leak comes through into your facility.

[caption id="attachment_25004" align="alignright" width="300"] Commercial Roofing Maintenance and Repair Services[/caption]

An average roof warranty requires at least one roof inspection to be performed a year by an authorized contractor. This requirement is beneficial for the property owner and the company that issues the warranty. During the yearly inspection, the inspector will check for not only current problems but areas that could turn into problems in the future. This allows repairs to be made before they grow larger and become costly.

A good maintenance plan will go a step further; they will clean your gutters, mend your flashings and perform minor repairs for the cost of the program. Having a service team visit your roof regularly not only gives you peace of mind, but it expands your roof’s lifespan and keeps you within your warranty guidelines.

A commercial roof warranty is only as good as the roof installation. At West Roofing Systems, we take pride in the new roofs we install and the maintenance we provide for our customers and their commercial, industrial and manufacturing buildings.

Choosing West Roofing Systems as a turnkey roofing company will provide you with highly trained teams and award-winning service. Our services are flexible and diverse; we can recoat, repair or replace your facility’s roof so that it lasts decades. Call us today at 1-800-356-5748 to talk to our experts about your next roofing project.

Post Source Here: Commercial Roof Warranties: Which is Best for Your Facility?

Monday, November 6, 2017

Why Do I Need a Roof Maintenance Plan if I Have a Warranty?

When your contractor completed your roof project, you probably received a warranty of some kind. Did you know that your warranty has limits, and if you don’t take care of your roof…your warranty may not be valid?

In this article, we will cover types of warranties, types of maintenance plans, and why it’s important to have BOTH to protect your facility and everything inside it fully.

Types of Roof Warranties and Why They Are Important

When you install a new roofing system, you will have a few warranty options. The three most common types of warranties include:

Contractor Roof Warranty

A contractor roof warranty is issued by the contractor or company, that installed the roof on your facility. These warranties cover the workmanship of your roof repair or replacement.

Manufacturer Product Warranty

A manufacturer roof warranty is issued by the company that manufactures the materials used by your contractor. These warranties cover any failures or defects in the materials used and is only issued after the contractor installs the materials correctly.

Manufacturer’s Full System Warranty

Types of Maintenance Plans and Why They Are Important

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends maintenance and repair be performed at least twice a year. More importantly before and after severe weather seasons such as a winter in the Northern United States.

These inspections are to clean the roof system of natural debris, clear all gutters and waterways, and assess vulnerable points in the roof system to ensure that no degradation can leak in the future.

In addition to scheduled maintenance twice a year, it’s important to have a contractor inspect and perform needed repairs after severe weather such as high winds, hail, and severe storms. These inspections are to clear the roof of any debris such as metal from HVAC units or other penetrations and ensure that there is no damage to the roof system, flashings, copings, and other units.

A maintenance contract is an easy way for building owners and managers to ensure their commercial roof remains under warranty and in good condition while staying in their budget.

There are three main types of maintenance contract options:

A contract that requires the contractors to visit the facility regularly for gutter and drain cleaning along with a visual inspection and report.

A contract that requires gutter and drains cleaning, debris removal, along with a visual inspection, small general repairs, and a report.

A contract that requires gutter and drains cleaning, debris removal, along with a full inspection, medium general repairs, roof survey and a report.

A maintenance contract is a great way to keep your facility in good shape while holding your contractor accountable for the performance of their work.

Why Do I Need a Maintenance Plan if I have a Warranty?

Now that you know the basics of roof warranties and maintenance plans, why do you need both?

The short answer: Warranties don’t make your roof last longer.

Read More:

Originally Published Here: Why Do I Need a Roof Maintenance Plan if I Have a Warranty?

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Infrared Roof Surveys: How They Are Performed and Why They Are Important

How does your commercial roof look? On the surface, it may seem like your roof is in excellent condition, but many would be shocked to learn that their flat roof has minor leaks that could lead to mold, rot or even structural damage.

How do contractors find your facilities’ secret leaks?

Infrared Moisture Surveys give contractors and inspectors the ability to see what is happening under your roof’s membrane without having to damage your roof system.

