Most property owners and managers who engage a commercial roofing consultant at Roofing Annex for a roof replacement never considered using a silicone roof coating system. Other bids may have skipped this option in lieu of a big-ticket replacement. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the option hasn’t been explored.

A silicone roof coating saves property owners and managers from the exposure that a replacement project causes — not to mention, the money and headaches! We decided to write this blog to dig in deeper for those folks who still want to understand the process and grasp the full benefits of a coating system. So, let’s start at the beginning.

A Close Look at Silicone Roof Coating Products

There are several types of roof coatings on the market today, but silicone is the most favored choice among roofers who know what best-of-the-best is. The downside is that silicone is slightly more expensive from the material cost side, but there is a solid reason for this. Silicone roof coatings have been developed over several decades to be the strongest, most UV-resistant, and most environmentally friendly coating product available. These coatings also have moisture curing and non-chalking properties. The ease of installation to renew your roof with this system is where the savings come into play.

If your current roof is wearing down, leaking, building up too much heat, losing energy, or failing in a non-structural way, a silicone roof coating will help you!

Applying a Coating System

We’ll summarize this process for you:

• Power washing with a one-to-three angle approach, depending on the roof type (smooth versus corrugated) and plenty of drying time.
• Primer application, if required (which is rare).
• Butter coat all seams and penetrations.
• Apply the silicone coating (high-pressure spray-on or rolled).

If that doesn’t seem easier than a roof replacement, that’s something you need to look into (Example of a EPDM roof replacement).

The Life of a Silicone Roof Coating

Once installed, silicone coatings provide a host of benefits to protect a roof for years to come, including:

• Protection from the elements as coatings create a seamless, waterproof, monolithic membrane that stops leaks and resists ponding water.
• Reflectivity, which means the coatings keep the surface of a roof cool despite the sun’s rays. Therefore, your building stays at the proper temperature.

There are many products on the market, but the professionals at Roofing Annex believe the best are made by GAF. Learn more about the GAF product lines and warranties (10 to 20 years).

What to Expect at the End of a Roof Coating’s Lifespan

Depending on the coating product used, at 10 to 20 years after its application, a silicone roof coating will begin to deteriorate. If the roof is in appropriate shape, there is no need to scrape off the old coating or to replace the roof. At the end of the coating’s life, simply re-spray a new coating onto the roof surface, directly onto the previous layer of coating. The application process is the same as before, except there is no need for a primer (if one was needed). Once the second layer is applied, your roof is under warranty for another 10 to 20 years!

Main Takeaways

We hope this information sheds light on the usefulness of coating systems for you. We think they’re a great solution because of how they are installed, their lifespan strength, and their cost benefits (installation and energy savings).

If you have any more questions regarding silicone roof coatings, please give Roofing Annex a call and speak with a commercial roofing consultant — 513.685.9092 (Cincinnati and Dayton region).

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Natural disasters—in the form of flood, fire, storm, or snowfall are a huge setback for the operational efficiency of a multi-family housing business. As soon as the building is damaged, it is important to take temporary precautionary measures to protect the property from additional damage. Owners or investors may require disaster restoration services to rebuild the property. When employing these services, there are certain focus areas which must be kept in mind. To help, this post outlines three critical focal points to consider when hiring a company specializing in this type of repair work.

1. Avoid Fraudulent Contractors

Property owners/manager of  multi-family housing who are looking for disaster restoration services can, unfortunately, fall victim to home repair scams and contractor fraud. Fraudulent contractors may steal money by offering inferior quality or incomplete repairs. Sometimes, they may complete the job, but charge an exorbitant cost for their services. Avoid scams by steering clear of:

• Phone book-only companies.
• Unlicensed service providers and those not licensed in your state.
• Companies that ONLY offer storm damage assistance.
• Those who show up at your door right after natural disasters.

TIP: Be PROACTIVE and have your contractor ready before severe weather affects your multi-family housing.

2. Photograph Documentation of the Natural Disaster’s Effect on Your Property

Photographs of the damaged property work as a proof for the insurance claim. It is recommended that you take the photos immediately after the damage and before the beginning of the restoration work.  Many reputable storm restoration companies have inspectors on staff who may be the best choice to document storm-related damage.  Also, if the property is not yet damaged, you should take a complete set of photographs of your multifamily property in its current condition, which would serve as “before damage” pictures in case of later disaster. In addition, keep all restoration receipts in place for insurance purposes.

