Energy Shield Inc

1. Pinpoint the Cause 

You may be asking yourself “What do I do with a Commercial Roof Leak?”

Any number of things could be the source of your roof leaking. A climate-related disaster is obvious. Even the toughest roofing system can’t fully withstand tornado-force winds, grapefruit-sized hail, hurricane-heavy rainfall, flying debris from disintegrating structures, or multiple feet of blizzard-driven snow. Fortunately, such natural catastrophes are rare.  

More common are minute tears in a commercial roof’s surface or failures in flashings around penetrations for vents or skylights and along valleys and ledges. These may be small or hidden, which makes them lots tougher to identify. When such breaches happen, you end up with water running down your inside walls. Clogged drains, gutters, downspouts, and scuppers are another common issue. Water needs to move off your roof as quickly as possible rather than ponding for any period of time. Other common issues: Malfunctions with plumbing, heating, and cooling units housed on the commercial roof. Damage to the waterproof membrane from weather, foot traffic, trees, animals, and other situations. Flaws in the roof design or construction allow water to get through and saturate what’s below. Age is always a factor. Most commercial roofing systems last from 15 to 20 years. But at a certain point, they simply wear out.  

When a commercial roof leak happens, your most important asset is an experienced, qualified, well-trained roofing professional. You want someone who is thoroughly versed in all types of commercial roofing systems. Someone who knows how and why they work. He or she stays on top of technical advances in the field and utilizes sophisticated detection equipment to diagnose your problem. Understanding local weather and working conditions and being current on regional codes and governmental regulations is required. Having financial information available is also important because the reality is, roof projects cost. Ideally, you already partner with a roofing contractor for annual roof inspections and routine maintenance. Then, when a special need arises, a pro who is well-acquainted with you and your business is quickly on the job.  

2. Minimize Interior Damage  

Taking quick action as soon as you detect water in your facility is important to containing the damage and controlling costs. Be sure to: 

• Mark the leak’s point of entry while it’s occurring, using colored tape or chalk or some other substance you can easily see. Later, you may not be able to locate the leak when the water stops, and the area is dry. These visible marks help you and your contractor avoid wasting time hunting for the source. Remember that water is sneaky. It can run under a ceiling or flow along a pipe until a leak shows up far from the actual cause.  

• Alert employees, get them away from water, and cordon off affected areas. Slip-and-fall incidents are largely avoidable with such simple precautions. Keep customers away too. Be vigilant for musty odors or foul smells as indicators of mold behind a wall or in overhead insulation. And keep people out of such areas so health is not at risk.  

• Protect equipment, electronics, furniture, supplies, merchandise, artwork, and other goods by moving them out of the affected area. If items are too large or heavy to move, cover them with a tarp. Tarp the roof outside also to keep more water from coming in.  

• Do a full walkthrough of your entire property to look for other leaks in the facility. Problems in one area could well be indicative of weaknesses elsewhere. If possible, complete such an inspection while it’s raining or snowing or blowing so it’s easier to spot signs of leaks.  

• Call your insurance agent to discuss what’s covered under your policy. Interior damage from a roof leak may be included, as well as the cost of the repair. Review your warranties also. Depending on the cause of the leak, coverage related to materials and/or installation may be available. Your roofing partner can help in this regard. Be sure to take photos so you have documentation of what’s happening inside and out.  

3. Complete the Repair  

To minimize damage and losses, you and your roofing partner want to get a repair plan in place. Usually, that involves one of three options. Depending on the severity of the issue, you’ll repair the damaged area; restore the top coating or membrane; or replace the entire roofing system, including decking, insulation, drainage, flashings, and other components. The latter solution is the most extensive and expensive, but if the roof is old and really worn out, blown off, penetrated, or heavily damaged by a natural disaster or fire, that may be your only choice. Repairing the affected area is much easier and may be as simple as clearing debris from gutters, downspouts, and drains. Or replacing flashings around penetrations, along edges, and across openings and cracks. Or fixing the damaged portion of the roof. Restoring the membrane involves repairing or replacing the topmost waterproof coating, either completely or in part.  

The importance of working with a trusted consultant becomes obvious at this point. Repairing a damaged area, for example, means matching new to existing materials since you can’t mix and match tar and gravel and TPO and PVC and EPDM in the same space. Restoring the membrane starts with knowing what kind of membrane is in place. Opting for replacement is a big decision that requires analysis of your entire enterprise. Cost implications are everywhere, from size and function of your complex, to accessibility of the roof, to the season of the year, to building codes, to long-term plans, to plenty more.  

