Choosing
the correct replacement for an old roof or identifying the best choice for a
new building – not an easy task. The proposed perfect cover for a building may
be the worst option for another in the same street. That’s because no two
buildings are exactly alike, but resemble each other. So how do you choose a
new roof, considering all options on the market? You can start by asking a
series of questions before choosing the roof, the roofing contractor or manufacturer.
1.
What is the statement of the mission building?
Before
calls are made roofing contractors or manufacturers, the first issue to address
is the mission statement of the Company in relation to construction.
If
you are building new facilities or existing property management, and you want
to be sure that you select roofing systems deliver the performance you expect.
Often, the building itself dictates the specification of appropriate roofing
systems.
You
need to know much about the building and its possible future. Does the company
plan to keep this building as part of its real estate assets for the next 10-20
years? Are there plans to expand in the near future, or to change its use? What
are your current and future occupation, isolation requirements, priorities and
even aesthetic maintenance programs for rooftop equipment?
These
and other issues mission statement answers help cover type’s ways to consider
and what part of the capital budget is really necessary for the job.
Start
your questions with what the building would be used for. If it is a spec
building, maybe just need a basic ceiling. But, if the facility has a special
use, as a central booking flights with computers in it, then your
considerations about roofing options are very different.
For
example, as more companies move towards operating 24 hours a day, seven days a
week to satisfy customers worldwide, the data center must arise from a leak in
the roof. Water in computer systems generally spells disaster.
A
special set of problems arise for cooling dominated climates. Is the roof to
contribute to saving air conditioning and to address other key issues? Is it
part of a total energy program? There is growing concern about urban heat
islands. Reflective roofs have become targets of interest in these areas for
several reasons. They keep the building cooler, reducing air conditioning costs
and also minimize the heat load of the surrounding environment.
2.
The physical and other factors influence the selection of the roofing system.
After
identifying the goals and mission of an institution, it is time to evaluate the
building. You have to start by examining the building’s location and attributes
of its surroundings. You need to examine building codes, climate trends,
topography, even the direction of the facades of buildings.
The
physical characteristics of the building are also crucial: Size, shape, design,
height and age.
You
also have to look at the building materials used in the installation and
location of HVAC equipment and fire protection, especially if one or both of
them are partially or fully hosted on the roof.
When
it comes to roof replacement, you need to list the attributes of the area of
the roof itself. The best thing is the size of the roof detail, shape, slope,
deck building, details of last generation, outbound access to the roof and
existing roof system. Along with this basic information, it is necessary to
find out why the original ceiling is not enough.
3.
What options flexible roofing membrane available.
SPRI,
the association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the
commercial roofing industry, identifies three major categories of membranes:
Thermosets, thermoplastics, and modified bitumen.
Membranes
are made of thermosetting rubber polymers. The most common is EPDM, often
referred to as “rubber tires”. These membranes are suitable to withstand the
potentially harmful effects of sunlight and chemicals commonly found in the
ceilings. They are easy to spot on the roof. Just look at the seams. Thermoset
Membranes require liquid adhesives or tape to form a tight seal on the
overlays.
.Thermoplastic
membranes are based on plastic polymers. The most common is the PVC, which is
made flexible by adding plasticizers. Thermoplastic membranes have seams which
are most commonly formed by heat welding. Most thermoplastic membranes are
manufactured with a backing layer, usually polyester or fiberglass to provide
greater strength and dimensional stability.
Hypalon
thermoplastic begins as a thermoplastic, but heals over time to become a
thermoset. Like other thermoplastics, Hypalon materials are heat sealed at the
seams.
Another
hybrid is thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), which combines the attributes of EPDM
and PVC. TPO membranes not cure after exposure to the elements and kept hot air
welding along its lifetime. Most TPO membranes are reinforced with polyester,
fiberglass or a combination of the two, but not reinforced TPO membranes are
available.
Modified
bitumen membranes incorporate the advantages of formulation and prefabrication
of a soft roof membrane with some of the traditional installation techniques
used in built-up roofing. Modified bitumen sheets are factory manufactured
asphalt compound that has been modified with a rubber or plastic polymer to
increase flexibility, and combined with reinforcement for added strength and
stability.
4.
What type of membrane and fixation system is best for the building?
Many factors determine the best system for a particular
building. For most buildings, there are a number of options and benefits must
be weighed against the mission statement of the facility. The decision should
not be made only on the basis of cost. Other important considerations for the
membranes are building height, wind exposure, the expected traffic and
aesthetics of the roof.
The
attachment system also depends on the characteristics of the specific building.
If the roof deck is capable of supporting the weight, ballast roof may be the
best option. But, if the slope of the roof is more than 2 inches per foot, this
system may not be appropriate. There are other limitations to ballast systems,
such as ceiling height, proximity to the coast and other areas of high winds,
and the availability of ballast.
A
steel cover or timber that readily accepts fasteners makes a good substrate for
a membrane mechanically. These systems can be designed to provide the necessary
resistance to wind forces known and are not subject to limitations slope.
Another
alternative is fully adhered system in which the membrane is attached to the substrate
prepared using a specified adhesive. Depending on the membrane, the adhesive
can be solvent or water-based or asphalt. The finished surface of a flat roof
is attached.