Thermal imaging has been used since the 1970s to help determine if your facility needs a total roof replacement or if your facility roof can be repaired in the damaged areas. They are an integral part of delivering the best quality roof at a fair price.

What is an Infrared Roof Survey?

Infrared Moisture Surveys provide an economical way to identify specific areas of wet insulation and moisture present in the existing roof system.

When there is a leak in the waterproof membrane, water can enter the roof system and saturate the insulation and underlying layers. Wet areas on the roof take longer to cool down with the outside air compared to the dry areas. This means that the wet areas hold heat longer at the end of the day.

A commercial roofing contractor, or roof inspector, will use an infrared camera to take images or videos of the roof surface. Those images help identify what areas of the insulation are saturated without having to tear off the top layer of roof.

How Infrared Surveys Are Performed

Before work is done on a commercial roof, the contractor will visit your facility for a roof survey, and they will schedule an infrared moisture survey. The roof survey will visually inspect the system including the top membrane, flashings, metal edges, wall copings, gutters and any problem areas you have. The infrared survey will be scheduled for an upcoming evening for the team to come back, usually around dusk.

There needs to be precise conditions for an infrared moisture survey to be successful:

Flat or low-sloped roof
Clean and dry roof surface
Mostly sunny and warm during the day
Little to no wind
Clear night

During the day, energy from the sun heats up the roof membrane and the insulation underneath. As day turns into evening, the sun sets, and the roof system cools off, the saturated areas of insulation will hold the heat longer than the dry areas.

The contractor will take images of the roof surface using an infrared camera and use those images to identify problem areas on the roof that are unseen from the surface. If you have saturated insulation, your contractor will most likely recommend that they remove any saturated material and replace with new, dry insulation.

Reading a Thermal Image

When an infrared survey is completed, your contractor or inspector will have a series of thermal images to review. It takes a trained professional to use thermal images to diagnose you roof problem and how to fix it.

When looking at a thermal image, the warm spots indicate where saturated areas are holding heat compared to the rest of the roof. These areas are shown in a rainbow spectrum or grayscale spectrum.

On a rainbow spectrum, white is considered to be hottest, then red; yellow tends to be the ambient temperature of the roof surface. Once blue is shown the roof has cooled beyond reading, or the surface has no sign of moisture beneath.

The video below shows how an infrared scanner shows heat vs cool areas.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OEnTnXfywk&list=PLoGlGMhoF2SqS66ymqjFn1K3a1KrKqymX&index=1[/embed]

On a grayscale spectrum, the ambient temperature is shown as black, as you get closer to heat the black will fade into gray and white indicates the hot spots. A core or slit of the roof system should be taken to confirm or when the possibility of skewed results arises.

Infrared Roof Surveys

Different types of materials hold water in various patterns:

Polyiso Boards will have more saturated edges
Asphalt Roofs will have more circular saturated areas
Poorly sealed membrane roofing will show saturated along the seams

Advantages of Infrared Surveys

The benefits of utilizing thermal imaging, rather than another survey type, are numerous regarding cost, time and accuracy.

Detects problems that cannot be visually identified
Not invasive to your roof system
Cost-Effective do to advanced technology and short survey time
Plan a project accurately, saving time and money
Eliminate unnecessary projects

West Roofing Systems provides free commercial roof surveys for all of our current and potential customers who are interested in having work done on their facility.

Our sales team and expert technicians perform a comprehensive roof analysis by inspecting conditions, establishing roof assembly through core samples to determine if the project will be on overlay or tear-off, and measuring roof area square footage.

Originally Published Here: Infrared Roof Surveys: How They Are Performed and Why They Are Important

Monday, October 30, 2017

4 Problems and Solutions for Vegetative Roofing

With the boom of being eco-friendly, bee-friendly and using sustainable practices in everyday life. The use of vegetative roofing is something that more industrial, commercial, manufacturing and even residential property owners are exploring.

Depending on the structure of the building, you can install grass, bushes, flowers, trees or even fruits and vegetable plants! If the roof is accessible, pavers can be added as walkways and tables to expand the usable space for tenants.

But is it all flowers and sunshine?

