Thursday, December 13, 2012

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

We give thanks for you!


Dear Friends of RoofConnect,

In this time of gratitude, we give thanks for you. We value your patronage and appreciate your confidence in us. Counting you among our customers is something for which we are especially grateful.

I wanted to take this time to remind you that RoofConnect never closes!  If you have any roofing emergencies over the holiday please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Representatives - always available 24-7-365!

On behalf of all of us at RoofConnect, National Roofing Services, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

 

Your RoofConnect Team

 

RoofConnect 24-hour Emergency Contact Information

 

For your convenience, our emergency service contact information for you to post where necessary:

24/7/365 Emergency Line
RoofConnect Customer Service
Office: 877-942-5613
Cell: 870-941-8425
Customerservice(@)roofconnect.com

The RoofConnect Team is only a phone call away! We hope you are able to enjoy a stress free Thanksgiving Holiday!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Is your roof ready for winter?


Having no roof snow removal plan or winter roof maintenance - is bad business.

Now is a crucial time to evaluate your roofs and create a winter emergency and snow removal action plan. As a preventive measure, it is good to have a yearly assessment of your roof to make sure there are no underlying repairs that need to be done prior to a heavy snow. It’s important to understand the risk that snow and ice accumulation poses, and it’s even more important to secure proper snow and ice removal from a reputable roofing company, like RoofConnect...before the storm, before all resources are allocated.

In the event of any winter storms, snowfall can be monitored, measured and assessed to determine whether or not it exceeds your roof’s weight capacity, and when it does, it is important to remove immediately.

Even when snow or ice accumulation does not exceed your roof’s weight capacity, drifting and wind can cause unanticipated roof failures or leaks. Furthermore, snow and ice melt-off can freeze and block drainage systems.

RoofConnect Five major items of review should be considered for winter Commercial Roof Maintenance:

1. Current Snow Load on Your Building. With snow storm followed by snow storm, roof weights can become an item of serious concern. We want to ensure that this doesn't happen at any of your locations.

2. Proper and Continuous Roof Drainage. Accumulating snows coupled with thawing and then refreezing make it critical that you clear all drains, gutters and scuppers. Every winter buildings collapse due to poor roof drainage.

3. Ice buildup and Falling Ice. Ice formations form on gutters and overhangs that can cause serious concerns to customers, employees and other visitors to your facilities. Ice buildup must be addressed to prevent injuries and damage at your facilities.

4. Snow Packs Around Building. Often times snow plowing causes snow build up against the exterior walls. Moving snow away from the exterior walls can avoid moisture problems inside your building.

5. Roof Leaks and Water Infiltration. Snow and ice build up on your roof can cause leaks in unusual sources. Snow build up around unit fans and over the height of roof flashings can cause leaks into the building creating hazards.

RoofConnect utilizes our vast network of experienced Roofing Technicians for your winter related roofing needs, ensuring there is no long term damage to your roof system. 

Don’t forget…Inexperienced crews can damage or destroy the roofing membrane with improper shovel or snow blower use.

RoofConnect has the experience to properly analyze, design and execute a plan to take care of any of your winter roofing needs. Please contact your RoofConnect representative today or if one is not assigned, please call 877-942-5613 or email info(@)roofconnect.com to receive immediate answers to any of your questions or roofing related winter weather roof concerns.

Call us 24/7/365 at 877-942-5613.

RoofConnect – At your Service!

RoofConnect, Liz Cleveland

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

War Room in Action! Got Roofing Emergencies?


First and foremost, we hope everyone is safe from harm and the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy.  RoofConnect has enacted our war room "command center" at our headquarters and is currently deploying our crews to locations effected by storm damage! 


war room;  English, Noun

1. A command center; a single location which serves as the point of coordination for military activities.
2. By extension, a single location from which any activity is directed.
3. A room where strategic decisions are made.


