TPO roofing is the single ply roofing that is the latest in long lasting commercial roofing that creates a water tight barrier on flat and pitched roofs that lasts for many years. Used for new installations or re-roofing jobs, TPO is a cost effective product for roofs or any size.
TPO roofing, or thermoplastic olefin, is a single ply membrane that is applied over virtually any surface. It is inherently resistant to hot sun, ultraviolet rays and ozone. TPO is made from ethylene propylene rubber and its installation is environmentally safe. The completed applications are often referred to as monolithic or seamless but actually do have seams. These seams are 3 to 4 times as strong as the adhesive or tape seams of EPDM roofing.
TPO roofing is often fiber reinforced and can be plain of fleece backed. It is either self adhesive, adhered, fastened or ballasted with a river rock layer for weight and reflectivity.
TPO roofing provides many benefits to commercial roofing including:
Extreme tear resistance against not only the elements but foot traffic from recreation, bikes and even patio furniture.
Weather resistance to high winds, hail and hot sun with high UV radiation.
Cool Roof Compliant when properly installed with the correct solar reflectance.
Long lasting. Life spans from 10 to 20 years depending upon thickness and conditions.
TPO provides a long lasting, cost effective, energy efficient surface for any commercial building of any size. For a new installation or the replacement of the existing roof of large manufacturing facility or a small retail building, TPO is the perfect solution.
5 Star Roofing Contractors That Specializing In Commercial Roofs
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Why do so many ROOFING contractors cheat on their liability insurance?
Why do so many ROOFING contractors cheat on their liability insurance?
The answer is quite simple, MONEY.
The answer is quite simple, MONEY.
Liability insurance is one of the biggest expenses for a roofing contractor. WHY?? because roofing
is a very risky business compared to most business. Liability insurance is a must for any business. However there are different policies and rates for every type of contractor. The basic liability policy covers Carpentry, Painting etc and other relatively safe trades. Doesn't it stand to reason that if roofing is such a risky business, your contractor should be insured???
A basic liability policy does not cover ROOFING. A policy that covers ROOFING, can cost as much as 300% more than regular liability insurance. All liability insurance is based on volume (either payroll or sales).
A basic liability policy does not cover ROOFING. A policy that covers ROOFING, can cost as much as 300% more than regular liability insurance. All liability insurance is based on volume (either payroll or sales).
So bottom line is, each job has a insurance cost that is a significant cost of the job. Easiest way to cut cut job cost....cut out insurance.
What does ROOFING liability insurance cover?
* Water damage to your house during replacement.
* Property damage to your house or landscaping or vehicle during replacement.
* Injury to anyone other than an employee during replacement.
* Poor or inferior workmanship.
Your house is your largest and most important asset.
Verify that your roofing contractor has the proper ROOFING liability insurance.
How?
On the bottom of your Liability Insurance Certificate, there will be a box that looks like this.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS
I LOCATIONS I VEHICLES / EXCLUSIONS ADDED BY ENDORSEMENT I SPECIAL PROVISIONS
"includes Roofing."
What does ROOFING liability insurance cover?
* Water damage to your house during replacement.
* Property damage to your house or landscaping or vehicle during replacement.
* Injury to anyone other than an employee during replacement.
* Poor or inferior workmanship.
Your house is your largest and most important asset.
Verify that your roofing contractor has the proper ROOFING liability insurance.
How?
On the bottom of your Liability Insurance Certificate, there will be a box that looks like this.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS
I LOCATIONS I VEHICLES / EXCLUSIONS ADDED BY ENDORSEMENT I SPECIAL PROVISIONS
"includes Roofing."
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Benefits of Cool Roofs
Most of the roofs in the world (including over 90% of the roofs in the United States) are dark-colored. In the heat of the full sun, the surface of a black roof can increase in temperature as much as 50 °C (126 °F), reaching temperatures of 70 to 90 °C (158 to 194 °F). This heat increase can cause negative effects on cooling energy use and environments.
