Your Roof's Best Friend

Preventative Maintenance

There is no better friend to your roof than good, quality and proactive roof care. While yes, the membrane and perimeter metals are designed to last for many years, the sealants and flashings that complete the system simply do not. Most leaks develop from a steady process of deterioration that can be identified early and fixed at a substantially lower expense. Florida’s top building owners and managers recognize this and implement a cost efficient program to eliminate these problems.

 

Pre and Post-Storm Inspections

Extreme weather in Florida is a constant threat. Gale force winds and storm debris can be a serious threat to your roof. Equipment can become damaged, strong winds can dislodge components of the system and vegetative debris can clog drainage areas. It’s smart and effective to ensure your roof is ready for any storm and determine if any damage was sustained after the threat has passed.

 

Quality Workmanship

There are over 5,000 registered roofing contractors in Florida alone. There is not a single day where RAMCON is not asked to visit a facility and correct improper repairs completed by a sub-par contractor. Quality workmanship ensures that a repair is done the right way and endures as an integral component of the roofing system. Remember, all repairs must be completed within the manufacturers specifications to maintain complete warranty coverage.

 

 

Preparing To Move Forward On Your Roofing Budget

For most building owners and managers, the cost for roof replacement projects are accounted for as capital expenditures. Roof retrofit (recover) and major repair/restoration projects sometimes fall into this category as well. Costs for yearly preventive maintenance and minor repairs are typically expensed during the course of the business year.

Planning and large expenditure budgeting are critical elements of the long-term, successful management and operation of most large businesses. Accurately identifying required large expenditures in advance allows top management to factor them into the overall business plan during the planning period. Budgeting for the next business year is predominant.

It is also crucial that the expenditure amount be identified with a good level of accuracy. While slightly or moderately over-budgeting the cost of a project is generally accepted (even sometimes valued) by top management, a higher projected cost may compromise the project/budget approval. Alternatively, with the costs of roofing materials these days, under-budgeting a project’s cost can result in serious repercussions upon the project initiator, especially after the budget has been approved.

During our decades in the roofing industry, we have encountered numerous situations where the budget amounts for roof replacement projects were discovered to be inadequate. In literally every case, this was caused by not accurately understanding the existing conditions and/or inadequate design to meet the real project requirements.

 

Common Mistakes Made in Identifying Roof Replacement Costs

1. By far, the most common mistake made is not identifying the existing roof system/building components and the condition/function of each. This includes:

• What is the existing roof assembly make-up? How are the components attached to themselves and the deck?

• What is the condition of and thermal resistance (R-Value) of the insulation components?

• Can this roof really be effectively recovered with another roof system?

• What type of roof deck exists and what is its condition?

• Does the deck provide structural slope or is slope/drainage presently provided/enhanced by tapered insulation?

2. Another very common mistake is not identifying non related roof work that needs to be (or should be) accomplished before or during the roofing installation.

• Are there obsolete roof fixtures/equipment that would best be removed and deck openings closed?

• Is there roof equipment that need to be raised or remounted on new supports to allow effective flashing height and/or methods for Florida’s new code requirements?

• Are there older pieces of roof- mounted equipment that really should be replaced at this time?

• Are there deteriorated, associated adjacent surfaces allowing water infiltration and in need of repair prior to or in conjunction with the roof replacement work?

3. It’s been our opinion that many other roofing contractors pay little attention to following the various building codes when talking to building owners about their roofs. Building Codes are "the law of the land" and an owner risks incurring penalties if they are not followed during almost any type of construction or reconstruction project. Further, many buildings are insured by companies which have specific rigid requirements that must be followed by their insured’s to avoid cancellation or at minimum, higher premiums. Discovering code provisions or insurance mandated requirements that were not identified or factored in, after the project budget has been set, can become a real problem.

• RAMCON Project Managers always identify and investigate the applicable Building Code(s) which apply.

• RAMCON Project Managers pay special attention to all energy conservation codes that have been adopted. A project budget could be significantly impacted by the additional cost of increased insulation along with the associated costs of work required due to an increased roof assembly thickness.

When you get ready to move forward on your roofing projects per your budgeting, make sure you take into consideration all of the factors that could potential increase your costs significantly. If you have any doubts, RAMCON team members can assist you in ensuring you’re roofing budgets are right, that you are on track to meet the required Florida Building Codes and that there are no ‘unforeseen conditions’ lurking before you. Never forget, proper planning prevents poor performance and your team at RAMCON is here to assist you.

 

The Importance of Roof Maintenance

The number one cause of premature roof failure is neglect of routine maintenance. Water entering the building damages not only the roof, but what’s inside. Even a small hole can let a large amount of water into a roofing system, damaging interiors, merchandise, equipment, not to mention the work environment and business productivity.

Roof replacements are traditionally one of the most costly investments that a building owner can make. At RAMCON, we focus on the continued maintenance of roofing assets and not just roof replacements. Our philosophy is to assist building owners in the maintenance and upkeep of their existing roofing assets with the intention of extending the service life of the roof assembly as long as it is a fiscally sound decision to do so.

We work with building owners and managers through various services to help you control costs. These managed services include roof maintenance

plans, annual infrared scans of the roof assembly, coating applications when necessary and other services that allow a building owner to manage their roofs and the costs associated with maintaining them. We know that if a roof is properly maintained, it can yield a far more valuable life than if its unmanaged and left to deteriorate.

Roof Maintenance Pays Off

Roofing industry experts say that a building owner who budgets only 5 cents per square foot per year, can avoid losing three times that much per square foot each year. Add it up for a typical owner/manager, that’s easily tens of thousands of dollars each year in cost savings.

"The decision not to employ an aggressive roof maintenance program is costing owners between $.010 and $0.15 per sq. ft., per year." - Dennis Firman, after managing 600 million sq. ft. of roof as maintenance chief for the U.S. Air Force.

Our comprehensive, cost efficient maintenance programs, such as our Star Program, are designed to help you get the most out of your investment. Call us today at (813) 663-9667 and discuss your needs today.

Here at RAMCON, we’ve created three levels of comprehensive, cost efficient maintenance programs. Tailored to your specific facility, your investment in preventative maintenance is designed to award a fast payback, extend the service life of your roofing system and drastically reduce/eliminate roof expenses.