As always, the RoofConnect Team is only a phone call away. We are working to solve your roofing emergencies quickly. And we understand how important it is to identify damage from a storm quickly to ensure payment from your insurance providers. 
Our work and materials exceed the standards of insurance coverage claims. 
  • RoofConnect will provide pictures and estimates of any damage to your roof to properly and quickly report to your insurance company. 
  • RoofConnect will make temporary repairs on all leaks and do everything possible to keep the inside of your building dry. 
  • Call us today to schedule an evaluation of your roofs or to get your building in the dry!

Tips for After a Hurricane from FEMA 

  ·      Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
  ·      Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
  ·      If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact FEMA or the   American Red Cross.
  ·      FEMA has established the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS), which has been developed to help reunite families who are separated during a disaster. The NEFRLS system will enable displaced individuals the ability to enter personal information into a website database so that they can be located by others during a disaster.
  ·      The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family. Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.
  ·      If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
  ·      If you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
  ·      For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of assistance, including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing. Apply for assistance or search for information about housing rental resources
  ·      Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed¬ out bridges. Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
  ·      Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
  ·      Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering.
  ·      Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
  ·      Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
  ·      Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
  ·      Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
  ·      Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
  ·      Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
  ·      Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
  ·      Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
  ·      NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.


RoofConnect is here to help with any of your roofing issues:
  1. Safety is always first and foremost. 
  2. A proper plan is executed with you to meet specific needs at each site.  
  3. All Federal and local guidelines must be followed to protect all personnel before entering the disaster zone and while on site. 
  4. Proper documentation is always provided at project close out.
  5. We work with you to solve your emergency quickly; our work and materials meet the standards of insurance coverage claims.
  6. Minimal interruptions once we begin our restoration process.

RoofConnect can service your commercial buildings anywhere in America!  RoofConnect – At your Service!

Call us 24/7/365 at 877-942-5613.

RoofConnect – At your Service!

RoofConnect, Liz Cleveland

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Insight into a RoofConnect Service Manager

An interview with Jim Ash, RoofConnect Member and Service Manager with Columbia Roofing






This is Jim and a little girl he met on a mission trip to Haiti.  
She was ever so grateful while they were rebuilding her tent structure.

"I found out at the end of the day through our interpreter that her name was Bella Allisia!" Jim explained.  


Bella is also the name of his granddaughter!

For the full details on Jim's trip visit: Columbia Roofing & Sheet Metal's Facebook Page





Q: What is scarier to you, climbing up the ladder or coming down?
A: Coming down the ladder!

Q: What is the silliest repair you have seen on a roof?
A: School janitor patched a roof with a Kenworth mud flap. Yes, a Kenworth Mud Flap!

Q: Customer service comes in many styles. Are you a Pit-bull or Labrador?
A: A mix of both. Sometimes you have to be a pit bull to take care of your customer.

Q: The service industry requires some customer heroics. Who is your favorite superhero?

Q: What is your favorite thing about roofing service?
A: Solving difficult roof problems and exceeding a customers expectations.

Q: Which Do you prefer: a service call late at night or on the weekend?
A: Weekend. Don’t like my guys being on a roof when its dark.

Q: Customer Service takes great team work. Who is your favorite team?
A: George Fox Cougars - no superstars and they work together.

Q: What is the most creative solution you have ever seen on a roof?
A: Flute filler and TPO to repair penetrations on a metal roof.

Q: What is your favorite roofing activity?
A: Installing Standing Seam or PVC.

Q: Who is you favorite TV Character?
A: Gibbs – NCIS (Mark Harmon)

Q: In roofing service, you give the customers what they need.  What is your favorite charity?
A: 4sq missions.

Q: Favorite Rooftop food?
A: Burritos

Q: What celebrity would you like to be on your roofing crew?
A: Gibbs

Q: What is something that you always say in your service department?
A: Take the time to be thorough and get the leak the first time. Don’t assume it’s the obvious.

Q: What is your favorite rooftop movie scene between: Shawshank Redemption, Die Hard, Spiderman, Batman, The Matrix, The Hangover, Sleepless in Seattle, The Crow, or The Departed.