For
those interested in the aesthetics of the building, the membranes of color can
make a contribution to the attractive appearance of the building.
5.
Do you have any roofing delivered to the job site UL labeled?
If
not, indicate that it should. This is the only way to ensure that the roofing
materials installed on the roof are the same materials tested by Underwriters
Laboratories. Also, make sure that the ceiling mount you buy or specify,
including insulation, is UL-classified and labeled. The use of time than what
has been tested with the roof membrane may void the UL rating. If the UL
Building Materials Directory is not included in the roof system sold, we insist
on verification of classification in the form of a photocopy of the letter from
the UL approval.
Make
sure the product you are getting is the actual product that is tested. You do
not want something that is similar but not the same. Look for the label in the
workplace and ensure that all system components were tested together. You want
proof membrane with insulation that is used in its construction.
6.
Does the system require a rating of wind uplift?
Wind
damage elevation can be lengthy and costly. Accepted as an industry standard,
the American Society of Civil Engineers Standard 7-95, “Minimum Design Loads
for buildings and other structures,” can be used to determine the area of the
building winds. Wind Testing for lifting, such as that performed in the Factory
Mutual or Underwriters Laboratories, can be used to determine that the selected
roof system meets or exceeds the requirements for lifting the local wind.
7.
How much does the complete system add to the weight of the dead load of the
roof structure?
In
choosing any roofing option, the facility executive must be aware of the
bearing capacity of the roof deck to ensure that the right of the flexible
membrane option is chosen. In new construction, structural steel savings can
often be achieved by installing one of the lightest flexible membrane systems.
A
thermoplastic ballasted EPDM or ceiling may require more than 1000 pounds per
100 square feet, while a thermo mechanically fixed or fully adhered or
thermoplastic membrane weighs 33 pounds per 100 square feet. A lighter system
often allows reroof directly on its roof, while the heavier ones may require
you to cut the old roof and start over. But the weight is only one consideration
in the selection of a roofing membrane and fixing system. A ballasted roof may
be the best choice for a particular installation. Executives of the facilities
should ensure that all relevant considerations, including weight, are taken
into account in the decision making process.
8.
What are the knowledge and financial strength of the roofing contractor you are
considering?
Roofing contractors should be
chosen very carefully. The introduction of new roofing materials and
application techniques in the last 10 years has led to many changes. A
professional roofing contractor should be familiar with the different types of
roofing systems, to help you make the best decision for your company, based on
your budget.
Ask
the contractor if your company is a member of a local, state, regional or
national industry association. Contractors participating in professional
associations in general, are better informed about the latest developments and
issues in your industry.
Insist
that the contractor will provide copies of insurance certificates that verify
workers compensation and general liability coverage. Make sure the coverage is
in effect for the duration of your roofing job. If the contractor is not
properly insured, your company, as the owner of the property, may be liable for
accidents that occur on the property. Also check the conditions of your license
status and find out if the contractor is bound by an insurance company.
The
installation of roofing systems varies considerably different. Education and
training are the most important elements in the installation of roofing
systems. Make sure that the roofing contractor you choose has had a detailed
and ongoing training in the system being installed.
A
rule of thumb is to find out if the contractor has installed at least 100,000
square meters desired system in the last 18 months. Also, make sure the
contractor is approved by the manufacturer to install the specific system.
The
quality of labor is essential for good performance ceiling. The National
Roofing Contractors Association offers a selection guide professional roofing.
In addition, many manufacturers have approved contractors programs, with a
specific profile that roofers must be completed before approval.
9.
What is justified, and by whom.
There
are two basic categories of covered warrants. The contractor’s warranty usually
covers labor. The manufacturer’s warranty covers at least the materials,
although numerous additional cover elements. Even if the manufacturer’s
warranty is very broad and not completely protect you if the roof is not
installed.
Carefully
read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that
void. For example, it is almost impossible to prevent standing water. Standing
water can be caused by a clogged roof drain or deviation between the roof deck
support columns. Proper roof maintenance can help ensure that your warranty is
still valid. Be aware of language ensures that void the warranty.
Most
professional roofing contractors will offer periodic maintenance inspections
throughout the year, these inspections to ensure that your project meets the
standards specified in the warranty. A typical maintenance program consists of
a detailed visual inspection of the roof system, flashing isolation, and
related components to identify potential problem areas.
More
important than the guarantee, however, is to get the right to flexible membrane
roof of his building in the first place. If the roof is properly designed and
installed to meet the needs of your institution, building codes and
geographical considerations, and the warranty covers those needs are likely to
enjoy the benefits of a flexible roof membrane many years after the original
warranty expires.
10.
After the roof is installed, which after the service and educational programs
are available to the management team of the facility?
The seminars offered by industry associations as SPRI
ceilings and manufacturers can be invaluable forms for roofing team building to
expand their understanding of the types of commercial roofing systems,
installation processes and maintenance considerations. Specific courses are
available to help building owners and facility managers learn more about
roofing systems, materials and components, insulation products and accessories,
roof design elements, selection of contractor, the warranties and maintenance
considerations.
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