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Let’s Talk About Resilient Design

Whether you manage your own facility or work for others as a roofer or builder, you have seen the term “resilient design” somewhere. Resilience is the new black when it comes to sustainability. As the climate patterns shift, the need for resilient architecture becomes even more pronounced. Modern building design relies heavily on this concept and The Resilient Design Institute is at the forefront of its advocacy. What is resilience, though, and what is its role in roofing? What is Resilience? Put simply, resilience is about adaptation. The world is changing and superstorms like Hurricane Sandy are becoming the norm. The shift in weather patterns and other environmental disturbances are changing the building industry, as well. Structures of all sizes – warehouses, office buildings and homes – and the infrastructures around them must able to adapt to these shifts. Resilience is about adapting to both local and regional changes in respect to things like the warming planet. Through resilie...
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The Anatomy of a Commercial Rooftop

When you serve as a building owner or as a facility manager, you need to know a little bit about many different things. One of the most critical things you should learn about is your roof. But, what makes a commercial rooftop unique and what do you need to know about this vital part of your building’s structure? Let us share a bit of knowledge about the anatomy of a commercial rooftop. Structural Deck Steel is the most popular roof deck surface. However, there are many other options including wood, concrete, and gypsum. Any installer or professional working on the roof will need to know what the deck is made of so they can get a better idea how to proceed with future work. Attachment Most commercial roofing systems in the US today are mechanically attached to the deck. Mechanically attached means that the installer secures the roof to the structural roof deck with screws and large washers called plates. The bolt and washer setup is a secure attachment system that allows for maintenance...
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5 Critical Maintenance Tips for Your Rooftop Pipe and Equipment Supports

Regular roof maintenance is vital for keeping your roof watertight and preventing expensive future problems. One of the most important things on your roof maintenance checklist should be your pipe and equipment supports. Identifying and troubleshooting problems early will help ensure a long-lasting roof system. To lengthen the lifespan of your roofing system, regularly check your rooftop for the following signs of failure. 1) Sagging pipes and ducts Flexing or sagging pipes or ducts are a good indication that your rooftop supports are too far apart to bear the weight of the pipe and its contents. The proper spacing of supports depends on the weight of the pipe or duct. You may need to install additional supports or change the fittings to prevent your pipes and ducts from flexing or sagging. >> Read More: 8 Factors to Consider When Planning Roof Pipe Support Spacing >> 2) Cracks in support bases If the weight of the pipe or duct and its valves, fittings and pipe contents exc...
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Summer's Here! Let's Talk About Heat Illness Prevention

The summer season has arrived, and with it come additional health hazards in your work environments. Each year, thousands of workers exposed to extreme heat and/or humid conditions die or become ill from heat stress and other heat related illnesses. For this reason, it is important to be mindful of the signs and symptoms of heat stress and protect your (and your colleagues') health this summer. This is especially important while working in extreme environments such as rooftops, where there is little to no shade available for workers. While heat safety strategies are simple to implement, they are frequently overlooked. OSHA's Campaign to Keep Workers Safe in the Heat has broken down their message into three words to help understand the basic principles: WATER, REST, & SHADE Under OSHA law, employers are responsible for protecting workers against extreme heat. Employers must provide workers with water, rest, shade and training on the prevention of heat stress and what to do i...
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Modular Construction - What You Need to Know

Construction is a broad industry which encompasses many different types of building processes. Today, one of the growing construction categories is modular construction. Discover what modular development is, and some of the pros and cons, so you can determine if modularly constructed components may become part of your future growth.   What is Modular Construction Modular construction is a type of construction process where pieces (or modules) are created in a factory and are then put together on site. For those working on the worksite, there is less detailed work, and the job is completed faster. It allows for large builds to be finished much quicker without loss of quality. Benefits of Modular Construction Streamlined Construction - The process takes less time, allowing businesses to take control sooner. For many projects, saving time can mean lower costs and happier clients. Higher Efficiency - There is less labor needed to put together modular units than to build from scratch. I...
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Roofing Cover Boards: Overview

It is understood by many in the know in the building industry that roofing cover boards can often be the unsung hero of a given roof assembly.  Though seemingly mundane and inexpensive, they are also highly effective and promote the durability and longevity of a roof.  In short, they are worth the investment.  Their added durability protects against damage from hail, fire, wind uplift, and other kinds of unfavorable weather, all at a very reasonable upfront cost.   They are also shown to slow the passage of heat and water vapor, providing an added layer of insulation where it is very much needed.  Rather than applying your roof surface directly upon a substrate, the cover board provides another protection against “thermal bridging” by covering over fasteners and insulation joints below. Another benefit they provide is a smoother application surface for the adherence of the actual roof membrane.  The roof substrate is often full of fasteners and many uneven ...
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Commercial Roof Coating: 101

There are several different types of commercial roof coatings used today, including silicone, acrylic,roof-coating-2846324_1280 aluminum, and polyurethane.  They are sometimes referred to as restoration membranes because roof coatings are often applied over existing rooftop membranes, as opposed to being part of a new roof construction detail.  They can also be used in partial applications to coat and re-coat parapet walls or portions of a roof.  At this time, the major competitors in the commercial roof coatings industry are really only one of two types: silicone and acrylic.  Let’s consider some of the key aspects of these coatings such as longevity, application, cost effectiveness, climate appropriateness, sustainability, and maintenance.  Because reflective roofs can moderate energy use over the course of a new or even an existing building’s lifetime and because energy savings mean cost savings, certain coatings can be a sustainable choice in most climates....
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