RoofConnect is very proud of our service managers and their crews!  Finding and stopping leaks is what we do best!  RoofConnect can service your commercial buildings anywhere in America!  Call us at 877-942-5613.  RoofConnect – At your Service!

Call us 24/7/365 at 877-942-5613.

RoofConnect – At your Service!

RoofConnect, Liz Cleveland

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Marriage Proposal by Rooftop ‽


Create Fall Proposals for Roofing in order to set the date for budgets in the spring!



This picture of a roofing marriage proposal was captured on Google Maps.  Now, only a roofer would find this proposal completely un-romantic because the love smitten guy just created a headache for the roofer and building owner.  However, it does bring up a very important point for roofing asset management.  Roofing proposals that will require higher budgeting approval should be turned in before the winter months and upcoming spring rains.  

Here are some suggestions for a successful fall proposal.

1. Review the warranty documents on the roof and contact the manufacturer or a manufacturer approved roofer to conduct the annual inspection. If you are going to have to pay for an inspection, you might as well get credit for it and potentially reap the benefits of an extended warranty or have the roofer identify cost saving warranty repairs.  This will also be an excellent tool for real estate professionals that are looking to buy, sell or lease the building in the next year.  As buildings and portfolios change hands, a comprehensive roofing assessment with a manufacturer warranty report will help the budgeting process in the next year. 

2. Instruct your roofer to assess the entire roof in the Fall proposal.  If the assessment is comprehensive, then a facility manager can look like a budgeting genius.  The roofer should identify potential expenditures and prioritize the spend by category:  Immediate, 90 days, or annual.  It is important to track the maintenance history of the roof in this pattern.  “Entire roof” includes: exterior walls, interior roof deck, ceilings (stains, drips etc.), roof edges, interior walls, fascia & coping, expansion joints, field of roof membrane condition, penetrations, metal equipment and fixtures, drainage systems, base flashings, HVAC units and all mechanical devices, general roof issues (or marriage proposals!).

3. Partner with your manufacturer and your roofing management company.  Good marriages are based on clear communication and trust.  Partnering with a reputable roofing company and respected manufacturer will enhance the total roof performance and the success of the maintenance budgeting process.  

Manufacturers and Roofers are setting their production calendars for the upcoming year and committing to a project or maintenance schedule in advance will often result in significant savings to the property manager.

RoofConnect is a nationally respected roofing services company.  RoofConnect has successfully managed thousands of proposals and maintenance programs.  Please give us a call!  We would love the opportunity to help you with a Fall inspection and proposal.  

Say "YES" to annual roof maintenance with RoofConnect - It will be a lasting relationship you will not regret!


Guest Blog Contributor:  

Mick Handloser, National Account Manager - South Central Region for RoofConnect
Mick can be reached at (877) 942-5613 or via email mick.handloser(at)roofconnect.com

Mick Handloser is a Registered Roof Observer (RRO), and a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues Inc. He currently manages the accounts in the south-central and southwest U.S. for RoofConnect.


RoofConnect, Liz Cleveland

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Insight into a RoofConnect Service Manager

RoofConnect – At your Service!


Craig Rainey, RoofConnect member, Supreme Roofing Systems Service Manager.

Craig Rainey Service Manager at RoofConnect - Supreme RoofingCraig Rainey was born to help people with their roofs. Literally! Craig’s Dad started and still owns Supreme Roofing Systems in Dallas, TX. Craig has been in the roofing business since he was old enough to climb a ladder. A roofing service professional is a special breed, and Craig was clearly bred to do what he does. Here are some insights into the heart and mind of Craig Rainey.

Q: What is scarier to you, climbing up the ladder or coming down?
A: Coming down the ladder.

Q: What is the silliest repair you have seen on a roof?
A: Clay used as pitch pan filler.

Q: Customer service comes in many styles. Are you a Tortoise or a Hare?
A: Tortoise – calm, controlled, and steady finishes the race.

Q: The service industry requires some customer heroics. Who is your favorite superhero?
A: Wolverine.

