Roofing Maintenance

Spring Roof Inspection

Posted by on April 5, 2017 in Blog, Roofing Maintenance | Comments Off on Spring Roof Inspection

Spring Roof Inspection

April showers bring…roof leaks? Not how you remember it? Well it is true, and it is especially possible if you don’t perform your spring roof inspection. Winter takes its toll on a roof. Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, hail, and ice can really cause damage. Even if you live in a warm climate where cold-weather damage is not a worry, spring is a good time to have your roof inspected so you are ready for the stormy season ahead.   If you plan to inspect the roof yourself, here are some things to know, what to look for and when to call an authorized contractor: Clear the rooftop of any debris. For best results, use a stiff bristle broom and apply positive downward pressure when clearing accumulated dirt and leaf deposits...

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Roof Moisture

Posted by on January 31, 2017 in Blog, Education, Roofing Maintenance | Comments Off on Roof Moisture

Roof Moisture

Roof moisture or leaks often go unnoticed until a problem presents itself that requires immediate action. However, leading up to that point there is often other hidden and not so hidden damage occurring.   Insulation Damage Moisture entering a roof system can be absorbed by the insulation layer first, and then shows up as an interior leak. By this time, the moisture collection breaks down the roof insulation so it no longer offers the same R-value to the building. That is why it is important to use moisture-resistant insulation such as GenFlex’s Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso). Other insulating materials such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS or Bead Board) can absorb water.   Roof Blistering Moisture trapped inside a roof system can...

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Protect Your Roof This Winter

Posted by on January 26, 2017 in Blog, Education, Roofing Maintenance | Comments Off on Protect Your Roof This Winter

Protect Your Roof This Winter

It’s January and whether we like it or not winter is here! If you live in a cold climate, GenFlex’s Ben George, Technical Building Solutions Manager, has some tips to help protect your roof this winter. He recommends inspections and maintenance, removal of excessive snow, and proper removal of ice accumulations.   Inspection and Maintenance Establishing a regular inspection and maintenance program with a GenFlex contractor is highly recommended. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) suggests at least two visits annually, usually one before winter and another in the spring. Work with your GenFlex contractor to identify and repair areas of concern and perform routine maintenance to prevent leaks and preserve existing...

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Walkway Pads: Protection for Your Roofing Investment

Posted by on November 21, 2016 in Blog, Education, Roofing Maintenance, Roofing Safety | Comments Off on Walkway Pads: Protection for Your Roofing Investment

Walkway Pads: Protection for Your Roofing Investment

It is sometimes assumed that since workers aren’t on a roof every day that worrying about how your roof handles foot traffic is not important. However, today more than ever, roofs are experiencing more foot traffic than you may realize. The typical building rooftop is becoming a crowded place. Technology such as Wi-Fi antennas, satellite and microwave dishes, cell phone communication equipment and solar panels have joined HVAC systems, pipes, ducts, conduits, skylights, elevator equipment and more, all requiring access and maintenance. Green roofs are also becoming more popular and definitely require accommodations for the additional foot traffic. Not to mention the roof itself needs to inspected and maintained on a regular basis....

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Spring storms: The most common roof damage to watch for

Posted by on April 25, 2016 in Blog, Roofing Maintenance | Comments Off on Spring storms: The most common roof damage to watch for

Spring storms: The most common roof damage to watch for

2015 was a record-breaking year for storms around the country, and according to weather.com, 2016 may be no different. While warmer than average temperatures are expected for much of the country, excluding the Southeast, many areas will be facing extensive rain and flooding.   Accuweather.com predicts an above-average number of severe storms for the South, and as spring progresses, the Midwest and Southwest are expected to experience more severe storms and flooding than normal. With more extreme weather coming to many parts of the country, it will be more important than ever to ensure your building’s roof is ready for the wet season.   Some of the most common roof problems you will want to look for this spring include: Rain...