Tip: Be PROACTIVE and document your property as is.

3. Know Local Building Codes and Permit Requirements

In most states in the U.S., it is illegal to perform demolition, permanent repairs, or site developments without having the required permits. It is, therefore, important to obtain proper permits when undertaking any commercial projects. After assessing your property post-disaster, contact your local building authority for information on required permits. Building permits are often required for new roof installation, interior remodeling, and new construction, among others.  A qualified local restoration contractor will be familiar with local building codes and requirements; hiring appropriately will streamline this process.

Tip: Be PROACTIVE and have a plan of action in place.

– Conclusion –

As soon as a natural disaster hits your property, you should contact a professional restoration service provider. However, it’s best to have a maintenance and storm monitoring service already established with a qualified service provider.  Time is money, and no one can afford to waste either.

The professionals at Roofing Annex are highly skilled and experienced with exterior renovation, interior remodeling, roofing, asset re-positioning, and everything that comes under disaster restoration services. Should you wish to learn more about our disaster restoration services, maintenance plans, and weather monitoring services, simply visit us at roofingannex.com/consultants

The post Natural Disasters Happen. Is Your Multi-Family Housing Prepared? appeared first on Roofing Annex.

Commercial roofing managers and owners in the Cincinnati to Dayton region that Roofing Annex serves are typically by the many options available for low slope roofs. Before we compare single ply roofing membranes we outline what the three group types are. All of them are fairly complex systems and some have strange names or abbreviations to cause more confusion.

Group #1 – Thermoset Membranes

The polymer materials in these single ply roofing membranes chemically crosslink. This means chemical adhesives applied at the seams cures or vulcanizes the membrane strips into one giant membrane. There are several players in this category which is also defined as the synthetic rubber membrane group.

There are five common subcategories of thermoset roof membranes:

• Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM)
• Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE)
• Epichlorohydrin (ECH)
• Neoprene (CR)
• Polyisobutylene (PIB)

The most common thermoset roof membrane is EPDM. This frontrunner of the pack will be our comparison product. Note EPDMs main characteristics:

• Sheet widths range from 7.5 feet to 50 feet wide.
• Sheets are typically 45 mils and 60 mils thick.
• Seams are sealed using liquid adhesives or special formulated tape.
• The membranes commonly are black, but white is available.

Group # 2 – Thermoplastic Membranes

This family of single ply roofing membranes are very like the thermosets, but there’s no chemical cross-linking or vulcanization. The membrane strips are heat or chemical welded to create a single ply. Proper welds are as strong as the material. There are four common subcategories of thermoplastic roof membranes.

• Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO)
• Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• PVC Alloys or Compounded Thermoplastics
  • Copolymer Alloy (CPA)
  • Ethylene Interpolymer (EIP)
  • Nitrile Alloys (NBP)
  • Tripolymer Alloy (TPA)

The most common thermoplastic roof membranes are PVC (chemical weld) and TPO (heat weld). PVC is common simply because it was the frontrunner until TPO came into its own with more adopters. Thus, for this group we will look at TPO when comparing single ply roofing membranes.

TPO membranes are produced by calendering with lamination, extrusion with lamination, or extrusion-coating techniques. TPO sheets are a blend of polypropylene and ethylene propylene polymers and usually are reinforced with polyester. Note EPDMs main characteristics:

• Sheet widths range from 6 feet to 12 feet wide
• Sheets are typically 40 mils to 100 mils thick
• Seams are sealed by heat welded with hot air
• TPO membranes commonly are white but can allow for a colorant
• Flame retardants are added
• UV absorbers and other proprietary substances are added as needed

Group #3 – Modified Bitumen Membranes

These membranes combine asphalt with modifiers and reinforcement materials. They are often a “sandwiched” roofing material. These materials can perform well but they are not as advanced as the other two groups. Many roofers refer to modified bitumens as “torch-down” roofs because a large flame throwing torch melts the asphalt so that seams can be joined together.

