Roof Talk-101 Metal Roofing Adds To the Charm Of Camp Pryor Texas

Roof Talk-101  Metal Roofing Adds To the Charm of Camp Pryor Texas

by: John Hurdt, Business Development and Marketing

This week I was fortunate to be able to travel down and visit Camp Pryor Texas. Camp Pryor Texas lies between Columbus and El Campo on the Colorado River. Camp Pryor Texas is one of 10 properties owned by the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC). RoofTec-LLC has been doing the metal roofing on a number of buildings being included in the expansion and I wanted to show you how the  Girl Scout Council has put together this project and a little history on the property.

Gazebo on the Main Plaza

Camp Pryor’s master plan utilizes its existing 277 acres to develop three distinct sites that maximize the camp’s vast and varied terrain. Camp Pryor’s eco-friendly design and river-side location make it an ideal destination for girls in South Texas to bring Girl Scouting into its next 100 years in 2012. The entire process to complete the project is expected to take from 10-15 years to complete and will be broken down into four phases.

There will be three campsites at Camp Pryor: Ranch Site, Lake Site and River Site. These different sites will allow girls to have three unique camping experiences at one camp property.The Ranch Site embodies the site’s history as a working Texas cattle ranch at its inception in 1911. The ranch setting will be created around an old-fashioned town square and the Hamill Welcome Center at the camp’s entrance which will also be constructed. The new Mamie E. George Activity Center will host a variety of program activities that will enhance girls’ camp experience and draw more girls to Camp Pryor. The activity center’s two existing buildings will be combined into one to increase the capacity from 200 to 350 when the classroom walls are retracted. Each of the six classrooms will be used for service unit meetings, regional meetings, girl and adult trainings, day camp programs and council-led program activities, and the main room will feature a stage for performances. Renovations include an increase in the capacity and flexibility of the space and a new building facade, kitchen, porches and landscaping in keeping with the Texas ranch atmosphere of the camp.

Mamie E. George Activity Center

Camp Pryor is the only GSSJC camp that features a beach with river access, making it ideal for progressive boating adventures. It is also part of the migratory birds “highway,” and campers get to observe a wide variety of bird species while visiting, including bald eagles.The 3.5 acre lake will be home to a boat dock and bridge for Girl Scout Bridging ceremonies and the Lake Site will feature a cabin cluster that sleeps 144 girls. Phase I also includes opportunities for sports on dry land with an activity field, a bike barn to allow girls to cycle and explore the camp property and archery and riflery ranges.

Located along the Colorado River on the western edge of the camp, the River Site, will be home to a canoeing and kayaking program. There will also be a nature observation tower.
A vast 1,000 square foot nature observatory tower will be a huge attraction for girls, allowing them to admire the beautiful panorama of South Texas, observe nature and the stars, and learn about the natural environment. Created with the dirt produced from digging the new lake, the River Site will include biking and hiking trails for girls to explore the land.



Hamill Welcome Center

Currently Camp Pryor offers weekend and overnight camping, as well as programs associated with camping, conservation, equitation, canoeing, astronomy, water safety, trainings and other programs associated with the Girl Scout leadership experience. Camp Pryor has a 96 bed cabin cluster with kitchen and showers, two program buildings and a pool. Annually, over 3,800 girls and adults enjoy Camp Pryor’s amenities.




ROOFTEC-LLC has been installing commercial roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a new commercial roof or need a re-roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information visit us at www.rooftec-llc.com.

  

Roof Talk 101- What Is TPO Commercial Roofing?

Roof Talk-101  What Is TPO Commercial Roofing?

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply roofing membranes have an excellent history in commercial roofing. Single-ply roofing membranes are constructed using organic polymers  It’s perfect for new construction or re-roofing where superior performance is required at a cost-effective price. It features exceptional seam strength and puncture resistance, superior long-term weathering, and easy installation—for maximum reliability.

It’s also ideal for applications over abrasive surfaces such as concrete or granule-surfaced membranes, as no protective sheet is required. It also provides great installation flexibility, as it can be mechanically attached, mopped in hot asphalt, or fully adhered using either conventional or low rise foam adhesives.

ROOFTEC-LLC has been installing TPO roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a TPO roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free commercial roof. For more information about how to get a TPO roof visit www.rooftec-llc.com.

Roof Talk-101 What's New In Metal Roofing For 2013?

Roof Talk-101   What's New In Metal Roofing For 2013?

by; Geoff Stone, owner/CEO of MetalForming , Inc.