Preventative Maintenance conducted by RAMCON is so effective that some manufacturers will extend your warranty 25% completely free (example: a 20 year warranty becomes 25 years). Give us a call and we’ll perform a free preventative maintenance inspection, create projected service life extensions and savings analysis and a put together a customized plan that works for your needs and budget.

Making Your Roofs Last Longer

One of the most difficult problems facing building owners and managers is getting the most out of their facility ’s roofs. Why all the trouble with roofs? Part of it is due to the environment in which roofs must function. They are exposed to wind, rain, snow, hail,sunshine, animals, and a variety of other factors ranging from foot traffic to drastic temperature changes.

With the strain that roofs are routinely exposed to it is logical to think that roofs would be a focus of attention for facility executives. In some facilities they are but not all roofs are managed. Less than half of building owners ever file a claim against their roof ’s warranty even though most roofs experience some problems during the warranty period. And many of those who do file a claim have it
voided because they have not been doing the tasks necessary to maintain the warranty.

The difference between these two groups is how they view the roof. The group of facility executives that are successful in lowering roof costs view the roof as an asset to be managed. The others view the roof as a maintenance expense, focusing on replacing rather than managing.

Roof asset management is a process that begins with a thorough understanding of the installed roofing system. This is best derived from a comprehensive roof inspection from RAMCON. Evaluation of the inspection report along with data from subsequent inspections is used to develop a schedule and budget for major roof repairs and replacements. We’ll do this for you at no cost.

The Benefits
One of the most significant benefits of managing roofs as an asset is that doing so will extend the life of the roof. While it will take money to perform the tasks required, asset management programs will result in roofs that typically last 25% to 50% longer. In some cases, they can even double the service life of a roof. The cost of setting up and operating the roof asset management program is typically
recovered if the roof life is extended by only one year.

Roof asset management also reduces roof maintenance costs. One of the reasons why maintenance costs for roofs are so high is that they often are performed on an emergency basis. You call a roofer to solve your problem, and sometimes temporary repairs are made. Later they return and make the permanent,repairs. Not only have there been two service calls, but damage to the roof, and possibly the building ’s interior, has taken place.

A roof asset management program may not eliminate all emergency repairs, but it will reduce their frequency. And by identifying problems and taking action to correct them before they develop into leaks, the program will reduce damage to the roof and the building.

Another benefit of the program is better allocation of funds for roof repair and replacement. Many roofs are replaced before it is necessary to do so. By implementing an asset management program, you will have the information to determine if relatively minor repairs will correct the problem or if the roof is approaching the end of its life and requires replacement. It’s all about having the facts to
make correct decisions.

Realistic Budgets
Roof asset management programs allow managers to budget for roof replacement on a basis of need, not crisis. Replacement funds are usually used on the roof that is believed to be in the worst condition at the moment, but by establishing the condition of all roofs in all facilities, executives can set priorities based on real — not perceived — needs.

A major complaint from building managers is that roof warranties are complicated and misleading. While it is true that it can be difficult to process warranty claims with some installers, you won't have this problem with RAMCON. We have very close relationships with practically every manufacturer in the industry. Whether RAMCON installed your roof or not, we can maintain it through your existing warranty at no additional cost to you.

Staying on Top
Treating roofs as assets will provide financial and performance returns for those willing to make the investment. But roof asset management is a process. To be effective, keep up with collecting, assessing and updating of data. The time and effort are well worth it and RAMCON is here to assist along the entire process

RAMCON Collects Toys For Tots

Tis the season for giving! While the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is rapidly approaching, it is important that we remember those who are less fortunate then us. Once again this year, RAMCON management and staff are happy to give back. RAMCON will take part in the annual Toys for Tots Program by collecting new and unwrapped toys and books.

On Christmas morning, millions of children will wake up across the nation excited to see what Santa has brought for them. But the saddening truth is that many children will wake up on Christmas morning and their wishes will not be met. Help us change Christmas morning back into the whimsical haze of happiness and joy we remember. Together, through Toys for Tots, we can put a smile on a child’s face.

“Toys for Tots began back in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angels collected and distributes in excess of 5,000 toys to struggling children. In fact, the idea came from Bill’s wife, Diane. In the fall of 1947, Diane crafted a homemade doll and asked Bill to deliver the doll to a local organization to donate at Christmas. To Bill’s surprise, no such agency existed, so Bill and Diane created one. In 1948 the program expanded it into a nationwide campaign. Now, some 65 years later, the initial objective and mission of the program remains.”

Join RAMCON in collecting new and unwrapped toys by dropping them off at our main facility in Tampa – 5902 Breckenridge Pkwy. Tampa, FL 33610 – or give us a call and we’ll pick them up.
For each toy donated, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a complimentary one year Bronze Star Preventative Maintenance package. For more information on Toys For Tots, please visit www.ToysForTots.org.

What is the Urban Heat Island Effect?

An urban heat island (UHI) is a metropolitan area which is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas. The phenomenon was first investigated and described by Luke Howard in the 1810s. The temperature difference usually is larger at night than during the day, and is most apparent when winds are weak.

Seasonally, UHI is seen during both summer and winter. The main cause of the urban heat island is modification of the land surface by urban development which uses materials which effectively retain heat. Waste heat generated by energy usage is a secondary contributor. As population centers grow they tend to modify a greater and greater area of land and have a corresponding increase in average temperature.

Monthly rainfall is greater downwind of cities, partially due to the UHI. Increases in heat within urban centers increases the length of growing seasons, and decreases the occurrence of weak tornadoes. The UHI decreases air quality by increasing the production of pollutants such as ozone, and decreases water quality as warmer waters flow into area streams, which stresses their ecosystems.

Mitigation of the urban heat island effect can be accomplished through the use of green roofs and the use of lighter-colored surfaces in urban areas, which reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.

 

Keep An Eye On Your Roof

From careless HVAC technicians to tricky warranties, roof problems can spring from a myriad of sources, and there’s no single solution that guarantees the roof will survive these trouble spots. However, keeping a careful eye on the roof and not letting small problems fester into big ones are important steps toward long roof life.

Scheduled roof inspections and maintenance are the best ways to avoid the most common roofing problems that facilities executives face, say roofing experts. Roofs should be inspected at least twice a year, in the spring and fall. They should be looked over again after contractors work on the roof or after a hurricane, hail storm, lightning strike or ice storm.

"Routine maintenance is a good investment," says Luther Mock, president of the Roof Consultants Institute (RCI), an association of professional roof consultants, architects and engineers who specialize in roof systems. "It can prolong the life of the roof."