There are two types of modified bitumen (MB) roofing membranes:

• SBS polymer-modified bitumen membranes commonly are installed via hot mopping asphalt (similar to BUR systems) or cold adhesive. Some SBS modified membranes are self-adhering; that is, they contain an adhesive backing.
• APP polymer-modified bitumen membranes typically are heat-welded or torch-applied. Consumers should be cautioned that NRCA does not recommend torch-applying a modified bitumen membrane sheet directly to a wood deck.

Generally, APP modifiers impart a “plasticized” quality to asphalt, and SBS modifiers impart a “rubberized” quality to asphalt. MB membranes and EPDM, a thermoset membrane, often are confused by consumers because of colloquialisms used by roofing contractors. MB and EPDM membranes are sometimes called “rubber roofs.”.

Modified bitumen is inexpensive, easy to apply in the case of SBS, and great for DIY types. This combines with its short lifespan make it a non-competitor for larger commercial roofing spaces.

When Comparing Single Ply Roofing Membranes its Really TPO vs EPDM

We think you’ll agree that these two membrane types are already the one you’ve heard the most about prior to this article. If you have a low slop (flat) commercial roof it most likely has a leading thermoset or thermoplastic membrane on it. Now we can get to the simple comparison. Our head-to-head comparison takes into account a range of good to top tier products per each single ply membrane type. We awarded each a plus one or minus one to give a final tally of overall prowess of each membrane type if it gave more options or value – or – had a deficit or negative/detractor.

When we’re comparing EPDM and TPO products looking at a spread and mean we get a 6-point spread in favor of TPO. As a GAF® Master Select™ roofing contractor, Roofing Annex uses the top rated TPO lines made by GAF, EverGuard™ and EverGuard Extreme™. Combine the best products with top notch installations, and the best warranty, and TPO picks up 2 or 3 more points over the best EPDM.

Not all roofers will agree with this. Some make their money off an expertise with EPDM that goes back decades. Other simply bash TPO to discredit it because of the money to be made on EPDM maintenance and repairs. Some just don’t trust the manufacturers’ claims of longevity since it’s untested out of the lab to last a lifetime. We agree that real world scenarios and time are a risk factor but GAF and independent labs agree that 60 mil EverGuard and EverGuard Extreme, as well as Firestone® TPO products, have no problem handling 37 years of extreme abuse.

A lot of the anti-TPO rhetoric you’ll hear is also based on confusion with thermosets like PVC and the various PVC alloys which have chemically bonded seams. In the past, these seams have had a negative track record. PVC had other pitfalls that would have sunk it below EPDM by a few points in a similar tally. The thermoset family legacy haunts TPO but it is slowly making a significant impact.

Call the commercial roofing pros at Roofing Annex to learn more about upgrading your flat roofing to a TPO membrane from GAF. We can perform an in-depth evaluation of your roof and let you know it’s condition and provide a free estimate for its replacement.
513.685.9092

The post Compare Single Ply Roofing Membranes for Low Slope Commercial Roofs appeared first on Roofing Annex.

As a leading commercial roofing company in the Cincinnati and Dayton area, Roofing Annex is well aware of the stresses felt by property owners and managers when it comes to multi-family unit roofing projects. The larger the property, the more tenants, the more overwhelming things get for those calling the shots. Our goal, from the moment we meet with prospective clients is to ease the tension by reviewing where they are at. We’ve met seasoned pros, uneasy professionals, and total novices that are no more prepared for the unexpected than the other – just as we’ve seen light planning and budgeting from all types. Hence, we’ve put together the following guide to multi-family unit roofing projects.

Much of this is a no-brainer and redundant for most but it bears repeating!

Step 1) Identify and Set Priorities

Residential complexes are always going to be complicated whether you’re looking for roof maintenance, roof installation, painting, siding replacement, or gutter cleaning. Assuming you’ve found a trusted building contractor with expertise in multi-family housing to tackle your needs, it’s time to pinpoint necessities. Ask your contractor to do an in-depth exam of the entire property to evaluate all possible issues. Once the issues for correction have been identified you’ll need to look at your budget alongside your contractor’s estimate and begin prioritizing. At Roofing Annex, we know that this can be difficult so our estimates include our two cents on prioritization. For example, we set critical leak areas like pipe flashings and missing sealants high and a change in gutter colors low. We advise you to ask this of any contractor you work with.

