Roof Talk-101 How Rainwater Catchment Can Help in Drought Areas

Roof Talk-101  

How Rainwater Catchment Can Help in Drought Areas

Martin Grohman

Did you know that one inch of rain falling on 1,000 square feet of a roof amounts to 640 gallons of water? That’s a significant amount of water—more than most households use in a day—and evidence of the fact that in a typical year (and in a temperate climate), thousands and thousands of gallons of available water are running off your roof.

The most common term for collecting water for household use these days is “rainwater catchment.” While still rare in the United States, it is quite common in other parts of the world, notably in the Caribbean. However, partly out of necessity and partly for reasons of conservation and sustainability, rainwater catchment is becoming more common in the United States.

Consider the fact that you’re watering your lawn and flushing your toilets with drinking water, and think about using rainwater for those times instead.

Rainwater catchment doesn’t have to be complex: you can start with a rain barrel and catch water for the lawn. More advanced systems incorporate a device called a first flush diverter. This diverts the rain that falls for the first few minutes away from your catchment system or barrels in order to “wash” the roof of pollen and other buildup that has accumulated since the last rain. From there, additional advances include filtration, treatment, and underground storage cisterns.

To really get where we need to be with rainwater catchment, significant plumbing work is required. That’s because separate systems for drinking water and rainwater would be needed for most homes. However, there has been some progress in this area, including the development of a standardized piping color (purple) for irrigation water.

Industrial users can benefit from rainwater catchment systems as well. A common use of rainwater is for cooling tower systems, which rely on evaporative cooling and thus require large amounts of makeup water to replace that which has evaporated. A rainwater catchment system on a large commercial roof paired with storage tanks—often mounted directly on the roof or sometimes buried under a parking lot—can easily supply this makeup water. And again, why use drinking water for this?

Have you experienced a water shortage in your area? Have you looked into rainwater catchment or other methods to use the roof as a water-savings asset? The day may come for more of the country as Net Zero homes also try to achieve Net Zero water.

ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101 10 Reasons to Coat a Commercial Roof

Liza Barth

When assessing the condition of a commercial roof, it’s important to keep in mind that there are other options besides the typical repair or replace. In fact, coating may be the best choice. Here are some reasons to choose to coat a commercial roof instead of replacing or repairing it:

• The roof is sound, but needs reflectivity. As long as the current roof is sound with no wet insulation or active leaks, then coating can help. Coating extends the life of the roof membrane by protecting it from harmful UV rays that can cause “alligatoring,” as well as reducing heat that causes thermal expansion and contraction. Excessive thermal expansion and contraction can prematurely age the membrane, causing cracks, split seams, and blisters.
• To provide energy savings by reducing heat transfer into the building and therefore reducing air-conditioning costs. A dark roof can reach temperatures of over 150°F.  A cool roof could drop that temperature by 50°F or more.
• To help improve the inside comfort of the building especially with un-air- conditioned spaces.
• To improve the appearance of the existing roof by changing it to white or adding a color.
• To avoid inconveniencing tenants if the building is occupied. With a tear-off, tenants may need to relocate for a period of time or deal with noise, dust, and other issues that can affect their business productivity.
• To reduce the risk of exposing the roof. Coating does not require a tear-off and therefore does not expose the roof to the elements. If the roof already has up-to-code insulation, it’s not necessary to tear it off to bring the roof up to code.
• There is a tight budget. Coating can be a lower-cost choice while still giving the roof the proper protection it needs.
• There are many penetrations or equipment on the roof that would be difficult and costly to change, such as air-conditioning systems.
• There is a plan to sell the building in a few years. Coating is a good choice if an owner doesn’t want to invest much in the building, but still wants it to look better and extend the life of the roof until they sell.
• To simply add an additional level of protection from leaks.

Coating is a cost-effective solution to extend the life of the roof. Plus, there may be rebates and potential tax advantages since coatings are often considered a maintenance item. If you decide coating is right for your building, check with a certified contractor to properly evaluate your roof before doing any work.


ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101 10 Common Commercial Roof Problems

Liza Barth

Problems on a roof can happen to any building, but most of the issues are largely preventable through planning. Several factors will influence a roof’s service life: design quality installation, products, maintenance, roof use, abuse, and weather. The 10 roof problems listed below are common occurrences, but through quality work and planning, most can be easily dealt with before a major, expensive problem occurs.