Q: What is your favorite thing about roofing service?
A: The rush of excitement I get when a weather emergency hits and Supreme, along with RoofConnect, jumps into full throttle!

Q: Do you prefer a lift or a ladder?
A: Ladder.

Q: Customer Service takes great team work. Who is your favorite team?
A: The Alabama Crimson Tide (Craig is a graduate of the University of Alabama.)



Q: What is the most creative solution you have ever seen on a roof?
A: A customer duct taped bubble wrap over his skylights for hail protection.

Q: What is your favorite roofing activity?
A: The initial investigation of the roof.

Q: Who is your favorite TV investigator?
A: The mentalist.

Q: In roofing service, you give the customers what they need. What is your favorite charity?
A: The Wounded Warrior Project. You can never give back enough to those who have put their lives on the line daily for the freedoms we enjoy.

Q: Favorite Rooftop food?
A: Water (Hmm. Funny considering that water leaks are usually what he addresses.)

Q: What famous or historical person would have made a good roofer?
A: Bear Bryant

Q: What is something that you always say in your service department?
A: I'll take care of that!

Q: What is your favorite rooftop movie scene between: Shawshank Redemption, Die Hard, Spiderman, Batman, The Matrix, The Hangover, Sleepless in Seattle, The Crow, or The Departed.
A: Shawshank Redemption

RoofConnect is very proud of our service managers and their crews!  Finding and stopping leaks is what we do best!  Craig Rainey is just one of the reasons that RoofConnect can service your buildings anywhere in America!

Call us 24/7/365 at 877-942-5613.

RoofConnect – At your Service!

RoofConnect, Liz Cleveland

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Be prepared - Isaac on track to impact

RoofConnect would like to remind you of things you can do now to prepare for damaging wind and rain.

"The eye of Isaac is evident on satellite and the National Hurricane Center is forecasting the storm to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday. The forecast track takes him over New Orleans Tuesday afternoon or evening."




Tropical Storm & Hurricane Preparedness: Are your roofs ready? Are you Ready?

Evaluate your roofs and prepare a plan of action before the next Tropical Storm or Hurricane mounts an assault.  Now a crucial time to evaluate your roofs and prepare a plan of action. 
Careful installation practices and annual maintenance can make a significant difference in a roof’s hurricane preparedness. Here are a few of the things you should check to make sure your properties are prepared to survive a hurricane.

TO DO...Now:
  1. Schedule RoofConnect to perform your roof’s annual maintenance if you have not done so already.
  2. RoofConnect will create a proper plan to meet specific needs at each site. 
  3. Train your property management staff now – educating during a hurricane warning can be stressful.
  4. Take photographs or video of your establishments inside and out, from all angles. This will help to substantiate insurance claims later.
  5. Regularly clean drains, gutters and downspouts of your buildings.
  6. RoofConnect can verify that all permanent rooftop equipment is secure.  - Improperly secured machinery causes membrane separation & leaks.
  7. Determine and acquire emergency equipment and supplies to have on hand in the event of a storm (e.g., heavy plastic sheeting, tie-downs for sheeting and rooftop equipment, duct tape, masking tape, sandbags, emergency generator, storm shutters, large pieces of plywood, hand tools and other essential items).

TO DO...When a Hurricane Watch is Issued:
  1. Check and secure equipment on rooftops – HVAC equipment, ventilation piping, exhaust fans and vents must be secured to the roof – these things can become missiles!
  2. Remove loose objects, loose gravel and debris from the roof. 
  3. Bring in display racks and other objects usually left outside. 
  4. Remove antennas, outdoor signs, especially those that swing or are portable.
  5. Close all doors and secure all windows. A RICOWI (Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues) study found that a surprising number of roof failures were due to doors and windows that had been left open or shattered.  When high speed winds entered buildings through these spaces, roofs can be compromised.