Cool roofs, on the other hand, offer both immediate and long-term benefits including:
Reduced building heat-gain, as a white or reflective roof typically increases only 5–14 °C (10–25 °F) above ambient temperature during the day
Savings of up to 15% the annual air-conditioning energy use of a single-story building[6]
Extended service life of roofs
Improved energy efficiency of roofs, especially when there isn't adequate insulation provided in the roof envelope
Improved thermal comfort in buildings that do not have air conditioning
Reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a significant offsetting of the warming impact of greenhouse gas emissions.[7]
Research and practical experience with the degradation of roofing membranes over a number of years have shown that heat from the sun is one of the most potent factors that affects durability. High temperatures and large variations, seasonally or daily, at the roofing level are detrimental to the longevity of roof membranes. Reducing the extremes of temperature change will reduce the incidence of damage to membrane systems. Covering membranes with materials that reflect ultraviolet and infrared radiation will reduce damage caused by u/v and heat degradation. White surfaces reflect more than half of the radiation that reaches them, while black surfaces absorb almost all. White or white coated roofing membranes, or white gravel cover would appear to be the best approach to control these problems where membranes must be left exposed to solar radiation.[8]
If all urban, flat roofs in warm climates were whitened, the resulting 10% increase in global reflectivity would offset the warming effect of 24 Gigatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, or equivalent to taking 300 million cars off the road for 20 years. This is based on the fact that a 1,000-square-foot (93 m2) white roof will offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide over its 20 year lifetime.[9] In a real-world 2008 case study [10] of large-scale cooling from increased reflectivity, it was found that the Province of Almeria, Southern Spain, has cooled 1.6ºC over a period of 20 years compared to surrounding regions, as a result of polythene-covered greenhouses being installed over a vast area that was previously open desert. In the summer the farmers whitewash these roofs to cool their plants down.
When sunlight falls on a white roof much of it is reflected and passes back through the atmosphere into space. But when sunlight falls on a dark roof most of it is absorbed and converted into much longer wavelengths that we call "heat" which cannot pass back through the atmosphere because they are absorbed by the greenhouse gases. The atmosphere is transparent to sunlight but opaque to heat, which is why white roofs help cool the planet and dark roofs warm the planet. [11]
Cool roofs, on the other hand, offer both immediate and long-term benefits including:
Reduced building heat-gain, as a white or reflective roof typically increases only 5–14 °C (10–25 °F) above ambient temperature during the day
Savings of up to 15% the annual air-conditioning energy use of a single-story building[6]
Extended service life of roofs
Improved energy efficiency of roofs, especially when there isn't adequate insulation provided in the roof envelope
Improved thermal comfort in buildings that do not have air conditioning
Reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a significant offsetting of the warming impact of greenhouse gas emissions.[7]
Research and practical experience with the degradation of roofing membranes over a number of years have shown that heat from the sun is one of the most potent factors that affects durability. High temperatures and large variations, seasonally or daily, at the roofing level are detrimental to the longevity of roof membranes. Reducing the extremes of temperature change will reduce the incidence of damage to membrane systems. Covering membranes with materials that reflect ultraviolet and infrared radiation will reduce damage caused by u/v and heat degradation. White surfaces reflect more than half of the radiation that reaches them, while black surfaces absorb almost all. White or white coated roofing membranes, or white gravel cover would appear to be the best approach to control these problems where membranes must be left exposed to solar radiation.[8]
If all urban, flat roofs in warm climates were whitened, the resulting 10% increase in global reflectivity would offset the warming effect of 24 Gigatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, or equivalent to taking 300 million cars off the road for 20 years. This is based on the fact that a 1,000-square-foot (93 m2) white roof will offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide over its 20 year lifetime.[9] In a real-world 2008 case study [10] of large-scale cooling from increased reflectivity, it was found that the Province of Almeria, Southern Spain, has cooled 1.6ºC over a period of 20 years compared to surrounding regions, as a result of polythene-covered greenhouses being installed over a vast area that was previously open desert. In the summer the farmers whitewash these roofs to cool their plants down.
When sunlight falls on a white roof much of it is reflected and passes back through the atmosphere into space. But when sunlight falls on a dark roof most of it is absorbed and converted into much longer wavelengths that we call "heat" which cannot pass back through the atmosphere because they are absorbed by the greenhouse gases. The atmosphere is transparent to sunlight but opaque to heat, which is why white roofs help cool the planet and dark roofs warm the planet. [11]
Cool Roofs
Cool roofs are the roofs that can deliver high solar reflectance (the ability to reflect the visible, infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths of the sun, reducing heat transfer to the building) and high thermal emittance (the ability to radiate absorbed, or non-reflected solar energy).[1] The benefits associated with cool roofs include reduced cooling energy load, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emission, and improved human health and comfort. Cool roofs may extend the roof service life and help mitigating the urban heat island effect.[2] Cool roofs achieve cooling energy savings in hot summers but can increase heating energy load during cold winters.[3] Therefore, the net energy saving of cool roofs varies depending on climate. However, a 2010 energy efficiency study [4] looking at this issue for air conditioned commercial buildings across the USA found that the summer cooling savings typically outweigh the winter heating penalty even in cold climates near the Canadian border giving savings in both electricity and emissions. Without a proper maintenance program to keep the material clean, the energy savings of cool roofs can diminish over time due to albedo degradation and soiling.[5]
While it is true that cool roofs are mostly associated with white roofs, they come in a variety of colors and materials and are available for both commercial and residential buildings. Note that today's "cool roof" pigments allow metal roofing products to be EnergyStar rated in dark colors, even black. They aren't as reflective as whites or light colors, but can still save energy over other paints.