Scheduling an inspection or maintenance for your roof is as easy as picking up the phone. Simply call RAMCON at (877) 726-2661, speak with one of our customer service representatives. They will gladly schedule your inspection and answer any questions that you may have.

It's Time For Your Semi-Annual Roof Inspections

The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends inspecting all roofs twice each year, once after the hottest weather and again after the coldest weather. These weather cycles induce the most thermal stresses on roofs and manifest the greatest damage. Roofs should also be inspected after any major weather event, such as high winds or hail. The inspection report should classify distresses as follows:

         
           Damage caused by storms
           Warranty repairs
           Housekeeping and cleaning

Routine maintenance should be performed regularly, thereby correcting deficiencies disclosed by the inspections. All maintenance and repair work orders and payments should be entered into the client’s database.

Never fear! Our professional technicians will visit your facility and perform our exclusive 20-point inspection to determine the condition of your system.

RAMCON can take care of all of your roofing inspections, repairs and maintenance. Simply call one of our Customer Service Representatives today at 1-877-726-2661 or email info@RAMCONRoofing.com.

It's Budget Time....Again!

Yes, it is that time of year again. It is time to begin the budget process. But, how do you arrive at the bottom line figure for your roofing budget? Do you make an "educated guess" or is it just a complete "shot in the dark"? Maybe you are a little more practical, and you know that a roof is undergoing constant wear and attack from the elements, so you add a standard 10% to 15% to last year’s budget?

However, none of these approaches takes the composition, condition, age or life expectancy of each roof into consideration. It is still imperative to have answers to the following questions:

1. Exactly what type and how many roofs are on each property.
2. Will the pace of needed repairs accelerate and how fast?
3. Are certain areas of the roof experiencing greater problems than others?
4. Is there trouble brewing up there, and can it be prevented?
5. How many years will the roof last?
6. How much should be budgeted for emergency repairs?
7. How much should be budgeted for preventative maintenance?
8. How much should be budgeted for roof replacement, if necessary?

As Florida’s leading full-service roofing contractor, RAMCON is happy to assist in this process. We will send an inspection crew to thoroughly inspect each roof in your portfolio, and put together a comprehensive analysis report, which will include the following information, and so much more:

1. Detailed captioned photographs visually showing the entire roofing system.

2. Report of conditions of the field and flashing areas of the roof.
3. Professional estimates in years of the roofs remaining serviceable life.
4. Exact figures for anticipated yearly maintenance, roof replacement options (if necessary), and preventative roof maintenance items.

Here at RAMCON, we can help you feel more secure in the preparation of your budget. Give us a call at (877) 726-2661 and we’ll work directly with you, providing inspections, recommendations and accurate budget numbers at no expense to you. It’s all in an effort to help our clients make the best roofing decisions possible and add to their bottom line.

 

Discussing Single-Ply Roofing Systems

The rise of single-ply roofing systems has given building owners and managers in institutional and commercial facilities an expanded range of options for replacing an existing roof. Even so, specification decisions remain challenging because managers must consider such issues as sustainability, durability, the new system's impact on the existing building, and, of course, cost.

But you might be wise to embrace the process of roof specification because they are likely to face such situations numerous times during their lifespan. In each case, their decisions will have long-term effects on the organization and its bottom line.

If you consider that your building is going to last 50 years, and an TPO roof has a service life of about 14-20 years, you're going to replace your roof any number of times over the life of the building. If you have a plan to inspect and repair and stay ahead of things, you can increase the service life of your roof to the extent that you're fiscally responsible and able to plan for the inevitable replacement.

On The Upside
Single-ply roofing systems come in a number of different types, including EPDM, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), and they offer a range of potential benefits.

For most, the benefits include that they're economical, relatively cost effective to install to provide you with the reflective savings sought in our hot Florida environment. They can also withstand a large amount of stretching and elongation before failure.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
They also offer installation benefits. They're generally more cost effective to install than multi-ply roofing systems. Typically, the installation consists of a single-ply membrane and adhesive or fasteners, not multiple membranes and layers or hot adhesives, such as hot asphalt. This creates a situation where the general advantage is lower cost. The installation cost is generally cheaper, due to reduced labor costs for installing a single layer of membrane, shorter construction schedule, schedules, and related installation costs.

Single-Ply Roofing Systems Do Have Unique Challenges
 Single-ply roofing systems also can present you with some serious challenges. For one thing, they are very susceptible to damage from rooftop activity.

If you're up there servicing HVAC equipment and you drop an access panel, they can be easily punctured.

It's a single-ply membrane, so you don't have the redundancy of multiple plies of membranes. If you get a breach in the membrane, your cover board and insulation are immediately getting wet because there are no additional layers of protection. Moisture in your roofing system can result in curling or degradation of the insulation or cover board, and it will immediately impact the membrane. You can get adhesion loss or some other type of failure. They're less forgiving systems, in comparison to modified bitumen or asphalt roofing systems, which have inherent redundancies.

Design Specification Matters
The task of determining whether a single-ply system is the most appropriate choice depends on several factors. The first involves the design and landscape of the roof. Single-ply rolls are larger and wider than those for other types of roofing systems, so they also have fewer seams, but they also are more difficult to manage around penetrations.

For that reason, single-ply systems are probably extremely advantageous on large roofs with minimal penetrations. We advise our clients to consider other common elements of rooftops that can result in more foot traffic.

Ask yourself, are there mechanical systems that constantly need to be maintained? Is there going to be a lot of foot traffic? Are there many roof penetrations? Are there complex penetrations to flash? Do you need a more durable membrane? Those factors are really the most important aspects to consider when choosing whether a TPO membrane is truly most effective and cost efficient over the lifespan of the roof.

But in some cases, the type of facility can affect roof specification. Every building occupant will tell you that their facility is sensitive to water penetration, but some are more so than others. Say it's a critical-care facility or a hospital, where the ability to tolerate water penetration is absolutely zero. Then there may be a consideration regarding the lack of redundancy that single-plies bring to the table.

So yes, single-ply roofing systems offer several competitive advantages, however they are not always the right solution, nor are they always more cost effective over the lifespan of the roofing system. When you’re planning your next roofing project, give RAMCON a call and we’ll help you run the numbers and select the roof that’s both best for your needs and budget.

