Roofing System Options for Commercial Spaces

Whether you are a design professional, building owner, or a roofing contractor, choosing the right commercial roofing system for your building or project is one of the most critical decisions you have to make. A right roofing solution protects your investment for decades, and a wrong choice leads to costly repairs, damage to the building and its contents, and depreciation of property value, which in turn, might leads to an early need for re-roofing.

Commercial Roofing Service Texas

In this post, we discuss commercial roofing systems that make it it to a list of the best options with a view to help you make informed buying decisions. 

Thermoplastic Roofing

Also known as TPO Roofing, thermoplastic roofing is one of the most popular options for commercial roofing systems. Thermoplastic roofing material is gifted with high-temperature tolerance and low-temperature flexibility, making it one of the highly favored roofing systems, in terms of durability. Apart from its resistance to a wide range of temperatures including exceptional resistance to fire, the roofing system is also resistant to ozone, ultraviolet light, chemical exposure, high winds, and punctures. The average lifespan of a thermoplastic roof is around 20 years. 

EPDM Roofing

The popularity of EPDM roofs is obvious given the fact that they are part of a few roofing systems that have been around for the past four decades. They belong to the family of long lasting commercial roofing systems that are known for superior durability and versatility. If installed correctly and maintained properly, the roofs can last as long as 30 years, and at times even more. Not only are these solutions relatively inexpensive, they are easy to install, maintain, and repair. The synthetic rubber roofing membrane of EPDM roofs has two primary ingredients, ethylene and propylene, derived from oil and natural gas. The best part about an EPDM roofing solution is that it helps in energy savings and reducing your building’s footprint.

Photovoltaic Panel Roofing

Geared towards mitigating the rising energy costs, Photovoltaic Panel roofing systems are the brainchild of the roofing system construction professionals.  The solar panels installed over photovoltaic panel roofs absorb energy from the Sun that is used for supplying power and for heating buildings. Roofs installed with membrane, roof-mounted tile, or glass, also serve the same purpose. Though Photovoltaic panel roofs do not enjoy widespread usage, the growing interest in renewable energy sources has seen people gradually replacing traditional roofing systems with modern, energy efficient solutions such as photovoltaic roofs.

Green Roofing

Another environment-friendly roofing solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the Green roof. Green roofs are usually installed on flat roofs and partially or fully covered with soil and vegetation, over a waterproof membrane. Not only do green roofs help reduce heat loss and gain by insulating buildings better, they have other added environmental benefits as well. Green roofs are a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife. Though these roofs are comparatively expensive to install, they help save money in the long run.

Word of advice

Make sure you hire the services of a professional roofing services provider, as the good quality of your roofing solution is inconsequential in the absence of a good installation services professional to do the correct work. To find a professional, you may contact the roofing contractors association in your locality. For example, Texas has its roofing contractors association in the name of Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT).

5 Essential Checks when Hiring a Home Renovation Contractor

There is a strong possibility that before you embark on a journey to renovate your home, you will be tempted to go the DIY route. While DIY home renovation tips may look simple in a book or video, it's not that easy when it comes to reality. It is, therefore, recommended that such projects should be left to home renovation contractors who have the knowledge and expertise to bring your home renovation dreams to life. Hiring the services of a home renovation contractor gives you complete peace of mind as you do not have to face the day to day challenges of procuring material, managing labor, dealing with critical issues related to structural changes, and more.

In this post, we discuss the checks you must perform before hiring a professional home renovation contractor.

1. Check Legal and Financial Status

You can check the financial status of a company by reviewing its credit history and their statement of claims. A company that is unable to meet its liabilities faces bankruptcy issues, and you must therefore, stay away from such service providers. Similarly, you must check if the company is facing any legal issues such as lawsuits that may be a hindrance in the continuation of business. The internet is your best source of information if you want to check the legal status of any entity before engaging.

2. Check Licensing

There are licensing requirements for running different businesses that differ depending on the state. Before you hire a independent home renovations contractor, ask for valid proof of licensing to ensure that the company is legitimate and complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

3. Check Qualifications

Check the qualifications of the contractors and see if they have earned any professional degrees such as Certified Bath Designer or Certified Graduate Remodeler? While experience is a reliable barometer when it comes to hiring a contractor, professional qualifications also present a great opportunity to be certain about the caliber of prospective service providers.

4. Check Insurance

Check if the company has valid business insurance to protect it in the event of peril or legal issues. Home Renovation contract companies must have personal liability, property damage coverage, and worker’s compensation cover. You should never settle for oral assurances, promises or agreements but rather, see everything in black and white. Request copies of insurance certificates and ensure that they are current. It is important for you to perform this check to avoid the risk of being held liable in case of any injuries or damages that might occur during the project.

4. Verify the Contract’s Terms

Make sure you have gone through and clearly understood the terms of the contract before you sign above the dotted line. Some of the points you cannot afford to miss include payment terms, warranty terms, sequential schedule of primary construction tasks, dispute resolution terms, and more.

Word of advice

Costs should never be the prime determinant of your choice of a home renovation contractor or firm. For example – never pay the contractor in full before the job’s done. While it is okay to pay an advance amount before work starts, it should not exceed 10% of the project cost.  Make sure you get the receipts for all the payments you make to avoid any confusion in later stages.

Tips for Roof Maintenance

Proper Inspection is Key

It is a known fact that a little care invested religiously extends the life of your roofing system and helps to keep it functioning effectively and efficiently. An inspection of your roof by a certified roofing professional once a year is a necessity. There are roof maintenance regimens followed by most home and business owners in an effort to ensure that their roofing lasts longer and they also avoid costly repairs in the long run. Extreme caution must be taken when performing roof inspections as it is easy for accidents to happen in the absence of experts. Walking on a steep slope roof is dangerous, and homeowners are advised to only brave flat roofs, if at all, and resort to trained and experienced professionals as much as they can for most requirements. This not only guarantees your safety, but ensures that a good job is done all the time and nothing of significance is missed. Professionals are experienced in dealing with different kinds of roofing styles and requirements. An easy way to inspect your roof is to scan it with the help of binoculars to identify any torn, curled, loose, cupped, missing shingles, underlayment or blistered roofing. Using a ladder helps you scan the roof from different angles. Make sure, ladder is firmly anchored before using it.

Maintenance Tips

Following some simple tips will help to keep your roof in a great condition:

1. Remove all leaves, branches and debris that settles on your roof after a storm.

2.  Always remember to trim bushes and limbs touching your roofing system.

3.  Make a habit to regularly clean and flush gutters. Remove all the debris collected in the gutter system.

4.  Moisture trapping is quite a common phenomenon caused by algae and moss growing on your roof and affect the longevity of the roofing system. If you notice moss and algae growing on your roof ask for professional help as they remove the growth properly with the help of a chlorine solution.

5.  Check your attic periodically for signs of wood rot or water stains.

6. While installing any equipment on the roof such as vents, chimneys or a satellite dish, ensure the roof seal remains intact.

7.   Inspect the roofing fascia and eaves visually for any unusual signs of rot or leakage.

8.   Roof leakage is very common and spotting leaks before they cause damage saves you lots of money in the long run.

Conclusion

Many roofing problems are diagnosed and rectified by following these measures. If you are unable to access your roof and have no idea how to carry out certain tasks, the best solution is to rope-in professional help. Roof replacement is a costly affair that you keep away for as long as possible by practising prudent maintenance and inspecting all the vital areas every now and then. When selecting the right professionals to handle your requirements, it is always advisable to trust experience and reputation in the market above everything else.