January 2024 eNewsletter
In this newsletter, we will be discussing various methods to extend the life of your roof so you can make the most of your budget. Furthermore, we'll provide guidance on choosing the most suitable roof system for your business, lowering your building's heating costs and selecting the best contractor for your next commercial flooring project. Please continue to the articles below!Commercial Roofing: Effective Strategies to Prevent Premature Replacement
As the price of labor and materials continue to rise, it is important to focus on long-term strategies regarding roof systems in order to maximize your budget. For example, proper maintenance and regular inspections can go a long way in preventing costly repairs or even premature roof replacement. Here are some of the top strategies to protect your facility's roof:
Roof Coatings
This solution offers versatility and can be used on various roof types, even those with irregular shapes or difficult-to-access areas. These liquefied polymers can drastically extend the life of your existing roof due to their high UV stability, flexibility and ability to waterproof quickly by sealing and reinforcing the weak points. The use of roof coatings can enhance the energy efficiency of your building due to their remarkable reflectivity. The cost of the roof coating will vary depending on the type of polymer you opt for. Nevertheless, with this solution, you can extend the life of your current roof installation instead of replacing it, which can lead to considerable savings. Please visit this page to learn about the different types and applications of roof coatings.
Regular Inspections
Knowing your roof's condition and performing regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your asset. Comprehensive roof evaluations provide you with all the necessary information about the current state of your roof and identify any issues such as roof leaks or clogged drains. Addressing these problems quickly can prevent minor defects from turning into significant expenses.
Preventative Maintenance
It is important to give your roof regular attention and maintenance to keep it in top condition, just like other building components that require scheduled upkeep such as HVAC, elevators and fire suppression systems. There are many factors that can affect the condition of your roof, such as severe weather events, rooftop traffic and pollution. A preventative roof maintenance program tailored to your specific requirements can provide a complete solution to keep your asset in the best possible shape and extend its overall life. Visit this page to learn how it works!
Repair vs. Replace
Depending on the age and condition of the roof, it may be more cost-effective to repair rather than replace. However, when the volume of new leaks becomes overwhelming, reroofing may be a better solution for your budget. In this case, a new roof with a Single Source Warranty will pay for itself over time by eliminating constant repair costs. With a proper maintenance plan, your new roof can perform for over 20 years, depending on the type of the system. Check out this article to help you decide whether you need repairs or a complete reroof.
Portfolio Management Programs
Time is money. To help you manage your roof projects efficiently, look into CentiMark's various roof evaluation tools. Whether you need to learn the exact condition of your current roof, estimate its life expectancy for long-term budgeting or manage a portfolio of buildings, CentiMark's roof evaluation tools can help you be proactive regarding your roofing needs.
By taking preventive measures to maintain and protect your commercial roof, you can potentially save a significant amount of money in the future. You can extend the life of your roof and delay the need for replacement by implementing strategies such as roof coatings, regular inspections, preventative maintenance and using portfolio management programs. Do you need assistance with long-term planning or have any questions regarding any of the roofing solutions mentioned above? Contact us today!
How to Choose the Right Roof System for Your Commercial Facility
Selecting the optimal roof for your commercial facility is an important decision that can greatly influence the operating expenses of your building. Given the multitude of options, each tailored to specific requirements, it is imperative to thoroughly assess your facility's precise needs before reaching a decision. This guide offers valuable insights into diverse commercial roofing types, enabling you to make well-informed choices based on the unique challenges of your industry, location and specific requirements.
Challenge: My Facility is Exposed to Chemical Exhaust
Manufacturing plants, food processing plants, laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, printing and publishing buildings - many commercial facilities may emit various chemical elements during daily operations. If your facility is exposed to chemical exhaust, it is crucial to understand how it may interact with your roof’s surface. The chemical resistance of your roof system will play a significant role in its long-term performance. Depending on the type of chemicals you may be working with, consider the following:
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Resistant to a broad spectrum of chemicals and pollutants, including acids.
Metal Roofs: Certain metals, such as aluminum and stainless steel, are corrosion-resistant and can withstand exposure to some chemicals. Coated metal roofing systems with corrosion-resistant finishes can also enhance chemical resistance.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) and silicone Roof Coatings: Flexible and easy to install, these solutions may drastically improve the chemical resistance of your current roof system.
