Extend Roof Life...and Budget
How do you extend the life of your roof if the tough economy has caused your capital budget, and your plans for a new roof, to be slashed?
If you haven’t already, institute a comprehensive roof maintenance program; which should include a historical record of actions performed, regularly scheduled inspections, solutions and recommendations for deficiencies found upon inspection, and repairs made as needed with appropriate documentation. Make sure that repairs are actually done in a timely manner and that the repairs are done correctly.
If you’re already past the point of no return, and truly do need a new roof, but do not have the money; a full-scale roof restoration is a last resort. A roof restoration may include re-flashing all roof curbs, base flashings, roof edges and drains. There are also coating options for some types of systems that provide a temporary solution to reduce water intrusion at a substantially lower cost. While we could debate the application and designation of roof coatings, we’ll suffice to say that some work…and some do not. We have extensive experience with coatings and can show you which ones are a good application and which ones will leave you disappointed.
However, keep in mind that if the roof is really in tough shape, establish a plan for when the roof must be replaced, and present a list of options to the decision maker, along with possible consequences if the roof fails.
Inspection Strategy: The Worst Shall Be First
Don’t be one of those managers or owners whose roof requires replacement before reaching its design life, or for whom emergency repairs are needed at the worst time. In short, don’t neglect good roofs and doom them to early failure. Periodic inspection and maintenance of roofing assets are the most important elements of a successful roof-management program.
One recommended strategy might be described as “top down, bottom up.” You can succeed more quickly by focusing on roofs in the worst condition — those at the top of the priority list — while still attending to those at the bottom of the list — those in good condition and performing well. This strategy calls for directing most available funds toward putting out immediate emergencies, such as severe leaks. At the same time, some funds also must go toward prolonging the life of newer roofs.
Using this two-pronged approach, managers can ensure other roofs in their portfolios do not need to be replaced prematurely. RAMCON is here to be of assistance to you, performing evaluations to help you budget towards a dry and efficient roofing system that meets and extends its projected service life.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Roofing Trends: Roofs and Energy
As we head into the next decade, the biggest trends in the roofing industry—which are inherently connected to the direction of the entire construction industry—are related to energy efficiency and sustainability. This push towards energy efficiency begins with a well-insulated facility.
Over the past decade, higher and higher levels of insulation have been mandated with each subsequent edition of building and energy codes. The result is an increased thickness of overall roof insulation, which certainly is beneficial to a building’s energy efficiency.
Testing One, Two, Three
Roof systems are required by building codes to have minimum fire and wind resistance appropriate for the building type and location. Testing agencies, like Underwriters Laboratories and FM Approvals, perform fire and wind resistance tests and classify roof systems.
So how does this impact the energy efficiency trend? In order to achieve the maximum insulating benefit from roof systems, it is best to use at least two layers of insulation and stagger the board joints. This approach provides a more stable substrate for the roof membrane and minimizes the likelihood of unwanted air movement within a roof system.
A single layer of roof insulation means there is a high possibility of air movement from the deck to the underside of the membrane. And because air movement accounts for a significant portion of a building’s heat loss; staggered board joints are quite beneficial to the overall R-value of a roof system.
Proper design and installation of a roof system’s insulation layer are critical to the accuracy of the energy modeling of a building. If you assume a roof system has a design R-value of 30 but the insulation board joints align vertically and mechanical fasteners are used to secure the entire thickness of insulation, this could present a problem.
Studies have shown that this configuration can create a loss of R-value of over 15%. In fact, the in place R-value would be closer to R-25.
Reflected Energy
White and light colored, highly reflective roof surfaces also are trending up and have been for some time, mostly in the form of TPO and PVC single-ply systems. However, there are also reflective BUR cap sheets that provide similar reflectance. The benefit of roof surface reflectivity should be looked at from two perspectives: the specific building’s energy savings and the overall environment by reducing the ‘urban heat island’ effect.
Low rise buildings with large roof areas (relative to the entire building envelope) are likely to be more energy efficient during periods of air conditioning operation when a highly reflective roof surface is used to reduce solar gain into the building. On the other hand, a highly reflective roof will reflect the sun’s heat energy, subsequently reducing rooftop temperatures. This is overall beneficial for the environment regardless of building size, proportions, and location. Understanding the different perspectives about the benefits of using a reflective roof surface is important when determining if a building will or will not glean reduced energy consumption.
Over the past decade, higher and higher levels of insulation have been mandated with each subsequent edition of building and energy codes. The result is an increased thickness of overall roof insulation, which certainly is beneficial to a building’s energy efficiency.
