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With the arrival of summer weather – and with many parts of the country experiencing record-breaking heat waves – it’s hard to ignore the power of the sun. It can make walking across the street seem like a marathon, it sends energy bills soaring, and it can make a parked car feel like a furnace. No wonder the sun gets a bad rap this time of year! But instead of bemoaning the sun’s power, why not put that power to work for you? Installing solar panels on your commercial roof can reap huge benefits when it comes to reducing your electrical bill. Still, some building owners hesitate to take the plunge. Sometimes it’s because of the cost (although costs are decreasing rapidly, and government incentives can further soften the blow), but sometimes it’s because the owners and facility managers are worried about what solar panels will do to the integrity of the roof. It’s a legitimate question. The good news is that properly installed solar systems shouldn’t detract from the roof’s integrity. ...

In 2012, Roofing Contractor magazine reported that more than four billion square feet of TPO single-ply roofing had been sold in North America over the previous five years alone. Today, single-ply roofs, whether TPO or PVC, continue to be a popular choice for both contractors and building owners. That popularity has led to a wealth of “best practices” compiled by contractors with years of experience in the field. Here are just a few of their tips: 1. Take the Time to Prep the Roof Surface Not surprisingly, singly-ply roofing systems work best when they’re installed on a clean surface. Before you begin installation, thoroughly sweep the roof to remove dirt and other debris, cut out any blisters present on the existing roof, and repair any holes or cracks with non-shrink grout. Strongly encourage the building owner to purchase a roof insulation board or an approved separation sheet. It’s a small expense that goes a long way in protecting their investment. 2. Read the Manufacturer’s Instr...

The role of architect, engineer, developer, and contractor is changing in the world of building construction. The Design-Build Institute of America estimates that 50 percent of all buildings built in the U.S. were completed using a team-based approach. Professionals today understand the need for individual sustainability in their projects to maximize energy, water, and savings while lowering the impact on the surrounding environment with integrative project planning and design. What is the Objective of Integrative Project Planning and Design? The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, was launched by the U.S.  Green Building Council to minimize the impact construction has on the environment. Through integrative project planning, they take the design process to the next level by breaking it down into two independent and measurable sections: PC5: Preliminary Integrative Project Planning and Design PC6: Integrative Project Planning and Design The performance credit sy...

For the first time in 25 years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has increased the fine amount for employers who are in violation of safety regulations – and it has increased these fines for maximum penalties by a whopping 78 percent. You might be thinking that it’s about time, especially since very few things – if anything at all – cost the same today as they did in 1990. Just think, a gallon of gas only averaged $1.08 back then. A postage stamp cost a quarter. The current average is about $2.20 for gas and either 49 or 47 cents for postage. You get the picture – things today don’t cost the same as they did 25 years ago. On that note, here’s what you need to know about the OSHA fine increase: 1. The increase in fine was approved in last year’s federal budget. Which was signed by President Obama on November 2, 2015. The increase in fines was a result of the Inflation Adjustment Act published by the U.S. Department of Labor, which permits government agencies to a...

A lot of thought must go into choosing and installing cable trays in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the cables that run through them. Those systems ensure the effectiveness of the cables they protect, reduce wear and tear to rooftop installations, and help ensure safety for people, as well as, property. 1) Use Cable Trays! The first and most obvious of these best practices is that you should always use cable trays. Commercial rooftops typically have a number of different types of cables running across them, carrying high and low-voltage electrical current to meet power and communication needs. It's important to protect both the cables themselves, as well as, the insulation around them. Don't let cables sag between trays, as that can cause wear and tear and eventual damage. It's also crucial to protect the insulation, which is best done by de-energizing cables during installation. That way, all parts of the rooftop installation are protected, not just the ca...

The leaves are turning, you’re still picking up stray candy wrappers from trick-or-treaters, and travel plans for Thanksgiving are underway. This can only mean one thing: Fall is in full swing, and winter is right around the corner. For facility managers and building owners in northern regions, this means it’s time to start prepping your buildings for the cold and snow. One of the most important aspects of this preparation is ensuring your rooftop is ready to handle the imminent winter weather. Without further ado, here are seven tips to keep in mind during preparation. Clear Your Drains and Gutters Once a layer of snow comes in, it could bury your access points making them difficult to reach. Debris blocking downspouts can slow drainage of melting snow and ice which can extend the length of time your roof is carrying an additional load. Perform a full rooftop inspection. For some parts of the country, this could be the last time you’ll have a clear view of the entire roof, so take adv...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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....

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...

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...

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....

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...

Very few roofs end up lasting for their projected lifespan. Any issue that arises during the installation of a roof will inevitably become magnified over time as sunlight, rain, snow, hail, and debris do their work. Ironically, even the process of inspecting a roof can in some ways bring about its early demise. Here are just a few of the biggest challenges that a commercial roof may face over its lifespan. Poor Installation A sub-par roofing installation is one that uses lower-grade materials and/or incorrect installation methods. Your goal as the owner of a commercial roof is to prevent this from the outset – getting it right the first time is significantly less expensive than fixing a contractor error. Installation errors can be the result of contractors misinterpreting a poorly-annotated design. They can also result from contractors who like to take shortcuts. Your best decision in either case is to hire a roofing consultant who can ride herd on both your contractors and your archit...

If treated correctly, your roof could last anywhere from twenty to fifty years. Simply lasting is not a measure of roofing success, however—instead, you’ll want to look at lifetime costs. Picking the right commercial roofing materials up front, treating them properly, and investing in the correct infrastructure and maintenance programs will make your roof more efficient and more likely to last its full lifetime without incurring significant costs. Defining and Creating an Efficient Roof As far as the efficiency of your commercial roof is concerned, there are three main considerations you should take into account. First, you want it to have a low up-front cost Second, you want it to have a low energy cost Third, you want it to have a low maintenance cost In other words, a good roof will be relatively inexpensive up front and relatively easy to maintain. In addition, it will provide a good seal for your building envelope, prevented cooled or heated air from escaping. What does this roof ...

Winter is approaching across the Northern Hemisphere, which means it’s time to prepare for thermal expansion—and its more dangerous cousin, thermal shock.  Thermal expansion is an inherent property of matter. When materials get cold, the molecules that comprise them slow down their vibration and contraction. At the scale observable to the human eye, this presents itself as shrinkage. When materials warm up, they gain energy and expand. When materials are exposed to repeated cycles of expansion and contraction, they tend to lose their flexibility and accrue damage over time—and this damage could occur to the materials in your roof. There are several factors that make thermal expansion more of a risk around this time of year: We’re moving from a period of general warmth to a period of general cold. The materials that comprise your roof will shrink, which makes it possible for gaps to open up between membranes, flashings, and penetrations—promoting leaks. If your roof has existing wat...