Challenge: My Roof May Be Exposed to Fire
Located in an area prone to wildfires? Is open fire, welding or commercial cooking a part of your daily operations? When it comes to commercial buildings, especially those where fire resistance is a crucial consideration, several roofing materials are known for their outstanding performance. Here are some options:
Metal Roofs: Particularly those made of steel, aluminum or copper are inherently fire-resistant. They have a high melting point and are non-combustible. Metal roofing is often rated Class A, providing excellent fire protection.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Rated Class A, TPO resists flame spread and can be a good choice for commercial buildings where fire safety is a priority. PVC roofing membranes are difficult to ignite, do not combust and are available in Class A rating.
What to remember: The overall fire performance of the roof system can also be influenced by factors such as the underlying insulation, deck materials and the installation method. Additionally, it is essential to inspect the condition of your roof and projections after potential exposure to flying embers.
Challenge: My Building Is Exposed to Harsh Weather Conditions and Drastic Temperature Changes
North America experiences a wide range of weather and climate extremes, such as storms, hail, high winds, extreme heat, high UV exposure and snowfall. Each region may face unique challenges. However, there are plenty of roofing options available to protect your facility from these elements.
Metal Roofs: Resistant to high winds, heavy snow loads and hail. Additionally, a roof coating can be applied to metal roofs to help improve their resistance to rust and corrosion.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR): Multiple layers of BUR roofs provide durability, resistance to extreme weather and impact damage like hail or flying debris.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Resistant to UV radiation and temperature extremes, these systems are ideal for locations experiencing prolonged periods of heat followed by seasonal or nightly temperature drops. These membranes are very flexible and will expand and contract with your entire building in response to the outside temperature shifts. This will help minimize premature wear and tear in such conditions.
Challenge: My Facility is Focused on Minimizing its Environmental Impact
Specific roof systems aim to reduce environmental impact, promote sustainability and enhance energy efficiency. Here are a few examples:
Cool Roof Systems: Reflective surfaces reduce heat absorption, lowering cooling costs. A properly installed and maintained cool roof system will help you postpone a reroof by reducing temperature-related stress.
Garden Roofs: Roofs designed with landscaping are often called "garden" or "green" roof systems. These installations include a waterproofed deck for the foundation, a root barrier, drainage layers, soil substrates and vegetation itself - creating a multi-level extension of your space! These installations improve energy efficiency by providing natural insulation, reducing the urban heat island effect, capturing and filtering rainwater and reducing stormwater runoff.
Daylighting and Solar: Enhancements like skylights or solar panels will help lower your electricity bills and reduce reliance on grid power.
Check out the Green Roofing Solutions page for more information.
Challenge: My Facility is Subject to Strict Codes, Regulations and/or Joint Commission Inspections
Whether you are in charge of a hospital or a cold storage facility, roof leaks can spell trouble. Consulting with CentiMark roofing professionals with experience providing solutions for sensitive and highly regulated environments is a must. Depending on your location, climate, functions, local codes and other unique factors, you may have a variety of options and custom solutions to fit your roofing needs.
Choosing the correct roof system is crucial for your building's envelope. Your choice can significantly impact the durability of your roof, maintenance costs and energy efficiency in the long run. The good news is, there are various roofing types available to meet your specific needs. However, it is essential to evaluate your facility's exact requirements before making a decision. Whether you need protection against chemical exposure, fire hazards, harsh weather conditions or you need to adhere to strict codes and regulations, consulting with roofing professionals from CentiMark can help you find a customized solution that aligns with your facility's unique needs. Need help visualizing or presenting a roof solution to the rest of your team? Take advantage of our proprietary commercial roofing configurator, CentiVision. Ultimately, your choice of roofing material is an investment in the future of your building, as it plays a pivotal role in preserving its integrity.
New Year's Resolution: Reduce Your Facility's Heating Costs
Winter is in full swing and so are the high heating bills. Did you know the condition of your roof plays a significant role in maintaining a consistent temperature in your building? Let's look into a few ways to improve your roof's performance and decrease your heating demands. Check your roof's insulation!
If your roof insulation is uneven or inefficient, air transfer through the roof becomes easier. Inadequate insulation affects indoor comfort and puts a strain on heating systems, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Additionally, damp insulation can lose up to 40% of its initial thermal resistance. If you have moisture buildup or roof leaks, you may be spending way more on heating bills than you should.
Roof leaks cost you money. Don't postpone roof repairs!