A helpful roof evaluation checklist can be found at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety's web site: http://disastersafety.org/hurricane/evaluating-the-roof/


As always, RoofConnect can help in an emergency…Before, during and after the storm:

  • Safety is always first and foremost. 
  • We will conduct a thorough roof inspection and adhere to the specific manufacturer requirements.  
  • A proper plan is executed with you to meet specific needs at each site.  
  • All federal and local guidelines must be followed to protect all personnel before entering the disaster zone and while on site. 
  • Proper documentation is always provided at project close out.
  • Our work and materials meet the standards of insurance coverage claims. 

To schedule an evaluation of your roof, call 24/7/365 877-942-5613 or visit http://www.roofconnect.com/request-a-roof-evaluation.html


RoofConnect, Liz Cleveland

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Unusual Things We Find on the Roof


Recently, I was on a roof in Louisiana during some stormy weather.  While I was walking the roof I found a Spiderman action figure standing independently in the middle of the roof defying the storm gusts!  How was Spidey just standing there in the middle of the roof?  I had to scale a 200 lb, 30 ft.  tall ladder to get on the roof.  So, unless a kid was bitten by a radioactive spider, how did it get there?  It's amazing how many times we ponder the obscure items we find on a roof!




RoofConnect maintains millions of square feet of roofing.  We are on roofs over 15,000 times a year and sometimes our techs find some interesting items.  Here are 6 of the more unusual things.

1. Bullets and bullet holes.  Our techs send us pictures of roofs that are riddled with bullet holes and have the actual slugs on them from people shooting their weapons into the air.  Well, what goes up must come down, and thankfully onto a roof and not a person.  “Lead” precipitation is definitely not covered under warranty!

2. Trees and Shrubs.  I know that you are thinking, “Hey! Green roofing is not unusual!”  However, these trees and shrubs are unintentional.  We once removed a 4 foot tall mimosa tree from a roof in Florida that had rooted completely through the built-up roof to the deck.  This is why we recommend clearing gutters and drains bi-annually!

3. A clothes line - with the clothes still clothes-pinned on the line.

4. A Santa Suit!  No Santa though. 

5. Animals.  We have certainly seen lots of winged animals, squirrels, and rats.  Animal nesting and waste is a serious hazmat and roof condition concern. Owners should take the proper humane and professional steps to eliminate any animal roosting.

6. Garbage and Junk.  We have found and disposed of tons of roof junk left by tradesmen, building employees, and litter-bugs.  In one serious California rainy season incident, a roof became flooded because a plastic bottle had gotten stuck in one drain, a plastic bag and leaves were clogging another, and the gutter flow was congested from garbage.  There was so much water on the roof that a roof collapse was a real possibility.  Our tech was able to get the drain and gutter cleared and averted disaster.   Get the garbage off the roof!

Most of these finds are the direct result of a lack of awareness and regular roofing management. With the proper maintenance plan, your roof will not hold any surprises for you.  Annual roofing assessments are recommended by the National Roofing Contractors Association.  Call RoofConnect at (877) 942-5613 and we will help you put a program in place.  Visit our website for information on repairs & regular roof maintenance

Tell us, what are some of the unusual things you have found on a roof?


Guest Blog Contributor:  

Mick Handloser, National Account Manager - South Central Region for RoofConnect
Mick can be reached at (877) 942-5613 or via email mick.handloser(at)roofconnect.com

Mick Handloser is a Registered Roof Observer (RRO), and a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues Inc. He currently manages the accounts in the south-central and southwest U.S. for RoofConnect.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

How to maximize a commercial roof warranty

RoofConnect advises: How to maximize a commercial roof warranty

First and foremost, keep records of your warranties and understand what the warranty does and does not cover and for how long.

  • If you are not tracking your warranties then have your roofing contractor track the warranty for you.  Most quality roofing contractors have this capability. 
  • Read the warranty and ensure that you understand what you have bought. 
  • Know the common warrantable problems for the roof type in which you have installed.  With single ply systems (PVC, TPO and EPDM ), the most common problem is open seams.
  • Know the difference between “material warranty” and “material and labor warranty”. Contractors usually guarantee against defects caused by the labor for no more than two years, while manufacturers warrant their materials for 10 to 20 years. 