While it is true that cool roofs are mostly associated with white roofs, they come in a variety of colors and materials and are available for both commercial and residential buildings. Note that today's "cool roof" pigments allow metal roofing products to be EnergyStar rated in dark colors, even black. They aren't as reflective as whites or light colors, but can still save energy over other paints.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Roofing contractor gets 6 months for employing illegal workers
Roofing contractor gets 6 months for employing illegal workers | TheGazette
Who will roof houses if the Mexican's don't. People on welfare and unemployment?
Who will roof houses if the Mexican's don't. People on welfare and unemployment?
Monday, August 20, 2012
American WeatherStar Dealer
The American WeatherStar Roof Coatings Division is a full line supplier of commercial roof coating systems that are sprayed in place for a seamless, durable, elastomeric seal. Our products are ideal for coating commercial and industrial buildings, roofs and walls. Our coating products can be used for flat roof repair, to stop leaks, cool a building's interior, or simply for preventive roof maintenance. We can even offer a complete system warranty (Labor & Materials) on just about every type of roof substrate. These flat roof coatings are perfect for metal roof leak repair and best of all, when used for preventive maintenance, our coatings can qualify for a 100% IRS tax deduction the first year! Please contact us for a free survey to see if your roof substrate is a good candidate for one of our roofing products and we will have an independent American WeatherStar Dealer in your area survey your roof at no cost to you and offer a full recommendation to meet your needs and budget. If you are just researching commercial flat roofing options at this time, please contact us to receive a complete information packet about our quality coatings and energy efficient roofing systems.
What are the different types of flat roofing??
Membrane roofing is a type of roof|roofing system for buildings. It is used on flat or nearly flat roofs to prevent leaks and move water off the roof. Membrane roofs are most commonly made from synthetic rubber, thermoplastic (PVC or similar material), or modified bitumen. Membrane roofs are most commonly used in commercial application, though they are becoming increasingly more common in residential application.
==The Advantages Over Asphalt Flat Roofing Systems==
These three application types of membrane roofing show distinct advantages over the previously more common flat roofing method of asphalt and gravel. In asphalt and gravel application, it can be very difficult to create a proper seal at all seams and connection points. This can cause many roofs to leak early in its lifespan, and require much more maintenance. When installed correctly, newer materials are either seamless, or have seams as strong as the body. This eliminates much of the leakage concerns associated with flat roofing systems.
Repairs for asphalt and gravel roofs can be hard, mainly because it is difficult to locate the exact point of a leak. Newer systems can be patched relatively easily, and breaks and leaks are easier to locate.
Originally asphalt roofing required a layer of gravel above it for two reasons. First, asphalt with direct exposure to sunlight degrades much faster, mainly due to the expansion and contraction throughout a day, and also the damage created by Ultraviolet UV rays. Second, asphalt needs weight above to hold it down, because it sits on the top of a building, instead of being attached to it. Each of the three newer types of membrane roofing systems contain materials that resist expansion and contraction, as well as reflect much of the UV rays. Also, because these membranes either lack seams or have strong seams, what expansion and contraction does occur does not create leaks and breaks at these seams. These newer roofing systems are also attached directly to the top of a building, which eliminates the need for excess weight above.
==Types==
"Synthetic Rubber" (Thermoset) – This type of membrane roof is made of large, flat pieces of synthetic rubber or similar materials. These pieces are welded together at the seams to form one continuous membrane. The finished roof’s thickness is usually between 30 and 60 mils(thousandths of an inch) (.75mm to 1.5mm).
'''Thermoplastic Membrane''' – This is also similar to synthetic rubber, but the seams do not form a continuous membrane. The 'lap' seams are bonded (melted or dissolved) with heat or solvents, and can be as strong as the rest of the membrane.
'''Modified Bitumen''' – This type of roofing is an evolution of asphalt roofing. It is made from asphalt and a variety of modifiers and solvents. There are several ways of connecting pieces of this material. In a heat application process the seams are heated to melt the asphalt together and create a seal. There is also a cold-applied adhesive application process, and some self-adhesive forms of this system. This material is also referred to as APP or SBS.
'''Thermoplastic Membrane''' – This is also similar to synthetic rubber, but the seams do not form a continuous membrane. The 'lap' seams are bonded (melted or dissolved) with heat or solvents, and can be as strong as the rest of the membrane.