Problem #1: Roof leaks. With any type of roof, if it is leaking then you have a problem.

Solution: A proactive preventative maintenance program can eliminate or reduce building interior water intrusion.

Problem #2: Blow-offs, tenting, or billowing. This occurs if the roof is not adhered properly to the substrate. Single-ply roofs are at risk for blow-off and billowing.

Solution: Ask your roofing contractor to provide the proper specification or building code for your area when installing a new roof.

Problem #3: Poor installation or workmanship. A faulty installation increases the likelihood of problems and reduces a roof system’s life expectancy. Workmanship tends to be one of the more common problems or reasons for problems down the road.

Solution: Ask your contractor for a checklist specific to the roof system that should be used for information-gathering (data-collecting) and reporting. Also ask about moisture surveys. Roofs with insulation should be surveyed prior to being overlayed via non-destructive methods. Have your contractor provide a written inspection report, complete with digital photos. Clear details on any structural changes or modifications to the roof surface should also be provided to you.

Problem #4: Lack of maintenance. There are many reasons not to neglect a roof, including financial and safety, but it’s important to have routine inspections done. Ponding water, a base flashing that is slipping, or pitch pockets that haven’t been filled are items that can be easily spotted and fixed.

Solution: To maximize roof service life, a proactive maintenance program should begin in year #1. If you wait too long to initiate the program, you will reduce the potential benefits.

Problem #5: Ponding water.The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has classified “undesirable” ponding water as standing for more than 48 hours, although ponding can pose a threat in even shorter time spans. A matter of “deep” concern in the roofing industry is the fact that a 1” deep pond weighs 5.2 lbs./square foot. The additional weight of the load may pose a threat to the structural integrity of the building, with a very real possibility of roof collapse in extreme cases.

Solution: Look into ways to address proper drainage on the roof by adding roof drains or using tapered roof insulation. Also, check the flashings, as they can be a source of leaks.

Problem #6: Punctures and the addition of penetrations. For those with single-ply roof systems, damage from foot traffic can be problematic.

Solution: Limit traffic and conduct cursory inspections after tradespeople have been on the roof.

Problem #7: Safety. Fires, odors, slips, and falls are common issues that occur on the roof.

Solution: Make sure you have all the proper personal protection equipment, such as safety glasses, approved footwear, and hard hats. You should also have a copy of all the MSDS information for all the products being installed on the roof.

Problem #8: Improper repairs. Using materials that are not intended for application on specific roof types can result in permanent damage.

Solution: Ask your roofing contractor if they are certified from the manufacturer to install and repair your roof.

Problem #9: Shrinkage. Single-ply roof types are unique. If you walk out onto an EPDM roof, one of the first things you’re going to look for is evidence of shrinkage. The two items most commonly seen are flashings pulling away from the wall or curb and crazing and cracking of uncured membrane, which is commonly used at perimeter and penetration flashings.

Solution: Make sure you’re conducting visual inspections. Some experts recommend a minimum of two per year (late fall and early spring)…certainly at least annually.

Problem #10: Blistering, ridging, splitting, and surface erosion. These issues are commonly found with BUR roof systems, but can also happen in some single-ply systems.

Solution: Do your homework and make sure you select a certified and licensed roofing contractor before selecting or installing your new roof.

ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101  3 Types of Moisture in Low-Slope Roofing Systems

Thomas J Taylor, PhD

Roofing systems must be designed and installed to address the many sources of moisture that can affect a building. Roofing manufacturers can provide the materials with a range of properties and options for the roofing system designer, but because each building is unique the final responsibility for ensuring that moisture and condensation don’t cause problems lies with the architect, system designer, project engineer, and/or roofing system professional.

Several years ago, SPRI issued an advisory bulletin on moisture and its effect on roofing systems. Their classification of the types of situations leading to moisture build-up is a good way to think about the main scenarios. I’ve listed them here, along with some general roofing system guidelines that may be useful. Of course, these guidelines should be superseded by those of a professional roof system designer.