The Enemies of Your Roofing System

Your roofing system’s performance is affected by numerous factors. Given the fact that your ultimate goal is to have a roofing system that lasts a long time with low lifetime maintenance costs, we need to know what we’re up against.

Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Think about it, direct sunlight causes the material to heat and cool rapidly, causing deterioration. Usually this occurs faster on the sides facing south.

 

 Rain: When water gets underneath the membrane, flashing or other materials, it can work its way along the roof deck to a penetration point in the deck, resulting in a roof leak. Often, water can sit on the deck for a considerable amount of time which encourages deck and insulation deterioration and may significantly increase the cost of re-roofing the system.

 Wind: High winds can cause all sorts of damage on the roofing system. If condensation lines are not securely attached to the roof, they will swing back and forth, causing slices and punctures to the membrane. Flying debris and equipment will also cause serious damage to the surface, allowing points of water penetration. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.

 Moss, Algae and Vegetation: Moss and algae can grow directly on the membrane, especially around AC fluid lines. Once growing, it holds even more moisture to a roof system’s surface, causing deterioration. In addition, vegetation roots also can work their way into the system and structure. Make sure all vegetation is trimmed away from the building.

 Trees and Leaves: Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees will almost certainly puncture most membranes. Leaves on a roof system’s surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the drainage system will cause the roof the ‘pond’ water.

 Missing or Damaged Materials: When a piece of your roofing system is missing or damaged, the roof structure and the building interior are vulnerable to water damage. The problem is likely to compound, as the missing or damaged piece will cause surrounding areas to be damaged as well.

 Punctures: The most preventable enemy, punctures, usually occurs because of carelessness on the part of people visiting the roof: HVAC technicians, window washers, painters, maintenance staff, smokers and tenants. Punctures can also occur because of debris left, blown or tossed on the roof.

 Flashing Deterioration: Fact: most leaks on a roof occur at the flashing areas (perimeter walls, roof penetrations, etc.). Without good, tight flashings around vents, AC units, roof hatches, skylights and wall/roof junctions, water can enter the building and cause damage to the building interior.

 Neglect: The biggest enemy of the roof is often the owner. Roofs, like any equipment, require periodic routine maintenance to fix little problems early, before they become big and expensive. Discover simple, comprehensive and cost efficient programs for you (plus how much it could save you) at www.MyRAMCON.com. 

What You Need To Know About Flat Roof Coatings

There is a lot of hype in the industry about flat roof coatings. Unfortunately, building owners and managers throughout Florida are realizing their limitations and are experiencing many failures. The reason is, coatings are not the ‘solution’ for every problem. Sure, flat roof coatings can be a good investment for many facilities. A flat roof coating can extend the life of a roof because it lowers the roof temperature. It can also lead to additional energy savings as the temperature is reduced. But when a roof has very low slope or the substrate is unsuitable, a coating can be a recipe of disaster.

The truth is, there are so many different types of roofs in use today that specifying a flat roof coating isn’t easy. Different substrates require different coatings. A coating’s adhesion might depend as much on the substrate’s characteristics as on the coating type. In general, it is more difficult for coatings to adhere to hard, smooth, chemically inert surfaces and easier on rough, irregular, chemically active surfaces.

A coating’s adhesion to a substrate often improves when the installers put down a primer or base coat. Most coatings manufacturers recommend certain primers or base coats for managers trying to match a specific topcoat with a specific substrate. Managers should use only the base coat or primer specified by the coating’s manufacturer and only in the right application.

With the introduction of a variety of roof membranes, coating manufacturers have developed a variety of roof coatings to address multiple substrates with different adhesion and weathering characteristics. Due to variations in coating formulations, it’s more important than ever to consult with RAMCON on your needs, budgets and performance requirements to ensure the right coating for the roof substrate and conditions.

 

Coatings do have their place, but falling for a manufacturer or contractor’s ‘sales pitch’ isn’t an effective management technique. We are the one contractor who has specialized crews that can install every type of system or coating for just about every manufacturer. We’ll recommend what is right for your facility, not ‘what we offer’. Our entire goal is to select the right system for your needs and budget.

Cooling It Down: Lower Energy Bills with Cool Roofs

Cool roofs are a simple and effective approach to lowering the cooling energy loads of buildings and for increasing occupant comfort. By reflecting solar radiation, cool roofs reduce the amount of sunlight that is absorbed as heat in a building. As a result, the need to control indoor air temperatures with air conditioning systems (A/C) decreases, which in turn lowers energy bills.

In addition to energy cost savings, cool roofs contribute to grid stability by lowering the need for A/C use during the hottest times of the year. Cool roofs also reduce outside ambient air temperatures, which helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where cities can become several degrees hotter than surrounding less developed areas.

Cool Roofs: The Basics

A "cool roof" is any roof surface comprised of highly reflective materials that keep the sun from heating up a building. At RAMCON, we install cool roofing options in almost any roofing material, and innovations in product formulation have enabled us to install systems in a variety of colors as well.

The performance of these materials is rated based on two radiative properties: solar reflectance (SR) and thermal emittance. The reflectivity of a roof’s surface is important because on hot, sunny days, standard dark roofs can be up to 90°F hotter than the ambient air temperature.

 

Cool Roofing Considerations

As with any building envelope strategy, there are several factors to take into account when considering the installation of a cool roof. While cool roofs are ideal for many buildings, their success depends on several factors, including the attributes of a building and the scope of the project. In general, cool roofs have the most benefits for facilities in very hot climates like ours that rely significantly on the use of A/C to control indoor ambient air temperatures and on facilities with little insulation, such as some warehouses.

• Project scope. Cool roofing options vary greatly based on whether the project is a new construction, complete reroof, or renovation of an existing roof. Examples of renovation options include coating an existing flat roof with a cool or light colored coating or installing a single-ply roofing system over an older metal roof.

 

• Facility specifics. Roof slope, location, and size greatly impact the reflective properties of a cool roof. Because low slope and flat roofs cannot be seen from street level, highly reflective, smooth, and bright white materials can be used without visually impacting the surroundings.

 

In addition, other building factors are important to consider, such as the number of floors and the amount and type of insulation. Cool roofs have the most impact on the upper floors of a building, with cooling energy savings between 15% and 25% for the top floor and savings of 5% to 10% for the next floor down. Unfortunately, there is usually less of an impact on overall cooling loads for high-rise buildings.

