How Snow and Ice Affect Your Roof

Winter comes quickly in Michigan. For those of us who are familiar, this means roads covered in ice, slushy snow days, and long dark winter nights. From shoveling snow day after day to driving on icy roads, snow can put a lot of stress on homeowners. But it can also put a lot of stress on your roof. In this blog, we’ll outline exactly how snow and ice affect your roof.

Ice Dams Can Cause Leaks

Ice dams start small but quickly become a big problem. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of your roof and prevents snow from melting and draining off the roof. The water that backs up can leak into a home and damage walls, ceilings, insulation, and more. If ice dams form, they can cause extensive damage to your roof.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Nothing can destroy the integrity of your commercial flat roof more than the constant expansion and contraction from repeated freezing, thawing, and refreezing. As mentioned in a previous blog, when snow melts on a flat roof, it can pond. While some of that water will drain as intended, the rest can refreeze. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage to the roof as water leaks into cracks and crevices. Keep in mind; excess water can seep into electrical units, causing considerable amounts of damage to HVAC and other units.

Roofing Blisters

When moisture or air becomes trapped under the roofing material, roof blisters form. Most roof blisters start quite small but grow bigger over time as more blisters accumulate. Add in more moisture, which leads to further blistering, and before you know it, you have leaks and, in extreme cases, structural damage.

Additional Weight

Snow is a seemingly-weightless powder, but don’t let it fool you. Excess accumulation of snow on your roof spells trouble and can result in costly damages over time. While this extra weight won’t cause your roof to cave in at any given moment, it may be adding stress, which can affect your roof’s lifespan. Icicles formed on your gutters can also contribute to this excess weight.

How Snow and Ice Affect Your Roof - Aerial view of neighborhood

Try to Avoid DIY Snow Removal

Heavy snowfall can cause severe roof damage if not properly removed. However, you should avoid trying to remove snow on your own to avoid puncturing shingles or damaging your roof’s waterproof membrane.

Instead, contact your local roof professional contractor to do the job for you. Call Energy Shield for a free estimate.

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How to Safely Remove Snow From Your Flat Roof

Safely Remove Snow From Your Flat Roof - Energy Shield Roofing

Despite how whimsical and magical snowfall can be on a cold winter morning, it can spell trouble for your commercial flat roof. During the winter months, it’s important for business owners to safely remove excess snow accumulation to prevent further damage or destruction of their flat roof.

Why Is Regular Snow Removal Important?

While it’s true, some moisture will evaporate from your roof, regular snow removal is essential to preserving the integrity and life of your commercial flat roof. Too much snow accumulation can lead to ponding water and bowing. When unnecessary weight is placed on the roof, it can lead to leaks, damage to the structure, and in worst-case scenarios, the total collapse of the roof.

In addition to damages caused by snow accumulation, commercial flat roofs can also experience free-thaw. When free-thaw occurs, snow melts on the roof and seeps into cracks and crevices. Over time, the water re-freezes and expands, severely damaging the roof structure.

Follow these tips to protect the integrity of your roof from harsh winter weather.

Assess the Surrounding Area. Before you start the removal process, you will first want to assess the surrounding area. Remove any objects from around the building that could be damaged from falling snow and ice. If working in an area with heavy foot traffic, put out caution signs and cones to mark off areas where people shouldn’t walk. This will prevent unnecessary injuries.
Remove Excess Snow If Possible. After you safety-proof your area, you’ll want to grab a shovel and remove as much excess snow as possible. Find a reliable position on the roof that allows you to maneuver snow in an easy fashion. Use your shovel to evenly clear excess snow, without digging into the roof. This will help protect the outer layer of the roof from damage.
Use a Snow Rake to Remove Any Additional Snow. After you’ve removed excess snow accumulation from the roof, you will want to use a broom or a snow rake to remove any additional snow from the roof’s surface. Sweep the roof evenly to avoid one side of the roof holding more weight than the other. Again, avoid digging into the roof; this will prevent unnecessary damage.
Apply De-Icing Spray. If your roof has snow and ice accumulation, you might want to consider applying a de-icing spray to prevent future snow build-up on your roof. Always consult with a roofing professional before spraying a new product on your roof’s membrane.
Remove Debris From Gutters and Drain Spouts. In addition to clearing snow accumulation off of the surface of your commercial flat roof, it is also important to remove snow, ice build-up, and debris from gutters and drain spouts. As the snow melts, it will need to have a clear path to drain off of the roof to prevent ponding and leaks.