At West Roofing Systems, we want to make sure that our future clients have the best information available. For this reason, we created an article that explores the potential problems you can have with a vegetative roofing system to give you all the information you need in choosing which roof is the best fit for your facility.

The Basics: What is Vegetative Roofing

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300"] Henry Vegetative Roof Assembly[/caption]

Vegetative or “Green” Roofing is when plants are installed over the weatherproofing layer on a commercial roof. This could be in conjunction with pathways and areas for people, or it could just be an environmental/sustainable push from a company.

If a facility can have a vegetative roof installed, it means that the substrate is durable and probably made of concrete. If not, the substrate needs to be reinforced to handle the weight and traffic of the green roof.

A Green Roof installation starts with a waterproof membrane. After the substrate is reinforced and the waterproofing membrane is installed, there are two options for how your vegetation is installed.

Tray Systems - The plants, or other vegetation, are planted in lightweight trays that are brought up to the roof. These tray systems can be interconnecting and specialized edges and can be concealed to create a seamless look.

Layered Systems - The second option to install vegetation on a facility roof is with a layered system; layered systems are installed directly onto the roof surface.

Problems with Green Commercial Roofing

Roof Maintenance

GREEN ROOFING FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

When you have a layer of vegetation, what happens when maintenance needs to be performed on the membrane underneath? Access to the substrate, insulation or waterproof membrane can be a big problem when you need to move heavy trays of vegetation or dig through layers of plants and soil.

Solution: There is no evidence that a properly installed and maintained vegetative roof will cause damage to the underlying roof system. The first insulation and membrane installation should be performed by an appropriately licensed contractor and installed correctly. The vegetative roof design plan should include the considerations of the removal of the vegetation to maintain the system underneath.

You can further protect your roof with regular maintenance including:

Clean and unclogged drains
Functioning irrigation systems
Replacing any rust or damaged pieces of the roof system quickly

Unwanted Wildlife and Insects

If you have cared for a garden, you know that you get more than flowers, you get all of those that live on and with the vegetation. Since the vegetation is not growing in the ground, and usually on a high roof, burrowing and larger animals will probably not be a problem. But bugs and birds could be drawn to your gardens or public areas.

Solution: By keeping any public areas clear of trash and leftover food, you can avoid birds gathering on your green roof. As for bugs, it would be best to hire or assign someone with the responsibility to keep your roof clear of nests and to perform regular maintenance with your vegetation.

Added Weight

GREEN ROOFING FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

In addition to the traditional weight of a waterproof roof system, you can add 10 – 50 pounds per square foot when you add in the soil, retained water, vegetation, walking paths and even people. This added weight could stress the structure of your building and create underlying damage to your facility.

Solution: Work with your architect or a building inspector to ensure that you are making the right choices for your vegetative roof. Luckily, you have many options when it comes to the types of traffic, vegetation, and installation. You can make smart decisions such as choosing heavy vegetation over internal support structures and lightweight vegetation in other areas.

Upkeep

Every commercial roof should be maintained regularly, but not every roof needs to be watered. When you have living vegetation on your roof, you have year-round care depending on your climate. From watering to pulling weeds, there is more work to maintain a vegetative roof.

Solution: If you have a healthy budget for your vegetative roof system, you can consider hiring a contractor the specializes in vegetative roof installation and care. Having one contact for your entire roof system is easy as a property owner/manager. For the more budget conscious projects, choosing a simple system that has easy upkeep that an in-house employee can manage, could save you money in the long run.

Why Green Commercial Roofing?

There are many reasons that building owner would choose to install vegetative roofing on their facility. Whether you are renting out space in your building or you own your building, installing a vegetative roof could bring in more money through higher prices or increased productivity.

Expand Usable Space
Upgrade Facility Aesthetics
Employee Wellness/Satisfaction
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable

Alternatives to Green Roofing

Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing

SPF Installation

Spray Polyurethane Foam, more commonly referred to as SPF, is a liquid that is sprayed on the existing roof and expands into a foam, creating a solid layer across an existing roof.

