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New Roofing Technology That Every Architect Should Know

There are all a whole host of cutting edge technologies that are poised to transform the traditional architectural design and construction process, and in fact some of them are already doing so.  Whether it be drones, wearable smart vests and helmets, GPS tracking, or 3d printers, it seems that a serious majority of architects will have affordable access to revolutionary new techniques in the not too distant future to both gather information and to communicate ideas in increasingly realistic and virtual ways through the increased use of these technologies. Drone technology is newly available to the realm of architecture.  Largely propelled by the inception of FAA’s Part 107 in August of 2016, drones are now affordable and accessible to most architects.  Drones are primarily an information gathering tool.  They provide detailed and advanced preliminary aerial photography of hard to get to places.  They make a lot of sense on the construction site where one might ...

How Rooftop Improvements Can Boost LEED Ratings

The green building movement has exploded since the turn of the century, pushing the market close to the $100 billion mark.  Driving the standardization of this movement is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, “LEED buildings have faster lease-up rates and may qualify for a host of incentives like tax rebates and zoning allowances. Not to mention they retain higher property values.”  The latest version of the LEED checklist is broken down into eight categories—location and transportation, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation, and regional priority. While the LEED rating (scored out of 110 points) is made up of credits from all aspects of construction, quality green roofing can contribute up to 20% of your points. If you’re looking to boost your LEED score, here are the different ways that green roofs can help....
 The Architectural Anatomy & Aesthetics of Commercial Roofing When it comes to commercial buildings, the roof is an essential element that often goes unnoticed. We tend to focus on the interior design and functionality of a building, but neglecting the importance of its structural integrity can lead to costly consequences. As architects and builders know too well, a strong and durable roof is crucial for any commercial building. It not only protects the occupants from harsh weather conditions but also plays a significant role in enhancing the overall aesthetics of the structure.   In today's blog post, we will dive into the world of commercial roofing - exploring its anatomy, materials used, and how it contributes to creating visually appealing structures. So whether you're an architect looking for roofing inspiration or a building owner needing maintenance tips, this post is for you! Balancing Anatomy and Aesthetics in Commercial Roofing The Importance of Practical Design...

Can Customized Support Solutions Enhance the Usability of Rooftop Spaces?

Yes, customized support solutions can significantly enhance the usability of rooftop spaces by ensuring structural integrity, optimizing space, and adhering to safety regulations. Customized solutions can transform rooftops into functional areas for various uses, including recreational spaces, green roofs, and efficient equipment housing. There is no doubt that retrofitting a commercial or industrial rooftop is the best way to add value to the property; by up to 15%, if done right. However, there are a number of things that can go wrong when retrofitting your roof. The biggest concern is rupturing the roof membrane when trying to mount something. Regardless of how strong the customized support solution may be or how it functions, one of the leading factors that determine its safety and usability is how well it’s installed. In this article, we will take a closer look at how customized support solutions can enhance the usability of rooftop spaces and how proper installation is the key to...

How to Identify You Have a Rooftop Supports Emergency

Protecting your roof and your workers means knowing when you need expert help. That requires recognizing both the type of problem you have and the seriousness of the situation, and that can only happen when you’re carrying out regular inspections of your rooftop supports and know what to look for. Here’s are some signs that you need to enlist the help of a professional: 1. Sagging Pipes Properly functioning rooftop supports don’t allow pipes to sag. Visibly sagging pipes indicate a support system failure that has progressed to the point of being a serious problem. 2. Wall Leaks or Cracks Wall leaks and cracks are often the result of a failing rooftop support system. The inadequate support can let a pipe bend too much, thereby putting more pressure on the pipe than it was designed to bear. That can cause the pipe to crack, resulting in a through-wall leak and possibly even a crack in the wall itself. 3. Standing Water on the Surface of the Roof Standing water that can’t be explained by ...

Roof Safety: Fall Causes and Prevention Tips

Rooftops are inherently dangerous places. The reports are out there: Falls from high places are one of the most common accidents in the workplace. These falls can also be extremely costly. According to OSHA, the incurred claims costs of falls from elevation average approximately $54 million per year. Medical care accounted for roughly 2/3 of those benefits. In short, falls are always bad news. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to optimize roof safety, protecting both your workers and your capital assets. The first step is to identify the primary causes of falls as well as what you can do to minimize the risk. 1. Cause: Weather The weather can cause a host of problems, like the slippery, wet, or icy roofs, snow accumulation, dangerously hot temperatures, and heavy winds. Any of these conditions can definitely increase the chance of a fall, and even more so when they’re present in combination.  Solution: Be prepared for any weather condition by making your roof safe and ...

Looking Back: Skylights and Your Commercial Rooftop

In May of this year, Roofing Magazine published, and hosted on their site, an “On My Mind” piece from our director of Sales, Marion McKnight. The article was intended to help bring to light potential risks associated with skylights so that building owners, asset management professionals, and anyone else involved in the purchasing decision for such a product could make a more informed decision. Unfortunately, there were some who did not appreciate our commentary and felt it was an attack on the use of skylights in general. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Besides my involvement with PHP Systems/Design, I am also the owner of a skylight manufacturing company, VTech Skylights, so, naturally, I would not encourage something to be written that would discourage the use of skylights. As we also hosted the same material on our site as a blog post, I wanted to take the time and share my response with our readers. My name is Arthur J Valentz. Some 26 years ago I founded PHP Systems/Desig...