Signs Your Flat Roof Needs Immediate Attention

If you notice any of these signs, notify your roofing company ASAP:

Leaking
Extreme icicle formation on the roof
Broken ceiling tiles
Buckling walls or beams

The integrity of your roof is important, especially during harsh winter months. Our roofing professionals at Energy Shield have the combined knowledge and tools to help winter-proof your roof. Contact us today!

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Roofing Material Comparisons

Besides major remodeling projects such as kitchen or bathroom renovation, new roofing is one of the most expensive home improvement “repairs” that a homeowner ever faces. As with most home improvement choices, homeowners have to choose between quality and expense. With roofing, material quality is usually directly related to how long you can expect your roof to hold up. 

But let’s face it, it doesn’t make sense to scrounge up pocket change for a roof that isn’t going to hold up when inclement weather or heavy snowfall strikes. And since installing a new roof is one of the most expensive home improvements you’ll make, you want to make sure that your investment is a good one. After all, a cheap roof is no bargain if you have to replace it every eight years. 

Here, we’ve outlined roofing material comparisons to help you choose the best roofing material for your roof.

Composite Asphalt Shingle Roof

As one of the most popular roofing materials, composite shingle roofing is found on more than 80 percent of all homes. Composite shingles use either an organic or fiberglass base that is saturated with asphalt, coated on the bottom side with quartz or ceramic granules. These roofs are relatively low cost, easy to install, and have a decent lifespan. 

Average Lifespan

Composite asphalt shingle roofs can be expected to last 15 to 40 years, depending on the quality of the materials chosen. In some instances, shingle roofs may even last as long as 50 years. Most shingle roofing manufacturers offer a range of products in different weights and life expectancies. Preserve the lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs by avoiding cheap shingles and avoid walking on them. Never power wash an asphalt shingle roof. 

Average Value

On average, asphalt shingle roofs cost around $5 per square foot to install, though the labor costs vary from region to region. Assuming that a 2,000 square foot house has a roof square footage of around 2,200 square feet, that roof averages about $12,000 for professional installation. Factor in that the roof will probably be replaced at least three to four times, and you’re looking at about $30,000 to $40,000 over 100 years. 

Since you’re less likely to live in a home for that time period, an asphalt shingle roof is a great price point for most homeowners.

Roofing Material Comparisons - Composite Asphalt Shingle Roof

Standing-Seam Metal Roof

Standing-seam metal roofing is a concealed fastener roofing system that features vertical or trapezoidal legs with flat space in between. This increasingly popular type of roofing material is made from large steel panels, although copper and zinc are also used. These roofs are virtually maintenance-free and very durable.

Average Lifespan

Standing-seam metal roofs have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, but information about longevity is still being gathered. In optimal circumstances, metal roofs may last up to 75 years. If you want to prolong your roof’s lifespan, regularly check to ensure that fasteners and sealants haven’t failed, and inspect your roof for distressed, bent, or slipped panels.

Average Value

Costs for standing-seam metal roofs average about $10 per square foot for steel or aluminum, $13 per square foot for zinc, and $18 per square foot for copper. For a 2,000 square foot house with 2,200 in a sloped roof area, average national costs for a steel panel roof are about $22,000.

Roofing Material Comparisons - Standing-Seam Metal Roof

Clay or Cement Tile Roofs

Clay tile roofs are very popular in the Southwest but can found anywhere in the country. These specific roofs have incredible strength and durability––thanks to clay and ceramic terracotta materials. These roofs are made up of individual tiles aligned in overlapping layers over the roof surface. 

This may very well be the only roof your home ever needs. 

Average Lifespan

Unlike traditional roofs with shingles or wood, clay tile roofs are less likely to slough off of mineral grains, as with composite shingles. Rather, cracking is what can doom tile roofs. Avoid walking on your tile roof as much as possible to prevent damage. 