Testing One, Two, Three
Roof systems are required by building codes to have minimum fire and wind resistance appropriate for the building type and location. Testing agencies, like Underwriters Laboratories and FM Approvals, perform fire and wind resistance tests and classify roof systems.
So how does this impact the energy efficiency trend? In order to achieve the maximum insulating benefit from roof systems, it is best to use at least two layers of insulation and stagger the board joints. This approach provides a more stable substrate for the roof membrane and minimizes the likelihood of unwanted air movement within a roof system.
A single layer of roof insulation means there is a high possibility of air movement from the deck to the underside of the membrane. And because air movement accounts for a significant portion of a building’s heat loss; staggered board joints are quite beneficial to the overall R-value of a roof system.
Proper design and installation of a roof system’s insulation layer are critical to the accuracy of the energy modeling of a building. If you assume a roof system has a design R-value of 30 but the insulation board joints align vertically and mechanical fasteners are used to secure the entire thickness of insulation, this could present a problem.
Studies have shown that this configuration can create a loss of R-value of over 15%. In fact, the in place R-value would be closer to R-25.
Reflected Energy
White and light colored, highly reflective roof surfaces also are trending up and have been for some time, mostly in the form of TPO and PVC single-ply systems. However, there are also reflective BUR cap sheets that provide similar reflectance. The benefit of roof surface reflectivity should be looked at from two perspectives: the specific building’s energy savings and the overall environment by reducing the ‘urban heat island’ effect.
Low rise buildings with large roof areas (relative to the entire building envelope) are likely to be more energy efficient during periods of air conditioning operation when a highly reflective roof surface is used to reduce solar gain into the building. On the other hand, a highly reflective roof will reflect the sun’s heat energy, subsequently reducing rooftop temperatures. This is overall beneficial for the environment regardless of building size, proportions, and location. Understanding the different perspectives about the benefits of using a reflective roof surface is important when determining if a building will or will not glean reduced energy consumption.
Monday, September 12, 2011
National Preparedness Expo
Do you have a plan if disaster strikes?
September is National Preparedness Month, and RAMCON was happy to participate in a National Preparedness Expo in Kissimmee on Saturday.
The Expo was sponsored by SERVPRO of Osceola County.
Many local companies, including RAMCON and SERVPRO of Osceola County were available to provide valuable information and to answer your questions.
Check out the RAMCON Hurricane website to make sure you and your buildings are prepared for any storms that may come: http://www.ramconroofing.com/hurricane.htm.
September is National Preparedness Month, and RAMCON was happy to participate in a National Preparedness Expo in Kissimmee on Saturday.
The Expo was sponsored by SERVPRO of Osceola County.
Many local companies, including RAMCON and SERVPRO of Osceola County were available to provide valuable information and to answer your questions.
Check out the RAMCON Hurricane website to make sure you and your buildings are prepared for any storms that may come: http://www.ramconroofing.com/hurricane.htm.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
How to Report a Roof Leak
Your roofing problems don’t wait for normal business hours and neither do we. We have emergency crews on standby 24/7 for your convenience. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll shortly have a uniformed, certified roofing technician on site to solve your problem.
1. CONTACT RAMCON
There are several ways to report your leak, in order to make it easy for you.
Call Toll-Free: (877) 726-2661
Email: RoofLeaks@RamconRoofing.com
Utilize Our Web Based Report Features at: www.RamconRoofing.com
2. REPORT THE PROBLEM
Provide the RAMCON representative a detailed explanation of the situation, so that they can immediately begin working on getting the right crews and equipment to your location as soon as possible.
3. REST ASSURED
We respond immediately to roofing emergencies. Very shortly, a uniformed RAMCON crew will be at your facility to solve your problem. You’ll get a full report of what was found and how it was repaired with before and after photographs to assure you that you’re asset is being well cared for by the very best.
1. CONTACT RAMCON
There are several ways to report your leak, in order to make it easy for you.
Call Toll-Free: (877) 726-2661
Email: RoofLeaks@RamconRoofing.com
Utilize Our Web Based Report Features at: www.RamconRoofing.com
2. REPORT THE PROBLEM
Provide the RAMCON representative a detailed explanation of the situation, so that they can immediately begin working on getting the right crews and equipment to your location as soon as possible.
3. REST ASSURED
We respond immediately to roofing emergencies. Very shortly, a uniformed RAMCON crew will be at your facility to solve your problem. You’ll get a full report of what was found and how it was repaired with before and after photographs to assure you that you’re asset is being well cared for by the very best.
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