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| Keegan Tune |
St. Louis, MO, March 8, 2019 -- Maintaining the roof on any
building or facility can be an arduous task for any building owner or property
manager.
The roof, often the first line of defense against the
elements, is an important structure that must be carefully monitored and
maintained to protect the overall integrity of the building.
Leaks in roofs are often difficult to track down and can
lead to damage to interior finishes, unhappy tenants and costly repairs.
Western Specialty Contractors’ three roofing branch managers
recently sat down to discuss the roofing issues that facility managers are most
concerned about and the questions they are asking and should be asking when it
comes to maintaining their roofs.
What Roofing Questions Do People Ask You the Most Often?
Keegan Tune (KT), Kansas City Roofing Branch Manager - How
much is it going to cost to fix my roof? How much life do I have left in my
roof? What’s the best kind of roof?
Jack Schneider (JS), St. Louis Roofing Branch Manager - What
is the most economical option to stop my roof from leaking? What
roofing system do you recommend? How much life does my
roof still have?
Michael Boyle (MB), Peoria Roofing Branch Manager - How
cheap can I fix the problem?
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| Jack Schneider |
What Roofing Question Should People Ask You, But Don’t?
KT - What roof has the best life-cycle cost?
What is the best roof for my building?
JS - What type of roof can be installed
within my budget? Can we set up a maintenance service contract? Can you provide
budget pricing on other roofs in our facility?
MB – Should I replace the roof
now or do I have any life left in it? What are the “BEST” roofing options you
would recommend for my facility?
What is Your Best Roofing Advice for a Property Manager/Owner?
KT - Know the condition of your
roofs. Inspect and maintain them often — budget for repairs and
replacements.
JS - To have a reputable contractor install a
roofing system that they are certified to install, in turn providing a
manufacturer's warranty and a contractor workmanship warranty.
To make sure they receive the manufacturer's warranty and
operations and maintenance manual from the roofing contractor.
Make sure they receive the roofing contractor's workmanship
warranty at the end of a project (when it's offered). Let a roofing contractor
educate maintenance techs on proper roofing maintenance after a new roof is
installed to maintain its warranty after the contractor workmanship warranty
has expired. This can be done as a lunch and learn.
MB - We should talk about what the intended
use is for the building and is it a long-term investment for them or is it
being repaired for sale?
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| Michael Boyle |
What are the Most Important Things That Your Prospects Should Know
Before Buying?
KT - Contractor and manufacturer credentials
and a defined scope of work.
JS - The contractor’s reputation. If they are
bonded. If they are insured. The contractor is installing what is being asked
for (i.e. detailed proposals, pictures, etc.). They do not need payment up
front. (i.e. before purchasing material or even starting the roof). Financially
stable.
MB – Who/what type of company they are
contracting with. What kind of warranty will they be receiving - a contractor
or manufacturer NDL warranty? Is there a detailed scope of work? Are all
conditions covered for a complete roofing system?
What are the Three Most Critical Elements of an Effective Roof
Maintenance Program?
KT - Qualified inspectors/contractors,
consistency and cost.
JS - A certified contractor of the roofing
system is making the repairs. A timely schedule for roof cleaning is decided on
(cleaning moss, branches, leaves, etc. off the roof, out of drains).
Reports are made each time the contractor is on the roof for
scheduled cleaning/repairs. Documentation benefits the owner and the
contractor.
MB – A quality local company.
Only certified applicators on warranted roofs. Maintenance inspections
regularly.
Have There Been Any “Critical Developments” in the Roofing Industry
That Your Customers Should be Aware of?
KT - Roof coatings have increased
significantly but are not suitable for every roof and certainly not in every
situation. Coatings have also made it possible for some less qualified
contractors to tackle projects that they don't have the expertise to perform.
R-value requirements are continually increasing so being aware of local codes,
and compliance needs are key.
JS - Recent changes in the energy code laws,
some states have adopted, others haven’t (i.e., R-30 insulation code above roof
deck). Carlisle Syntec Systems has introduced the "Velcro" roofing
system. No adhesives to bond membrane to insulation. Carlisle Syntec Systems
has approved the material Cav Grip III to install EPDM membrane in the field
and flash onto walls.
MB – Roof coatings over existing roofing with
long-term NDL warranties are becoming more prevalent. New products are out that
minimize or stop any odors from entering the building through air intakes and
openings. In some cases, “R” values can be increased without raising units and
mechanical equipment by using a new insulation material.
CONTACT:
Jennifer Beidle
314-607-9459
jennifer@jbeidlepr.com
www.westernspecialtycontractors.com/projects/services/roofing-services/.
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