Average Value

Costs for clay or cement tile roofs vary considerably. For instance, concrete tiles can cost around $10 per square foot installed; terra cotta can range from $15 to $20 per square foot installed; ceramic tile, from $20 to $30 per square foot, installed. However, since this roof will very likely last a century, costs in today’s dollars would remain $44,000 over 100 years.

Slate Roof

Slate is another version of a stone roof, but rather being made from molded clays or concrete, these roofs are covered with actual stone hewn from rock mined from quarries. For those concerned with their budget, slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials but the most durable of all. When properly maintained, slate can potentially last the lifetime of your home. 

Average Lifespan

This roof is extremely durable, so you can expect it to easily last up to 100 years or more. If you want to extend the life of your slate roof, immediately replace any broken tiles you find. Make sure that all flashings are correctly installed and in good working order.

Average Value

There is a large variation in costs for a slate roof, which can range from around $10 per square foot to as high as $75 per square foot. If we assume an average home installation cost of $30 per square foot, then a 2,000 square foot home can cost roughly $60,000 to roof with slate.

For more information or to schedule a roofing consultation, contact Energy Shield.

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How Snow and Ice Impact Your Roof

It is no mystery that certain weather conditions can destroy your roof, and snow and ice are no exception.

When you have a standard dark-colored, mechanically fastened roof with board insulation, warmed air from the inside of your building leaves through its cracks, holes, and seams. When snow melts around those areas, here come the ice dams and one leaky roof.

We all know that heat rises. When the heated air from the inside of your building starts to rise, that snow is going to begin melting. The snowmelt migrates to other parts of the roof where it starts to freeze again. This creates an ice buildup, or ice dam, around the cracks and seams. It then forms a valley for water to sit and collect. This water will eventually start leaking through the roof, causing further damage.

commercial roof repair flat roofing detroit

Consider protecting your investment with spray polyurethane foam (SPF) and/or a silicone roof coating solution. Not only will it insulate your building, it will prevent your current roof, whatever the type, from succumbing to the harsh environment it is exposed to day after winter day. Any existing holes and open seams will be filled. This will create a seamless air barrier to stop the snowmelt. If no warm air can escape, then no snow can be melted. Also, ice dams will not be able form if there are no open seams. Leaks will become a thing of the past.

Stopping air loss through the roof will also stop wear and tear on your HVAC system. All in all, you will be giving your roof a lifetime of snow and water damage, and corrosion protection. A Benefit, this 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.

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EPDM Roofing 101

What is EPDM roofing?

EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, is a synthetic rubber roofing overlay material. It is typically used on flat or low-slope commercial roof systems. It is important to note that this synthetic rubber should not be used in conjunction with other roofing materials containing aluminum, asphalt, and cement. These will cause further damage and eventually the roof will need to be completely replaced.

Before new EPDM roofing installation begins, the current roof must be completely leveled and free of existing coverings and damage. It then needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Your roofing professional will measure your roof to determine how much material will need to be used. The amount of EPDM needed must cover the entire roof as well as provide a bit of overhang. EPDM is then applied in sheets and mechanically fastened at the seams. PVC membrane, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing are other roof types that are similar in this way, as they are also mechanically fastened.

Pros of EPDM Roofing

The extreme durability of EPDM is a unique selling point. Not only that, but it is sold in a variety of lengths and widths. When an EPDM roof is expertly installed, maintained, and repaired by a professional, it may protect your commercial building for years and years.

EPDM roofs are also one of the least expensive roof types to install and repair. EPDM comes in either black or white sheets, so you may also be able to reduce your energy bills just by choosing the correct color dependent on the weather in the region your commercial building is located.

Cons of EPDM Roofing

Seeing as that EPDM roofs are mechanically fastened, they are not as airtight. This means that they offer significantly less protection than seamless roof types do.

Mechanically fastened holes and seams will expand and contract under normal weather conditions. The now bigger holes, cracks, and seams let water in and can destroy your roofing substrate. Air also escapes through these cracks, holes, and seams. Your HVAC system must then work harder to compensate for the air loss, which will end up costing you thousands of dollars.

Lastly, EPDM is derived from oil and natural gas. If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, EPDM may not be at the top of your shopping list.

In Closing

Given its extreme durability, EPDM may be a good option for your commercial flat or low-slope roof. We highly encourage you to contact a roofing expert to handle the job of installing, maintaining, and repairing your EDPM roof.