Odds are that sooner or later, your roof is going to spring a leak. When that happens, work on the problem by following the Figure out why; get it fixed formula. That helps you resolve the issue quickly and keep your business functioning and robust.  

Commercial Roof Lifespan

Let’s say your spiffy new commercial roof comes with a 25-year warranty. That means you can step back and forget about the surface topping your building, trusting it to protect the people, materials, equipment, and ideas inside, right?

Wrong! 

Your commercial roof represents a substantial investment in your business, and like every other part of your enterprise, it requires periodic attention. You know your body needs regular care, feeding, inspection, and revision to operate at peak efficiency, especially over 25+ years. So does your roof.

Why EUL Matters

EUL is estimated useful life – the length of time you can expect your roof to last, otherwise known as getting as much bang as possible for your (considerable) bucks. Your roofing consultant will discuss EUL with you as you decide what type of roof is best for your business. It’s part of the complicated calculus of size, use, location, weather, energy, timing, materials, installation, codes, maintenance, cost, and myriad other considerations that impact the makeup of your roof.

Given such complexity, working with a qualified professional is essential. Applying expertise developed through years of hands-on experience, industry training, and local knowledge, he or she will emphasize that your roof is not a set-it-and-forget-it undertaking. Rather, it’s a highly functional, continuously active system that’s always on the job. Make sure your discussions include specifics about achieving maximum lifespan because there are a number of things to think about and actions to be taken to achieve EUL.

Keep Your Roof in Peak Condition

There’s a lot happening on the roof over your head. Paying attention to the many issues that impact it is essential to extending useful life.

The life of your commercial roof is dependent on all these factors, each interacting with the others, through all kinds of weather, over an extended period of time. Working with a certified contractor, taking preventive measures, and addressing issues immediately delivers the long lifespan you want and need.

Commercial Roof Repair & Replacement

The simple answer is – when it leaks.  

Leaks indicate a compromised roof. That somewhere overhead there’s damage – a tear, a hole, a weakness, clogging, weathering, wear-and-tear. And while other indicators of roofing problems may be present, leaking – weather drips, seeps, stains, ponds, waterfalls, or mold (to name a few) – is a warning that should never be brushed off or ignored.  

Let’s look at some of the factors you need to consider in determining what to do for your commercial roof, whether it be repair or replacement. For purposes of this discussion, we’re focusing on the flat roofs found atop apartment buildings, big box stores, factories, offices, strip malls, warehouses, and similar commercial structures.

Figuring Out What’s Wrong and Why 

This is not always as easy as it sounds. Although some causes are obvious, like a natural disaster punching holes in the roof or seams pulled apart by weathering and age, other problems are much tougher to find. Minute tears in the roof surface are a good example. These tears are difficult to see, but they let water get through. And water is sneaky. It can run under a ceiling or flow along a pipe until it shows up far from the point of penetration.  

The best advice is to consult with a qualified, experienced professional who understands everything about how and why roofs work. Applying expertise developed through years of experience, industry training, and local knowledge, he or she can pinpoint your issue and work with you to develop solutions for your commercial roof whether it be repair or replacement. Sometimes a repair is as straightforward as freeing up a blocked drainage system or fixing flashing around a vent. In other instances, a roof is just plain worn out. Aging is the single biggest reason a roof needs to be completely replaced.  

Determining the Type of Roofing Material  

On commercial structures, single-ply membrane systems are the most common material. These consist of a sheet of rubber or other synthetic substance secured to the roof frame and decking. Each of the three types of single-ply membrane roofs comes with pros and cons.

• EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofing is a single-ply rubber material that’s versatile, lightweight, durable, and easy to install and maintain. Reflective of UV rays, flexible in colder temperatures, and resistant to leaks and punctures, EPDM saves on energy costs and lasts 25 to 30 years.   
• TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) can be installed over almost any surface and is resistant to mold, hail, wind, fire, and air pollution. Reflecting heat makes TPO energy efficient. Life span is 15 to 20 years.  
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride) offers excellent energy efficiency throughout 20+ years. Made of multiple layers of PVC and polyester, PVC roofing is durable and flexible, especially in fluctuating climates and varying natural settings. It is also fire-resistant, recyclable, and eco-friendly.  

BTU or built-up roofing is another option. This tar-and-gravel concept has been around for 100 years. Surfaced with gravel or stone, Bitumen Thermal Units consist of alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt) and ply sheets. Installation can be time-consuming, although the sealed surface is waterproof, energy-saving, and good for 15 to more than 30 years.