1. Buildings with Small Amounts of Occupancy-Generated Moisture

These are the most common situations, covering office, retail, and warehouse spaces, for example. Warm air migrates upward and carries moisture with it. In northern climates, regardless of the membrane type, condensation can occur between the membrane and the insulation. Here is what to do in this situation.

• Try to always use two layers of insulation with staggered joints. This helps prevent migration of warm, moist air up to the underside of the roof membrane. Warm air and moisture generally move upward, so drying out the roof system during warmer/sunnier days is a slow and difficult process. The goal should be to minimize or prevent condensation in the first place.
• If a single layer of insulation is used, install cover boards, especially a high-density polyiso board, and use staggered joints.
• If the membrane is to be fully adhered with a water-based adhesive, special care is needed to select the right one. Some have been shown to re-liquify in the presence of moisture. 

2. Buildings with Large Amounts of Occupancy-Generated Moisture

This category includes paper mills, laundries, buildings with indoor swimming pools, and the like. The building’s air handling and ventilation systems should be carefully specified to take into account the moisture loading. Also, the entire building envelope needs to be designed and constructed in such a way that damaging condensation and moisture build-up doesn’t occur. It is critical that a building science professional experienced in these types of building occupancy and designs be involved.

• Some approaches used by building design professionals for these buildings involve the use of air and vapor barriers. Care is needed to make sure these are applied properly and without any damage to their integrity. Pay particular attention to how they are terminated around the perimeters and at penetrations.
• Remember that roof membranes are essentially impermeable. An air and vapor barrier placed lower in the roof system can prevent any water that has managed to leak in from going elsewhere.

3. Construction–Related Moisture

Most construction practices release some amount of moisture into the building space. These can be as straightforward as drywall installation and painting although these are typically relatively short term. However, some practices can release large amounts of water over a considerable time frame into the building. Concrete slab floors have been a challenge to use with some flooring materials, and building design professionals have methods to cope with the moisture release.

Concrete roof decks can present a challenge for roof system designers especially in new construction. Regardless of the type of concrete, significant amounts of water remain after curing is completed.

• There is very little correlation between cure time and the amount of water remaining. Guidelines such as not closing up the system until a minimum of 30 days after pouring and forming are not particularly effective at reducing or eliminating issues.
• Concrete in new construction that appears to be dry rarely is. Water takes a long time to diffuse out of a four inch-thick slab. In fact, the NRCA no longer considers the “plastic sheet test” to be a viable indicator of concrete’s surface dryness. That test involved taping a plastic sheet to the surface and monitoring moisture under it.
• Many roof system designers require concrete decks be covered with a vapor barrier. As with buildings that have occupancy-generated moisture, care must be taken to ensure that these are specified and installed correctly. Roof membranes are essentially impermeable and any moisture that does get into the roof system will not have a path out.
• Adopt a “belt and suspenders” approach to the roofing system and make sure any vapor barrier is terminated around the perimeter and penetrations properly. To do this, use two layers of insulation with staggered joints. When installing a fully adhered membrane with a water-based adhesive, make sure the adhesive will not re-liquify in the presence of moisture.
• Make sure professionals who have experience with this type of construction are involved. These could include structural engineers, building science experts, and concrete suppliers.

The vast majority of roof systems give trouble-free performance for many years. When problems do occur within a few years of installation, it could be due to installation defects or moisture build-up. Roofing manufacturers try to provide a wide range of material choices so that the design professional can configure the optimum system for each building. The guidance offered here might help you to ask the right questions. However, to lower the risk of issues, make sure design professionals experienced with moisture and humidity in your region are involved.

ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101  How to Help Homeowners Understand Ice Damming

Paulo Vieiradias

The cold winter season is the time when many homeowners see icicles hanging from their eaves and/or water coming in the house due to ice damming on the roof.

There are three main causes of ice damming:

• Poor insulation from a house ceiling. An attic with inadequate or deteriorated insulation can cause ice damming.
• Lack of ventilation. A house with proper ventilation allows the necessary cold air to mix and cool the hot air from the house, which slows the snow melting down.
• Leaking gaps between the living space and the attic. These spaces allow extra heat to “escape” into the attic, which warms the space and melts even more snow.