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A Guide to Spray Foam & Foamed-in-Place Insulation Types

example of spray foam insulation on wall

A Guide to Spray Foam & Foamed-in-Place Insulation Types

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation comes in many types. There is cementitious, a magnesium oxide cement-based foamed-in-place insulation material like shaving cream.Spray polyurethane foam (SPF Insulation), which is our (Energy Shield’s) expertise for more than 40 years. And there’s tripolymer, a water-soluble foam that is injected into cavities.

What spray foam insulation types exist?

There are two main types of spray foam insulation: open-cell foam and closed-cell foam. Open-cell foam has a lower density and is more permeable. This allows for better sound absorption but lower thermal resistance. Closed-cell foam has a higher density and is less permeable, providing better insulation and moisture resistance. Each type has its own advantages and is used in different applications based on specific needs.

Spray foams are dense, pollution-free insulators with an airtight, lightweight, and seamless application. Some types, like SPF, may also be waterproof. Spray foam is fluid-applied in place. It’s typically with either a small handheld sprayer or a pressurized sprayer, depending on the size of the project. It then expands and hardens on contact with the surface. Then cures to form an airtight chemical bond. Everything sprayed or fluid-applied is a better insulator naturally.

Cementitious Pros:

Fire resistance: Cementitious spray foam insulation is non-combustible and provides excellent fire resistance, making it a safer option compared to other insulation materials.
Eco-friendly: This type of insulation is made from natural and recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Soundproofing: Cementitious spray foam insulation offers excellent sound absorption properties, effectively reducing noise transmission between rooms or from outside sources.
Moisture resistance: The cement-based composition of this insulation makes it resistant to moisture, helping to prevent mold and mildew growth in damp environments.
Pest resistance: Unlike some other insulation materials, cementitious spray foam insulation does not provide a food source for rodents or insects, reducing the risk

Spray Polyurethane Foam Pros:

High R-value: SPF insulation offers a high R-value per inch, meaning it provides excellent thermal resistance and can help reduce energy consumption.
Air sealing: SPF insulation expands upon application, filling gaps and cracks efficiently. This creates an effective air barrier, reducing drafts and improving indoor comfort.
Moisture resistance: Closed-cell SPF insulation is resistant to moisture intrusion, helping to prevent mold and mildew growth in damp environments.
Structural strength: Closed-cell SPF insulation can add structural strength to walls and roofs, potentially increasing the overall stability of a building.
Versatility: SPF insulation can be applied to various surfaces and in difficult-to-reach areas, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Noise reduction: SPF insulation can help reduce noise transmission between rooms or from outside sources, contributing to a quieter indoor environment.

Benefits

Aside from strengthening your building, spray foam is low maintenance, stops other problems from arising, and reduces construction waste. Spray foam will not sink, sag, or settle, and does not wear down the structure. It is also safe for application over fireproofing materials. Over the last 35 years, it has undergone many tests to conform to the standards for non-combustibility, and it keeps passing.

With a spray foam insulation solution, the cold and heat from inside and outside will not expand and contract your roofing substrate and will keep the air-conditioned or heated air you pay for inside of your building. This also means that any wood in its surrounding vicinity will not rot, split, or warp. Oftentimes, certain spray foams are used in conjunction with a roof coating, such as our silicone roof coating solution, to form the primary protective roof covering.

Spray foam is incredibly strong with an R-Value greater than any other insulation type on the market. The R-Value is how insulation strength is measured. And how much heat the insulation will let flow through it. Depending on the thickness of your walls and the foam density, our closed-cell SPF’s R-Values here at Energy Shield are between R-6 and R-6.5 per inch. In comparison, fiberglass batts and blankets have an R-Value of 3.0 to 4.0 per inch. In general, closed-cell spray foam is the better insulation material for keeping the weather, water, air, and even bugs and mold out.

Uses

The list of commercial and industrial spray foam applications is long. It is quite versatile and has many different applications, from commercial and industrial buildings (interior and exterior walls) to refrigerated trucks and vans to water storage tanks and duct work. Spray foam can be applied to any commercial or industrial construction material, such as concrete block, concrete, brick, steel, wood, laminates, and even exterior sheathing boards.