Another important consideration is decking .Decking can be wood, metal, or tectum composite. Condition often can’t be determined until a job is underway. Repair or replacement may be needed because quality decking is just as important as good materials and solid workmanship to longevity and durability of your roof.  

Clearly, roofing gets very complicated. This is why sorting out options with a roofing professional is so important. The best choice for another building may not be appropriate for your structure, and you need to know why. Your roofing consultant can assist you in understanding every aspect of your project, including the investment required. 

Estimating the Cost

Repairing or replacing your roof is a big investment. How big depends on lots of factors in addition to the ones mentioned so far. Among them:  

• Size of your building and what happens there. The heat and vibrations of a factory making trucks puts very different stresses on a roof than kids coming and going to elementary school, and roofing must take that into consideration.  
• Accessibility of the rooftop. The taller the building, the more difficult getting workers and materials to and from the job site becomes. Difficulty costs.  
• Number and types of penetrations. Openings and flashing for installation of ducts, drains, HVAC, chimneys, plumbing, skylights, and vents are part of building function and roofing plan. More openings mean more money.  
• Building codes. State, regional, county, and city requirements for everything from fasteners and fire resistance, to weather durability, energy efficiency, and wildlife interactions, must pass inspection and meet code. The stricter the code, the higher the price of compliance.  
• Protection and disruption. During construction, the people in your facility must be shielded from equipment, injury, noise, and odors. That may translate to lost production, which equates to cost.  

Anticipating use, expansion, remodeling, and other changes to the property 2, 12, 25 years out impacts the roofing decisions you make today. Plus, the cost of materials and labor continues to go up, so acting sooner rather than later may save you money in the long run.   

Thinking EUL

That’s estimated useful life … essentially, the bottom line.  

To protect your investment, the roofing solution must be appropriate to your situation and structure, taking every item mentioned here, and more, into account. Expert installation by experienced crew using top-quality materials is essential. Inferior workmanship can compromise warranties. Be sure you know what your warranties cover and for how long. Stick to a schedule of regular inspection and maintenance. Even the best roof won’t take care of itself.  

Patching, repairing, or replacing your commercial roof is a complex process with lots of variables. The goal is getting maximum useful life from your venture, making sure your roof lasts a long, successful time.  

How Snow & Ice Impact Your Commercial Roof

It is no mystery that certain weather conditions can destroy your commercial roof, and snow and ice are no exception. When you have a standard mechanically fastened roof with board insulation, warmed air from the inside of your building escapes through the cracks, holes, and seams. When the snow melts around those areas, here come the ice dams and leaky roofs.

Ice Dams

We all know that heat rises. The snow melts when the warm air rises to the roof. The snowmelt migrates to other parts of the roof, where it starts to freeze again, creating an ice buildup around the cracks and seams. It then forms a valley for water to sit and collect, and this water will eventually start leaking through the roof.

How to Prevent Damage

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF, or Spray Foam), or a silicone roof coating solution is an excellent way to combat the damage done by winter days. Not only will it insulate your commercial building, but it will also prevent your current roof, whatever the type, from succumbing to the harsh environment. Any existing holes and open seams will be filled, which will create a seamless air barrier to stop the snowmelt. If no warm air can escape, then there’s no snowmelt. Ice dams will not be able to form if there are no open seams, and leaks will become a thing of the past.

Energy & Cost Savings

Stopping air loss through the roof will reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system. All in all, you will be giving your commercial roof a lifetime of snow and water damage and corrosion protection, which can make your energy bills go down. And imagine saving even more money by avoiding a costly roof tear-off. Keep the warm air inside of your building every winter!

How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Replacing your roof is a big decision––and one that you should not take lightly! After all, your roof is one of the most important parts of your home’s structure. You’ll need a roofing professional who knows the ins and outs of roofing, and knows how to efficiently get the job done. But how do you know what to look for?  

Since most people will only replace their roof once during their lifetime, it’s not common knowledge how to choose a good roofing contractor. Still, replacing your roof is a huge investment, so you need to make sure you know what to look for.  

In this blog, we’re going to help you figure out how to choose the right roofing contractor. Keep reading! 

Look for a Roofer With a Long-Term Tenure

Of course your first motive isn’t to hire a novice roofing professional. Why hire a roofing contractor that doesn’t have a long track record of doing high-quality work? In some instances, homeowners can fall victim to fly-by-night contractors––roofers who are notorious for disappearing to avoid paying damages or fixing unsolved issues. To avoid something like this, always work with a roofing company that is known for high-quality work and decades of experience. 