Step 2) Double Check your Plan with Tenants

The biggest mistake we’ve seen while conducting maintenance on multi-family units in Cincinnati is a lack of tenant input on the priority list. They may not understand the severity and need for certain items in your plan because others affect them more. Anger and resentment from residents can flare up if they see gutters replaced but wanted to see old deteriorating skylights replaced. Some communities will have suggestions coming in anyhow but it’s wise to ask around and get a consensus of pecking order to build a compromise. Be sure to consult with your contractor once the plan is altered to see if the plan fits their concerns.

Step 3) Review the Maintenance Estimate

Most commercial property management companies we’ve worked with tend to get multiple estimates when the project is larger while smaller issues are left to the maintenance company. Should you be reviewing multiple estimates be sure to evaluate them as apples to apples on the materials as some contractors will save a buck by using crummy products. We also advise using the company that can provide the best warranty on your products and their workmanship.

Need an Estimate?
Contact us Today! 513.985.9092

Step 4) Communicating the Project to the Residents

Posting clear signage and distributing letters or flyers with the project dates and schedule is imperative. We’ve never seen this not done but tenants will see those notices weeks in advance usually and forget. Thus, we suggest having one last round of flyers go out the day before with further details on the plan of action. Your contractor should be able to handle the rest. With a roof replacement project, for example, the crew will arrive early and cone off areas to avoid (sometimes the evening before). Caution tape and other notices will be posted to direct residents to safe parking, safe walking paths, and off limit areas.

Step 5) Ongoing Communication during Multi-Family Unit Roofing Projects

Property managers should be available during larger projects such as tear-offs and installs of roofing or siding. Larger complexes with several dozen or more units need ongoing clarity between residents, the management company, and the contractor’s onsite team leaders. Appointing someone from your end to represent the management company or an owner to stay on the premises or someone that can always be reached is the best way to clear unexpected hurdles. You’d be surprised how often the lack of representation happens and how bad things can get without it.

Step 6) Review the Work

Having a thorough understanding of the work performed is essential. Be sure that the project manager on hand is able to walk a representative around the property to look at the repairs and replacements along with spots of concern. Be sure to take photos along the way!

We hope you enjoyed our guide on Multi-Family Unit Roofing Projects and hope you explore other blogs for commercial roofing.

The post A Property Manager’s Guide to Multi-Family Unit Roofing Projects appeared first on Roofing Annex.

Commercial steep slope roofing systems are built for long lasting protection but at some point they will inevitably have some sort of failure. Problems with the sub decking design, poor initial installation, lack of solid maintenance, and extreme weather events (classic Cincinnati wind and hail for example) can all play a role in the health of a roof. It’s understandably hard to know what to do about a specific situation. When we pit commercial steep slope roof recovery vs replacement you’re looking at lesser cash spends for a recovery repair which may entail a high cost or a low one, due to insurance.

The commercial restoration and maintenance experts at Roofing Annex have seen it all; they provide property owners and managers with the following rundown to help direct decisions.

Roof Recovery via Repair

Smaller issues on commercial roofs can easily be repaired even if they look large to the eye.

Reasons for choosing repair work over replacement:

• The seals are in overall good shape but there are a few hiccups
• Water drainage isn’t occurring as it should and there is no leakage
• Leaks occur due to deteriorated pipe boots
• Rotten fascia is the culprit for leaks
• Easily identified isolated water entry points on the roof surface
• Apron and other joint related issues can be repair only
• The issues are superficial and cleaning is required

Benefits to making smaller repairs:

• Less costly than replacement
• Takes less time to complete
  • Relief comes quicker
  • Less disruptive than a full tear-off and build (especially for multi-family homes)
  • Less risk of the property being exposed to the elements
• Extends the life of the roof
• Provides a strong understanding of the life expectancy of the roofing system

Problems with repairing a roof that needs replacement:

• Nailing down a vast amount of shingles means the end is near for the roofing system and you just wasted money
• Too much spot replacing may have meant going with a shingle that looks different, even if just from natural aging+
• Small patches to fundamentally flawed structural issues means the issues may still exist and come back another day
• It may be that a full replacement was needed but put off for cost due to concerns or problems with insurance funding

Be sure to have your commercial property inspected by trained and certified experts.
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Free Exam & Consultation
513.685.9092

Roof Replacement

Commercial steep slope roofs are easy to maintain, energy efficient, and a cost effective choice in most cases as asphalt/composite shingles are the norm. Though you can have any residential roofing company look at your roof, it’s always best to have a company that deals in commercial property work with you. Why? Roofing system manufacturers give reassurance via accreditation for those who are pros when it comes to larger commercial properties. This impacts both the quality of workmanship and the level of warranty that backs up the new roof. The following reasons, benefits, and cons to replacing a roof go in line with choosing a certified Master Elite Contractor like Roofing Annex.