It can be used for virtually any insulation need, including digesters, freezers and coolers, conveyor tubes, separation insulation between heated and unheated areas of your building, and even coatings for below-grade pipes, vaults, and manholes.

Spray foam is an excellent option for acoustical insulation projects as well with its impeccable sound-insulating properties. Not only that, but it is mold, pest, and pollutant-resistant, making it a smart insulation choice for your project whether it involves your home, commercial or industrial building, or refrigerated truck or van.

person applying silicone coating to spf spray foam roof coating

Energy & Cost-Saving Benefits

As cold or hot air enters a building, an equal amount is forced out, leading to air loss. Your HVAC system must work twice as hard to keep the temperature stable. Air loss is exactly how your hard-earned money is wasted. Spray foam insulation stops air loss and prevents leaks, production shutdowns, and equipment damage by creating a seamless barrier as well as filling any existing cracks, gaps, holes, and seams. In return, you get enormous cost savings just from keeping the air inside your building — right where it belongs.

Spray foam is proven to save up to 40% to 60% in annual energy costs. A 50,000 square foot industrial or office building will have energy costs around $67,000 per year. Once you have spray foam insulation installed, you can expect a savings of around $26,800 a year.

Even though spray foam insulation typically costs more than traditional insulation, the cost is mitigated by its benefits. Due to its high R-Values, it can virtually eliminate some of the other costs associated with constructing or maintaining a home or commercial building.

Spray Foam Insulation Densities

Spray foam insulation is available in low, medium, and high density types. At 0.5 pounds per cubic foot, low-density spray foam is an open-cell foam whereas medium and high-density spray foams at 2-3 pounds per cubic foot are both closed-cell foams. In general, the higher the density, the greater the R-Value; and the higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating power.

Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation Types

Open-cell spray foam cures into a soft and sponge-like state because its cells are, as the name implies, open and filled with air. Closed-cell spray foam cures into a hard and rigid state because its cells are closed and filled with gas. Typically, closed-cell spray foam costs a bit more than open-cell foam. Closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-Value per inch due to its level of density. At 3” of application, open-cell spray foam becomes an effective air barrier. At only 1” of application, closed-cell spray foam becomes an excellent air barrier and is extremely useful for sealing air leaks as well as adding structural strength.

Open-Cell

Low density: 0.5 lb. per cubic foot
Up to R-4 per inch
Soft & spongy – cells filled with air
Water permeable (should be used in conjunction with a vapor retardant)
Effective air barrier at 3” of application
Attics, ceilings, roofs, soundproofing, walls

Closed-Cell

Medium to high density: 2-3 lb. per cubic foot
Up to R-7 per inch
Hard & rigid – cells filled with gas
Moisture-resistant, Class II vapor retarder, FEMA Class 5 flood-resistant
Excellent air barrier at 1” of application
Basements, ceilings, crawlspaces, roofs, slabs, sound-dampening, walls

In Closing

The type of spray foam that you need will ultimately depend on your project and budget. The installation of spray foam requires permits as well as personal protective equipment, so it is extremely important to contact a professional to take on the job.

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Roofing Types – Understanding Your Roof

Your roof protects you, so you should protect it. Prevent the issues that can cost thousands of dollars, intolerable working conditions, and an uncomfortable building. Industrial flat roofing systems such as built-up roofing, elastomeric, metal roofs, weathered single-ply membranes, and mineral cap sheets, have many problems. From chalking, cracking, sagging, leaking (#1 problem), splitting, the list goes on…

All these issues with industrial flat roofing can create a perfect storm for your working conditions or your tenants. When a roof starts to sag, the water from the rain or snowmelt will pool in one spot, eventually wearing down the roofing material, and penetrating the surface, and the next thing you know that water is on your floor. When a roof has cracks in the tar or seams and holes from fasteners, it means air can escape through your roof, forcing your HVAC system to run twice as hard, and costing you dumpsters full of money.

So why do we think our roofing solution is the right one for you? We’ll come right back to that question but first, let’s go over the industrial flat roofing solutions out there.

