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Types of Commercial Roofing

Commercial Low-Slope Roofing Basics – What You Need to Know

Commercial roofs are complicated. That’s because every instillation is essentially a custom application designed for a specific situation. Each solution must accommodate a complex combination of factors – the size of your building(s), age, purpose, location, climate, people, equipment, surroundings – which are constantly interacting to protect the structure and what’s happening inside. Find out which types of commercial roofing are right for you.

Since you’ll be living with your roofing decisions for a long time (15 to 40 or more years), you want to understand the options available to you, including what and how each type of commercial system works. Since the majority of commercial roofs are of the low-slope variety, this discussion focuses on those types of systems. And please don’t call them flat because they’re not. To work properly, a commercial roof must be slightly sloped. Typically, that means having a minimum pitch of one-fourth inch vertical to twelve-inch horizontal (¼:12 or 2 percent), but that can vary depending on the setting and roofing material. Roofs are considered low-slope up to 3:12 pitch.

Figuring out your ideal slope and the myriad other details associated with commercial roofing is why your best advice is to work with a qualified, experienced professional. He or she understands everything about roofing and can apply expertise developed through years of experience, industry training, and local knowledge to your situation.

What’s Under Your Roof Matters

It’s easy to think of your roof as what you can see. The reality is, multiple layers are involved in making your roof work.

Structural decking is the bottom layer, forming the backbone of the entire system. Steel is the most common roof deck in U.S. commercial buildings, although this foundation must be carefully matched to each structure in order to give adequate support to all the materials and activities on top.

A vapor control layer helps prevent water condensation from forming and reaching interior walls, ceilings, and attics, where it can cause structural elements to grow mold, rot, and collapse. Usually made of plastic or asphalt, a vapor barrier is especially important in northern climates where exterior temperatures are colder than those inside.
Thermal insulation is a layer of material installed under the roof’s surface to create a barrier between inside and outside forces. It’s important to managing heating and cooling costs.
Coverboard, while not always required, can improve the quality and extend the life of a roof. Made of gypsum or high-density polyiso foam, this thin, dense substrate goes directly below the surface, adding puncture resistance and protecting from hail, foot traffic, tools, and other intrusions that can damage the roof.
The roofing membrane is the outer, top layer of a low-slope roof, sealing, waterproofing, and protecting the entire roofing assembly.

Types of Commercial Roofing Material Comparisons - Standing-Seam Metal Roof

What’s Happening on the Surface Impacts Roofing Design

What goes on atop the membrane is an essential part of planning the correct roofing solution for you.

Size and weight. The fact that commercial buildings are often large structures with huge roof surfaces is an important part of the design equation. Relatively lightweight roofing materials are essential in order for the building to support the weight.
Water. Getting water, snow, hail, and anything else liquid off the roof quickly can be a challenge because low-slope systems may not easily drain. Standing water can cause leakage and also add dangerous weight, making an efficient drainage system essential.
Foot traffic. Commercial roofs generally house HVAC equipment, solar panels, ventilation fans, skylights, cooling towers, and more on the surface. These add weight and require penetrations of the roof. Service and repair technicians will need to access these items from time to time, creating foot traffic and increasing the likelihood of punctures to the membrane. Making the surface durable enough to resist such damage adds much-needed longevity and functionality.

Weather, UV rays, seasonal changes, wildlife. Weather, especially storms and sunlight, is one of the main things that can degrade a roof. Birds and other wildlife also cause damage. Every commercial roof must be designed to withstand the climate; reflective outer surfaces are particularly important to controlling the interior environment.

With all that going on, it’s easy to see why commercial roofing is such as challenge to design and maintain.

Three Types of Low-Slope Systems Are Commonly in Use

Single-ply roofing, built-up roofing, and modified bitumen roofing are the systems most commonly used in commercial, low-slope installations. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so you want to thoroughly investigate which application is appropriate for your situation. Your professional roofing consultant is a great asset in that regard.

Single-ply roofing is a type of membrane that is manufactured offsite with all ingredients already incorporated into rolls of material. Launched in the 1965 when the first EPDM roof membrane was created (more about that below), single-ply systems consist of one layer (or ply) of membrane applied to the roofing substrate. Several types of single-ply roofing are in common use.