Reasons having a full replacement:

• Aesthetics – The old roof just looks dated or off in color
• Age – Asphalt shingles from 30 years ago were never expected to last more than that
• Defective product – there have been many brands with series that failed long before expected
• Defective installation – Poor construction is usually the result of choosing poor roofing system products and or installing them with substandard techniques or fasteners
• A weather event(s) ruined the integrity of the roofing system
• Fire and “acts of God”

 Benefits to tear-off and replacement:

• Boost to curb appeal
• Peace of mind via an excellent product warranty
• Manufacturer back workmanship
• Added property value in some cases but a 100% ROI can be expected
• Technology advancements mean a roof that should outlast the prior one
• Possible insurance coverage for the replacement
• Minimal downtime with a well-organized commercial roofing pro

Problems with choosing to replace the entire roof:

• It may cost a great deal more if it comes out-of-pocket
• It may be hard to work around schedules to accomplish

The post Commercial Steep Slope Roof Recovery vs Replacement appeared first on Roofing Annex.

As a top commercial roofing company serving the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus region, Roofing Annex receives a lot of inquiries about flat roofing types. Specifically, we are asked “what type works best” and “which flat roofing option is the least expensive”. The answer is surprisingly the same for both! TPO has come a long way in its formulation to become the best choice around. Hence, we’ve put together a Cincinnati TPO Roofing Guide to answer the questions and concerns that come with this product.

First, What is TPO?

The term TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. Believe it or not, TPO is actually in a broad family of rubber roofing materials. TPO is a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. Each manufacture has their own proprietary formula(s) that they’ve changed over the years. Hence, it’s hard to know what the lifespan will be for many of them.

Benefits to the Owners of Local Cincinnati TPO Roofing to Stay the Course

The number one sceptic of TPO must be addressed first! Property owners and managers who have TPO roofs that have failed or aged poorly tend to want to shy away. Don’t! It’s more than likely that your particular product, building issues, or the installer are to blame for any off-putting issues you may have experienced. Let us be clear that the 3 issues can be rectified with a new TPO roof from a reputable roofer that is certified by a top manufacturer to install their product correctly while addressing other concerns that may have accelerated issues. Generally water ponding can be a main concern that has nothing to do with the installer and everything to do with how a building is settling or problems with the building structure. A great roofer will always look at the current roofing problems and address them with the new roof to mitigate ponding and other issues. The benefits to TPO are numerous so we hope you stick with it. If not, there are other options that may fit your needs but you might be paying more.

Benefits to TPO Roofing

It’s important to point out that we handle a lot of Cincinnati TPO roofing projects; Roofing Annex only works with GAF TPO products as a Master Select Roofing Contractor™. TPO roofing has grown at a fast rate and GAF meets the needs with quality formulated products that keep getting better because they have the R&D to deliver. Factoring our mastery and theirs you can expect the following benefits from a new TPO roof:

• Excellent seam strength – 4 times stronger seems than EPDM of same thickness.
• Exceptional puncture resistance – when compared to both non-reinforced and reinforced EPDM of the same thickness.
• Dimensional stability – Will not shrink like EPDM.
• Longevity – Properly cared for TPO roofs will last 35 years or more like an EPDM roof but requires fewer and less expensive repairs on average. Most BUR roofs only last 20 to 30 years.
• Easy to install – Only 3 steps to install whereas EPDM has a dozen steps.
• Less to go wrong – Fewer install steps means less can go awry.
• Repairs go faster – Remove the bad patch and weld in a new one.
• Costs less – Quicker installations mean you save a ton.
• Energy efficiency – TPO’s highly reflective (white) material helps to reduce overall demand charge on commercial buildings, which accounts for 30–70% of a total electricity bill. Compared to a black EPDM or even a built-up roof the savings can be drastic.
• Great Warranties – The System Pledge and Diamond Pledge warranties cover everything for 20 or 35 years respectively – more on warranties
• Pick your color – Though there is cost involved and darker colors will affect your energy bill, GAF can manufacture any color to meet your specific needs.