Built-up Roofing

Commonly referred to as “Tar and Gravel” roofs, built-up roofs, or BUR, are made up of alternating layers of reinforcing fabrics and bitumen. This bitumen can be made up of many different components. Asphalt, coal tar, and cold-applied adhesives are the most common. The BUR is applied in layers creating a “membrane”.

So why doesn’t this work?

BUR roofing takes a long time to install because of the number of materials it uses.
Hazardous fumes are often emitted during installation.
High Installation costs.
It’s susceptible to wind and moisture damage.
It’s extremely heavy and requires roof joists to strengthen the structure.
Finding the source of the leak is hard and may require completely dismantling the roof.
It’s not flexible in cold temperatures.

Elastomeric

Elastomeric coatings for industrial flat roofing are more effective and affordable. They also come in 4 different coatings, each having their own pros and cons. These include; Butyl, Acrylic, Polyurethane, and Silicon. Each one of these coating is sprayed or rolled on and, once applied, provide excellent mildew and UV light protection due to its reflexive material. But, like many other roofing materials, it has its downsides.

Poor performance in “Ponding”, where water pools on the top of the building causing leaks.
Potential to lose mil thickness. This lack of thickness can allow moisture to penetrate the coating and seep onto the roof below.

Metal Roofs

I know what you are thinking, “If all this asphalt and acrylic coatings have these downsides, why not just slap a big piece of metal on that roof and call it a day?” Well, kind reader, let’s go more in depth. Industrial metal roofing does come with its own benefits. They can last upwards of 50 years and are incredibly durable, they will not corrode or crack and are fairly impact resistant. Metal roofing is pretty energy efficient and environmentally friendly, being composed of mainly recycled material. But, they have their downsides as well.

Metal roofs can cost two or three times more than other roofing materials.
They are incredibly noisy. So, if you enjoy that neighbor kids garage rock band, prepare to hear that all the time.
Constant expansion and contraction may cause the panels to loosen.
Accumulating water on poor quality metal can cause serious damage including rust and holes.

Weathered Single-ply membranes

Single ply flat roofing systems have a waterproofing layer that is laid over the original roof to provide a barrier to the elements. They are easy to install and have a lower inherent risk compared to more complex systems. These membranes are long lasting, cost effective, and environmentally friendly. But remember, this is just a single layer of protection. Let’s look at the cons.

Flashing is a general concern.
They are susceptible to low temperatures.
Susceptible to punctures at a microscopic level that will lead to leaking.
They tend to shrink and crack.
If they are installed on polystyrene or asphalt, the plasticizers may leak out and cause more cracking.

metal roof coatings silicone roof coatings spray foam roof coatings

Our Promise To You

You are probably asking yourself, “If there are all these downsides, which one do I pick?”. Thankfully, we at Energy Shield have the answers. We have been forerunners in the roofing industry for more than 40 years, we know what we are doing and we are proud of our work and our unique spray foam and silicon roof coatings. We offer 100% weather protection, 100% leak protection and a 50% reduction in your annual energy costs. Those are numbers anyone can get behind. Our spray foam and silicon coatings fill every little crack and seam, reduces UV rays due to its light color and keeps that nice air conditioned air inside, not leaking out.

We worked this system out so well we don’t even have to tear off that old dingy roof, we can just spray it right over the old roof, saving you upwards of $20,000. Yeah, you read that number right. We know how stressful a leaking roof in poor condition can be. That’s why we promise you the only thing dripping at 9am is your coffee pot.

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Metal Roofing 101

Benefits of a Metal Roof

Commercial metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular in building improvement. More than doubling its market share over the past decade. Some of these benefits allow business owners to upgrade the roof of their building with a product of seemingly lasting value. They have a proven performance of around 50 years and come in many different styles and colors. They are fire-resistant, energy efficient, and their low weight helps to preserve structural integrity in a building. Due to their interlocking panels, they also boast increased wind resistance. Sounds great doesn’t it? Let’s look at the downsides of having a metal roof.

Downsides of Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are flashed to meet your roof configuration. Meaning the installation process can take a lot longer than a standard commercial roof. They also have an increased investment, once that metal roof is on there, its not going anywhere. The initial cost is also enough to make most people explore other options in roofing.