- Thermoset roofing incorporates polymers that are chemically cross-linked or vulcanized and is rigid once applied. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a type of synthetic rubber that for roofing purposes comes in varying thicknesses, in rolls up to 50 feet wide and 200 feet long. Lasting 15 to 20 years, EPDM roofs are durable, cost-effective, and fire- and weather-resistant. Downsides are seams between membranes that can fail and a utilitarian rubber look that’s effective but not particularly attractive.
- Thermoplastic roofing is made of synthetic substances that soften when heated, harden when cooled, and can be reshaped over time. It comes in two types: TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride); the latter includes added plasticizers, the former does not, giving each unique properties suited to various situations. Both substances are impact and chemical-resistant, with a highly reflective white membrane that repels sunlight and helps energy efficiency. While upfront costs are higher than other options, long-term durability (20+ years) helps offset initial investment.

Built-up roofing or BUR has been around for more than 100 years so is obviously very effective. This tar-and-gravel system consists of multiple, alternating layers of reinforcing fabrics adhered with asphalt and topped with a protective layer of gravel or stone. Because BUR is manufactured on the roof, this method is hot, messy, slow, and disruptive. It’s also heavy and leaks and tears are difficult to find and fix. Affordability is a big upside, along with as many built-up, redundant layers of protection as you want.

Modified bitumen roofing is similar to BUR but with fewer layers and more adhesive options. Plies are sealed down to the roof with no seams, making the system strong, energy-efficient, and tear-resistant. But it’s not inexpensive, can be vulnerable to UV damage, and is prone to breakdowns if water is allowed to pond.

Like we said at the beginning: commercial roofs are complicated, as these brief descriptions make clear. And while each of these low-slope systems is effective, choices regarding which one to use must be site- and purpose-specific. The reward is knowing your facility is well protected and the valuable activity inside it secured.

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What to Do with Commercial Roof Leaks

How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor - A close up shot of rust-colored roofing material with a silver-colored rectangle in the center. Commercial Roof Leaks.

Three Steps Summarize What to Do When Your Commercial Roof Is Leaking

Often It starts small, with a drip in a doorway, a wet streak down a wall, a damp spot on the ceiling, a puddle on the floor. While shrugging off water intrusions as a simple annoyance or minor anomaly is common. That’s not a wise response. The appearance of a leak in your building is a clear indicator that something is wrong with your commercial roof. That’s a problem that can quickly compromise your capacity to do business and endanger your employees. What you should do is easy to remember: Figure out why; get it fixed. The best way to do that is by following three basic steps to fix your commercial roof leak.

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.

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How To Get Maximum Lifespan from Your Commercial Roof

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.

Weather

From blinding blizzards to ranging thunderstorms with wind and hail, to summer days from balmy to baking, your roof absorbs everything mother nature dumps on it. Constant change is hard on your roof, and extreme events – heatwave, high wind, large hail, sleet and freezing rain, tornado – can cause real damage, like punching a hole through to the inside. Hot weather causes roofing materials to expand; they shrink when temperatures fall. Excessive snow load puts weight and pressure on a roof; so does ponded water. While you can’t do anything about the weather, you certainly need to be aware of what it’s doing to your roof and address any issues immediately.

Design & Materials

The configuration of your roof and the materials used to construct it must match your application, taking into consideration everything from the size and layout of your structure, to what’s happening inside – factory, office, medical facility, school, warehouse – to your climate, location, and traffic. That’s why your certified commercial partner is so important; design and materials must be right for each situation because it’s different every time.

Installation

Just as important is how your roof is installed. Each type of roofing material (at least half a dozen are commonly used) comes with different requirements; flaws during the installation process can shorten life and void the warranty. The cheapest option isn’t always the best; spending more upfront to ensure proper design, materials, and installation pays off in savings over time.

Ventilation

Although technically part of the design process, the need for proper ventilation is often overlooked. The attic space just underneath your roof needs to prevent the build-up of moisture, heat, and rot, especially when the summertime sun is baking your roofing materials. Make sure you’re talking about this upfront with your roofing consultant; having to correct problems after the fact is a costly complication you don’t want.

Maintenance & Inspection

Twice-a-year inspections by a roofing professional are recommended; in fact, some warranties and building codes require it. During an inspection, your expert will look over the membrane, surface conditions, penetration and wall flashings, gutters and drains, sealants, parapet walls, building structure, HVAC units, and more. Keeping track of the state of your roof detects any problems and notes gradual declines. More frequent viewings by a building manager or knowledgeable staff member make sense, especially after an adverse weather event or when workers have been on your roof.

