November 2024 Roofing and Flooring eNewsletter
Winter is right around the corner and while you’re planning for the holiday season, remember, your facility’s roof and floor don’t get time off! In this eNewsletter, we’ll cover how technology and automation can simplify roof management (so you can take a real break), explore strategies to prevent winter roof emergencies, bust a few common winter roofing myths and share valuable resources for dealing with flood damage to your commercial floor. Dive in to keep your facility well-prepared this winter!
The Digital Shift in Roof Management: Embracing Technology and Automation.
When managing a commercial property, you have numerous responsibilities, including budgeting, compliance and operations. As you know, optimizing or automating certain tasks can significantly improve your workflow and reduce blind spots. But can these principles be applied to your facility's roof? Can you efficiently manage multiple roofs at the same time? The answer is yes. Technology and automation tools in commercial roofing can greatly reduce the time spent on roof management while ensuring that your buildings remain watertight and safe. Let’s explore some tools that can make your life a bit easier.
Snow monitoring systems: Automate your snow removal
Winter can be a challenging season for commercial roofs. The freeze and thaw cycles along with heavy snowfall put significant stress on your roof system. Additionally, winter weather can be unpredictable, bringing extreme conditions to areas that typically do not experience snowfall, such as parts of California in early 2023.
Excessive snow accumulation on your roof increases pressure on the roof assembly, exacerbates the impact of freeze and thaw cycles, creates conditions for ice dams, obstructs access to HVAC units and other roof projections and poses safety hazards if left unmanaged.
How can you monitor snow levels on your roof without constantly checking it manually, which can be time-consuming? The solution lies in snow monitoring systems. These solar-powered devices allow you to set a safe threshold for snow accumulation. Once that limit is exceeded, a sensor will send an alert to initiate snow removal. This alert can be sent directly to a local CentiMark roofing crew, who will be dispatched to your location to quickly and professionally remove the accumulated snow, adhering to stringent safety standards and industry best practices. Quick response times and seamless communication help eliminate unnecessary delays in snow removal.
Automated snow monitoring significantly reduces the stress of winter roof management. This technology removes the need for frequent roof checks and helps prevent costly repairs due to snow damage.
Drone inspections: Precision data and safety with minimal disruption
Onsite commercial roof inspections performed by an experienced roofing contractor are essential for monitoring the condition of your roof. However, in-person inspections come with certain challenges, including safety concerns and the time required for assessment. For large industrial buildings with multiple roof sections, thoroughly accessing everything manually can be time-consuming. To streamline this process, drones have been introduced into commercial roofing. The advantages of drone inspections include:
Time-saving:
Drone footage and thermal scans allow for a comprehensive assessment of your entire facility’s roof, conducted efficiently and methodically from a birds-eye view. This is particularly beneficial for large buildings with hard-to-access areas. Thermal scanning technology with drones enables the quick identification of wet insulation or areas of heat loss, reducing the time it takes for a roof assessment and providing the customer with photos and videos of their roof’s condition.
Safety:
Working at heights involves significant risks and requires proper training, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety measures. Using drones eliminates these risks and reduces the need for additional safety precautions. Some facilities may require extra resources to access certain parts of the roof due to potential hazards, such as needing lift equipment. Drone inspections help minimize these challenges by allowing your contractor to access and scan the roof regardless of access conditions.
Precise data:
Scanning the entire roof with a drone provides a clear and accurate picture of your roof's condition. With CentiMark's 3D Virtual Site Assessment, you will receive a comprehensive overview of your entire building envelope through thousands of high-definition images, offering a detailed and precise view of your facility. This provides an accurate view and thorough understanding of the condition of your commercial property.
Minimal disruption:
A drone pilot does not need to physically access your roof, which is beneficial if there are any restrictions regarding roof access. Utilizing drones minimizes the logistical challenges associated with gaining authorization for roof access.
CentiMark’s Digital Customer Experience (CMDCX): A digital hub for asset management
Managing a large commercial buiding often involves handling a variety of paperwork, including warranty documentation, repair records, maintenance logs, section replacement records, condition reports, contractor estimates and more. Keeping all your records organized can become challenging and overwhelming, especially when you are responsible for multiple locations.
To simplify and streamline this process, CentiMark has launched a new, comprehensive customer portal called CMDCX. This portal provides immediate access to all your roofing and flooring documentation, service reports and various notifications related to every roof and floor in your portfolio. With CMDCX, you can easily monitor the condition of all your roofs and floors from anywhere, at any time.