Leaks, damaged roofing materials and compromised seals around penetrations and rooftop projections are common issues that need immediate attention. If your area is experiencing a dry winter with minimal precipitation, roof leak repair may not feel urgent. However, any weakness in your roof is a potential entry point for cold air. A roof leak, active or not, is an indicator of something being compromised in your roof system. Whether it is a puncture in your membrane after a big storm, a failed seal or flashing issues, any unaddressed roof leak may contribute to your overall heating expense. Roof repairs are crucial to your overall building maintenance strategy.Where to start? Review your roof's current state.
A comprehensive commercial roof evaluation is the first step to understanding your current roof condition. If your location is not experiencing snow yet, now is a great time to schedule a free roof evaluation with CentiMark. An untrained eye may not easily notice minor roof damage. It often takes experience and professional diagnostic equipment to locate the exact origin of your roof leak, particularly when your facility has been exposed to rain or snow for a while. However, that point is a gateway for constant air exchange between indoors and outdoors. To take your evaluation further, ask us about thermal imagery scans that will expose all trapped moisture in your roof system, including wet insulation. Thermal scans with drones will pinpoint the exact locations where you are losing heat through your roof and siding.What's next?
After you receive your condition report and complete all necessary repairs, it is best practice to establish a preventative maintenance plan for your facility's roof. Often required by the terms of your commercial roof warranty, this routine maintenance includes regular inspections, debris removal, minor repairs, drain cleaning and other items needed to keep your roof in top shape for years to come. If your region is facing substantial snowfall, it is recommended to have a snow removal and monitoring plan to keep your roof healthy and leak-free. Check out this article for more winter-specific commercial roofing tips.To minimize the impact of cold weather on your roof and heating bills, it is important to adopt a strategic approach that involves enhancing roof insulation, carrying out timely repairs, conducting thermal imaging inspections and implementing preventative maintenance measures. Need help? Contact us today and let's get started!
A Quick Guide to Selecting Your Commercial Flooring Contractor
When it comes to your commercial flooring project, selecting the right contractor is an important decision that can have a big impact on both the look and safety of your building. It is also important to consider the contractor's approach to project management, as this can either make the process smooth sailing or a bit of a headache. To ensure that you make an informed decision and that your commercial flooring requirements meet the highest standard, here are a few key factors to help you through the selection process.
Contractor's Experience and Reputation
Evaluate the contractor's experience and proficiency in handling commercial flooring projects. An established flooring contractor with a successful history in managing diverse commercial or industrial facilities is more likely to deliver outstanding results. Look for their experience in similar sectors and inquire about their proficiency with different flooring systems.
Financial Stability
Evaluate the financial stability of the flooring contractor. A financially sound contractor is better equipped to stand behind their work, address warranty claims and ensure the longevity of their business. Inquire about their financial stability, including annual revenue, net worth and overall financial health to assess their capacity to maintain a successful partnership.
Safety Protocols
To ensure the safety of your premises and workforce, it is important to choose a contractor who prioritizes safety. A responsible and professional contractor will have robust safety protocols in place. You can inquire about their safety plans, training programs and incident rates to ensure a secure working environment for everyone involved.
Project Timeline
When discussing your commercial flooring project with a contractor, it's important to determine a realistic timeline based on the project's scope and complexity as well as the contractor's current workload. Be wary of contractors who promise an unreasonably short timeline as this may impact the quality of their work. Additionally, it's important to note that reputable flooring contractors with a steady stream of projects may not be immediately available to start on your project, unless there are floor safety emergencies that need to be addressed promptly. In such cases, they may schedule your project for a later date to accommodate their previous and ongoing projects.
References and Portfolio
Request references from previous customers with similar flooring projects. A reliable contractor will gladly share testimonials, case studies and project portfolios. This information provides valuable insights into the contractor's performance and their ability to meet diverse commercial or industrial flooring needs.
Although these considerations may not cover every aspect, they may serve as a solid foundation for making an informed decision when choosing your next commercial or industrial flooring contractor. At QuestMark, we are a leading provider of commercial flooring solutions from coast to coast. With over 100 locations across North America, we have unmatched experience in working on virtually every type of commercial facility. Our main priority is to deliver high-quality flooring results that meet and exceed customers’ expectations and safety standards. Additionally, for national brands, we offer a comprehensive National Accounts program that will help you manage flooring projects in all your locations seamlessly. Learn more about our capabilities here. Need help with your floors? Contact us today!