Metal roofing has long been a favorite for its versatility and durability, but as home and business owners weigh the pros and cons of installing a metal roof, many wonder — what’s new for 2013?

Energy-Efficient Metal Roofing

One draw we’re seeing toward metal roofing comes in the form of tax credits and ever-increasing environmental awareness. The Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives for Appliances, New Homes and Retrofits to Existing Homes for 2012 to 2013 was recently extended by Congress, and while there are restrictions and limitations, there may also be opportunity for those installing metal roofing to take advantage of these incentives.
Metal roofing’s heat reflective properties, regardless of tax benefit status, give homeowners the added benefit of better environment control, less energy use and lower power bills over time.

Comparing the Cost of a Metal Roof

We’re also seeing a shift in the way people view the pricing of metal roofing.
Once thought to be one of the more expensive home coverings, metal roofing now offers some price benefits that other forms of traditional roofing do not.
The price of petroleum, for example, is escalating and inconsistent, making the cost of creating asphalt shingles higher and more unpredictable.
Consider your homeowners insurance, as well. In many states, especially those prone to having damaging storms and precipitation, home insurance providers frequently offer deep discounts for having durable, metal roofing that can better offset the effects of falling limbs and large hail.
Lastly, keep resale value in mind. Metal roofs typically last much longer than traditional shingles (approximately two to three times longer), and many appraisers give it a higher value because of this.

Diversity of Metal Roofing

No longer does metal roofing carry the stigma of a one size, or one type fits all. Once, metal roofing wasn’t seen as diverse or accommodating with regard to style. Today, however, metal roofing is as diverse and versatile as other types of coverings.
Metal shingle and slate; metal tiles in different textures and colors; metal shake; panels made from various types of metal; as well as natural metal roofs are all available options. For a range of homes and businesses, metal roofs can be customized and fitted to specially coordinate and complement the existing style.
Metal roofing has long offered added benefits over other forms of traditional roofing, and today, we’re finally seeing people align its long life, myriad styles and compositions with its cost.

Reprinted with the permission of  Geoff Stone, owner/CEO of MetalForming , Inc.

ROOFTEC-LLC has been installing metal roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you desire a metal roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free roof. For more information about how to get a metal roof visit www.rooftec-llc.com.

Roof Talk-101 (5) Five Steps To Detect if You Have Roof Hail Damage

Roof Talk-101 (5) Five Steps To Detect if You Have Roof Hail Damage

by Craig Foster

Hail causes a tremendous amount of damage per year to commercial and residential roofs in the United States, making it, year in and year out, one of the most costly natural disasters. Detecting roof hail damage after a hailstorm can be a difficult task. The best five things to look at when you are trying to determine the possibility of hail damage are the areas around the base of downspouts, gutters, metal vents, and roofing shingles. Following the occurrence of a hailstorm, walk around your building or house and follow these 5 steps to determine if you've had hail damage:

1. Inspect For Leaks
First and foremost, inspect for leaks. To an untrained professional, hail damage is not always apparent from the ground. Roof damage does not always cause immediate leaks, and all too often, hail damage goes undiscovered until after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Your roof may begin to leak, so inspect your interior ceiling after a heavy rain for any apparent water damage. Water staining anywhere on the ceiling is a good sign of roof damage.

2. Look for Mineral Deposits
Check the area around the base of your downspouts. When hail impacts roofing shingles, it degrades the shingle and tends to knock off the granules. In most cases, the untrained eye cannot see this damage, but if you have standard asphalt shingles on your house, you'll want to check around the downspouts for excessive granule buildup. If evident, there is strong chance there has been roof damage from the storm. Just remember that this may simply be due to the age of the roofing material, so further investigation is needed.

3. Gutter and Downspout Dings
Inspect all downspouts and gutters for dings. Some of the newer metal gutters are thin enough that hail the size of a marble will easily cause dents. Once again, if damage is evident, then the possibility of roof damage does exist.

4. Look for Mineral Deposits
Check the area around the base of all downspouts. When hail impacts roofing shingles, it degrades the shingle and tends to knock off the granules. In most cases, the untrained eye cannot see this damage, but if there is  standard asphalt shingles on the roof, check around the downspouts for excessive granule buildup. If evident, there is strong chance there has been roof damage from the storm.