Are you in the market for a new flat roof or need repairs? Call Roofing Annex today to have a certified flat roof specialist come look at your roofing system, provide you with an inspection, and give you a free estimate.
513.685.9092

A Closer Look at Cincinnati TPO Roofing Work

Here are just a few images to put a face to TPO to help tell the story of how it relates to its number one competitor, EPDM.

EPDM now comes in white but the standard black will often show signs of UV damage via cracking and speckling. You can see here that the seams even look bad.

EPDM will shrink, buckle, and warp far more than TPO products made by GAF. This Cincinnati EPDM roof is only 15 years old and already needs replacing due to shrinking and tearing seams that are enough to cause leaks.

Transitioning from an EPDM roof to a TPO roof will save money on the install and the energy bill. It may be harder to look at but the benefits are vast.

Most TPO jobs can be completed in 1 to 3 days vs a 2-7 days for equivalent EPDM roof installs. Sadly, many roofing companies prefer to sell EPDM for higher profits due to install time length.

Heat welded seams are the best method to ensure a seam is as strong as possible. TPO seams are 4 times stronger than standard adhesive seams.

There are colors to choose from as well as custom coloring options for our Cincinnati TPO Roofing clients! There are “cool colors” that are Energy Star rates to be about as good as pure white!

We hope that this guide covered the main points of concern you may have and made a compelling case for what we believe is the best flat roofing product available, TPO.

513.685.9092

The post Cincinnati TPO Roofing Guide appeared first on Roofing Annex.

The many benefits of commercial roof maintenance plans all center around the fact that they produce a high return on investment. The ROI in question is based on the healthy longevity of monitored roofs versus short lived or problematic roofing systems and the high cost of repairs and replacement. Protecting an investment against dilapidation has intrinsic value.

The Top 6 Benefits of a Commercial Roof Maintenance Plan

• Be Safe with Semiannual Inspections

The core of the maintenance plan is the semiannual inspection as well as storm monitoring. In our market, Roofing Annex knows that Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus can see extremes in a year from snow, heavy rain, high winds, and large hail. Depending on the roof type (steep slope shingles, flat EPDM, Foam, TPO, etc.) these elements can be quite problematic. Our Haag Certified inspectors are storm trained in storm damage forensic. Most damage is systemic with all roofing system types. A proper diagnosis will save property owners untold dollars.

• Avoiding Insurance Claim is Saving Money

The insurance rate of a commercial roofing system is reflected by the diligence you put into maintaining it. The more claims that a battered roof needs to have filed, the more the rate will climb up. Depending on the insurer, a maintenance plan from a well certified roofing company can decrease insurance rates through timeline documentation of inspections. This can mean a savings that pays for the maintenance plan plus some! A bi-annual inspection and proper insurance claim advocacy from a commercial roofer can produce less and more effective claims.

• Small Repairs Costs Less than Water Damage

Commercial roofing is not a single piece, it is a coordinated system to prevent leaks and protect your business. It includes flashing, mechanical and chemical fastening, insulation, drainage and more. Any good roof can be made better by having a reliable commercial roofing partner to keep your business safe. Seeing to the repair and upkeep of all of the parts that comprise a roofing system will head off water leaks which can wreak untold damage.

• Replacement May Be a Good Diagnosis

If an inspection ends in the result of a full roof replacement there may be hidden benefits. A maintenance plan will keep a strong timeline of photos and notes about a roof and its proper upkeep. Should disaster strike and a roofing system is compromised by something like a collapse due to snow weight or product failure, your commercial roofer will likely be able to help effectively. From insurance claim handling to make emergency repairs they will get the property in working order much more quickly and effectively than hiring someone that doesn’t know the roof. With proper documentation, Mother Nature takes the blame and a roof may get replaced for nothing more than a deductible payment.

• Prevention = Savings

A maintenance contract with a skilled commercial roofing contractor typically pays for itself by preventing damage.  Most property managers/owners agree that heading off possible problems is a good bet. This includes implementing better drainage components, building up sealants in low lying areas, adding more rock to built-up roofs, replacing rusted out vents, and replacing the small stuff that looks like it may fail before it actually has.