The world is changing rapidly and new tools are continuously being introduced to automate your daily tasks and optimize your workflow. Commercial roofing is no exception. As a property or maintenance management professional, you have various tools to help you manage your roof efficiently, eliminate guesswork, minimize roofing emergencies and reduce hours spent on tracking down the data you need. Contact us today to discuss snow monitoring and removal programs, drone inspections or CMDCX.
#AskCentiMark: The Cost of Ignoring Pre-Winter Maintenance.
Winter is almost here and some regions of North America have already experienced snowfall. It’s easy to overlook the condition of your commercial roof, especially if everything seems to be in order and you haven't noticed any active leaks. However, heading into winter weather and snowstorms with a roof that is unprepared or has suffered damage from summer storms can lead to issues when you least expect them. Snow, ice and excessive rain pose additional challenges for commercial roofs, whether they are flat or steep-slope.
In this #AskCentiMark segment, we will explore how the cost of seasonal preventative maintenance compares to the cost of emergency repairs during winter weather. Today, we'll discuss this topic with Russ Toms, CentiMark's Midwest Regional Manager; Michael Horwath, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager; and Rick Carreiro, Vice President of Sales, CentiMark Ltd., the Canadian division of CentiMark Corporation. With decades of experience in commercial roofing and a deep understanding of the regions affected by winter weather, they will provide insights into what may happen to your roof during freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall and how to prevent costly emergency repairs this winter.
What common winter-related roof problems do you see in commercial buildings?
Michael: A frequent problem we see is drainage issues. The most common cause of these problems is debris accumulating on the roof. The second most frequent issue is the buildup of snow and ice, which can lead to unexpected leaks. Other prevalent problems include clogged gutters and wind damage from severe winter storms
Rick: Canada is a large country with significantly different weather patterns depending on the region. In the Atlantic provinces and Quebec, heavy snowfall and freeze-thaw cycles may result in drainage issues. Ontario experiences temperature fluctuations that lead to ice dams and roof stress during cold snaps. In the Prairies, including Manitoba, persistent snow accumulation increases roof loads and energy demands while obstructing access to rooftop equipment. Alberta’s fluctuating temperatures bring both snow and ice dam risks. In the Pacific Northwest, mild, rainy winters require extra attention to the watertight integrity of your roof to prevent leaks and water damage.
What are the most frequent signs of neglect that lead to roof problems in winter?
Russ: The first thing we look for when inspecting a roof is the presence of debris. This can indicate a lack of maintenance. Debris may include anything from leaf buildup and tree branches to trash left behind. We often encounter abandoned equipment that has not been removed. If we find a roof that looks disheveled, it is often the first sign of neglect. Clogged drains are another clear indicator that your roof needs attention. Ponding water is detrimental, so the quicker you can remove rainwater from your roof, the better its performance will be. The condition of pitch pans and sealants around the edges of the roof and roof projections are also good indicators of whether your roof needs your immediate attention before snow and winter rain hit.
Can you provide examples of how neglecting roof maintenance before winter has led to costly emergency repairs in your experience?
Michael: Almost every flat roof is at risk of water ponding due to poor maintenance and clogged drains. Ponding water adds additional stress to the building's structure and it's essential to avoid putting extra strain on it. Water levels can rise sufficiently to enter through mechanical equipment and other openings, potentially damaging the interior. Excessive ponding can lead to roof system failure and cause premature leaks. Additionally, most manufacturers will not warrant ponding water on their roof systems.
Rick: If you don't keep your roof drains clear of debris, you risk accumulating too much weight on your roof during the winter. When the snow melts and the water cannot drain properly, it may freeze again, resulting in layers of ice and snow forming on your roof. We have seen roofs actually collapse under this excessive weight. Additionally, commercial roofs undergo cycles of expansion and contraction during winter as well as freeze and thaw cycles. If roof membranes are neglected, they may split, allowing water to penetrate the rest of the roof system. Furthermore, if the seals around your rooftop projections are failing, these weak points may lead to water intrusion.
Russ: Last year, we had to respond to an emergency at a manufacturing plant with an old built-up gravel roof. Over the years, they had been experiencing small splits in the roof that went unaddressed. However, during extreme temperatures last winter, these small splits culminated in a massive 150-foot-long tear. This allowed a significant amount of water to enter the building, resulting in over $40,000 worth of interior damage. This emergency could have been avoided if proper roof maintenance and repairs had been conducted before the winter season.