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Stay dry this spring, with preventative roofing maintenance

Posted by on March 23, 2016 in Blog, Education, Industry Trends, Roofing Maintenance, Roofing Safety | Comments Off on Stay dry this spring, with preventative roofing maintenance

Stay dry this spring, with preventative roofing maintenance

Spring is near, and with the warmer weather also comes higher amounts of rainfalls and storms. Before the rainy season sets in, you will want your roof in top condition and ready for whatever weather you might face.   One of the best times to perform a roofing inspection is after the worst of winter is over. It is a safer time to get out on the roof, without the fear of slipping on ice, and inspect it for any damage brought on by heavy snowfall or high winds. Some areas of the country experienced record snowfalls this winter. These areas should pay extra attention to their spring roof inspection. Generally, a minimum of two roof inspections should be performed every year, one in the spring and one in the fall.   Before you can...

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Important tips to stay safe while working on the roof this winter

Posted by on February 18, 2016 in Blog, Roofing Maintenance, Roofing Safety | Comments Off on Important tips to stay safe while working on the roof this winter

Important tips to stay safe while working on the roof this winter

Winter weather often brings a different set of challenges for roofing contractors, or any occupation that requires time outside. Whether it’s a blizzard, ice or even strong winds, sometimes the unexpected can present challenges for working on the roof. Safety should always be top of mind, so our team has compiled their top tips for staying safe during these winter months. Monitor the weather conditions as well as your own body conditions. Cold temperatures can be dangerous for your own health. Hypothermia and frostbite are both concerns in the winter, so be sure to cover exposed skin and wear an extra insulation layer, if needed. The first signs of frostbite are: Cold skin and prickling feeling Numbness Red, white, bluish-white or...

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Roof inspections should be top of mind before winter sets in

Posted by on December 8, 2015 in Blog, Building Codes, Roofing Maintenance | Comments Off on Roof inspections should be top of mind before winter sets in

Roof inspections should be top of mind before winter sets in

It may seem like last winter ended not too long ago, but the reality is that fall is quickly coming to an end, and colder temperatures and harsh weather are not far off. As a building owner or facility manager, planning for winter’s ice and snow starts at the top: The roofing membrane serves as the first line of defense against the elements. For roofing professionals, this is an opportunity to be a proactive partner with customers.   While internal staff may be tasked with performing basic roof inspections throughout the year, it is always a good precaution to hire a roofing professional for a detailed inspection before the weather turns. This can prevent minor roofing issues from becoming major concerns.   A close-up...

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Just how strong is your commercial roof

Posted by on September 26, 2015 in Blog, Building Codes, Education, Roofing Maintenance | Comments Off on Just how strong is your commercial roof

Just how strong is your commercial roof

The roof is often times your building’s first layer of defense against the weather elements, standing up to extreme UV light, heavy snow, and rain. Even a regular maintenance trip to the roof can result in something being dropped on the surface.   Common punctures to your roof can happen in a variety of ways with objects hitting the roof at high and low rates of speed. Single-ply membranes do not have a hard exterior layer, so they may seem less resistant to damage on the surface, but many factors go into selecting the right roofing membrane that will stand the test of time.   To help ensure your roof is up to par, your roofing contractor will generally work with their roofing distributor, the general contractor, and the...

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Storm season was harsh this year; is it time to re-cover the roof

Posted by on September 24, 2015 in Blog, Roofing Maintenance | Comments Off on Storm season was harsh this year; is it time to re-cover the roof

Storm season was harsh this year; is it time to re-cover the roof

Unforgiving storms combined with excessive amounts of rainfall followed by extreme summer conditions have created less than ideal conditions for an older roofing system this season. It was the most active July for tornadoes since 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. On July 12, a large thunderstorm traveled nearly 1,000 miles from Minnesota to North Carolina, resulting in more than 900 severe weather reports, mostly consisting of strong winds and large hail – a roof’s worst nightmare.   Also according to the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, this past July marked the wettest July on record for a few states and cities,...

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