• Long Life = Big Savings

As we stated in the beginning, a maintenance plan is all about avoiding the inevitable replacement. Adding years of useful life to a commercial roof lowers the average yearly investment of the roof. Spending small amounts to steadily maintain a roofing system and accomplish all the above is a major savings to any property owner.

The post Benefits of Commercial Roof Maintenance Plans appeared first on Roofing Annex.

Flat roofing is obviously cost effective and resists the elements better than asphalt shingles in most circumstances. The number one issue with any flat roof type (EPDM, TPO, Built-up, Modified bitumen, etc.) is always drainage and the damage that can occur with a roof water ponding. Once it has occurred and hasn’t been addressed it will happen again and again. It’s in this repeat that the roof will begin to suffer. The water weight itself will begin to warp most substrates and/or let water begin to leak in.

Commercial roofing companies offer inspections and maintenance programs that can help property owners and managers avoid ponding diagnose any effects ponding has had on the roofing system.

Effects of Commercial Roof Water Ponding:

Older flat roofs collect dirt, dust, and debris carried by high winds. Couple that with any broken down particles or trash left on a roof and you have food for pond clogging muck. Heavy rains can push this into drains and clog them. Roof ponds often have heavy dirt deposits.

Rusting and decomposing roofing elements adds to the debris that clogs drains. Many of these particles can be corrosive to various flat roofing types. It is also clear in this image that some flat roofs need plenty of patching over time.

Water ponding can also happen on smaller areas like raised ridges/edges. Any depression can become a problem given time and enough rain. Flat roofs in Ohio see plenty of rain, snow, and shine along with abrupt temperature change. These factors aid in water ponding.

Regions like the Midwest that see plenty of snow, rain, and hail will of have more ponding issues. Roofing Annex’s flat roofing clients in the Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton areas typically have ponding as one of their more noteable problems.

Roofing Annex recognizes that no one person, property managers or roofers, can do enough to keep a flat roof looked after and secured. A team approach will always be the best solution. Only by partnering with your roofing company will a property owner/manager reap the ROI that comes with a maintenance program. These programs are a cost effective way to:

• Receive Annual or Biannual Professional Inspections from Certified Technicians
• Monitor Your Roof Via Exams After Recent Severe Storms
• Provide Engineering Adjustments/Repairs/Preventative Maintenance
• Receive Emergency Services
• Keep a Running History of a Roof in Photos and Documentation

A commercial roofing company will recognize signs of flat roof ponding and help preserve your insulation, layers, and finish coat of your roof. When water pools on a roof it can compress insulation, leading to a low spot, which leads to more roof ponding. Hence the repeat, adds more and more water weight. Thus, having a professional exam will:

• Increase Roof Life
• Improve Roof Drainage
• Identify Potential Leaks
• Identify Structural Issues
• Reduce Energy Costs
• Save Money Over Time

Monitoring devices are used by many roofing companies to save on hiring larger crews to perform maintenance inspections. These devices keep an eye on ponding by sensing water loads and wirelessly sends alarm triggers for service help. Roofing Annex can provide this service but experience has taught us that these devices can fail and using them instead of expert human eyes will neglect other issues.

Live professional inspections will find evidence of water ponding that electronic sensors can’t! This leads to engineering solutions being employed in a preventative manner. This includes:

• Building up Insulation to Eliminate Low Spots
• Adding Layers to Built-up Roofing
• Providing Waterproof Coatings

Long-term strategies are cut short by emergency problems such as a leak or blunt force damage, Roofing Annex’s emergency response team can get to your roof quickly, eliminate the flat roof ponding problem, and stop the leak fast.

Do you believe your commercial roof water ponding to be an issue?

Contact the professionals at Roofing Annex, Cincinnati’s commercial roofing experts. We offer customized maintenance programs, re-roofing, single-off repair calls, and insurance claim assistance via our clout with insurers and our inspectors being certified by HAAG Engineering. We also handle metal, asphalt and other steep slope roofing for both residential and commercial roofs such as multi-family units. Our zone of coverage extends from Cincinnati to Dayton to Columbus areas.

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