 

• Other roofing material factors. Our team at RAMCON considers many factors when selecting the right system for your facilities, such as compatibility with existing roof systems, ease of maintenance, and warranty requirements.

 

Cool roofs are an optimal approach to reducing the cooling-energy load of buildings, particularly during the hot summer months when A/C demand is high. The benefits of reduced energy usage from cool roofing materials includes lower energy bills, energy grid stability, and cooler environment overall.

Making Roof Choices After Years of Neglect

It’s no secret, over these past few years many of our roof maintenance concerns have been on the back burner. After all, with vacant space abound and lower rents prevailing, it was difficult to justify expenses on proactive maintenance. Unfortunately, the side effect we’ve seen is thousands of problems that could have been prevented if they were identified and addressed earlier. Delaying a costly roof replacement project may not have only been desired, it may have been a financial necessity. As we begin to rebuild and reevaluate for the future, a focus group of our clients said they were reassessing their long-term goals and short-term needs in regards to their facilities’ roofing systems.

Roofs fail for many reasons. The causes of premature roof failure include poor design, poor materials, poor installation, lack of maintenance, natural causes, man-made concerns (e.g., material defects, incorrect or lack of response to roof problems), tenant abuse, change in building use, building component failure due to incompatibility of components, and rooftop traffic by other trades. Proactive roof maintenance can often detect early signs of failing components and allow time to mitigate the concerns and increase the roof’s service life.

Now, more than ever, you really should think about a RAMCON roof maintenance program to extend the life of the roof and drastically reduce the leaks that develop. All roof systems require maintenance. In fact, most roof warranties require it, so failure to do so may void the warranty, bring about an early demise of the roof and result in unwanted moisture intrusion, production and work stoppages. In addition, maintenance will extend the service life of the roof, thus promoting a key element of sustainability: long service life. Even better, some manufacturers will extend the warranty duration of your roof up to 25% (turning a 20 year warranty into a 25 year warranty) at no expense to you!

In most cases, roof systems protect 95 percent of a building owner’s assets, yet they are a relatively fragile component of a building. While many other building components are more visible and tend to be maintained on a regular basis, a roof system often is overlooked.

As previously discussed in many articles, leading causes of premature roof system failure include poor roof design and installation, neglect of proper maintenance and lack of appropriate repairs. Properly maintaining the roof can extend the service life, thus deferring costly roof replacement. This can allow time for financial planning for future replacement. It also helps ensure that there are no roof-related interruptions to the building occupants. As you begin to budget for 2014, keep in mind that RAMCON is available to assist you in not only fixing roof leaks, but preventing them before they happen at a fraction of the cost.

Inspection Strategy: The Worst Shall Be First

Don’t be one of those managers 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." Managers 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.

The 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. Only by pro actively maintaining your roofing systems can you reduce the service life maintenance expenses and increase the lifespan of your roof, thus increasing your return on investment.

Using this two-pronged approach, you can ensure roofs in your portfolio do not need to be replaced prematurely.

Extend Your 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 instituted 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, then you need to make sure to implement one as soon as possible. You want to 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, a full-scale roof restoration is sort of the last resort. We recommend this if you really do need a new roof, but don’t have the money to afford a new one. A roof restoration may include re-flashing all roof curbs, base flashings, roof edges and drains. You could also recoat the existing roof with various roof coating products that could extend the roof life by seven to 10 years or more.

However, keep in mind that if the roof is really in tough shape, establish a plan for when the roof really has to be replaced, and present a list of options to the CFO, along with possible

consequences if the roof fails.

Understanding Roof Warranties And Their Coverage

With everything that could go wrong with a roof, what kind of warranty should facility executives look for? The answer is, “It depends.” Some warranties offer substantial benefit while others are relatively worthless.

There are three types of warranties. The most basic warranty covers materials, but not the labor to remove, replace or repair the damaged product.

A standard warranty covers labor and material. This type of long-term warranty usually represents a one-time cost of about 25 to 35 cents per square foot. In this case, installers must usually be prequalified by the manufacturer. Using an outside installer could void the warranty (and likely you’d never get one to begin with). This is a common problem that owners face when searching for the ‘cheapest’ options.

An extended 10 to 25 year warranty places no dollar amount on repair or replacement costs. In some cases, it might even cover damage caused by leaks.

While it might be tempting to forgo the warranty, particularly if you have to pay for it, without a warranty, the building owner is protected only under applicable state laws governing product performance.

The major manufacturers have standard warranties that are fairly comprehensive, and these companies are usually backed by assets, so there is some assurance they will be able to stand behind the warranty.

However, all warranties come with an important caveat: They rarely favor the customer. It should be understood that all roof manufacturer warranties are designed to protect the manufacturer. The limitations are not favorable to building owners. Most major roof warranties have 25+ limitations.

Limitations usually exclude damage caused by excessive foot traffic, other trades, such as HVAC technicians and acts of nature. For example, warranties that don’t cover damage from winds stronger than gale force are useless in places like Florida, where a routine thunderstorm can pack that much punch. In that case, the warranty doesn’t cover anything. It’s basically useless. The way warranties are written, if a roofing manufacturer wants out, they can get out.

If the damage is weather-related, for example, the manufacturer might do a quick repair then say it’s not a warranty claim. It is important to act promptly if a roof is damaged. If the repair is done on a timely basis, then the warranty will remain intact. If it’s not repaired properly, then that voids the warranty.

Warranties also are a measure of the roofing manufacturer’s responsiveness. Some will stand behind it. Others avoid it. It’s just a function o

Facility executives and building owners also must do their part. Building owners must hold up their end of the agreement with maintenance to make sure the roof is free of debris and the drains are unclogged. They must notify the manufacturer of new roof equipment and make sure they keep on top of the other limitations expressed in the warranty.
f reputation for the manufacturer. RAMCON will only work with manufacturers who stand behind their warranties.

Preparation Is Key

As of June 1st, hurricane season is officially here. Is your roof prepared?

Are all of your flashings properly sealed?
Are your drains and gutters free of debris? Do they quickly remove water from the roofing system?
Are there any voids, open seams or penetrations that will allow water under the membrane?
Is every piece of rooftop equipment properly secured to the roof?
Are the perimeters of your roof properly fastened for wind uplift?

They may seem like unimportant questions, but hurricane (or even tropical storm) force winds, can cause major damage if your roofing system is not properly prepared.

