Flat Roof Coating: How You Can Save Money

 

At West Roofing Systems, we’ve been restoring commercial roof systems to working order while saving facility owners and managers thousands of dollars in repairs and roof replacements.

If your commercial flat roof is in fair working condition, you can install a silicone restoration membrane to extend the life of your roof and renew your warranty.

 

What Are Roof Coatings?

A Silicone Restoration Membrane is a versatile and self-flashing silicone membrane material perfect for economic roof renewal. After the existing roof is clean and repaired, the silicone coating is sprayed on, sealing any imperfections and adding a waterproof layer on your commercial roof.

The process of installing a silicone restoration membrane is relatively straightforward:

1.  An infrared inspection is performed to see if there are any wet areas of insulation under the membrane.
2.  After any saturated areas have been removed and replaced, the entire roof surface is power washed clean to remove any contaminants.
3.  The seams of the membrane are then reinforced with a self-adhesive tape or mesh and coating.
4.  The silicone coating membrane is sprayed on or roller applied over the entire surface of the roof creating a seamless membrane.
5.  After the silicone coating membrane has been completed, a final inspection will be performed by a third-party or the manufacturer’s representative to verify that all the necessary repairs were performed correctly and that the silicone is applied accurately. When the repairs and silicone membrane coating are approved, the warranty is issued.

 

Read More: Cost of Silicone Restoration Membrane for a Commercial Roof

 

Types of Roof Coatings

 

Silicone

[caption id="attachment_26914" align="alignright" width="300"] A silicone restoration membrane in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.[/caption]

Silicone roof coating is elastomeric and made of silicone polymers. It’s known for the great weatherability and UV resistance to protect the roof system underneath. The reflective properties of the bright white silicone contribute to the ‘Cool Roof’ name and provide energy savings for the facility.

The silicone material is preferred for areas with drastic seasonal changes because the elasticity allows normal expansion and contraction with the building structure.

Read More: Silicone Restoration Membrane: Installation and Performance 

 

Acrylic

Acrylic roof coating is a water-based coating made with acrylic resin. If you are looking for a custom color roof coating, acrylic gives you that ability. The elastomeric qualities expand and contract with the roof while forming a seamless seal.

Since the coating is water-based, it has a narrow temperature window for the application (50º F or higher) and slow cure time (7 days) can make it difficult to schedule your project.

See More: Silicone Vs. Acrylic Commercial Roof Coatings [Infographic]

 

Urethane

Urethane roof coating is a solvent-based coating that is becoming more popular on the roofing market. There are two types of urethane roof coatings: aromatic and aliphatic. These coatings have an excellent tensile strength to protect high-stress areas (walkways, penetrations, flashings, etc.)

 

Butyl

Butyl roof coating is solvent-based and serves as an excellent vapor barrier. The superior elongation and high tensile strength make it very durable without cracking. The high volatile organic content is not environmentally friendly and means that it can’t be used in low VOC states.

 

 

How Roof Coatings Save You Money

Many facility owners choose to restore their commercial roofs rather than replace them when the warranty comes to expire. This is a smart choice that can save them money, create energy savings and renew their warranty coverage.

One of the top benefits of a Silicone Restoration Membrane is the cost savings. As long as the existing roof substrate is dry and stable, no roof removal is required. In this case, we make preventative repairs to the existing system and install a brand-new silicone coating that acts as a waterproof roof system over the current substrate.

Whether your roof is flat or pitched, an SRM can handle any type of roof, including those with skylights, vents, HVAC units, and drainage systems. Our experienced project managers and applicators bring decades of roofing experience to each job. West Roofing Systems knows when to repair or replace a roof, giving you options that ensure the best solution at the best price.

 

The best way to find out if your facility is eligible for a roof coating is to schedule for a contractor to evaluate your existing roof system. They will be able to recommend the best solution for your facility needs.

Silicone Restoration Membranes are an eco-friendly, cost-effective, alternative to replace your commercial roofing facility. Contact West Roofing Systems today to talk to our expert staff about your future SRM system.

Original Post Here: Flat Roof Coating: How You Can Save Money

Spray Foam Roofing and Solar Panels: The Ultimate Match

 

Solar roofing is a trend that is growing from Fortune 500 companies to SMBs all over the US. With the cost-savings, inflation protection and contributions to saving the environment, it may be one of the best facility decisions you make.

But if you install those solar panels on a roof system that is not equipped to handle them, you can be causing more trouble than you are saving. In this article, we will cover solar panels, spray foam roofing and how they are a match made for your facility.

 

What is Spray Foam Roofing?

Spray Polyurethane Foam, more commonly referred to as SPF, is a liquid 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.

Read More: Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing: Installation & Performance

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. ^*

 

 

What are Solar Panels?

Solar panel roof systems, aka photovoltaic systems, are growing popularity for residential and commercial buildings. With a push for more sustainable power along with the affordability of solar panels, it is a no-brainer for some building owners who have roof space to spare.