For some, the sound of raindrops on a roof is just one of those feel-good sounds. With a metal roof, it’s like working inside of a drum while the elements play the loudest drum solo possible. This can be reduced by using sound deadening insulation plywood sheathing. But you already sunk a lot of money into this roof, why should you spend more? Speaking of rain and the elements, let’s talk hail. Much like your car, which will dent if a softball hits it, a metal roof can dent if large hailstones fall on it. Over time, those little dents can become big problems.

Walking on a metal roof can be tricky as well. There will be occasions when other service professionals will need roof access to install other building necessities. Depending on the type of metal and the construction supporting it, metal can be very slippery when wet. Installers must be careful when installing a metal roof, particularly with a granulated stone surface. They are prone to marring, peeling, chipping, fading, scratching, and chalking.

Metal roofs with exposed fasteners that have not been installed correctly are more prone to leaking. Rainwater can run into these screw holes and cause rust problems, along with expansion and contraction. Because of the base properties of metal, this expansion and contraction can cause a wavy effect on the roof, often causing those fasteners to come loose.

Installation

Metal roofing should first and foremost only be installed by a specialist with expertise in installing metal roofs. If installed incorrectly, and like we examined above, a metal roof will develop leaks or just fail prematurely. This can cost you thousands of your hard-earned dollars. That being said, it is typically possible to install a metal roof over an old asphalt roof. This can eliminate the need for a costly tear off. Depending on the configuration of the roof, vertical and horizontal sheets and panels are most commonly used in the commercial realm. These panels can be made up of aluminum, steel, zinc or copper. They are typically applied with fasteners which can be time consuming. If not installed correctly, they can cause leaking and corrosion for your roof. Metal roofing is not inherently insulative. So applying separate insulation before installation ads time and cost to your project.

In Closing

Metal roofing may be a good idea for your commercial roof with its longevity and ability to preserve structural integrities. However, we feel it is important to have a backup plan in case any aspect of that roof, which you have spent time and resources on, fails. Energy Shield has had their fair share of experiences with many different types of commercial roofing, so if your roof fails, give us a call. We will be there, SPF coating in hand and ready to work.

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Commercial Roofing Detroit – 3 Reasons you need spray foam

You’re sitting at your desk, life is great.

Something drops right into your hot mug of coffee.

The ceiling tiles fall onto your desk and behind you.

Your commercial roof protects your building and the interior from the exterior elements and weather conditions. It’s one of the most critical parts of your building – keep it safe.

So what happens, why do flat roofs leak?

commercial flat roofing commercial roofing

Diag. 1 – The sun hits your dark-colored roof, and causes the roof the heat up. In the summer months, the cool air inside is reacting with the hot air entering through the seams and cracks, this causes moisture to build up. That moisture can eat through your roofing sub straight, and your ceiling.

Your commercial roof is exposed to very harsh elemental conditions. Heat, cold, water, snow, the sun, hail, and a myriad of other weather conditions. The number one reason roofs fail is the roofing material, followed by age. Other factors like weather conditions, and roof color, also have a large impact on the condition and longevity of your flat roof.

Some commercial roofing is placed on in sheets, and then mechanically fastened (staples, nails). Those mechanically fastened sheets now are attached to the roof with a hole. Wood and metal will contract and expand depending on the weather conditions. Over time the holes punched into your roofing sub-straight (base/surface) will widen (because they expand and contract with the weather).

This also happens at the seams. These small holes and seams that are getting bigger year after year are made worse by penetrating water and escaping air, it’s a compounding issue.

Water can destroy anything. It will make metal rust and corrode, and cause wood to warp, and decompose. If that water gets into your sub straight, it will slowly, but surely, eat away at your roofing surface, until it doesn’t. Which means, the water is on the floor now, not the roof.

Air is a significant expander and contributes to the expansion and contraction of your sub straight at those seams. It’s also the number 1 reason why your energy bills are so high – Have a read here on energy consumption and roof types.

Commercial roofing types that have seams and are mechanically fastened include some EPDM, PVC Membrane, TPO, Modified Bitumen, and Built-Up Roofing.

Commercial roofing types that have no seams are spray-on and include Spray Foam and Silicone. These are seamless, and airtight and offer the best protection.

How spray foam is the best option for new and restorative commercial roofing.

commercial flat roofing spray foam commercial roofing

The spray foam coats the entire roof, seamlessly, and can cover your current roof. And your conditioned air inside stays conditioned.