Damage

Don’t ignore seemingly small tears, loose fasteners, mold growth, or spongey depressions. Minor issues can turn quickly into big problems, ultimately threatening the health of your roof and along with it, whatever goes on underneath. Any damage needs to be fixed immediately before escalation takes place.

Time

Even the best roofs are subject to deterioration, especially from weather and wear and tear. Age of your roof and where you are in its expected life cycle affects what you need to do to keep it working efficiently.

Debris & Traffic

Tree branches, gravel, litter, leaves – all that and more can blow or fall onto your roof. Remove any foreign objects immediately. Prune nearby trees and clear gutters and downspouts. Keeping the roof clean is especially important if you have a coating that reflects sunlight and UV rays. The coating isn’t effective if it’s covered with junk. If people are on your roof for any reason, like repairing or upgrading HVAC, check when they’re finished to make sure there’s no inadvertent damage or tools left behind.

Warranty

Understanding the duration and coverage of warranties is another factor in roof maintenance. Often separate warranties cover materials and installation; many are pro-rated by the age of your installation. But they’re essential to roof well-being, especially in paying for repairs should something go wrong. Your roofing professional must thoroughly understand the warranties that apply to your structure and educate you as well.

Building Codes

Most municipalities maintain building codes for commercial structures. You need to know what applies to you. Being out of compliance can result in fines and penalties or even shut you down. The purpose of codes is to protect the community and ensure safety; they also protect you by making sure your place of business is sound.

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.

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How Do You Know When to Patch, Repair, or Replace Your Commercial Roof?

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.

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How Snow & Ice Impact Your Roof

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!

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Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options

Environmentally Friendly Roofing

Your commercial roof is exposed to harsh conditions like excess sunlight, heat, cold, rain, wind, and sometimes snow, sleet, and hail. If you’re lucky, your conventional roof will last you a good 20 years. When it comes to roofing, there are so many environmentally friendly options to choose from. If you’d like your roof to outlast traditional conventional roofing, consider an eco-friendly roof. In this blog, we’re going to outline the best options for your commercial building. Keep reading!

How Does Environmentally Friendly Roofing Benefit Your Commercial Building?

Environmentally friendly roofs come with several benefits for commercial building owners. The most appealing being the amount of money they can save. In addition, having an eco-friendly roof can help reduce your carbon footprint! 

A win-win for the environment and your wallet.

Let’s talk about some roofing options to choose from.

1. Metal Roofing

One popular eco-friendly roofing material is metal, which can be made using recycled or new metal. Similar to other roofing materials, metal sheets have reflective properties which keep the sun’s rays away from the home. Metal roofs also have a longer life expectancy, making them a worthwhile investment.

Remember, even though metal roofing is one of the most popular roofing options, it isn’t necessarily cheap! 

2. Silicone Roof Coating

Your roof protects you, so you should protect it with a spray foam or silicone roof coating. Prevent the issues that can cost thousands of dollars, intolerable working conditions, and an uncomfortable building. Roofing systems such as built-up roofing, elastomeric, weathered single-ply membranes, and mineral cap sheets, have many problems. From chalking, cracking, sagging, leaking, and splitting, the list goes on.

A significant benefit of silicone roof coating is the ability to re-roof buildings without having to tear off the old roof.

3. Roof Restoration Solution

In addition to popular roofing options, our Roof Restoration Solution is another great eco-friendly roofing choice in which we recoat your current roof with spray foam insulation. With this method, we fill in gaps, seams, and sags with our spray foam insulation, depending on your individual building needs. By recoating and rebuilding, we’re eliminating both the cost associated with labor and the disposal fees. And of course, your carbon footprint is greatly reduced!  All of our spray foam solutions are environmentally friendly and do not contain ozone depletion potential (ODP) chemicals. There is zero Global Warming Potential (GWP), and these roof restoration solutions save on greenhouse gas emissions by not contributing to it at all.

Join the Battle to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

At Energy Shield, we care a whole lot about the environment and make every effort in our roofing systems to reduce our carbon footprint. With an Energy Shield roof restoration, you can join us in helping to reduce the environmental impact on our world, one roof at a time. 

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What Makes a Good Roofer?

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!

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How Storms & Bad Weather Impact Your Roof

Roof Damage from Storm - Energy Shield Roofing

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.

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Benefits of Having an Inspection to Assess Storm Damage

Roof Damage Inspection - Lighting over roofs

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!

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Frequently Asked Questions About a New Roof

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.