Explore potential ways to extend your warranty for minimal cost

  • Find out if your roofing manufacturer offers a warranty extension for a preventative maintenance program.  A preventative maintenance program is always recommended to extend the life and if you get a longer warranty period then it is easier to justify the cost.
  • Discuss options with both the installing contractor and the manufacturer to maximize the life of your warranty.

Do not void your warranty

  • There are numerous disclaimers in terms of coverage and requirements to prevent the voiding of the document, including lack of notification of issues and the requirement that only approved contractors certified to repair their systems be allowed to make changes.  Contractors usually guarantee against defects caused by their labor for no more than two years, while manufacturers warrant their materials for no more than 10 to 20 years.
  • Even using incompatible caulking or mastic can also void the warranty and leave the building owner stuck with the cost.

More information about roofing manufacture warranties can be found on the RoofConnect web site at http://www.roofconnect.com/manufacture-warranty-support.html


RoofConnect Warranty & Non-Warranty Service Program 

  • RoofConnect is approved to perform warranty repairs by all major roofing manufacturers. 
  • RoofConnect offers a unique program whereby costs for warranty and non-warranty roofing repairs are handled internally. 
  • RoofConnect members are trained and certified by every major roofing manufacturer in the United States. 
  • The RoofConnect Warranty Service Program is designed to help protect the best interest of our clients by protecting them from unnecessary costs and delays in repairs. 
Request complete program details today!  Call 877-942-5613 or via email info(at)roofconnect.com.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Self-Storage Roof Maintenance: 3 Tips for Keeping Units Dry Year Round

Great article in Inside Self-Storage Magazine this month.  3 Tips for Keeping Units Dry Year Round


Tip No. 1: The Visual Inspection
Before renting out your storage units, make a visual inspection of the interior. 


Tip No. 2: Keep Water Flowing Off the Roof
The self-storage industry uses many types of roofing. Some common roof systems are asphalt shingles, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin or Polyolefin), built-up roofing and standing-seam metal. A high percentage of storage facilities have metal roofs. These roofs are designed to shed water by means of gravity. 



Tip No. 3: Keep Gutters and Drains Clean of Debris
If the gutters fill up, then the water will overflow under the eave and into the unit. 


Complete article can be found here...

Self-Storage Roof Maintenance: 3 Tips for Keeping Units Dry Year Round 


Written by RoofConnect's very own, Mick Handloser.  Mick is a Registered Roof Observer (RRO), and a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues Inc. He currently manages the accounts in the south-central and southwest U.S. for RoofConnect, which offers national roofing services. To reach him, call 870.942.5613; e-mail mick.handloser@roofconnect.com; visit www.roofconnect.com.




Water stains on a storage unit floor.Bad roof fasteners can lead to leaks.

To avoid water pooling on the roof, keep gutters free of debris.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Performed roof maintenance on your building lately?

At a minimum, you should conduct roof maintenance annually on your buildings.  More often than not, when a roof fails it is due to lack of regular maintenance. Consistent roof maintenance can prevent a multitude of issues that could escalate into the expensive and sometimes preventable need for a complete roof restoration or replacement.

A few things you and your maintenance team can do on a regular basis to extend the life of your roofing systems:

1. Drainage Systems:  Clear all gutters, downspouts, scuppers; clean out all drains; check strainers and clamping rings.

2. Is there debris or materials on the roof that could damage the roof system?  Is there excessive foot traffic that necessitates more walkway pads?

3. Proper maintenance to rooftop equipment and their surrounding area:  check for oil, animal fats, and other contaminants that could degrade the roof system.  Change the equipment filters regularly to prevent these deposits on the roof.

4. Ponding water:  Aggregate is likely to collect in these areas which could result in vegetation growth and impede drainage.

5. Penetration flashings:  Pitch pans and pipe boots are maintenance items that should be checked regularly for voids.

6. On all HVAC units, check the ductwork connections, access panels, gaskets, condensate lines, etc. to make sure there is no water entry.  Identifying and correcting these items could eliminate unnecessary roof service calls.