See More: Solar Benefits for Business

In case you don’t know, solar panels are installed on the outside of your building and convert light from the sun into energy for your building to run on. The solar roof system on a roof is made up of solar cells bundled together to make a panel, that panel is then combined with other panels to make a grid.

Rooftop solar systems can vary significantly in size. Large-footprint buildings can employ solar systems rated from 50 kilowatts to 1,000 kW or larger while residential rooftop solar systems are commonly 3 kW to 5 kW. (Roofing Magazine)

 

How to Utilize Spray Foam When Installing Solar Panels

In addition to the actual panels, it takes a good amount of mechanical equipment to install these solar panel systems:

• Racks
• Rails
• Rooftop Attachment Devices
• Grounding Systems
• Wiring
• Wiring Harnesses
• Combiner Boxes
• Inverters
• Connection to Electrical Panel

 

All of these components can make your typical flat roof a very intricate balance between electronics, waterproofing, and insulation. Luckily, spray foam is a great roofing option to use in conjunction with your solar panel system.

 

Weight Control on Roof Structure

As you can imagine, all of those panels and electrical components can add a significant amount of weight to the top of your building structure, on average between 2-4 pounds per square foot.

With that kind of weight being installed, you want to take extra care with the weight of your roof system. A spray foam roof system will add less than a pound per square foot to your roof. Compared to a gravel roof that adds 5 – 10 pounds per square foot, a spray foam system is way easier on your building structure.

 

Accessing Equipment Safely

With any system that involves electricity, you will want the ability to quickly turn off or “shutdown” the system to perform maintenance or repairs safely. With spray foam roofing, you can access the essential components to your solar panel system without having to move gravel or other roofing components.

 

Waterproofing Installation Points

 

The racks holding the solar panels are mechanically fastened to your roof, you don’t want those expensive pieces of equipment falling off! Those points of installation are a massive vulnerability for leaks and heat/cool air loss.

With membrane systems, your contractor will have to create cuts in the membrane to work around the legs of the solar panel racks, similar to the vent you see in this image. With spray foam, you can have a contractor encase the entire installation point to form a seamless membrane going up the rack leg to stop leaks and keep your air inside the building.

 

Double Down on Going Green

If you are spending the money to install solar panels on your roof system, chances are you are trying to save money or the environment….or both! With spray foam roofing, you can double down on your investment.

Spray foam roofing will provide a higher insulation factor which will decrease your heating and cooling costs. You will also be using a sustainable roof system that will reduce your contribution to landfills.

 

Other Unique Uses of Spray Foam

 

Commercial Ductwork Insulation

Ductwork is one of the most important systems in your commercial building. According to Energy Star, 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through a duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts.

Improperly sealed ducts could contribute to energy loss for your facility and ultimately a monetary loss for your bottom line. A properly insulated ductwork system can protect your facility from variable temperatures, water damage, and mold.

 

Roof System Tie-Ins

Not all roofs are created equal. If you have multiple levels of roof systems or you have various types of roof systems, this can be a problem for potential leaks.

Spray foam can be utilized in an area where two different roof types meet. This area tends to collect substantial amounts of draining water as well as snow drifting. By installing the spray applied product, you create a seamless protective layer that prevents any water from backing up under the roof or flashings.

 

Non-Conventional Building Shapes

We have seen some unique buildings in our days, not every building is straightforward. The remarkable thing about spray foam is that your contractor creates a roof system as they apply the liquid onto your building. This means that they can cover non-conventional, even awkward shapes.

Traditional commercial roofing comes in prefabricated shapes – whether it’s a roll of the membrane or a sheet of metal. This means that the contractor has to work around your building shape, costing you time and money. The number of roof seams also increases when you introduce more pieces of roofing material.

 

Investing in a solar roof system is a big business decision when you are ready to invest, contact us to make sure your roof is prepared! If you have any further questions about your commercial roofing system, email us anytime at info@westroofingsystems.com or by filling out our form online to find out more.

*Cost ranges are general estimates; each roofing system is unique, and costs can vary. Please seek a professional quote for more specific and reliable costs.

 

Original Post Here: Spray Foam Roofing and Solar Panels: The Ultimate Match

Commercial Gutters: Why Are They Important and How To Maintain Them

 

Gutter maintenance is not just for homes; proper gutter maintenance is vital to protect commercial facilities as well.

With 40 years of commercial roofing experience and a dedicated service team to visit and maintain our customers’ commercial roofs, West Roofing Systems knows the importance of proper preventative maintenance, and we want to share with you how to extend the life of your gutter systems for years.

 

What Are Building Gutters?

Commercial building gutters are roof accessories that can be attached around the perimeter or throughout the commercial roof to control the water flow to prevent damage to the roof, building, and underlying property. The control of water leaving the building prevents the water from falling off the sides of your building, protecting your property and tenants walking around.

There are a wide variety of gutters that are made for commercial and residential buildings. For a commercial building, typical building gutters are made of galvanized steel or heavy aluminum.

 

Why Is It Important to Maintain Building Gutters?