While SPF roofing is not the most known type of roofing material, the technology has been around since the early 1960s for industrial, commercial, and residential facilities.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be chemically adhered to insulation or ballasted creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility.

There are two main types of single-ply membrane commercial roofing: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM). They differ in their chemical makeup, how they are installed and the energy efficiency.

Vegetative roofing is not a typical roof type for commercial, industrial and manufacturing facilities. If your facility can host vegetation, it is an excellent option for tenant/employee morale, while giving back to the environment.

West Roofing Systems, Inc. installs sustainable and efficient roofing systems for commercial, industrial, manufacturing and municipal buildings. In over 37 years, we have installed over 56,000,000 square feet of commercial Spray polyurethane foam (SPF), single ply membrane and other popular roofing systems.

Is your roof not suitable for green roofing? Read about the most common commercial roofing to start your project.

Source Here: 4 Problems and Solutions for Vegetative Roofing

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Why Is My Commercial Roof Leaking? 5 Common Causes of Commercial Roof Leaks

No one wants to see water leaking through their roof. Even with regular roof maintenance, harsh weather can roll through, and you can find a puddle on your floor.

Over the past 38 years, our team of roofing experts has seen this happen more than we can count. But if you are prepared and maintain the leak, you can prevent further damage to your facility and the property inside.

Signs of a Leaking Commercial Roof

Stained Ceiling/Walls - Whether you have ceiling tiles or other types of ceiling systems in your facility, extended exposure to water will create a discolored area of your ceiling.

[caption id="attachment_23923" align="alignright" width="300"] Roof Leak in Office Building[/caption]

Odor/ Mold - A foul smell in your facility could be a red flag for hidden mold. Mold grows in moist environments, so if water is continuously entering your building, there is a high chance that mold could grow and spread.

Water Dripping/Puddles Inside - The most sure fire sign of a commercial roof leak is when you can visibly see water entering your building, whether it is a puddle on the floor or dripping above your head.

Common Causes for Commercial Roof Leaks

Poor or No Drainage

When commercial roofs are installed, the contractor should take into account where the water will drain. There are multiple points of vulnerability when draining your commercial roof: drains, gutters, downspouts, and scuppers. These need to be regularly cleaned to ensure they are clear and moving water off of the roof.

When water is not draining from your roof properly, you can have standing, or ponding, water on your roof. In addition to sitting water risking a leak through the membrane, the water can add a lot of extra weight on your building structure.

Open Penetrations

Roof penetrations are found on many flat commercial roofs. Roof penetrations are HVAC units, vents, drains, pipes, gas lines and other systems that come through the roof membrane. While these are vulnerable areas for leaks, they can be properly sealed during a roof installation or spray coating.

Damaged Roof Flashings

A roof flashing is the pieces of metal that are installed around conjoining areas on the roof. Roof flashings are installed in areas such as chimneys, skylights, roof edges and interior walls. When a flashing is not installed correctly or, or when a metal flashing is aged, it can be damaged by wind or temperature changes, allowing water into the roof system.

[caption id="attachment_24545" align="alignright" width="268"] Commercial Roof Repairs[/caption]

Damaged Membrane

The membrane of a commercial roof is the waterproof layer. When there is damage to the membrane from the weather, foot traffic, mechanical damage or any other numerous situations, it can allow water to leak through the waterproof membrane and saturate the underlying insulation.

Sometimes there can be a quick patch to repair the area, other times you need to replace the insulation and large pieces of membrane.

Aged Roof

Most commercial roofing systems last between 15 and 20 years; this lifespan can vary depending on the type of roof you install on your facility. While enrolling into a roof maintenance plan can extend the lifespan of your roof, after a certain number of years, it’s time to replace your roof system.

Commercial facility building codes allow up to 2 roof systems to be installed on your building, after that, you will need to tear them off before installing another system.

What to Do When Your Commercial Roof Leaks

Whether you walk into a puddle in your facility or feel water dripping on your forehead, it’s always a stir of emotion when you are faced with a potentially costly roof project.

Don’t Panic!

That’s why we put together this action plan for when you find a leak in your commercial, industrial or manufacturing facility.