Snow on the roof will eventually melt, but if the heat from the house causes the snow closer to the roof to turn into water, then that water can either go down slowly to the gutter or travel under the shingles. There is no heat at the gutter, so snow will remain there, creating a barrier. The water that is moving down will hit that cold snow barrier and then freeze again. This creates a dam (ice damming), which will hold the remaining water on the roof.

Shingle roofs are designed to shed water; they cannot handle having it freestanding. That is why a good quality leak barrier is needed at the eaves. To help your homeowner understand the importance, you can perform a simple test with a bottle of water. This will show that every nail going through the leak barrier is automatically sealed.

The most important thing a contractor can do to help homeowners with ice dam problems is to first clean the snow off the roof (following strict safety rules) and then create exits for the trapped water.

In the long term, the contractor should:

• Seal the living space.
• Install adequate attic insulation.
• Make sure that the attic is properly ventilated.

Preventing ice dams and icicles may not be possible at all times, but these are measures that can be taken to help stop water from entering the house.

ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101  10 Tips to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

The biggest obstacle homeowners or business owners face when looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right person to do the job. After a damaging storm, they need to quickly get back to normal and get the necessary roofing repairs completed. But that doesn’t mean they should just choose the first contractor who knocks on their door. Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and professional may sound difficult – but that’s where you come in. Contractors should share these 10 important tips with homeowners to show them that your company is reputable and can be trusted to protect their home and their wallet.

1. Get local referrals. There is less chance of potential issues or scams when you choose a contractor from your community. They are more familiar with local rules and code regulations and have a relationship with area crews and suppliers.
2. Look for manufacturer designations. Manufacturer designations are considered a badge of honor because the contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (although, some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others).
3. Research Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Some contractors blow in (no pun intended) right after a storm looking for work, so it’s important to look them up on the BBB website and make sure they have a good score. Stay away from contractors who do not exist on BBB.org.
4. Get an extensive warranty. Not all contractors can offer manufacturer warranties that include coverage of the contractor’s workmanship. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it may take months or years for the damage to show up and insurance won’t pay for it. If the contractor won’t fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), your only recourse is to pay for their mistake yourself. 
5. Be concerned about safety. A contractor without a training or safety program may not be the best person for your job.
6. Check for proper licensing and insurance. The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation. Not having adequate insurance could potentially lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee sustains an injury at the home. Most states require licensing for contractors, but that does not stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to do the roofing work. In states where licenses are required, make sure your contractor provides you with a copy of their license and confirm their status online. 
7. Pay your deductible. Any contractor who claims that they can handle the repair without having the homeowner pay their insurance deductible is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner. The insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured, and the contractor should reflect that in the quote without inflating the estimate to cover all or part of the deductible.
8. Handle your own claim. A contractor who says they are “a claim specialist” or can “handle your insurance claim” may be breaking the law. In most states, it is illegal for contractors to act on behalf of the homeowner when negotiating an insurance claim. Any contractor who opens the door to potential legal action is not acting in your best interest.
9. Don’t give in to pressure. Watch out for a contractor who pressures you to sign a contract before the insurance company has estimated the damage. Some contractors say they can work with whatever your insurance company settles upon, but the homeowner needs to ensure it’s not just any amount, but the right amount. The contractor should thoroughly examine the home and check that their insurance adjuster didn’t miss any damages.
10. Know your material choices. A contractor who does not offer you different shingle options is not looking out for your best interest. The style and color of the shingles you install can affect the resale value of your home. 

ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguardtexas Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101 Happy Thanksgiving From The RoofGuard Family To Yours

Roof Talk-101   Happy Thanksgiving From The RoofGuard Family To Yours...

   Guarding Your Assets From The Elements

     41109H IH-10 West, Boerne, Texas  830-230-5000

Roof Talk-101  Fall Roof Maintenance Check

Lisa Barth

Here are the checks a business or homeowner should perform on a home twice a year. Use this list to help with the maintenance of your roof which will save you money and help your roof last:

Gutters: Gutters are one of the most important parts of a home, and blocked gutters are a big source of leaks. If gutters are clogged with leaves, shingle granules, branches, and other debris, then water can’t funnel off the roof and away from the house. That can cause severe damage to the roof, walls, and gutters, and can be quite pricey to fix.

Shingles: An inspection will uncover any shingle tabs that have come loose or have broken, curled, or warped. Another possibility is that a branch could’ve fallen on the roof and caused damage. These simple repairs will help avoid costly water issues down the road.

