Five Fact Friday

It's that time again...Five Fact Friday brought to you by RoofConnect's Technical Services Department.

Effective communication is key in maintaining customer relationships and potentially more important than the actual work being performed.

There is not “one size fits all” roof application.  Each opportunity must be evaluated and fitted with the appropriate roof for the location, configuration, size, and use of the building.

Remember:  The lowest price does not necessarily result in saving money.  Hire the person who is most knowledgeable about the project, not the one with the lowest price.

A scheduled inspection program for rooftop drainage and waterways is critical to positive roof performance and structural integrity.

When considering a solar installation, it is essential to include a roofing professional and roofing manufacturer in your discussions with the solar integrator.  Together they can make sure your roofing continues to perform and your building contents are protected during and after the solar installation.

For more information, please contact us today! 877-942-5613 or technical_services@roofconnect.com.

  

Spring Roof Maintenance on Your Building's Roof

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.



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.

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

RoofConnect – At your Service!

RoofConnect, Liz Miller

RoofConnect Offers You Emergency Service; Immediate Connection

RoofConnect -- Emergency Service; Immediate Connection

RoofConnect provides 24-hour Emergency Repair Service, including nights, weekends and holidays. Each location has a fully staffed service department operating 24/7/365 to protect our client's roofs in any weather emergency.

We can assist in the documentation requirements for insurance claims, as well as work with the material manufacturers to resolve repair and maintenance claims on your warranted roofs. Additionally, whether it's an emergency leak service, hurricane, tornado, fire, or any other natural disaster, the RoofConnect team is only a phone call away. We will provide you with the best possible solution in the shortest amount of time.

This immediate service can save you time and money, and may decrease further interior and structural damage.

If your emergency is after normal business hours (7:30 am – 5:00 pm CST) please call 877-942-5613 and our designated on-call RoofConnect Representative will assist you immediately.

Be Sure to Connect with Us!

         

RoofConnect, National Roofing Services

P:  877-942-5613
RoofConnect.com

RoofConnect, Liz Miller

Happy 4th of July from RoofConnect, National Roofing Services

Wishing you a safe, stress-free Independence Day and a weekend full of celebration!  To help in those efforts, I wanted 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 - we are always available 24-7-365!

We value your patronage and appreciate your confidence in us.  On behalf of all of us at RoofConnect, National Roofing Services, I wish you a Happy Fourth of July!

For your convenience, our 24-hour emergency service contact information for you to post where necessary: 

RoofConnect Customer Service 24/7/365 Emergency Roof Service: (877) 942-5613 - After hours Press 2 Customerservice@roofconnect.com

Just remember...Your RoofConnect Team is only a phone call away!

Be Sure to Connect with Us!

         

RoofConnect, National Roofing Services

P:  877-942-5613
RoofConnect.com

RoofConnect, Liz Miller

RoofConnect, National Roofing Services Hires David Adams as Senior Director of Business Development and Promotes Others - PR.com

RoofConnect, National Roofing Services Hires David Adams as Senior Director of Business Development and Promotes Others - PR.com

Be Sure to Connect with Us!
         



RoofConnect, National Roofing Services

P:  877-942-5613
RoofConnect.com

RoofConnect, Liz Miller

Prepare Roof NOW for Early Tropical Storms & Hurricanes

It's that time of year again.  Hurricane Season officially began on June 1st!

AccuWeather.com's long-range team predicts 16 named tropical storms,
eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes for the
2013 Atlantic hurricane season. Of these, three are predicted to
make landfall in the United States.

Proper analysis of your roofs is critical in any season, but hurricane season raises even more concerns.  Hurricanes cause damage in a variety of ways through strong winds, storm surges, flooding and tornadoes.  Early preparation and regular roof maintenance is essential so that your roofs are protected against the hurricanes arriving this season and beyond. 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 roofs are better prepared to survive a hurricane.


TO DO...Now:

• Schedule RoofConnect to perform your roof’s annual maintenance if you have not done so already. 
• Take care of regular roof maintenance concerns now to prevent any additional damage.
• RoofConnect will create a proper plan to meet specific needs at each site. 
• Train your property management staff now – educating during a hurricane warning can be stressful.
• Take photographs or video of your establishments inside and out, from all angles. This will help to substantiate insurance claims later.
• Regularly clean drains, gutters and downspouts of your buildings.
• RoofConnect can verify that all permanent rooftop equipment is secure.  - Improperly secured machinery causes membrane separation & leaks.
• 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:

• 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!
• Remove loose objects, loose gravel and debris from the roof. 
• Bring in display racks and other objects usually left outside. 
• Remove antennas, outdoor signs, especially those that swing or are portable.
• 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.

RoofConnect Can Help:

• Safety is always first and foremost. 
• 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.
• We work with you to solve your emergency quickly; our work and materials meet the standards of insurance coverage claims. 

Be Sure to Connect with Us!
         



RoofConnect, National Roofing Services

P:  877-942-5613
RoofConnect.com

RoofConnect, Liz Miller

RoofConnect National Commercial Roofing Service Provider

RoofConnect – At your Service!

RoofConnect, Liz Cleveland

Enormous Daddy Long-Legs Overtake Roof

What's the scariest roof you've ever seen?

We've seen some doozies at RoofConnect but this could be one of the scariest ever... 

Enormous Daddy Long-Legs Overtake the Seattle Center Armory | Colossal 



Do you have a scary roof of your own? 

RoofConnect can help! Call us 24/7/365 at 877-942-5613.

RoofConnect – At your Service!

RoofConnect, Liz Cleveland

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.

Isaac Slowly Strengthening

"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

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.

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.

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

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 maintenance: http://www.roofconnect.com/repairs-a-proactive-maintenance.html

When a flat roof is not regularly maintained it may cost far more in maintenance over time

This article made me think about the long term health of your roof... 

Articles Ezines » Advantages and disadvantages most typically associated with flat roofing

RoofConnect is a strong believer in proper maintenance of your roof portfolio to gain the absolute most in the return on investment over the life of each roof.


http://www.roofconnect.com/repairs-a-proactive-maintenance.html

Our preventive maintenance program will extend and maximize the life of your roof, save money on overall roof maintenance, while adhering to manufacturer warranty requirements. Our members maintain warranty certification expertise.

One phone call offers a seamless client experience to solve your roofing needs. With one phone call, RoofConnect customer service establishes:

• Work order entry and dispatch

• ETA response to customer provided by RoofConnect Customer Service Team

• Work is performed on site per customer requirement(s)

• Work Summary Report/Follow up with customer

• Invoice from RoofConnect to customer

• All work order history is housed in a database for customer visibility

Do you have a maintenance program in place for your roofs?

Request an evaluation of your roofs today: http://www.roofconnect.com/request-a-roof-evaluation.html