Minimize Interior Damage - When you see water flowing into your building, clear the area of people, equipment, and supplies to reduce damage.

Mark the Point of Entry - Make sure you mark where your leak is located. Marking the visible leaks is important for when you talk to your contractors and insurance agents.

Look for More Problem Areas - Hopefully, your leak is only limited to one area, but chances are there are other leaks in your building. Look around your facility for more problem areas.

Call a Commercial Roofing Contractor - After you maintain the situation…you have to get that leak fixed! Reach out to area contractors to have them assess your roof and provide a project quote.

Free Download: Roofing Contractor Quote Checklist

Call Your Insurance Agent - If your facility has received internal or roof damage, make sure you let your insurance agent know.

Review Your Warranty - Look back in your files to review your current roofing system’s warranty. Your roof may be under warranty from the contractor or manufacturer, and it may be covered depending on what the damage is from.

If you are looking for maintenance, repair or replacement for your facilities roof, fill out our quote request form for your free no-obligation commercial roof quote from our team of experts.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Rigid-Foam Insulation for Commercial Roofing: Polyiso vs XPS vs EPS

Since typical membrane roofing does not include the insulation factor, as a customer you have more options to choose from to insulate your facility’s roof. There are a few types of insulation options the facility manager/owner can choose from:

Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso)
Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

Here at West Roofing Systems, we’ve been installing Membrane Roofing for over 38 years. And in that time, we are asked a lot of questions about not only roofing membranes, but types insulation as well. Because it is not only important to keep water and weather out but to keep your warm and cool air in.

What is a Roofing Membrane?

[caption id="attachment_25030" align="alignright" width="300"] Single Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing[/caption]

A roofing membrane is the top waterproof layer of roofing. The insulation underneath the membrane insulates the building while the membrane is the layer to keep water and other weather out.

Roofing membranes can be made out of a variety of materials:

Synthetic Rubber
Thermoplastic Membrane
Modified Bitumen

Rigid Foam Insulation Installation

Prepare Roof Deck

The bottom layer of a single-ply membrane roofing system is the roof deck or substrate. The roof deck can be plywood, metal, concrete or wood planks. The first step with roof installation is to prepare the roof deck by getting rid of all dirt, dust, and contaminants. This can be done with air pressure, vacuuming, or even just sweeping.

Cut to Size

After the roof deck is prepared, the rigid foam boards need to be cut to size to fit snugly together on your roof. Rigid foam is produced in various size panels (4 ft x 8 ft, 4ft x 4ft, etc.). The panels need to fit together tightly to help prevent warm air from leaving the top of the building.

Attach to Deck Board

[caption id="attachment_25118" align="alignright" width="300"] Rigid Foam Installation[/caption]

After the roof deck is ready, the rigid foam insulation is installed. Depending on the type of insulation you choose and the desired R-Value you want for your facility, you may need to build up a few layers of insulation. The R-Value is a measurement of the heat loss and heat gain. The higher the R-Value means there is a higher ability to retain heat or keep heat out of a facility.

Building Energy Codes Program

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) suggests at least two layers that are installed with staggered seams. The layers are screwed down or adhered to the underlying roof deck and the seams on the top layer of insulation board are taped to add protection against water.

Types of Roofing Membrane Insulation

Polyisocyanurate

As the most used insulation type for roofing applications, Polyiso is a closed-cell foam that is created by heating chemicals and synthetic materials into a composite material that cools into rigid-foam panels. Closed-cell foam indicates that all the cells are enclosed, not connecting with other cells or combined with air.

The average cost of polyiso insulation is $0.70/sq ft. for a 1” thick panel. The R-Value starts at R-8 when installed, degrades down to R-5.5 over time.

[caption id="attachment_25122" align="alignright" width="300"] Rigid Foam Installation[/caption]

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

Usually defined by the blue, green or pink color, XPS falls in-between Polyiso and EPS in the range of price and performance. Extruded polystyrene consists of a blended polystyrene polymer heated and ran through an extrusion process. (Facilitiesnet.com)

XPS is semipermeable with a perm rating of 1. The average cost of extruded polystyrene insulation is $0.42/sq ft. for a 1 in thick panel. The average R-Value is R-5.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

With the highest R-value per dollar, EPS is used for roof, wall and floor insulation. EPS can be used with for ground contact and does not retain water over time.