'''Modified Bitumen''' – This type of roofing is an evolution of asphalt roofing. It is made from asphalt and a variety of modifiers and solvents. There are several ways of connecting pieces of this material. In a heat application process the seams are heated to melt the asphalt together and create a seal. There is also a cold-applied adhesive application process, and some self-adhesive forms of this system. This material is also referred to as APP or SBS.
==The Advantages Over Asphalt Flat Roofing Systems==
These three application types of membrane roofing show distinct advantages over the previously more common flat roofing method of asphalt and gravel. In asphalt and gravel application, it can be very difficult to create a proper seal at all seams and connection points. This can cause many roofs to leak early in its lifespan, and require much more maintenance. When installed correctly, newer materials are either seamless, or have seams as strong as the body. This eliminates much of the leakage concerns associated with flat roofing systems.
Repairs for asphalt and gravel roofs can be hard, mainly because it is difficult to locate the exact point of a leak. Newer systems can be patched relatively easily, and breaks and leaks are easier to locate.
Originally asphalt roofing required a layer of gravel above it for two reasons. First, asphalt with direct exposure to sunlight degrades much faster, mainly due to the expansion and contraction throughout a day, and also the damage created by Ultraviolet UV rays. Second, asphalt needs weight above to hold it down, because it sits on the top of a building, instead of being attached to it. Each of the three newer types of membrane roofing systems contain materials that resist expansion and contraction, as well as reflect much of the UV rays. Also, because these membranes either lack seams or have strong seams, what expansion and contraction does occur does not create leaks and breaks at these seams. These newer roofing systems are also attached directly to the top of a building, which eliminates the need for excess weight above.
Call today so we can show you all the advantages of single ply roofing.855-217-ROOF
Architects are extremely intelligent beings.
Architects are extremely intelligent beings and far superior to the rest of us. All Architects know how to stretch the laws of physics beyond that which is possible. They know how to make two objects occupy the same space and how to make roof trusses magically float in mid air unsupported. It is hoped that one day they will share their knowledge with those of us that have to make their silly doodles work. Until that day, do not worry if the roof leaks or falls down. As long as it looks nice on the front of Architects weekly magazine,that’s the main thing.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Flat Roof Leaks
If a leak does occur on a flat roof then damage often goes unnoticed for long periods of time during which water penetrates and soaks the decking and any insulation and/or structure beneath it. This can lead to expensive damage from the rot which often develops and if left can weaken the roof structure. There are also various health risks to people and animals breathing the mould spores: the severity of this health risk remains a debated point.
One problem with maintaining flat roofs is that if water does penetrate the barrier covering (be it traditional or a modern membrane) it can travel a long way before causing visible damage or leaking into a building where it can be seen. Thus it is not easy to see where it is leaking in order to repair it. Once underlying roof decking is soaked it often sags causing a further collection or puddling of water in that area and the problem worsens.
Another common reason for failure of flat roofs is lack of maintenance of drains whereby gravel, leaves and debris block water outlets (be they spiggots, drains, downpipes or gutters), thus water cannot drain away and builds up. This causes a pressure head of water (the deeper the water the greater the pressure) which can 'push' more water into the smallest hole or crack. In colder climates, puddling water can freeze into ice which breaks up the roof surface as it expands whilst it freezes.
An important consideration in tarred flat roof quality is differentiating what many call simply 'tar' into rather different products: tar or pitch (which is derived from wood resins), coal tar, asphalt and bitumen. Some of these products appear to have been interchanged in their use and are sometimes used inappropriately, as each has different characteristics, for example their ability or not soak into wood/boards, their anti-funghal properties and their reaction to exposure to sun and weather and varying temperatures.
Modern flat roofs can use single large factory made sheets (e.g. EPDM synthetic rubber) and these are usually of excellent quality, though unfortunately one-piece membranes are seldom seen used in practice. Rather, strips of EPDM, PVC, tar paper etc. which are widely available in rolls (typically of 900 mm or 1200mm width) are bonded together in either hot or cold seaming processes on the roof during the fitting process where labour skill and training play a large part in determining the quality of roof protection attained. Reasons for not using excellent one-piece membranes include practicality and cost-saving:- on all but the smallest of roofs it can be difficult to lift a huge and heavy membrane to the roof (a crane or lift is required) and if there is any wind at all it can be difficult to control and bond the membrane smoothly and properly to the roof.Detailing of these various systems also plays a part in success or failure: In some systems ready-made details (such as internal and external corners, through-roof pipe flashings, cable or rooflight flashings etc.) are available from the membrane manufacturer and can be expediently and well bonded to the main sheet, whereas with materials such as tar papers this is usually not the case - a fitter has to make these shapes up on-site or on the roof and success depends largely on their levels of skill, enthusiasm and training - results can vary hugely.
