Posts

Who is on your roofing team?

/in /by

New Commercial Roof in Your Plans? Know Your Team.

The installation of a new commercial roof is a major project. Choosing the right roofing system for your building is important, as is understanding the responsibilities that each member of your project team has in making sure the project goes as smoothly as possible and that the new roof performs up to expectations. Here’s a brief summary of roles and responsibilities.

Contractor. Ultimately, the responsibility for the quality of the installation falls to the commercial roofer you choose. Commercial roofing systems vary by technology and manufacturer, as well as how they are installed. The contractor you choose should be well-versed with the roofing system being considered and be authorized to install it by that manufacturer. A competent roofer will also share the installation plan with you, which should include both pre-and post-job activities.

Manufacturer. You should have some basic knowledge about roofing system manufacturers. Most in the United States have been in business for decades and have systems in place to ensure product quality. But if product-specific issues arise, will a manufacturer’s representative be available? You should also understand the details of the product warranty and how it applies to your project. The manufacturer should also be able to tell you if there are other contractors in your area who can service your roof after installation if yours retires or leaves the roofing business.

Yourself. Because a new commercial roof installation is a big investment, it makes sense for you to be an active participant in the process. Before the project begins and depending on your company size and processes, you might include a purchasing manager or the head of finance. If the current roof is to be torn off, do you need to temporarily relocate staff or equipment underneath the work area? Keep in mind that roofing materials can be extremely heavy and awkward to maneuver. How will the contractor get them to the rooftop – via crane, freight elevator or other means? You or a member of your building management/maintenance team should regularly interact with the contractor to make sure that the project is on track.

At Tusing Builders & Roofing Services, we’re committed to being your best partner on any commercial roofing project you’re considering. Please contact us at your convenience.

The Impact of Strong Winds on Your Roofing System

/in /by

Every season of the year presents its own unique weather challenges for your commercial roof to handle. In the spring, along with increased precipitation in much of the country comes more intense wind. Strong wind can have a significant impact on the integrity of your commercial roof system in several ways:

  • Wind uplift. This is a common problem with flat membrane roof systems. If you have a wind uplift problem, you’ll see it exhibited if sections of the roof billow when the wind is blowing. This happens because wind moving across the rooftop reduces air pressure above the building. The relatively stronger air pressure inside pushes up against the bottom of the membrane. The stronger the wind, the stronger the uplift.
  • Perimeter problems. The edge of your commercial roof bears the brunt of strong wind forces, whether on the surface itself or the exterior, where gutters and other plastic and/or metal details are attached. If these components are not secured properly, wind can pry them from the building and they can become projectiles, endangering people on the ground. Also, these pieces likely help hold your roofing membrane in place, so if they detach from the building, your roofing system will probably become compromised.
  • Small openings becoming larger. It’s important that small gaps in the seams of your roof’s deck sheets and flashings be re-sealed or welded, preferably before being exposed to strong winds. These forces can pull at the increased surface area in the gaps and, over time, can widen those gaps to the point where moisture can penetrate. This is most likely to occur at the perimeter where winds are stronger but can happen anywhere on your roof.
  • Scouring. Some roofing systems, notably built-up and EPDM, have a layer of rock ballast applied over the top to both hold it in place and to protect it from the elements. Scouring (or scrubbing) occurs when a strong wind event (or multiple) blows rooftop ballast stone around, potentially damaging the roof’s surface, and leaving it exposed to severe weather.

All of these issues should be addressed a soon as possible to help preserve the longevity of your roofing system. It may be necessary to bring in a professional, experienced contractor to take care of these “roof system” problems:

  • Securing membrane that uplift forces have separated from the deck.
  • Reattaching metal components on the edge and elsewhere.
  • Re-sealing / welding small gaps in the roof membrane to guard against water penetration. Your own maintenance team may be able to make sure that ballast remains evenly distributed across your rooftop.

Our team of experienced commercial roof professionals is ready to serve you. Call on Tusing for all your roofing needs (866) 584-2712

The Components of GAF’s Lifetime Roofing System

/in /by

GAF Master Elite® roofing contractor Tusing Builders and Roofing Services proudly offers GAF’s Lifetime roofing system to homeowners in Ohio. GAF provides industry-grade materials to create high-performance roofing systems. Here are some components of GAF’s industry-leading roofing options you can expect for your next roofing project.

The Smart Guide to Fending off Water Damage

/in /by

Water damage is one of the foremost problems that plagues homeowners across the country. While it isn’t easy to spot, its effects are often significant and far-reaching. No wonder many home remodeling ventures account for its prevention. Read more

4 Roofing Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

/in /by

Proper roofing requires precise implementation of time-tested concepts. A small mistake can prove to be a costly issue and compromise the roofing system’s overall integrity. Make sure you work with a roofer you can trust that puts your best interest above all else. Read more