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

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

What's happening at RoofConnect?

I am excited to inform you of some recent activity at RoofConnect. There have been some new hires and a few staffing transformations on our team. First within our Sales Team, Jim Ash joins us as our National Account Manager in the Western Region. Jim comes to us from one of our members, Columbia Roofing, where he was a Sales and Project Manager. While at Columbia, Jim won the Key Link Award from RoofConnect in 2011 and was a key player in the relationship development of Columbia Roofing as a new RoofConnect member company. We were lucky enough to have a need for Jim at the same time he was considering a relocation from Portland to Northern California for family matters. Jim brings over 30 years of commercial roofing experience and we are excited to have him join our team. Within our Customer Service Group we have promoted Gina Irvin to Customer Service Manager. You may have worked with Gina in her previous role as our Technical Services Coordinator. We believe Gina will add fresh perspective and a new enthusiasm to our Customer Service team. We are excited about having Gina lead our Customer Service Team as we strive to continuously improve our deliverable to our customers. Brooke Spears, our veteran Customer Service Representative has been promoted to National Account Project Manager. Brooke has been with RoofConnect for 8 years and was presented with this opportunity to further develop within RoofConnect. We are privileged to have her take on this new challenge and know that her due diligence and follow through will bring us higher success rates on our bid opportunities. To fill the void created by Brooke's move to Technical Services, we have added Wendy Lites to our team as a Customer Service Representative. In addition to her bachelor's degree in business, she has years of customer service related experience that will be beneficial to the processes established for our clients. We are thrilled to have Wendy as part of the CSR team. Jeremy Hill has been promoted to Senior Director of Operations. Jeremy has proven himself time and again by being instrumental in the development of work processes for our Customer Service Team, member relations, recruitment of members, along with contractual reviews and legal concerns. In this role, Jeremy has been tasked with the initiative of cultivating our member relationships and strengthening our core for development of our organization as a whole. Mick Handloser is transitioning from a National Account Manager into a National Business Development Manager. Mick is challenged with targeting new accounts in specific industry segments that we have had difficulties breaking into in the past such as manufacturing, health care & hospitality. Mick is eager to hone in on these targets and create some new opportunities for you and RoofConnect. Last, but certainly not least, we have hired David Adams as our Senior Director of Business Development. David's 24 years of industry experience makes him a tremendous addition to the RoofConnect team. David’s industry background includes national leadership roles within Centimark & Tremco. He has expertise in cooperative contracts, training teams and new business account development. Mick Handloser will be directed in his new role by David. Also, for a full perspective on our team visit our company page on LinkedIn. It is an exciting time at RoofConnect and I look forward to sharing with you our successes. Join me in welcoming the new members to our team and congratulating those that have been promoted. Be Sure to Connect with Us!

RoofConnect, National Roofing Services P:  877-942-5613 RoofConnect.com

RoofConnect, Liz Miller

Roof Replacement Strategies - When, Why and How

To replace or rehab? That is the (roofing) question.

So how does a facility manager know that it's time to consider replacement? And what kind of research is needed to yield the best options for a new or rehabbed roof?

You will find answers to these questions along with a step-by-step strategy to evaluate your existing roof's status, and understand the various roofing options available to you.

Learn about roof types and systems, up-front and long-term costs, ease of installation, durability and expected lifespan, and maintenance requirements and other factors that should be considered before choosing a replacement roof system.

At the conclusion of the webcast you will be a roof-replacement expert with the ability to:

• Evaluate your current roof to determine if replacement is immediately necessary
• Identify the various roof types and systems, and which are optimal for your facility
• Review roof replacement cost, installation and maintenance factors
• Establish code compliance and roof system compatibility with an existing structure with a roof investigation

Can't attend? This exclusive webcast will be available on-demand after April 11.

For those attendees who successfully complete a learning outcomes assessment, Trade Press Media Group is authorized by IACET to offer 0.1 CEUs for this program.

Note: Interactive question and answer session and IACET-certification eligibility only available to participants of live webcast.

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RoofConnect, Liz Cleveland

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?

A: Spider-man!  He doesn't need a ladder, built in webbing.

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.

A: Shawshank Redemption

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

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

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.

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.



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.

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

RoofConnect is now blogging!

Our "corporate" blog, is the place where you can follow all things RoofConnect.  We hope to share what we find interesting and think is worth discussing, not just commercial roofing topics, but also timely information for building owners and facility managers.