Here Comes the Sun: UV Light, Thickness, and Your Roof’s Lifespan
The lifespan of a building’s roof is determined largely by two factors—its thickness and its exposure to sunlight. Size Matters Single-ply roofs are mainly offered in three levels of thickness: 45 mils, 60 mils, and 80-90 mils. As a general rule, the thicker the roof, the longer it will last. This is true regardless of…
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What’s Covered and What Isn’t: Know Your Warranties
Warranties are similar to insurance policies, and, like all insurance policies, it’s a complicated topic with a ton of fine print. There are three different parties that issue warranties in most commercial roofing situations: The general contractor The roofer The roofing manufacturer A Typical Set of Warranties Let’s look at a theoretical example of a…
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Different Materials for Different Roofs: Know Your Options
When it’s time to upgrade your roof, there are three primary options: TPO, PVC and EPDM. No, that’s not the third line down in that test that they give you at the eye doctor’s office. The Evolution of Roofing Knowing the difference between those jumbles of letters is crucial to making sure the roof you…
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Red Flags That You Have Hired the Wrong Roofer
There’s a lot of responsibility involved in putting a roof over someone’s head. Roofs provide us shelter, safety and warmth; so we shouldn’t trust just anyone to provide and install this complex component of a construction project. A good roofing contractor provides not only skilled craftsmanship, but honest, open communication, plus a commitment to get…
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Assess, Report and Decide: Get to Know Your New Building’s Roof
If you’re considering buying a new building, the very first item on your list should be to get an assessment of the roof’s condition. This analysis can prevent surprises down the line and—if the roof needs work—it can have a dramatic effect on the price you wind up paying for the building.
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Want To Make A 10-Year Roof Last 25? Here’s How!
Owners of large buildings with flat roofs know that they don’t have the same natural drainage possibilities of sloped roofs, and need more regular maintenance. They might not know, however, that neglecting regular roof maintenance is one of the worst things a building owner can do.
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Water Damage – The Good, The Bad, The Solution
Water is arguably one of the leading causes of accelerated aging on roofs, particularly flat roofs typical of large commercial and industrial buildings. Ponding water caused by rain, melted snow or leaking heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can contribute to the wearing down of the roof surface, leading to leaks, mold and decay.
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Why You Need A Roofer Onsite When You Install Your HVAC System
It’s common to place the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for large buildings on the roof. A successful rooftop HVAC installation usually involves the collaboration of an entire team of workers, so that issues related to the roof, structures, electrical and HVAC can be discussed beforehand. If an HVAC system is not coordinated…
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When I’m Buying a Building, How Do I Know the Roof’s In Good Shape?
When considering purchasing a large building for commercial or industrial use, never forget to ask the question: Is the roof in good shape? The cost of repairing a roof or replacing one altogether is significant, so it’s always a good idea to inspect the roof and learn its history before making an offer. Here are a…
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