Where Most People Go Wrong and How To Get It Right: Number 1 Reason Why Roofing Systems Fail 

The intense physical labor involved in roofing makes the installation process and quality control measures that a company uses or doesn't use easy to overlook. Mainly because when you watch a roofing crew in action, the labor aspect of a  project stands out the most, and for good reason. Roofing, whether flat, steep slope, or metal is hard work. But there is more to a roofing project than just hard work, labor is only a small part of the overall success of the job.  Installing a long lasting roofing system and keeping the home or building dry isn’t the result of hard work and sweat, it’s the result of a tested and proven installation process and the quality control measures to ensure the process was followed.

When the Kinman’s roof sustained hail and wind damage from spring storms they began to interview  potential roofing contractors to discuss pricing and the scope of work to be preformed. Exterior Pro Inc. was invited to quote the  project which included the replacement of the old roof shingles with new dimensional or architectural shingles, the installation of new vinyl soffits and fascia metal to cover eves, and replacement of Aluminum guttering and downspouts. 

Our sales and estimating team get asked daily by prospective customers “should we repair our roof or replace it?" As an owner of Exterior Pro I had to think long and hard about what our company response should be. 

1. Shingles that are cracked, torn, curling on the bottom, and have heavy loss of grit or granules may all be signs that the roof is approaching or has reached the end of its life cycle. The older shingles become the less pliable them become, brittle shingle are easily cracked or torn. In come cases the shingles may curl or lift up on the bottom due age or excessive heat from lack of attic ventilation.

Chasing leaks on metal roofs is more successful when your efforts are focused and you have an idea of where to look. And although the metal roofing industry encompasses  many different types, profiles, and metal roof systems, these guide lines will help you identify areas of weakness or areas of maintenance and allow you to generate a more specific repair plan. 

  

Commercial roofing company Exterior Pro Inc. , located in southern Indiana, recently earned the Certified metal roof installer / contractor status from metal roofing manufacturer Englert. The program will allow Exterior Pro Inc. to offer it’s customers a weather-tightness warranty on the metal roofs it installs.

A primary area of maintenance of any commercial roofing system are sealants and caulking. Often a sealant exposed to the harsh roof top environment will deteriorate before the roofing system has reached the end of it’s lifecycle. Ensuring that sealants are intact and doing their job is a great way to extend the life of the roof on you building. 

Whether you’re going to install your roof yourself or hire a roofing contractor, here are several things to keep in mind when planning your next roofing project.

It’s time to replace the roof of your building.  Purchasing a new surface for your flat roof is an investment in your business.  You don’t want a lot of business interruption.  You have talked to different roofing contractors and you are ready to make a decision. What plan does your roofing contractor have, and have you discussed the key points that are important to you? What are the ways that you can ensure the most successful installation of your new roof?

These are just a few questions you need to ask yourself. There are a number of things to consider when reroofing your building. Discussing these things in advance with roofing contractors will help minimize interruption of your day to day business.

What should you be able to anticipate?

• Roofing contractors should be clear on a work schedule in advance
• Disruption of day to day business can cost you money, minimizing this is vital
• What is the plan for equipment and contractor parking
• Where does your contractor plan to stage supplies
• Will there be debris on site from the removal of the ex
isting roof
• How do they plan to dispose of that debris
• Is there a sufficient plan to keep the roof dry during installation 
• How will roofing materials be brought in, lifted to the roof, and will large equipment be required
• Has your contractor determined the weight restrictions for your roof to carry the new materials  
  during installation
• What safety measures will be taken to ensure the well being of your staff and customers
• Who is the point of contact for your onsite project and is their a backup person to discuss any  
  issues that may arise
• Permits need to be acquired, who will apply and pay for these
• There should be clear worker safety plans 
• Roofing contractors must comply with OSHA standards, not doing so can cause a job stoppage

Getting a new roof on your place of business is an investment of not only your money, but also your time. Delays may occur with the best of planning. The best way to manage the work to be done and to prevent costly delays and business interruption is to communicate with roofing contractors. Discussing these points prior to beginning your roofing project can ensure the most successful installation of your new roof, with the least interruption of your day to day operations.