What preventive measures do you recommend for building owners to minimize winter-related roof issues?
Michael: Many emergency leaks during the winter season are often caused by clogged drains and debris. Sign up for a preventative maintenance program with CentiMark to address these issues before the snow hits. Maintenance, cleaning and repairs can help prevent significant problems in the future.
Rick: Inspections and preventative maintenance are essential. When our roofing teams assess commercial roofs, they also evaluate the entire building envelope to ensure it's ready for snow and extreme temperatures. Additionally, it's important to consider the safety of personnel working on the roof. Ice and snow can create hazardous conditions for those inspecting HVAC units or other rooftop equipment. To improve roof safety, invest in proper measures such as guardrails or skylight screens. Are you facing very cold, harsh winters? We provide solutions like heat trace cables to help manage ice dams and reduce overall snow and ice accumulation on your roof.
How do the costs of regular inspections and minor repairs compare to those of major repairs needed during winter?
Russ: When analyzing costs annually, regular repairs and inspections are about 5% of the total expense associated with addressing issues only during emergencies. This difference is mainly due to the added logistics involved in responding to emergency situations, which often occur during rain or winter when roof conditions are poor. In such instances, additional safety measures, setup time and even snow removal may be necessary, leading to quickly escalating costs. By proactively addressing potential issues, you can save on multiple trips, reduce logistical complications and improve overall efficiency.
Winter is a challenging season for commercial roofs and roof emergencies in upcoming months can be costly. Let’s avoid these issues by preparing your roof for snow, ice and freezing temperatures now. Contact us today and let’s get started.
About Our Expert Panel
Russ Toms
Midwest Regional Manager | CentiMark
With over 28 years of experience in commercial roofing, Russ is a seasoned specialist in the Midwest region of the United States, with a thorough understanding of the unique challenges commercial buildings face in this area.
Michael Horwath
Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager | CentiMark
With 34 years in the commercial roofing industry, Michael has worn many hats, from installing roofs and leading crews to overseeing operations across the entire Mid-Atlantic region for CentiMark Corporation.
Rick Carreiro
Vice President of Sales | CentiMark Ltd.
With over 30 years in Canada’s commercial roofing industry, Rick has seen it all and has an in-depth understanding of the unique roofing needs across every region in the country.
Separating Facts from Fiction Series: Winter Roofing Concerns.
Myths and misconceptions about commercial roofing during the winter months are surprisingly common. Can you repair your roof in winter? Can you prevent ice dams? There are many questions to consider. Let’s explore some of these myths and clarify the facts to better understand winter’s impact on commercial roofing.
Myth#1: Repairs and replacements are not possible during winter
While it's best to complete roofing work during the designated roofing season and milder temperatures, an experienced commercial contractor such as CentiMark can perform roof repairs and installations even in winter. So if you have a roofing concern that just can't wait and may escalate into a larger issue or even an emergency, call us.
Myth#2: Ice dams can’t be prevented
Ice dams develop when melted snow refreezes at the roof's edges, creating barriers that trap water. This phenomenon can also occur in multi-functional buildings, where different roof sections may have varying temperatures, such as a heat-producing manufacturing space adjacent to a milder office area. If your roof drainage system is obstructed with debris or requires repairs, rainwater or melting snow won’t drain off effectively, worsening the issue. However, this can be prevented with regular maintenance to address these problems before they escalate. Snow removal and monitoring during winter months are essential in managing ice dams. For severe conditions, consider installing heat cables. Check out this article to help you.
Myth#3: Winter weather is not a concern for new roofs
All roofs are affected by severe winter weather. Preventive maintenance, snow removal and monitoring are essential for any roof, whether new or old. Read this article for tips on preparing your roof for the winter season.
Myth#4: Ventilation is not an issue in winter due to lower humidity
Proper ventilation is crucial in winter to prevent condensation and ice dam formation. While colder air holds less moisture, heating systems inside commercial buildings may increase indoor humidity, which can accumulate in poorly ventilated roof systems. Without adequate ventilation, warm, moist air from inside can cause condensation on the roof deck, leading to mold, mildew and other issues. Additionally, trapped warmth contributes to uneven roof heating, which may result in ice dams. Schedule a comprehensive roof inspection or thermal scan to determine if you have moisture issues in your roof system.
Winter can be tough on commercial roofs, but you can reduce the risks associated with snow, ice and other seasonal problems through preventative maintenance and timely repairs. By partnering with an experienced commercial roofing contractor like CentiMark, you can ensure your roof gets the care it needs to endure any season. Contact us today!