Pay Attention to Licensure and Insurance 

Without a doubt, roofing is a dangerous job, which is why we never recommend homeowners to handle it themselves. You need to have the right tools, materials, and safety equipment to ensure that the job is done efficiently and safely.  

A high-quality roofing professional will carry all required license and insurance for its workers and the jobs they’ll perform. Never work with a roofing company that refuses to, or is unable to provide license and insurance.  

Review Past Roofing Work 

Reviews are such a notable way to know if someone or something is right for you. Reputation is everything. If you want an unbiased, third-party review from people who have used a business in the past––Google it!  

Pay attention to specifics in reviews such as timeliness, punctuality, cost, and trustworthiness. What do other homeowners have to say about this roofing company? It pays to do your homework. 

Stay On Top of Documents  

Every part of your roofing installation process should be professionally documented. A reputable roofing company will walk you through the logistics and figures behind your roofing investment, as well as answer any questions you may have during the installation. 

As a professional roofing company, it is their job to make sure you have no questions during the process. No part of the agreement should leave you guessing. 

Have a Plan for Unplanned Repairs 

Unplanned repairs are generally more often the rule rather than the exception when it comes to home improvement. Naturally, as soon as you start banging down walls, or moving cabinets, there’s going to be more issues to address.  

Well, roof work is the same way! In some instances, the roofing crew may find that there’s water damage that needs to be repaired, or damaged decking within the structure. Whatever the damage may be, always make sure to discuss how your roofing contractor plans to handle damage, should it arise.

Finding a reputable roofing contractor doesn’t have to be hard! At Energy Shield, we know a thing or two about roofing, and have more than 30 years of experience under our belts. If you’re looking for a professional roofing company that will take care of your home, look no further. 

Contact us for more information! 

How Storms & Bad Weather Damage Your Roof

Inclement weather can cause serious damage to your roof. Even if your home structure is built to handle extreme weather conditions, your roof may still be harmed. A bad storm can damage your roof in several ways––from your roof tiles to the inside of your home. Keep reading to find out the ways bad weather can impact your roof.

Wind Damage

Homeowners are often surprised to hear that wind can cause such significant damage to their homes. Many people think that inclement weather such as tornadoes are the only things that can damage shingles or dismantle tiles––but that’s simply not the case.  

Though tornadoes can demolish home structures, high winds also pose a hazard to your property and surrounding areas. When high winds hit a roof, shingles can loosen or fall off. If the wind speeds get too high, they can damage even the newest, most secure shingles on your roof. 

Other things like fallen objects like debris and downed power lines can also cause structural damage to your roof. 

Heavy Rainfall

If thunderstorms are pretty common in your area, heavy rain can wear down your shingles and weigh down your roof. Damage left behind from a storm can result in lost shingles and moisture inside of the underlayment of your roof. Prolonged water damage can penetrate the roof deck and eventually damage the integrity of the roof.

Even a small roof leak can lead to extensive, irreparable damage to your roof. Any leak your roof has needs to be checked by a roofing professional ASAP.  

Stress From Fallen Trees 

Inclement weather such as high winds or heavy rain can cause trees to break apart and blow away––adding more stress to your structure. Sometimes these items can cause shingles to break apart, causing damage to the roof tiles. If something larger like a log falls on your roof, it may cause a dent and other serious kind of damage.  

Inclement weather can be extremely threatening to your roof and home. If bad weather strikes your area, always check your roof afterward. Any damages that your roof has sustained will need to be fixed immediately to prevent further damage and higher repair costs down the road. 

For more information about roofing repair, contact us today.

Roof Damage Inspection Benefits

Storm season is upon us in the Midwest, which means storm-damaged roofs. If you’ve lived in Michigan in the summer, then you know what to expect: thunderstorms, strong winds, and sometimes inclement weather. There are a lot of reasons to have a professional roof inspection after your home sustains significant storm damage. Not only is professional roof inspection crucial to helping your home maintain its value, it’s also important for making sure that your home is still safe.

Here are a few benefits to having a professional roof inspector assess your home for storm damage.

1. Early Detection of Damages

If your home has sustained storm damage, you’ll likely notice broken, cracked, or missing shingles. Even if these damages aren’t noticeable upon first glance, over time, they can subtly deteriorate your roof. Since professional roof inspectors are trained to spot impairments in roofing, they will be able to notice mild damage, and make repairs before it becomes a major disaster.