Metals are also used for flat roofs, these can be made from lead (welded or folded-seamed), tin (folded, soldered or folded-seamed) or copper. These are often expensive options and vulnerable to being stolen and sold as scrap metal.
Flat roofs tend to be sensitive to human traffic. Anything which produces a crack or puncture in the waterproofing membrane can quite readily lead to leaks. Flat roofs can fail, for example; when subsequent work is carried out on the roof, when new through-roof service pipes/cables are installed or when plant such as Air Conditioning Units are installed. A good roofer should be called to make sure the roof is left properly watertight before it is left. In trafficked areas, proper advisory/warning signs should be put up and walkways of rubber matting, wooden or plastic duck-boarding etc. should be installed to protect the roof membrane. On some membranes even stone or concrete paving can be fitted. For one-off works, old carpet or smooth wooden planks for workers to walk or stand on will usually provide reasonable protection.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
The 10 Biggest Hiring Mistakes in Hiring Sales People
Hiring salespeople is an inexact science, but the fact remains that too often critical errors are made that compromise the process. Mis-hires continue to be one of the most costly problems in our industry, yet in order to address the problem it first needs to be acknowledged.
The 10 biggest mistakes that companies make when hiring salespeople are:
Recruiting under deadlines (rushing the process)
Failure to document the process or record responses & observations
Establishing the wrong qualifications (what are you looking for?)
The interview being conducted by the wrong person
Overselling the position or opportunity
Underselling the position or opportunity
Failure to track, accumulate and document essential statistics
Failure to handle applicants fast enough (getting bogged down in minutia)
Looking in the wrong places. Not looking in enough places
Failure to conduct background checks
Recruiting under deadlines (rushing the process)
Failure to document the process or record responses & observations
Establishing the wrong qualifications (what are you looking for?)
The interview being conducted by the wrong person
Overselling the position or opportunity
Underselling the position or opportunity
Failure to track, accumulate and document essential statistics
Failure to handle applicants fast enough (getting bogged down in minutia)
Looking in the wrong places. Not looking in enough places
Failure to conduct background checks
Monday, August 13, 2012
Consumer Magazine Rates Shingles
 |
| These are the top 3 Shingles in the market and how they were rated by Consumer Magazine Tamko 59 Owens Corning 58 GAF 59 |
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Advantages of TPO
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| 60 Mill TPO Tuttle ISD |
TPO membranes are installed fully-adhered, mechanically-attached or ballasted. Fully-adhered means that the roof is "glued" to the substrate using a special adhesive.
What actually happens is the glue creates a chemical bond with the membrane.
Notice the custom flashing's
TPO systems to seal around odd shaped penetrations or a small cluster of Penetrations. The TPO Penetration Pocket fits penetrations up to 3 ½” (90 mm)in diameter
What Makes a Good Commercial Roofing Company?
Being good at something, no matter what it is, takes time, experience and willingness.
A good commercial roofing company will have been in business for more than just a few years and will have a permanent place of residence with an address and telephone number. We have been in business since 1990 and during that time we have experienced just about every roofing scenario. We take every opportunity while working on a roof to become better at what we do. As technology evolves, we make sure we stay on top of industry trends so that we are providing the best possible solutions to our customers, and because we have over 60 years of combined experience, we are able to apply a wealth of knowledge into every roofing project we take on.
Any good commercial roofing company should perform work that adheres to the guidelines of the National Roofing Contractors Association, the leading authority in the roofing industry as well as being certified by the manufacture of the products they recommend. We install a wide variety of GAF Products. Our specialty is TPO Thermal Plastic Polyolefin and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride because of their longevity, energy efficiency and there low maintenance costs. We also install a wide variety of all types of Modified Bitumen. As a certified Master Select contractor, we can offer you any one several different warranties.
We are dedicated to helping you defy the elements with the most extensive offering of low slope roofing solutions available on the market today. We have developed proven processes to ensure the roofing project has been planned, materials ordered, received and staged for proper installation. We are committed to exceeding your expectations. Our qualified team of roofing experts will quickly and comprehensively access any company's roofing problem and present the most effective means of repairing it.
We provide an excellent opportunity for our customers to be proactive in preventing possible future roofing problems by becoming part of a semi-annual Preventative Maintenance Program. A preventative maintenance agreement can save you time and money in the long run.
We appreciate your business and look forward to a continuing relationship of trust and security.
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