Vents: Neoprene or rubber can crack with age, while critters can cause damage to any vented area on the roof. Resealing will fix these vent problems and help keep animals and water out.

Flashings: Chimneys have three potential issues: flashing, siding, and the cap that can contribute to leaks. An inspection will ensure the area is properly flashed and sealed. Flashing on skylights can easily get water trapped behind them as well.

Attic: Many times it’s the attic that is the source of the problem rather than the roof. Issues such as improper ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning, fans, or animal or bug infestation can cause mold, algae, or moisture condensation in the attic space.

With the potential for a strong El Niño, proper inspection and maintenance of your roof will go along way in preventing damaging roof leak when winter hits hard.

ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguard Facebook Page .

5 Commercial Roofing Mistakes That Lead to Water Penetration

by Liza Barth

Did you know that 98% of all roof repairs occur in penetrations or perimeters, meaning anything that protrudes through the roof or breaks the membrane? Some examples include curbs, drains, plumbing stacks, vent stacks, elevator shafts, antennae bases, electrical and copper lines, skylights, and penthouses. These areas present challenging repairs, and if they’re not done correctly could result in a leak. Here are some examples of what not to do on a roofing job.

1. Don’t use non-compatible roofing materials (i.e., plastic cement on single-ply membranes).
2. Don’t overspray with coating or you could have an insurance liability claim on your hands.
3. Don’t cover electrical cords/conduits. These areas will need to be accessed at some point.
4. Don’t clog drains. Keep them clear so they don’t lead to ponding on the roof.
5. Don’t just poke a hole in the roof and put goop around it. Besides the fact that it doesn’t look very nice, it won’t be watertight.

There are many solutions for tough penetrations, but whichever one you choose, be sure to use a high-quality sealant to ensure correct waterproofing. Here are three methods a contractor can use to waterproof a challenging penetration:

• For an MB or BUR roof system, seal using the three-coursing approach, which includes placing one layer of sealant, one layer of fabric, and one layer of sealant. The final step is to sugar-in matching granules with the SBS or BUR surface. The advantages of this approach are that it’s easy to use, no mixing is needed, and there is less waste, as the pouches are reusable.

• For a metal roof or MB or BUR roof system, use TOPCOAT® FlexSeal™ Elastomeric Sealant. It is a similar approach to three coursing but uses a different sealant. It is compatible on metal, concrete, wood, SBS, APP, EPDM, and BUR substrates for gutters, detail areas, edge metal, and termination bars.

• For a BUR or MB roof system, use an M-Curb™ Pitch Pocket System, which is made from solid urethane and designed to seal difficult penetrations on asphaltic roofs that can’t be flashed. This option requires no fabric or granules, as the material is pourable and bonds with the asphalt roof. Installation is fast and easy, and these curbs are very versatile, as they can be made in custom shapes to fit a variety of rooftop places.

ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguard Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101  5 Maintenance Tips to Help Prevent Roof Leaks

by Jason Joplin

One of the most common and costly issues homeowners call on a contractor for is to fix a leaky roof. Not surprisingly, most property owners do not have the expertise (or desire) to get onto their roofs and look for problems themselves.

However, even for a professional, the source of a leak can be elusive because it rarely lines up with where the water is getting into the home. Contractors need to become detectives to correctly identify the source of a leak and understand the path that water travels. Yet all of this pain can be avoided with a comprehensive maintenance program. Even the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that roof inspection and maintenance be performed regularly to help avoid future problems.

After all, a homeowner wouldn’t expect:

• A furnace to perform efficiently if the filter was never replaced

• A car to run if the oil was never changed

Yet, they install a roof and think that’s the end of the story.

Before an inspection, the contractor should look around from the ground and ask the homeowner if there has been recent extreme weather, animals around the home, leaves, falling debris, trees, satellite or cable work, or an accident that caused damage to the roof.

Once on the roof, follow these 5 simple tips to help locate future leaks and show how a maintenance program can help identify potential problems before they cause damage.