Is Your Roof Ready For Storm Season?

Your roof is often the only line of defense against Mother Nature’s fury. At this point, do you know the conditions that exist on your roofs? Not just your anticipated maintenance expenses and such, but which pitch pockets have issues or if there are voids or punctures in the membrane? Are the drainage ports properly sealed?

If you are not sure, give us a call now. As a RAMCON client, we will send an inspection crew at no expense to inspect your roof and determine how the roof is performing and if there are any areas that are likely to allow for direct water intrusion.

We’ll bring the existing assembly, age, conditions and concerns to your attention so you can make an educated decision towards how you wish to address the problems. There’s no sales pitch and no gimmicks, just a chance for us to help our clients and bring peace of mind.

To schedule your inspection for this week, please call (813) 663-9667 and ask to schedule a roof inspection.  We’ll handle the rest and you’ll have all the resources you need.

Hurricane Resources

Websites:
•   www.floridadisaster.org
•   www.redcross.org
•   www.hurricanpreparedness.com
•   www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/mis/HurricaneLinksTips.htm
•   www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml

Phone Numbers:
•   American Red Cross Disaster Assistance (866) 438-4636
•   American Red Cross Missing Persons (877) LOVED-1S or (877) 568-3317
•   National Hurricane Center (800) 525-0321
•   FEMA Register for Assistance (800) 621-3362
•   FL Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services (800) 435-7352
•   FL Dept of Financial Services Consumer Help Line (800) 342-2762
•   FL Dept of Financial Services Consumer TDD (800) 640-0886
•   Florida Division of Emergency Management (800) 320-0519
•   National Flood Insurance Program (888) 356-6329
•   National Flood Insurance Program TDD (800) 427-5593
•   Traffic Information (Travel Updates) 511 (From Cell Phone) 

 

 

RAMCON is Now a Certified Maintenance Professional

RAMCON has recently joined a program which certifies us as a maintenance professional. So what exactly does this mean? It means that were recognized as innovative leaders in the market. The statistics don’t lie; RAMCON has the highest quality rating in the entire state, the best safety record, and offers the longest and most comprehensive warranties available.

In order to qualify as a Certified Maintenance Professional, we had to commit to rigorous inspection protocols using the industry leader’s exclusive maintenance educational programs and standards. By becoming a Certified Maintenance Professional, we will perform the following vital services for your roof:
•   Perform yearly inspections
•   Communicate roof maintenance needs to you
•   Make maintenance related repairs as necessary
•   Provide documentation to you (and your manufacturer) that needed repairs have been made

At RAMCON we understand the importance of preventative maintenance and we know how a little preventative care can help you avoid major expenses in the long run. We understand that a preventative maintenance program can reduce or eliminate problems related to common causes of roof deterioration.

In fact, RAMCON and many industry manufacturers are so committed to helping you ensure the long term performance of your roof (which will maintain your guarantee coverage) that they have put together a Guarantee Extension which is designed to reward you for establishing an annual inspection and preventative maintenance program with us. Your participation won’t just help you meet the maintenance requirements of your manufacturer, but it will also extend the length of your manufacturer warranty by 25%- with no additional guarantee fee!

So how do you qualify for the 25% warranty extension? Its simple! As a certified maintenance professional, RAMCON will perform one or more annual inspections of your roof, perform any necessary maintenance and submit all necessary documentation to your manufacturer in order for you to qualify.

When A Roof Leak Is Really A HVAC Leak

When a building occupant spots water dripping from the ceiling, he doesn’t know or even care what the source of that water is. To him, it’s a roof leak.

We would like to address one common source of so called “roof leaks”: HVAC units mounted on the rooftop.

Bottom discharge vs. side discharge:
Bottom discharge HVAC units typically are mounted on a raised curb on the rooftop, and the ducting is mounted to the bottom of the unit and penetrates down through the curb. No ductwork is exposed to the weather in this situation. Side discharge units have with the ductwork exiting the side of the unit and continuing some distance along the rooftop until it penetrates the building.

How HVAC systems work:
A greatly simplified example of how an HVAC unit works will eliminate a discussion on how the refrigerant cycle works and concentrate on air flow. This starts when warm air from the interior is drawn into the return plenum, which then proceeds to the unit itself. At this point, the warm air flows through the filters and condenser coil, which looks like a car radiator and serves a similar function in cooling the air that flows through it. Air then flows through the blower fan, and finally down the supply ducts to provide cool air to the interior of the building. Since the return and supply sides of the unit are on opposite sides of the blower fan, the air pressure will be lower on the return side and higher on the supply side. What this means for us is that the return (lower pressure) side wants to suck in air (and any adjacent moisture), while the supply (higher pressure) side wants to blow air out. That is why most leaks occur on the return side.

Investigating Leaks:
Investigating leaks at HVAC units will start just like any other leak investigation, by visually checking conditions at the leak location inside the building. If the leak is at an HVAC unit, the return and supply plenums should be readily evident. The first step should be to determine exactly where the water is coming from. For example, is the water dripping down the outside of the unit from where it penetrates the roof deck? This may indicate that the leak is coming from the roof itself, but it is still possible the unit is the source. On the other hand, if water is dripping out of the bottom of the unit, and there is no water on the outside of the unit, the source will almost certainly be the unit.  Many times this investigation can be done while the unit is not actively leaking by following water stains. If the entry point cannot be determined by following stains, a water test may be needed. If the unit is  suspected of being the source of the leak, it would be a good idea to get the HVAC service tech involved, so he  can shut the unit down and the inside of the unit can be safely accessed. This will also prevent any disputes about the findings of the investigation. A cooperative approach is the way to go. After all, even if the HVAC unit is leaking, it’s usually not the service tech’s fault. His priority is that the unit heats and/or cools as it is designed to do.

At this point, the investigation will proceed onto the roof. Of course, this is the time to check the roofing components, flashings etc. When checking the unit, the place to start is the return section. This will usually mean opening the filter access panel, and may involve removing the filters to get a clear view. A common source of leaks is the seal at the access panel, and many times water is evident as soon as the panel is opened. It may be necessary to check the return itself. Reaching into the unit with a digital camera and taking pictures will sometimes address this issue. If the exposed ducts on a side discharge unit are suspected, they simply need to be sealed properly.