2. Early Detection of Leaks

As a homeowner, you know roof leaks can spell real signs of trouble for your home. Even seemingly mild leaks can cause significant damage to your home’s structure, as excess moisture over time can lead to warped framing––putting your home at risk. In addition, leaks in your roof can lead to rot, mold, and a variety of health concerns. Professional inspectors know where to look for leaks––big or small––and can help you find the weak point in your roof.

3. Stability Analysis

In addition to roof inspection, professional roof inspectors can also provide an overall stability analysis and assess the need for future roof repairs. Keeping a close eye on the structural stability of your home is a great way to make sure that your home is secure and safe for your family.

4. Assistance With Insurance Claim

Has your home faced severe damage due to a storm? If so, you need to make an insurance claim and hire a professional roof inspector to help with proper damage assessment. A professional roof inspector can provide you with a detailed report which can help speed up the insurance claim process.

5. Prevention of Costly Repairs

As noted before, any damage to your roof needs to be assessed immediately to prevent further damage and costly repairs. The longer you allow your roof problems to slide, the worse it will be when you end up having to pay for a total roof replacement.

A professional roof inspector can quickly assess roofing problems and make repairs before they become a larger issue. For more information about commercial roofing, or to speak to one of our roofing professionals, contact us!

Roofing Questions & Answers

As a homeowner, you probably understand that regular roof maintenance is the best way to maintain your roof’s integrity and lifespan. And while roof replacement is one of the best things you can do for your home––you probably have a lot of questions about the process. Lucky for you, Energy Shield is here with the answers you’re looking for. With more than 40 years of quality commercial roofing under our belts, we know the answers to your roofing questions.

1. When Do I Need a New Roof?

A new roof is a big investment and not one you should postpone. Since your roof is an important structure for your home, failure to replace your roof can result in costly home repairs from leaky shingles to structural damage. Here are a few signs it might be time to replace your roof:

• You have broken, curled, or otherwise missing shingles.
• You notice signs of roof rot.
• You notice blistered shingles.
• There are wet spots on your ceiling, in the attic, or your crawl spaces.
• You find water backup in your eaves.

If you’re worried about your roof’s condition, hire one of our professional roofers to inspect your roof thoroughly for damage. We’ll offer honest advice about when you should invest in a new roof.

2. Which Roofing Company Is Right for Me?

If you do choose to replace your roof, you need to find a reliable roofing contractor company to assist you in the process. A new roof isn’t a small investment; the right contractor will supply you with a new roof that will last for decades without issue.

Next, take time to do your research before hiring the first roofing professional you find. Online reviews can be a helpful tool to locate local roofing professionals in your area.

Lastly, investigate the company itself. Look for any accreditations, testimonials, or galleries that might shed light on the company’s expertise, customer service, and skill.

3. What Roofing Options Are Available?

So much work goes into roof replacement. One question we always get asked is, “what roofing options are available?” There are a variety of new roofs to choose from to complement any style of home. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can select your material, color, and style. We offer metal roofing, forged iron, traditional shingles, and more in a variety of stunning colors and style options. Whatever style you choose, our team will make sure all installations are to your satisfaction.

4. How Can I Protect My New Roof?

As mentioned before, replacing your roof is an expensive investment. Weather conditions such as snow, wind, rain, and even the sun can destroy your roof. If you want to prolong the lifespan of your roof, we recommend our silicone roof coating solution.

Our silicone roof coating solution can withstand even the harshest weather conditions and UV rays. They won’t succumb to inclement weather, will never break-down, crack, peel, or chalk. It can withstand permanent ponding water and is extremely resistant to damaging mold and mildew.

Don’t risk damaging your new roof.

5. How Can I Prepare for New Roof Installation?

There are a few small steps you can take for a smooth roof installation process. First, remove loose items from your walls and shelves in your home. Sometimes, hammering on the roof can cause enough vibration to make unsecured items fall.

Clear your driveway and areas around your home. With roof installation, there is a chance that roofing materials can fall into the driveway. If you can, try to leave room for your contractor’s vehicle to pull into the driveway. This will make the process go much faster, and your contractor will thank you for it!

Lastly, sit back and enjoy your new roof. The bulk of the work is up to us.

6. How Long Will My New Roof Last?

Your roof’s lifespan depends on two important factors: your contractor and roofing materials. Typically, 20 years is an acceptable lifespan for a new roof. However, depending on the level of maintenance, your roof can last a lot longer or not as long.

At Energy Shield, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality commercial roofing systems. Contact us for more information or to inquire about a new roof installation.