5. Inspecting for Hail Damage to Vents and Shingles
If you have any of the above indications, then you might want to inspect the roof vents and shingles. Please only do this if you have easy access to your roof and the slopes are not that steep. If you are not comfortable with getting up on your roof call a professional roofing company to assess the damage.

If you decide to get on the roof look at the vents, the drip edge, the fascia, and the gutters for signs of damage. Normally, if you see dents in the metalwork, your house may have hail damage.  Next look at the roof shingles for circular dimples or areas where the shingle mineral is missing. Hail might produce a "dent" or a damage point on the surface of an asphalt shingle roof, resulting in granule loss and reduced remaining roof life. In most cases, the criteria for insurance claims is 10 hits in a 10ft square area.

If any of the above steps result in positive indications, call for a professional inspection. Get two or three professional  roofing companies; preferably, hail damage certified ones, to come and look at the building or home. Most will provide free estimates. Ask each if they think there is enough damage to warrant filing a claim with your insurance company. Even if they say; "No," you may still want to call your insurance company since they make the final determination and the worst that can happen is they deny the claim.

ROOFTEC-LLC has been installing and repairing roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you have a damaged or leaky roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free roof. For more information about how to get your damaged or leaky roof fixed visit www.rooftec-llc.com.

Roof Talk- 101 Of The (6) Most Common Roofing Systems, Which One Should I Use For My Commercial Building?

Roof Talk- 101  Of The (6) Most Common Roofing Systems, Which One Should I Use For My Commercial Building?

By Craig Foster 

When it comes to covering your roof in this day and age there more options available to you than there has ever been. Technology, manufacturing techniques, and material options make the roofing industry very versatile and friendly. Let’s take a look at (6) roofing systems that seem to be the most common and desirable in the commercial roofing industry.

1. Single-Ply: These materials are primarily made of rubber, plastics, or hybrids. They are commonly known as TPO, PVC, and EPDM. They are single layer roofing membrane systems that utilize mechanical fasteners and/or adhesives as a method of attachment. Several colors are available however, the dominant color in hotter climates is white and in colder climates black is most widely used. These materials are lightweight, durable, easy to maintain, and energy efficient. These systems are made for flat roofs or “low slope” roofing systems. These membranes are especially good for re-roof or lay-over applications.

2. Modified Built-Up Roofing: These materials are primarily made of asphalt, rubber;  fiberglass, or polyester, and granules. They are commonly known as Modified, SBS, or APP. These are multiple or redundant layer roofing systems utilizing hot and cold asphalts; torching, or self-adhering methods of attachment. These systems are made for flat roofs or “low slope” roofing systems.

3. Liquid Applied (Coating) Roofing Systems: These systems are primarily made up of Acrylics, Silicone, and Urethanes. These systems are utilized to prolong or extend the existing roof system in place. These roofs are either sprayed or rolled on liquid roofing systems applied directly to existing metal roofing; and asphalt or single-ply membranes.  These systems are made for flat roofs or “low slope” roofing systems.

4. Standing Seam Metal Roofing (SSMR): These systems are primarily made up of Galvalume or Aluminum sheet metal. They are commonly known as “Standing Seam” metal roofing. These systems can be made up of “architectural” or “structural” metal roof panel. All metal roofing is mechanically fastened. There are a multitude of colors available to choose from.  These systems are made for pitched roofs or “steep slope” roofing systems. These systems are one of longest lasting roof systems on the market today.

5. Roofing Tiles: These systems are primarily made up of Clay and Concrete materials. There several different profiles (looks) available as well as a large selection of colors. These products come in standard weights and “lightweights” for structural advantages. These systems are made for pitched roofs or “steep slope” roofing systems. These systems are one of longest lasting roof systems on the market today.

6. Asphalt Roofing Shingles: Probably the most widely used and most affordable “steep slope” roofing material available. There several different profiles (looks) available as well as a large selection of colors. These systems are made for pitched roofs or “steep slope” roofing systems.

 

ROOFTEC-LLC has been installing and repairing roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you have a leaky or damaged roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free roof. For more information about how to get your leaky or damaged roof fixed or install a new roof visit www.rooftec-llc.com.

 

Roof Talk-101 (6) Common Roofing Systems To Consider For Your Commercial Building

Roof Talk-101  (6) Common Roofing Systems To Consider For Your Commercial Building

By: Craig Foster 

When it comes to covering your roof in this day and age there more options available to you than there has ever been. Technology, manufacturing techniques, and material options make the roofing industry very versatile and friendly. Let’s take a look at (6) roofing systems that seem to be the most common and desirable in the commercial roofing industry.