Making repairs:
Once the source of water entry has been determined decisions will need to be made on what to repair and who will do that repair. As a rule, if the leak is coming from inside the HVAC unit, i.e. from a bottom discharge unit, we prefer that the HVAC contractor perform the repair as he has more experience with the mechanics of the unit. However, if the leak is coming from exposed ductwork outside the unit, then we can certainly perform the repair, however either party you select can stop this as a leak source.

Maximizing Your Roofing Investment

Today, even seemingly simple choices can be complicated. So when you’re faced with a decision that requires a major expense or  even capital investment, how  can you be sure you have the  information you need to make the right decision? This is especially true with roofing, because a bad decision can result in:
•    premature roof replacement
•    unbudgeted repair expense
•    aggravated or injured occupants
•    and even lawsuits!

Not surprisingly, roofing represents less than 4% of a typical building’s cost, but the majority of construction litigation! With these kinds of risks, making the right roofing choices is critical. But how do you  go about it? GAF’s four-step process can help you make the right decisions about your roofing project, and can  dramatically increase the chances  of its long-term financial success.

Step #1: Understand
Roofing system selection cannot be made without a thorough understanding of the property and its use. Key factors to consider include:
• Investment Objectives
• Property Use
• Property Location
• Building Construction

Regrettably, too many roofing decisions are made without a thorough understanding of these and other relevant factors, or their impact, resulting in sub-optimal performance of the roofing system. Remember, as you progress in your decision process, RAMCON can assist you with design to help assure that key issues like local code compliance and performance considerations are properly addressed.

Step #2: Select
Every property is unique and has its own set of roofing needs.  Customizing a roofing system that best matches those needs is one of the keys to a financially successful roofing project.

At RAMCON we install every type of roofing system for just about every manufacturer in the industry. This allows us to select the right solution for your specific application, with no limitations.

RAMCON’s project teams are recognized by leading owners, contractors and consultants for their expertise, efficiency, and professionalism.

Step #3: Install and Inspect
The complexity of a roofing system has increased and new roofing technologies have made proper installation and inspection even more critical for reliable, long-term performance.

RAMCON is selected by more owners, managers and contractors in Florida for one simple reason…the RAMCON team is very good at what they do. The statistics don’t lie; RAMCON has the highest quality scores, the best safety record (.63 EMR), record installation speeds and offers the longest and most comprehensive warranties available.

In addition, RAMCON has manufacturer inspectors on every project we do. We’ll bring the manufacturer’s field services representative, to monitor every project, providing outside and unbiased feedback on our performance. Our policy is to not leave a project until it scores a 100% on the quality survey.

Step #4: Maintain
The single best way to extend the life of your roof is to perform regular inspections and maintenance.

Every reputable roofing manufacturer requires regular inspection and maintenance to maintain guarantee coverage. Regular inspections can also prevent costly problems from causes that are not covered by manufacturers’ guarantees, like damage from vandalism, damage done by other contractors on the roof, or structural deterioration.

The best one to maintain your roof is a MyRAMCON Roof Star plan. This program utilizes specialized crews, who have the knowledge, experience, and training to  spot and correct potential problems before they  happen. Savvy property owners realize that a comprehensive maintenance program will save them many times over during the life of their roofing system.

In fact, some manufacturers are so committed to proper maintenance that we’ll extend the length of your warranty duration by a full 25% for at no cost if you perform regular inspection and maintenance through RAMCON. It’s a win-win scenario for all parties involved.

Commercial Roof Maintenance: Take A Proactive Approach

If you are a building owner or facility manager, roofing costs have always been among your major concerns. In its January report, Reed Construction Data indicated that a faster-than-projected economic recovery will accelerate commercial construction activity and push material prices even higher than general inflation. Combined with today’s soaring energy costs, it’s clear that managing commercial roofing costs is critical, especially for owners and facility managers with multiple buildings. Education and strategic budget planning are the best defense to managing a building.

Where to Begin?
Proactive versus reactive maintenance is a good place to start. Owners and facility managers who react to problems as they occur, pay an average of 25¢ per square foot annually for maintenance. Owners and facility managers who inspect and repair routinely (proactively) – before problems happen – spend an average of only 14¢ per square foot annually. Plus, proactively maintained roofs last an average of 21 years compared to an average lifespan of 13 years for reactive maintenance. The longer you can extend your roof’s life before replacement, the more your overall savings increase and your life cycle costs decrease.

Repair or Replacement
A roof undergoes serious wear and tear throughout its lifetime, with factors such as weathering and degeneration taking their toll. Through scientific testing and analysis, RAMCON can outline the current condition of your roof and to help you decide if roof repair or restoration is an option or whether roof replacement is necessary. At RAMCON, we install every type of roofing system for just about every manufacturer. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. We believe your building and specific circumstances should dictate the roofing system, ensuring compliance with building codes, energy solutions and specific roof conditions (there are 9 major roofing systems and more than 60 subsets—so we help you make the best decision for your specific system and building type). Choosing a roofing provider that offers repair and restoration options, not just replacements, improves the likelihood of an accurate analysis and a successful plan for your roof and your budget.

Technology is an Important Tool
The construction industry has been notoriously slow to adopt information technology, even though research has shown that contractors who use technology have:

• Lower costs
• Higher productivity
• Better organized schedules

RAMCON has made a considerable investment in technology that helps you take the guesswork out of your roof repair and maintenance decisions. Our MyRAMCON software can help you manage roof assets easier, and through a variety of tracking and reporting options, including inventory management, in-depth reporting, invoice tracking and data tracking, you can more accurately determine your roof’s lifespan and avoid unexpected costs associated with emergency repairs.

We also use technology internally which ensures to provide cost-efficient procedures and operations. GPS tracking enables our management team to supervise technicians from anywhere, which has been shown to increase technician productivity by 23%. In turn, this reduces costs to you. Lastly, electronic invoice auditing combined with the GPS tracking and proper accounting software can ensure that you are billed accurately and fairly.

Experience Matters
Surprisingly, weather is not the most common threat to a roof’s durability. Approximately 40% of all roof problems occur because of human error due to workers going on your roof for window washing, HVAC repair, etc., faulty maintenance or poor installation in the first place. Therefore, proper training, experience and consistent performance are all essential when choosing a roofing provider.

Experience refers to both the roof technicians and the company because there are literally thousands of substandard, unqualified contractors out there who might not be in business long. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in just the last three-year period, 45% of all roofing contractors were newly formed while 41% of existing contractors had gone out of business. To truly measure stability and longevity, it is best to work with a provider that has been in business for at least 10 years.

