How to Inspect Your Next Commercial Roofing Project

Commercial re-roof job walks are crucial to assessing the existing roof system. They help you learn the steps needed to remove and install a new roof system efficiently while minimizing occupant impact and maximizing company profits. An improperly assessed building can easily move the project from successful to detrimental. With a fairly simple checklist and an inspection kit, you can make a thorough assessment on the roof and minimize costly hidden pitfalls to help you land the job and gain the trust of the client.

Let’s start with your basic tool kit. Most of the time, you will need to climb a ladder to get onto the roof, and a safe way to transport your tools is to put them in a simple backpack. Here are the supplies you should carry with you during your inspection:

• Camera (video capability is highly recommended)
• Tape measure (25’ is sufficient)
• Measuring wheel
• Roof plan or aerial photo for making notes (Google Earth, for example)
• Note pad and pencil
• Flashlight
• Golf ball (it is important to know where the water goes)
• Laser temperature gun
• Roof core cutter
• Repair medium (such as plastic cement) to temporarily patch a core cut
• Infrared moisture scanner, if possible (hired services are also available)
• Spare batteries for all electronic devices

Once you’re on a roof, you’ll want to make a thorough assessment and minimize your time up there. However, keep in mind that sometimes you only get one shot to access the roof, so make sure to cover everything. Here is the basic information to collect:

• Building location
• Access for equipment, loading, staging, waste removal, etc. (be sure to consider the safety of pedestrians below and other trades working)
• Will the building be occupied or empty during roof installation?
• Safety requirements (fall protection, hazmat abatement, noise, debris, etc.)
• Chronological order and locations of other trades (any trades following roofing may need to take precautions to protect your work, such as stucco or metalwork over a single-ply roof)
• Substrate type
• Roofing system
• Desired warranty term
• Height of all roof decks and parapets (for both safety and loading materials)
• Where and how the system terminates on all planes
• Specifics of immediately adjacent trades (HVAC, plumbing, metal, stucco, etc.), including who covers the details that are often overlooked, such as wood blocking, drains, pipe flashings, metal flashings, etc.
• Establish with the person controlling the schedule (usually the general contractor, consultant, or owner) whether the project will be phased or available all at once.

Once you have all those answers, it is time to walk the roof. Be sure to double check measurements on the roof plan with the measuring wheel. Take time to observe the general condition of the existing membrane as it will give you clues about the maintenance, drainage, environmental conditions, and occupant’s use. Use your golf ball in any area that the drainage is not completely obvious. Observe, measure, count, and photograph every type of penetration, and note whether electrical, gas, and plumbing lines will be disconnected or remain as is. Make notes on your roof plan for yourself, as well as concerns for the superintendent and/or foreman. Helpful tip: take video pans across different areas of the roof. This will allow you to “revisit” the roof in case you missed something on your initial inspection.Visit the inside of the building to look for signs of leaks and try to examine the underside of the roof deck whenever possible.

In commercial construction projects, a small overlooked detail can lead to huge unforeseen costs, so it is critical to cover all the bases. Create a checklist and follow it every time. A successful project starts with a thorough roof walk. Know that you can trust Trudel and Sons to meet all of your commercial roofing standards!

Moisture Control in Low-Slope and Flat Roofing Systems

Condensation within a flat roofing system mainly occurs during cold weather seasons when moisture and vapor in the air caused by heat from within the building rising out into the cold roof void above the ceiling. When the temperature of the moisture falls to or below its dew point, the water vapor condenses on the cold surfaces around it causing damage and leaks. Condensation is a particular problem in flat or low-sloped roofing systems above rooms that generate a lot of heat such as kitchens and bathrooms. A flat roof should be designed to minimize condensation and a proper analysis of the positioning of insulation materials, vapor control layers, ventilation, and thermal insulation should be reviewed prior to installation. Here are our tips on preventing the likelihood of leaks on low-slope/flat roofing systems:

During Design/Specification:

1. Provide a positive roof slope. This will provide roof drainage and better ventilation to the outdoors.

2. Provide as much ventilation for moisture "traps" as possible. This can be achieved by cutting back ends of reflective foil/batt insulation which are installed below the roof sheathing.

3. Use insulation above the wood deck. Where low design temperatures or high interior humidity are expected, this method can help keep wood temperatures above dew point.

During Construction:

1. Install roofing over the wood deck ASAP. This will protect the insulation from exposure to the elements.

2. Provide proper ventilation to remove moisture. Moisture build up during the construction of a roofing system is expected due to the curing of concrete and gypsum jointing materials. Proper ventilation will prevent these aspects of installation from having long-term effects on the roof.

During Service Life/Homeowner Tips:

1. Don't let moisture stand a chance. If you own a home with a low-slope or flat roofing system, it's going to require a little more care than a standard shingle roof. Your best bet at maintaining the integrity of your roof and preventing leaks is calling a pro for any snow/heavy rainfall removal - this way you know the job is being done correctly. If you've had any extreme weather (snow. rain, or wind) be sure to notify your professional, this way, they can ensure all roof membrane and HVAC systems are in working condition.

3 Tips to Keep Your Roofing Company Busy During The Winter Season

With each changing season comes changing, and sometimes unpredictable, weather conditions. The building and contracting industries can both tend to feel the effects of the long cold winter season -- if there are any major fluctuations in temperature from extreme cold to above the freezing mark, any concrete pouring or foundation work must come to a halt if the project is to be completed properly, putting a serious delay on obtaining revenue. 

Extreme snowfall is also a huge factor for business in the industry as it is the number one cause of ice damming and roof leaks. Here are our tips for keeping the busy season alive when changing seasons slow or halt your building or contracting service:

1) Plan Ahead. Planning your bigger projects that provide more wiggle room with scheduling and timelines around the winter season can be a huge savior for your business. During the slow season is also when you can take the time to:

• Help your clients that have booked projects for the spring/summer season to select long-lead items such as custom windows, siding, or shingles - that way the project is set to begin without delay once the snow melts.
  
• Shift your focus to interior work. Old Man Winter will inevitably bring ice damming and roof leaks, so indoor roofing, insulation, ventilation, and attic repairs will spike in demand. Keep your outdoor work climate specific, it can not only be damaging for your businesses reputation but also for the health of your employees if outdoor work is completed in harsh below-freezing conditions.
  
• Offer cleanup and snow removal for flat roof, residential, industrial, and commercial clients. Not only will the service be called for and appreciated, but it can secure the integrity of your product.

2) Develop Your Marketing and Sales Strategies. The winter season can generally bring you and your employees indoors, use this down time to:

• Educate yourself and your employees on the latest building and design trends to maintain a competitive edge during the summer season.
  
• Offer value pricing on maintenance inspections for the Spring season.
  
• Offer Winter specials on smaller installations and repairs

3) Damage Control. With winter comes heavy wet precipitation and varying temperatures which can lead to ice damming and even structural damage. This misfortune tends to be more popular on older flat roof homes, however, with the right amount of snowfall - any roof can be susceptible to damage. This is a headache for homeowners, but a rejoice for the roofing and building industry as these small and even large repairs can get us through the slow season.

Homeowners should note that venturing on to the roof of your home after extreme weather conditions to inspect damage is not recommended, you are always better off calling a pro for your safety and the integrity of your home. Trudel and Sons Roofing offers comprehensive roof inspections and is always here during any season for your roofing and repair needs!