Single-Ply: These materials are primarily made of rubber, plastics, or hybrids. They are commonly known as TPO, PVC, and EPDM. They are single layer roofing membrane systems that utilize mechanical fasteners and/or adhesives as a method of attachment. Several colors are available however, the dominant color in hotter climates is white and in colder climates black is most widely used. These materials are lightweight, durable, easy to maintain, and energy efficient. These systems are made for flat roofs or “low slope” roofing systems. These membranes are especially good for re-roof or lay-over applications.

Modified Built-Up Roofing: These materials are primarily made of asphalt, rubber;  fiberglass, or polyester, and granules. They are commonly known as Modified, SBS, or APP. These are multiple or redundant layer roofing systems utilizing hot and cold asphalts; torching, or self-adhering methods of attachment. These systems are made for flat roofs or “low slope” roofing systems.

Liquid Applied (Coating) Roofing Systems: These systems are primarily made up of Acrylics, Silicone, and Urethanes. These systems are utilized to prolong or extend the existing roof system in place. These roofs are either sprayed or rolled on liquid roofing systems applied directly to existing metal roofing; and asphalt or single-ply membranes.  These systems are made for flat roofs or “low slope” roofing systems.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing (SSMR): These systems are primarily made up of Galvalume or Aluminum sheet metal. They are commonly known as “Standing Seam” metal roofing. These systems can be made up of “architectural” or “structural” metal roof panel. All metal roofing is mechanically fastened. There are a multitude of colors available to choose from.  These systems are made for pitched roofs or “steep slope” roofing systems. These systems are one of longest lasting roof systems on the market today.

Roofing Tiles: These systems are primarily made up of Clay and Concrete materials. There several different profiles (looks) available as well as a large selection of colors. These products come in standard weights and “lightweights” for structural advantages. These systems are made for pitched roofs or “steep slope” roofing systems. These systems are one of longest lasting roof systems on the market today.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles: Probably the most widely used and most affordable “steep slope” roofing material available. There several different profiles (looks) available as well as a large selection of colors. These systems are made for pitched roofs or “steep slope” roofing systems.

 

ROOFTEC-LLC has been installing and repairing roofing systems for over 30 years. We have the solutions you are looking for if you have a leaky roof. ROOFTEC-LLC only uses the best products and installation practices to insure you have a worry free roof. For more information about how to get your leaky roof fixed visit www.rooftec-llc.com.

How Will New Changes In the International Building Code For Wind Speeds Affect San Antonio Commercial Roofs

As the changes of seasons come, it’s a good idea to look back and see what changes have occurred this year. For San Antonio, one of the biggest changes is the adoption of the International Building Code 2012 Edition or IBC 2012. One of the more significant changes of IBC 2012 as it related to roofing occurs with the implementation of new wind speed maps which are derived from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE 7-10) which have replaced the existing map in ASCE 7-05. The new maps use “Ultimate Wind Speeds” rather than “Nominal Wind Speeds” for determining wind load design pressures. In ASCE 7-10, different maps are provided for different “Risk Categories” instead of a single map with importance factors to be applied for each Risk Category.

In the past, San Antonio was assigned a basic wind speed of 90 mph as a design basis. Now agricultural and non-occupied buildings (Risk Category I), are assigned a wind speed design of 105 mph; general commercial buildings (Risk Category II), are assigned a wind speed design of 115 mph; and high occupancy buildings (Risk Category III) and emergency – critical buildings (Risk Category IV) are assigned a wind speed design of 120 mph. Knowing applicable code changes, such as how, when and why important changes that affect life safety are very important in today’s construction industry. Wind speed design, in part, affects the engineering calculations pertaining to the wind loads for which roofs must be tested to determine whether a particular roof system can be used based on the required design.

 

Low sloped roofs must be tested to any of the following standards: FM 4474, UL 580 or UL 1897. To help navigate through these intricate calculations, the roofing industry has developed a few useful online calculators and reference tables such as RoofNav, NRCA’s Roof Wind Designer, and RCI’s Wind Pressures on Low-Slope Roofs. Using the right calculation method and proper wind speed helps identify and qualify the appropriate roof system to meet applicable code requirements. Thank you Roof-Tec for attending our recent wind uplift education seminar so you are up to speed on these important code changes for your city.

 

Joel King

Director of Technical Services/Product Development

U.S. Ply, Inc.