1. It’s Seamless & Nail-Free.

Yes, it’s seamless meaning there are seams to open and get wider. This prevents the entry of water under the material. As we mentioned before, most common commercial flat roofing types have seams, and a hole is punched into the roof to attach it. Being that spray foam is seamless, spray-applied, and will never need to be nailed down – it means there is 0 chance of elemental exposure to your roofing sub straight. The spray application also means that the flashing (think baseboard for your roof) is applied with the roofing surface. It’s one continual coating.

2. It’s air-tight.

Yes, it’s air-tight. Meaning that the air that contributes to larger holes, cracks, and seams is eliminated. Air can’t escape (except where engineered), and air can’t penetrate. This stops air from contributing to high energy bills, and widening gaps, and holes in your roof.

3. It’s an insulator.

Spray foam is a dense, pollution-free, polyurethane insulator. It has an R-Factor (measurement of insulation strength) that is greater than any other insulator. So you know what that means? Exactly, the heat and cold from inside and outside will not expand and contract your roofing sub straight. When it hardens, it also adds strength to your commercial flat roof and is nearly weightless.

4. It can be applied over your failing roof.

This is the best part. Spray-Foam can be fluid applied over your existing commercial roof, regardless of the material. It will immediately stop penetrating water and those pesky weather conditions, and insulate and protect your building for a lifetime.

Spray foam commercial flat roofing solutions offer the best protection and for the longest time. There is a caveat – finding the right contractor to install it. It needs to be applied evenly, and consistently across the entire roof – always find a professional to install your spray foam.

Energy Shield Inc In Informational, Spray Foam

Commercial Flat Roofing – 4 Reasons Spray Foam is King

You’re sitting at your desk, life is great.

Something drops right into your hot mug of coffee.

The ceiling tiles fall onto your desk and behind you.

Your roof protects your building and the interior from the exterior elements and weather conditions. It’s one of the most critical parts of your building – keep it safe.

So what happens, why do commercial flat roofing solutions fail and leak?

Your Roof is exposed to very harsh elemental conditions. Heat, cold, water, snow, the sun, hail, and a myriad of other weather conditions. The number one reason roofs fail is the roofing material, followed by age. Other factors like weather conditions, and roof color, also have a large impact on the condition and longevity of your flat roof.

Some roofing is placed on in sheets, and then mechanically fastened (staples, nails). Those mechanically fastened sheets now are attached to the roof with a hole. Wood and metal will contract and expand depending on the weather conditions. Over time the holes punched into your roofing sub-straight (base/surface) will widen (because they expand and contract with the weather).

This also happens at the seams. These small holes and seams that are getting bigger year after year are made worse by penetrating water and escaping air, it’s a compounding issue.

Water can destroy anything. It will make metal rust and corrode, and cause wood to warp, and decompose. If that water gets into your sub straight, it will slowly, but surely, eat away at your roofing surface, until it doesn’t. Which means, the water is on the floor now, not the roof.

Air is a significant expander and contributes to the expansion and contraction of your sub straight at those seams. It’s also the number 1 reason why your energy bills are so high – Have a read here on energy consumption and roof types.

Roof types that have seams and are mechanically fastened include some EPDM, PVC Membrane, TPO, Modified Bitumen, and Built-Up Roofing.

Roof types that have no seams are spray-on and include Spray Foam and Silicone. These are seamless, and airtight and offer the best protection.

How spray foam is the best option for a new and restorative commercial flat roof.

The spray foam coats the entire roof, seamlessly, and can cover your current roof. And your conditioned air inside stays conditioned.

1. It’s Seamless & Nail-Free.

2. It’s air-tight.

3. It’s an insulator.

4. It can be applied over your failing roof.

This is the best part. Spray-Foam can be fluid applied over your existing roof, regardless of the material. It will immediately stop penetrating water and those pesky weather conditions, and insulate and protect your building for a lifetime.

Spray foam is one of the best commercial flat roofing solutions available because it’s seamless, fluid applied, an insulator, it’s airtight and it can be applied over your current failing roof. Comparison Open vs. Closed Cell Foam

Check out our quick infographic on how you save energy and extend the life-time of your commercial flat roof.