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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...

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 ...

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....

4 Ways to Prove the Value of Quality Roof Products to Customers

How often do you make sales where the customers know exactly what options are best for their buildings? Probably not too many. Building owners (and additional stakeholders) know how important roofing decisions are—but that doesn’t mean they don’t have many other decisions demanding attention. What if you’re offering products that cost more than the competition? You know they’re higher quality but getting prospects to understand that is pivotal. Let’s go through 4 keys to proving that your roof products are the best options for potential customers. 1. Education First When customers are faced with a barrage of options—EPDM, TPO, PVC, SPF, asphalt, acrylic coating, green roof, etc.—you can’t assume they’re 100% informed. Making use of every bit of literature, collateral, samples, and spec sheets within the organization is critical. However, it’s not enough to just present some high-level information about your many offerings. They’ll still be drawn to the comfort of lowest cost. That’s wh...

Hazard Communication for Roofers

For many roofers and roofing companies, the hazards surrounding a commercial or industrial roof appear to be mostly physical. With trips and falls representing the clearest and most present danger for roofing contractors, many roofing companies have developed detailed and comprehensive plans both to prevent falls and to mitigate damage and liability if a fall occurs. By focusing so much of their effort on preventing falls, however, are roofing companies neglecting other dangers? In a word? Yes. In 2018, OSHA cited at least 4,552 hazard communication violations (final figures for the year are still forthcoming.) This is second only to fall protection violations and has been for the last four years. Companies need to examine their compliance in this often-overlooked category in order to avoid OSHA fines, protect their workers, and maintain their image of professionalism. Chemical Hazards in the Rooftop Environment It can be easy to forget that rooftops are an area where chemicals may com...

Why Hiring Roof Consultants is Essential to Eliminating Information Gaps

When you need to install a new roof on your building or commit to major repairs, your first job—step one—is to hire a roofing consultant. Read that again. Not a roofing contractor—a roofing consultant. Many building owners hire a roofing consultant only when there is a problem with their roof, only to find that the problems exist due to things that should have been addressed before the build. Working without a roofing consultant means you will be prone to information gaps. A roofing consultant that is present from the very beginning, however, can ensure that standards are being met as the roof is being built, potentially eliminating problems down the road. From design to materials to repairs, roofing consultants can help you create a roof that lasts and resists the elements at the price you need. Here are a few ways to deploy a roofing consultant for maximum effect. Authoritative Knowledge on Building Codes Building a roof in Florida is not the same as building a roof in Massachusetts....

Rainy Day in the Office: Why is My Commercial Roof Leaking?

A commercial building with a leaky roof is not great for business, no matter what your company does. Office workers don’t like working in leaky buildings, and retail shoppers don’t want to shop in water-logged stores and supermarkets. Leaks can lead to costly slip-and-fall injuries, ruin stored merchandise, and damage flooring – to say nothing of the cost of repairing the roof itself. What can you do about leaks and, more importantly, prevent them from happening in the first place? Identifying Leaks Before They Start to Drip Dripping water from the ceiling is a good sign that you’re experiencing a leak – but it isn’t the only sign. If water infiltration occurs on the roof, it might not penetrate the ceiling of your building. If it occurs at the edge of your roof, it might drip into the wall. Neither circumstance will lead to an easily-identifiable floor-puddle. Here’s what else to look for: Mold: Spreading mold, or the smell of mold, on your walls or ceiling – especially if removed fro...