You need to really know who is on your roof. Ask potential roofing providers about their self-performance policy. Contractors who self-perform vs. sub-contract can offer more peace of mind because you know the roofing technicians have been properly trained in safety and trained in uniform standards. Even though contractors claim they perform background checks and e-Verification, if they are sub-contracting the work, those technicians may not have gone through the same type of screening.

Assessing and Repairing Roof Leaks and Damage

In a time of economic uncertainty, replacing a roof is not always a viable option, regardless of the number of leaks, because often the money is just not there. Still, water intrusion must be stopped and the interior of the building must be protected. Repairing the roof becomes an attractive alternative to re-covering or replacing the existing system. But there are some things to think about before trying to repair the roof.

One approach that is often taken is to call RAMCON to come and fix the leaks. This is certainly effective. However, sometimes the problem is that repairs are just not enough or may be the wrong approach entirely.

The first step should be to find out what you’ve got. If you have a warranty, the warranty will tell you who the manufacturer is and what kind of roof system is installed. If you don’t have a warranty or you can’t find it and you do not already know what kind of roof you have, RAMCON will show you. We’ll determine the roof assembly, approximate age and condition of the roof.

If the roof can be repaired, we’ll provide exact costs to fix the existing problem and get you taken care of. Like always, we warranty all the work we perform for one year. However, there are times that additional repairs are not justified, and often may cause more harm than good. If this is the case, we work with you to provide the accurate costs for recovery or replacement.

It is essential to ensure that leaks are really coming from the roof. Not all leaks come from the roof membrane. They can be a result of problems with parapet walls, windows, rooftop mechanical units, plumbing or other sources that disguise themselves as roof leaks. On
ce these have all been eliminated as the source of leaks, the rest of the roof is subject to leak investigation. In general, most leaks occur at penetration and base flashing's rather than the field of the roof. Look for cracks, scrapes, blisters, punctures or cuts in the membrane. Check seams to be sure they are adhered and watertight. Check for erosion of the membrane, especially around drains and downspouts. Once the probable leak locations are identified, a certified RAMCON technician can make a permanent repair to protect the system.

Walking the Repair and Replace Line

Because of the recession, there may be many roofs out there straddling the repair/replace line. So what are some sure-fire signs that will help facility managers tell if a replacement is necessary? Let’s take a look.

Although all roof membranes have different physical properties and failure modes there are certain deficiencies that are common to all roof membranes. Here are some common failure modes for all membranes to look out for:

1. Brittleness: All roof membranes become brittle at the end of their service life. This phenomenon is more rapid in some membranes. Once the material becomes brittle it losses the elasticity required to provide weatherproofing service. The material can be tested (tensile/elongation tests) to determine remaining service life or failure can be illustrated through grazing/cracks and splits in the membrane surface. Visual observation of material scrim or reinforcement is also an indication o

2. Wet Insulation: All roof insulations lose structural and thermal integrity once they are wet. All wet insulation should be removed from the system to avoid costly structural deck damage (particularly on metal decks). Typically, if more than 25% of a roof system has wet insulation, a full roof replacement is recommended. Wet insulation can be determined by any method of moisture testing. If non-destructive moisture testing is conducted, core samples should be conducted to verify that the material is wet. Some adhered membranes will illustrate wet insulation through excessive blistering and membrane ridging.

3. Flashings/Penetrations: Flashings and penetrations are the most vulnerable point of a roof system and nearly two-thirds of all roof leaks occur at these points. Openings, splits and sagging of flashings materials are common causes of roof leaks. Excessive openings or displacement of these materials can lead to free flow of moisture infiltration into the system and the building.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, they certainly will not get better on its own. Reach out with RAMCON and we’ll perform a free, comprehensive evaluation to determine how your roof is performing. We’ll provide you a complete report and documentation to assist you in making the best decisions possible.

f material failure.

2013 Storm Names

The following names will be used for named storms that form in the North Atlantic in 2013. Retired names, if any, will be announced by the World Meteorological Organization in the spring of 2014. The names not retired from this list will be used again in the 2019 season. This is the same list used in the 2007 season.

Andrea
Barry
Chantal
Dorian
Erin
Fernand
Gabrielle
Humberto
Ingrid
Jerry
Karen
Lorenzo
Melissa
Nestor
Olga
Pablo
Rebekah
Sebastien
Tanya
Van
Wendy

The name Sandy has been retired from the Tropical Storm List due to the 72 deaths and the $50 billion plus in damages created in 2012. Sandy was retired in the spring of 2013 and will be replaced with the name Sara. Normally, the name stays in rotation and can be reused every six years. Sandy is the 77th name to be retired from the list.

Staying Sharp This Storm Season

“It’s been several years since the last bad hurricane, so you can get complacent,” says Rodger Osborne, director of facilities for the Martin County School district, one of the areas hit hardest by Frances, and then Jeanne three weeks later in 2004. “This taught us to inspect all roof installations more closely. It’s something we just can’t take for granted.”

A roof is rarely noticed unless there is a problem, but nothing brings it to the forefront of people’s minds like a storm that damages it or blows it off altogether. Sometimes, damage caused by hurricanes is unavoidable, as when flying debris punctures the roof. More often, though, roof damage can be prevented.

The first and most important part of preparedness, and an important lesson from the 2004 hurricane season, is that a preventive roof maintenance program is critical. While the new, more stringent roof codes are well-and-good for new facilities or new roof installations, facilities with older roofs are certainly at much greater risk for more extensive hurricane damage.

Considering the unpredictability of hurricane paths, facility executives may have only a few days to prepare. If facility executives keep up a rigorous preventive maintenance routine, the roof has a better chance of weathering the storm without facility staff having to scramble to make last minute preparations or repairs. Of course, even if the roof has been kept up, some disaster mitigation preparations are still in order.

Experts recommend having an experienced, knowledgeable, contractor do a complete inspection of the roof prior to the storm to pick up any loose items, such as screws, nuts or loose pieces of metal flashing, and taking down other objects that could be dislodged, such as satellite dishes or antennas. This could also be extremely beneficial after a storm, should there be damage and insurance claims, and documentation become necessary.

To have your roof thoroughly inspected, simply call one of our Customer Service Representatives today at 877-726-2661