Restoring A Commercial Floor After Flooding: A Guide for Facilities Affected by Emergencies.
Flooding in a commercial facility can be devastating, whether caused by extreme weather events or burst pipes. Not only does it disrupt operations, but it also presents significant safety hazards, damages equipment and contaminates the environment. Water, chemicals and debris may wreak havoc on your floor, leading to stains and long-term damage if not addressed quickly. Let’s explore essential services and DIY products to help you clean, sanitize, repair and restore your commercial floor to its original condition after flooding.
Clean, Sanitize and Disinfect (CSD)
The first step in restoring your facility is to thoroughly clean, sanitize and disinfect to remove harmful contaminants. At QuestMark, our highly trained teams are equipped to safely remove contaminants from your floor and other interior surfaces, including bathrooms, racking systems and sealed products.
✔ Virucide: Effective against Coronavirus, Influenza A, Poliovirus, Norovirus and more
✔ Bactericide: Kills Staphylococcus (including MRSA), Salmonella, Listeria and others
✔ Fungicide and algaecide: Effective against mold, mildew and algae
✔ Tough odor remover: Eliminates persistent odors caused by flooding
How chlorine dioxide (CIO2) works and why it's safe
CIO2 works as a cell disruptor, breaking down the cell walls of bacteria and viruses, killing them from the outside in. It acts quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of resistance while safely breaking down into saltwater. This eco-friendly disinfectant leaves no harmful residues, making it safe for use around employees, customers and materials. It’s even suitable for LEED-certified properties, offering a cost-effective, ecologically advanced solution to cleaning.
Repairs and Rejuvenation
After cleaning and sanitizing your facility, the next step is to address the damage to your floor. Whether it’s cracks, joint issues or general wear from water exposure, professional repairs and rejuvenation can restore your floor and extend its life.
Typical floor repairs
✔ Cracks: Moisture and impact can cause cracks in your concrete floor, especially in locations exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. Our team of commercial flooring specialists will assess your facility and provide tailored solutions for repairing cracks and minimizing further damage.
✔ Joint reconstruction and repairs: Large or uneven joints can create trip hazards in your facility. Flexible joint sealants and crack fillers help maintain slab movement while ensuring your floor is smooth and safe.
✔ Patches: Holes, rough areas, spalling and damaged concrete can be repaired with durable patching and resurfacing products. These solutions provide seamless surfaces that can withstand repeated cleanings, keeping your floor safe and structurally sound.
✔ Sidewalk repairs: Flooding can also impact your outdoor areas. Cracked and uneven sidewalks not only pose safety risks but may also be in violation of ADA regulations. QuestMark offers sidewalk repair services to eliminate these issues and ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
Floor Rejuvenation
If your floor has sustained minor damage after flooding and just needs that extra boost, rejuvenation may be an excellent solution. This multi-step process involves removing built-up layers of dirt, grime and wax and then polishing or treating the floor to restore its original appearance. For VCT or terrazzo systems, look into the Strip and Wax service by QuestMark.
Benefits of floor rejuvenation
✔ Aesthetics: Instantly improves the appearance of your facility’s floor, making it look new.
✔ Easier cleaning: A rejuvenated floor has improved resistance to cleaning chemicals, thermal shock and aggressive sanitizers.
✔ Safety: The rejuvenation process levels the floor, minimizing the risk of slips and trips.
✔ Environmental: High-gloss floors combined with natural daylight can help reduce energy costs by improving lighting efficiency.
Industrial-grade Do-It-Yourself (DIY) products for cleaning and repair
For smaller-scale cleaning and repair tasks, QuestMark offers a range of industrial-grade DIY products that are available for convenient online purchase. These products are ideal for facilities needing quick solutions to flood damage or maintaining their floor between professional restorations. Our product selection includes:
✔ Floor patches and repair products
✔ Floor care and maintenance products
✔ Coatings and kits
You can find these products on QuestMark's online shop or our Amazon store for quick and convenient ordering.
Restoring your commercial floor after a flood can be a daunting task. Still, with the right tools, products and professional services, you can return your facility to its pre-flood condition safely and efficiently. At QuestMark, we offer comprehensive solutions, from cleaning and sanitizing to repairs and rejuvenation, ensuring your floor is restored to its original shape and aesthetics. Whether you need immediate repairs or long-term floor care, we’re here to help you recover and keep your facility operating smoothly. Visit our online store for DIY products or contact us to discuss professional floor restoration services.
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