7. Walls:  Check interior walls for stains or bubbling paint.  Check exterior walls for bubbling paint, missing mortar, deteriorated blocking, etc.  Identifying and correcting these items could eliminate unnecessary roof service calls.

8.      Always use a professional roofing contractor to assist you in your roof maintenance needs.  The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) offers a few tips and guidelines for selecting a commercial roofing contractor.

Also, all of the major roofing system manufacturers encourage semi-annual inspections with documentation to maximize the life of your roof and possibly extend your warranty term (if applicable).

If you are limited in staff or time, let RoofConnect take care of your roofs for you.  RoofConnect can manage your entire roof portfolio.  We will schedule out all roof inspections, perform annual maintenance, track your roof warranties and provide you with 24/7 access to the your roof inventory data via a personalized roof management portal.

Call Now For a FREE Roof Evaluation and Action Plan

Don’t wait for a roofing problem to occur --- by then it is too late!  Be proactive in your Roof Asset Management! Planned preventative roof maintenance can save money, time and heartburn.

This topic will never dull for us here at RoofConnect: see our previous post "When a flat roof is not regularly maintained it may cost far more over time"

Note: NRCA believes that the best way for a building owner to ensure satisfactory post-installation roof system performance is to have a formal, long-term maintenance agreement with a professional roofing contractor. Building owners should take care in selecting a roofing contractor to perform the maintenance work. Additional information is available from NRCA.

Friday, July 13, 2012

A HOT June...did you have extra Foot Traffic on your Roof?

June Extreme Weather/Climate Events




It was a strange June this year, one of the hottest Junes on record!   http://www.wunderground.com/blog/weatherhistorian/comment.html?entrynum=80


As a result of this extreme heat, our AC units have been working overtime to keep us cool and our buildings cool.  Extensive use of the units usually requires additional maintenance, which means more foot traffic on your roof asset. 


If your rooftop units need a checkup, maybe your roof could use some attention as well.


Punctures usually occur because of carelessness on the part of people visiting the roof: HVAC technicians, window washers, etc. Punctures can also occur because of debris left behind by these other trades, blown or tossed on the roof. 


Take time now to do some preventative maintenance on your roofs!


Some other good reminders about proactive roof maintenancehttp://www.roofconnect.com/repairs-a-proactive-maintenance.html

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Tropical Storm Debby packed a punch! Keep an eye on your roof!

Tropical Storm Debby packed a punch!  


And it looks as if she will continue to do so for a few days now.
NASA - Hurricane Season 2012: Tropical Storm Debby (Atlantic Ocean/Caribbean Sea)



RoofConnect would like to suggest that once the storms have passed that you check on the vitality of your roof - even if the storm didn't cause any noticeable leaks…yet.


Roof damage can lead to extensive and expensive repairs if not addressed early.  If you or your facility maintenance crew feel comfortable, you should conduct a visual inspection after the storm has passed. Things to look for:


Debris blown onto the roof
Equipment blown from other areas of the roof that needs to be placed back
Clogged drains and Ponding Water
Obvious damage to the roof
Voids in any of the membrane laps


A helpful roof evaluation checklist can be found at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety's web site: http://disastersafety.org/hurricane/evaluating-the-roof/


Be sure to schedule a site visit with a local, licensed and reputable roofing contractor, like RoofConnect, to confirm that your roof will to continue to perform and was not severely damaged via the storm.  


As always, RoofConnect can help in an emergency…Before, during and after the storm:


Safety is always first and foremost. 
We will conduct a thorough roof inspection and adhere to the specific manufacturer requirements.  
A proper plan is executed with you to meet specific needs at each site.  
All federal and local guidelines must be followed to protect all personnel before entering the disaster zone and while on site. 
Proper documentation is always provided at project close out.
Our work and materials meet the standards of insurance coverage claims. 


To schedule an evaluation of your roof, call 24/7/365 877-942-5613 or visit http://www.roofconnect.com/request-a-roof-evaluation.html


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