Expanded polystyrene consists of the polystyrene polymer impregnated with a foaming agent. The material expands when exposed to heat and is molded into a uniform, closed-cell insulating material. (Facilitiesnet.com) Commonly known as beadboard, EPS is also used to manufacture products like coffee cups.

Insulfoam: EPS Environmental Advantages

The average cost of expanded polystyrene insulation is $0.26 /sq ft. for a 1 in thick panel. The average R-Value is R- 3.6 to 4.2, depending on panel density.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Systems have been the go-to roofing for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities for decades. Contact West Roofing to talk now or subscribe to learn more about commercial roofing systems.

Post Source Here: Rigid-Foam Insulation for Commercial Roofing: Polyiso vs XPS vs EPS

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Green Vegetative Roofing: Installation and Performance

Have you ever walked down a street, looked up and seen a tree on top of a 15-story office building? Your eyes are not deceiving you, that building has Vegetative (or Green) Roofing.

Why Choose Vegetative Roofing?

Expand Usable Space – By adding more places for people to hang out, eat lunch or hold meetings, you are capitalizing on a square footage that your building offers.

Upgrade Facility Aesthetics – Having a well-maintained space upgrades the perceived value of your facility. A rooftop patio or garden can be an offering that tenants are willing to pay for.

Employee Wellness/Satisfaction – The more dedicated relaxation areas you can provide to your employees, the higher employee morale will be.

Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable – Not only can vegetative green roofs save energy costs associated with heating and cooling the facility, therefore reducing your building’s carbon footprint

Vegetative Roofing Installation

If a facility is able to have a vegetative roof installed, it means that the substrate is strong and probably made of concrete. If not, the substrate needs to be reinforced to handle the weight and traffic of the green roof.

A Green Roof installation starts with a waterproof membrane. This membrane can be one of a few choices:

Rubberized Asphalt
Modified Bitumen
Spray Polyurethane
Single-Ply Membrane
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

After the substrate is reinforced and the waterproofing membrane is installed, there are two options for how your vegetation is installed.

Tray Systems

A tray system is a rather easy way to bring vegetation to your facility roof. The plants, or other vegetation, are planted in lightweight trays that are brought up to the roof. These tray systems can be interconnecting and specialized edges, along with growing plants, can conceal the trays to create a seamless look.

Advantages of tray systems:

Maximum stormwater management with trays designed to capture waterfall
Easy installation
Plants can be grown before installation

Layered Systems

The second option to install vegetation on a facility roof is with a layered system; layered systems are installed directly onto the roof surface. There are two types of layered vegetative systems: Extensive Systems are more modular, and Intensive Systems are deeper.

When the vegetation is not limited to trays, more layers need to be installed to protect the facility from water damage:

Water Retention Layer – Properly holds water for the plants and other vegetation, it’s important that the water is available for the plants but doesn’t sit on the facility structure where it can cause water damage.

Drainage Layer – Helps the water drain properly and prevent water from sitting on the roof and causing damage.

Advantages of tray systems:

Lighter option when including trays
More choices with installation shape

Vegetative Roof Assembly: Interactive Diagram from Henry

Disadvantages of Vegetative Roofing

Commercial roof design to grow vegetation can be a lot of stress on the facility and added work to staff. Not all facilities are equipped to handle the disadvantages of vegetative roofing:

Roof Maintenance – When you have a layer of vegetation, what happens when maintenance needs to be performed on the membrane underneath? Access to the substrate, insulation or waterproof membrane can be a big problem when you need to move heavy trays of vegetation or dig through layers of plants and soil.

Unwanted Wildlife and Insects – If you have cared for a garden, you know that you get more than flowers, you get all of those that live on and with the vegetation. Although some may not see this a disadvantage.

Added Weight – In addition to the traditional weight of a waterproof roof system, you can add 10 – 50 pounds per square foot when you add in the soil, retained water, vegetation, walking paths and even people.