Gutters are an extremely important part of the roof systems; unfortunately, they are very often overlooked…until it’s too late. When commercial roof gutters are not adequately maintained, the water flow on the building can be disrupted. This disruption can cause major damage to your building, inside and out. From the foundation to walkways, improperly drained water can cost your hundred or thousands of dollars in damage.

 

 

How To Maintain Your Building Gutters

 

Keep them Clean and Clear

Cleaning your gutters is not something that just homeowners have to deal with. Commercial buildings have gutters and drains that can get clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. When gutters and drains are clogged, water builds up and can sit on the roof, causing problems.

Keep your gutters clean and clear by going up regularly or hiring a contractor to visit your roof regularly to clean the gutters and drains on your building. You can even work to prevent debris from getting into your gutters by keeping trees and vegetation trimmed away from your building.

 

Maintain Gutter Joints

The joints of a gutter are the points where two pieces meet. These are vulnerable areas that can rust, break or disconnect. It’s important to regularly examine these areas of gutters and downspouts to ensure the gutter is carrying the water properly.

If you do have leaks at your gutter joints, these issues can be sealed with a waterproof gutter sealant.

 

Watch the Gutter Angle

Gutters drains, and downspouts use gravity to take water from the top of your roof to the ground safely. If your gutter systems don’t have the correct downward angle, they can collect water without sending it to the proper destination. This can cause major issues with your gutters and can even overflow onto your roof.

If you see water sitting in your gutters after rain, then you need to evaluate the pitch of your system.

 

Inspect for Holes

Holes and punctures to your gutter system can come from debris, weather or mechanical damage. These areas are prone to rust and can spread, allowing water to fall out of your gutter system in the damaged area.

Regularly inspect for damage, and especially check after severe weather. Most damage can be sealed with a patching kit, but if left for too long, you may have to replace that area of the gutter.

 

 

How A Maintenance Plan Can Help

Roof maintenance refers to the work done on a commercial or residential roof to prevent extensive damage from occurring in the future. It takes a proactive approach to keep your roof from leaking. Preventative maintenance allows contractors to detect and fix areas of the roof that are vulnerable to future leaks.

With a maintenance plan, you can work with a contractor that you trust to regularly visit your facility to examine your roof system, including your gutters, and perform all the preventative maintenance that you need.

 

 

When To Schedule Your Roof Maintenance

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends maintenance and repair be performed at least twice a year; this usually falls in the Spring and Autumn seasons. These scheduled maintenance inspections are to prepare your facility roof for extreme weather of the Summer and Winter.

In addition to scheduled maintenance, it’s more important to have your roof maintenance team to your facility before and after severe weather (such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail or winter storms) to make sure any damage from the weather is minimized. Keep in mind that you want a contractor that has an emergency line in the event of water entering your building or any other drastic roof damage.

 

 

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

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.

Post Source Here: Commercial Gutters: Why Are They Important and How To Maintain Them

West Roofing Systems, Inc. Takes Home Two Industry Awards During Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance Convention

 

LaGrange, Ohio (February 8, 2019) – West Roofing Systems, Inc., Cleveland’s choice for high-quality, sustainable, SPF (spray polyurethane foam) roofing solutions, is the recent proud recipient of two 2019 Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance National Industry Excellence Awards. The awards were accepted this week at the 2019 Spray Foam Convention & Expo in Daytona, Florida.

At the annual industry awards gala, West Roofing Systems competed against a roster of industry-related projects across the country. A national panel of industry experts judged nominations on parameters including value for money, the speed of delivery, environmental sustainability, innovation, best practices, problem-solving and risk mitigation.

West Roofing Systems achieved first place recognition for its outstanding work with John Muir Elementary School in Parma, Ohio in the category of Foam Roof Under 40,000 square feet.

“The newly installed roof system at John Muir Elementary School is renewable, providing the district with a roofing solution that will likely exceed the useful life of the structure. And will have a significant impact on the fuel consumed to heat the building by adding insulation that is monolithic.” Jack L. Moore Jr., CEO

Also, the company took home second place for their work with MK Asset Management on two locations across the country from each other in the category of Elastomeric Coatings.

“It’s always a great opportunity to develop a partnership with a company like MK Asset Management when we can work with them to combine projects across the country and leverage the best cost-savings for everyone.” Brian Chavalia, President

West Roofing Systems, boasting extensive experience working on industrial, retail, municipal, religious, school and hospital buildings, has consistently exceeded the expectations of its clients when installing new roof systems or maintaining and repairing existing structures.

Meeting professional standards set by the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance, the company remains committed to improving its staff and product through continual education and accreditation. As a national award-winner, West Roofing Systems, Inc. is poised to apply their expertise to a plethora of future local commercial installation projects.

 

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More About West Roofing Systems, Inc.

West Roofing Systems, Inc. was established in 1979 and now has locations in Ohio, Georgia, and Alabama. Holding over 24 industry awards and having installed over 59 million square feet of commercial, industrial and municipal roofing, West Roofing Systems, Inc. is the only roofing contractor you'll ever need. For more information visit westroofingsystems.com.

Originally Published Here: West Roofing Systems, Inc. Takes Home Two Industry Awards During Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance Convention