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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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