Upkeep – Every commercial roof should be maintained regularly, but not every roof needs to be watered. When you have living vegetation on your roof, you have year-round care depending on your climate. From watering to pulling weeds, there is more work to maintain a vegetative roof. Read More: Cautionary Tale on Installing Vegetative Roofs

Vegetative roofing is not a common roof type for commercial, industrial and manufacturing facilities. If your facility is able to host vegetation, it is a great option for tenant/employee morale, while giving back to the environment.

Is your roof not suitable for green roofing? Read about the most common commercial roofing to start your project.

Post Source Here: Green Vegetative Roofing: Installation and Performance

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Commercial Roofing Installation and Costs: SPF vs Single-Ply vs Metal Roofing

When we meet with future clients, they are usually comparing several types of roofing systems. We are always asked: Which is better? Which is more reasonably priced?

At West Roofing Systems, we want to make sure that our future clients have the best information available. For this reason, we created an article that explores the differences between Spray Polyurethane Foam, Single-Ply Membrane and Metal Roofing systems to give you all the information you need in choosing which roof for your commercial facility.

The Basics

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing

Spray Polyurethane Foam, more commonly referred to as SPF, is a material that is sprayed and expands into a foam, creating a solid layer across an existing roof.

While SPF roofing is not the most known type of roofing material, the technology has been around since the early 1960s for industrial, commercial, and residential facilities.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be chemically adhered to insulation or ballasted creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility.

Metal Roofing

Metal Roofing is one of the oldest commercial roofing systems on the market.

Most metal roofing systems use corrugated galvanized steel, although other materials such as aluminum or tin can also be used. After a metal roofing system is installed, a coating can be added for waterproofing, rust protection, and UV protection.

Installation Process

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing

When the SPF layer has been completed, it is then coated with a layer(s) of elastomeric silicone or acrylic coating with embedded granules.

Download: The Essential Guide to Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

The beginning of the installation process is similar between TPO and EPDM single-ply membrane roofing systems.

After the existing substrate is prepared, either by cleaning or removing the existing roof, the insulation is installed. There are a few types of insulation options the facility manager/owner can choose from Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

After the existing substrate is prepared, either by cleaning or removing the existing roof, the insulation layers are installed and covered by a cover board.

There are three ways to attach the membrane to the cover board: ballasted, with an adhesive or mechanically fastened.

The significant difference between TPO and EPDM comes when it is time to adhere the membrane seams together. TPO uses a hot-air gun to melt down the membrane at the seams and fuse them together. EPDM is joined together with a seam tape.

Download: The Essential Guide to Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Metal Roofing

Since metal roofing material is rather light in weight, it can be installed right on top of the existing roof. A contractor will install a frame, or substrate, with trusses and purlins for the metal roof to be fastened to. WRS Employee Rappeling for Sloaped Roof Installation

After the existing roof is prepared, your contractor will install a layer of insulation. There are a few types of insulation options available:

Roofing Felt
Fiberglass
Rigid Board
Bubble Insulation
Spray Foam

After the insulation is installed, metal panels are cut and attached to the frame with screws. These panels are installed with overlapping edges to cover all the exposed insulation underneath. Flashings are mounted on the joints of the roof.

Cost

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing

For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $4.00 and $7.00 per square foot in materials and labor to install a typical SPF roofing system. This price range is for an SPF roof of average thickness and building structure.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot for EPDM and $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot for TPO, including materials and labor warranty.

Metal Roofing

For an average commercial roof, it will usually cost between $5.00 and $10.00 per square foot in materials and labor to install a typical metal roofing system. This price range can change depending on the type and style of the metal panels you choose.

As you can see, SPF, single-ply membrane and metal roofing are all popular and comparable for commercial roofing. They each have their advantages along with disadvantages, depending on your facility, location and climate you and your roofing expert can choose the right roof system.

If you are looking for maintenance, repair or replacement for your facilities roof, fill out our quote form for your free no-obligation commercial roof quote from our team of experts.

Article Here: Commercial Roofing Installation and Costs: SPF vs Single-Ply vs Metal Roofing