1. If it pops through the roof look at it. Penetrations are the most common leak sources and will stop the natural water flow off a roof. Look here first to find the source of the leak:
   • Chimneys. The top leak source. Does the chimney have a cricket? Is it properly step flashed and counter flashed? Does it need to be sealed?
   • Skylights. Water gets trapped behind them. Is the flashing in good repair? Is the skylight itself leaking?
   • Plumbing vents. Do the vent stacks have neoprene or rubber that has cracked with age? Do they need to be sealed or painted? Have critters chewed on the pipe or flashing?
   • Is the satellite or cable flashed properly?
2. Living on the edge. A drip edge is not just aesthetically pleasing, it is important to help ensure water is kept away from the fascia and moved off the roof.
   • A common leak source in the eaves and cause of wood rot is a missing drip edge. Wind-driven rain will enter the gap between the roof deck and fascia board.
   • A drip edge also helps to keep out insects, critters, and snakes. Make sure to check the drip edge when looking for leaks.
3. Every step I take. Areas where step flashing should be installed are a common leak source and maintenance item. Inspect these areas for damage:
   • Dormers
   • Roof-to-wall transitions
   • Wherever low-quality sealant or mastic has been used in the past
4. What’s in YOUR attic? Many times, homeowners think the roof is the culprit, but problems can come from improper ventilation, plumbing, air conditioning, condensation, vent fans, and animal or bug infestation in the attic. Be on the lookout for:
   • Algae stains on interior plywood
   • The “M” word: mold
   • Soaked insulation when it hasn’t rained
   • Black rings or rust around nails, which is the first sign moisture is condensing in attic spaces
   • Is there a lack of ventilation that is causing the attic to overheat or accumulate moisture?
   • Are the intake vents clogged with paint, spider webs, dust, or insulation?
5. Mind in the gutter. Many homeowners do not realize the importance of their gutters. They need to be installed and sloped properly to drain, tightly fastened, and free of debris. Contractors should stress to homeowners that gutter maintenance should be left to a professional. Advise them of the risks of climbing onto a ladder.

All contractors can explain to their customers that a preventive maintenance plan consisting of periodic inspections (generally in the fall and spring), routine maintenance, and minor repairs can help avoid costly problems down the road. A thorough inspection, performed regularly by a professional roofing contractor, can monitor the roof’s condition and help prevent small problems from becoming major roof leaks.

ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguard Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101 How Puncture Resistant Are Commercial Roofing Membranes?

How Puncture Resistant Are Commercial Roofing Membranes?

Liza Barth

Contractors are careful on the roof, but accidents can happen. Heavy, sharp tools can get dropped. Stones, loose screws, or gravel can get stepped on and driven into the membrane. These things can happen during roof installation or when air-handling equipment, etc., gets installed or is worked on during routine maintenance. Some of these accidents can result in a puncture of the roof membrane. GAF set out to compare the two popular heat-weldable membranes, TPO and PVC, together with a range of substrates. So, which roofing materials will give you less worry about punctures? GAF’s research uncovered the answers.

Puncture resistance can happen in a few basic ways. Objects can impact at slow or fast speeds and be sharp or blunt. Single-ply membranes do not have the hard exterior surface or redundant layer, which are normally part of multi-ply systems, so they are sometimes perceived as less resistant to punctures. In an effort to shed some light on puncture resistance, GAF took a look at various TPO membranes from the major roofing manufacturers in 45-, 60-, and 80-mil thicknesses and 36- and 50-mil PVC samples.

GAF tested both low- and high-speed impacts and failure was defined as the force required to penetrate the top membrane layer to expose the scrim. In the low-speed test, thicker TPO was better, and fleece-back was also an improvement. No notable difference between manufacturers was found. PVC appears equivalent, except for the 36mil material. Being reinforced with a heavier weight fabric, it showed better performance, highlighting the importance of scrim in this low-speed test.

In the high-speed test, the TPO membranes again indicate that thicker is more puncture resistant with little differences between membranes of the same thickness from all manufacturers. The 50-mil PVC samples were slightly less puncture resistant than 45-mil TPO. One surprise was the poor result of the 36-mil PVC sample (even though it did well in the low-speed test), suggesting that the dense scrim in that membrane does not help resist a falling sharp object compared to a standard scrim. As with TPO, supported PVC is more puncture resistant.

It’s important to note that low-speed manual demonstrations done by slowly pushing a pointed object into a membrane are misleading. It’s best to look at approved test methods (rather than relying on a marketing gimmick) to show how roofing membranes hold up to punctures.

ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguard Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101 Spring Has Arrived

Roof Talk-101  Spring Has Arrived

Here are some tips to look for during spring cleaning to help preserve the integrity of your roof. 

Tree limbs. Make sure tree limbs don’t touch a roof.  If they do, they can easily scrape over the shingles and loosen the protective granules. This will severely reduce the life of a roof. Trim trees close to the house to avoid any limbs touching the roof surface.

Leaves and pine needles. A little leaf or a few pine needles are fine, but if they collect and are deep enough to hold moisture, they need to be taken off the roof.  Anything that traps moisture will cause mildew to form, block gutters, or cause extra weight on the roof. A rake or air blower can be used to clear the roof, but take care not to damage the shingles.

Moss. Cutting back trees and removing leaves will reduce moss growth, as it will allow sunlight to dry up the moisture that moss thrives on. While there are chemicals available on the market to get rid of moss, the runoff can cause damage to plants. Another solution is to nail zinc or copper strips to the ridgeline; as rain washes across, it creates an environment where moss cannot grow.

Mold. Discolored streaks on a roof indicate there is mold, algae, or fungus, which can eat away at the roofing material and, ultimately, cause leaks. A treatment of chlorine bleach or copper sulfate solution applied with a garden sprayer can kill the mold. GAF manufactures algae-resistant shingles that have a specially formulated granule that inhibits algae growth, in addition to shingles with StainGuard® Protection. Finally, do not power wash shingles! It can dislodge granules and cause premature shingle failure.

Gutter damage. Heavy snow from the winter season can result in gutter damage while leftover fall leaves and debris can lead to clogged gutters. Before the springtime rain, check to make sure water can flow easily through the gutters and fix any loose nails that are preventing the gutters from sitting tightly along the roof line.

Missing shingles, chimney, and flashing. A complete inspection by a contractor can uncover issues with missing shingles, chimney damage, or flashing around chimneys, vents, or other bends in the roof.

Dealing with these potential issues in a timely manner will allow your roof to stand strong through the next season of weather challenges—and for many years to come.

ROOFGUARD-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. ROOFGUARD-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.roofguardtexas.com and we also invite you to Like Us on our Roofguard Facebook Page .

Roof Talk-101 Thinking of Having Your Own Roof Top Garden

Roof Talk-101  Thinking Of Having Your Own Roof Talk Garden

The thought of building a natural oasis on top of a building may seem a little odd, but the fact is that rooftop gardens have been around for centuries. Roof Gardens began in Europe a long time ago and since then have become the latest trend in gardening. Not only are rooftop gardens beautiful and unique, they are also efficient in many unique ways.

Hidden Hideaways (and Benefits) 
Of course, one advantages of the roof garden is its secrecy. No more kids, vermin, and strangers tromping through your flowerbeds. Not only does their "secret" location keep them safe, but it adds a concealed privacy to your outdoor habitat. And this uniqueness can actually add economic value to your home due to its aesthetic appeal.

Here are some other ways rooftop gardens benefit you and your environment:

Energy Efficiency: Roof gardens absorb a lot of energy by being on top of a structure. They provide natural noise and thermal heat insulation, thereby cutting down on utility bills. Plus, since the foliage itself needs water and sun, they actually retain twice as much rainfall and sun. What this means for you is less water runoff, and therefore less flooding; and in bigger cities this decreases the excess heat caused by urban heat islands. Roof gardens actually cool places off to a certain degree.

Creates Space: By utilizing the space on top of a structure or building, you then have more room in your own backyard for other projects. Also, if you live in a city, roof gardens are one of your only chances to grow plant life away from the noise and pollution of city streets.

Provides for Nature: Not only do rooftop gardens add to your own peace and tranquility through their special beauty, they also improve the natural environment by providing wildlife habitats (something people in the city may lack). Plus, due to the extra foliage these gardens also re-oxygenate the air and retain harmful toxins, allowing your home and neighborhood to reap the natural benefits.

ROOFTEC-LLC and ROOFGUARD-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 and we also invite you to Like Us on our RoofTec-LLC Facebook Page .