Commercial Roofing

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Commercial roof maintenance programs are a great way to expand your business and build long-term relationships with school facility managers. You may already be offering commercial roof maintenance services, or perhaps you're interested in branching out. Providing roof maintenance to K-12 schools and universities can be a good source of reliable, ongoing work. But you'll need to consider these facilities' nuances.Schools' Current Roof Maintenance ChallengesIn an educational environment, students' safety and comfort come first. Buildings must be secure and functional, and they must provide an atmosphere conducive to learning. Creating this environment starts with the roof, but this can easily be put off or forgotten about as many school facility managers focus on day-to-day maintenance issues. If students and teachers complain about a lack of hot water or classroom temperatures that are too hot or cold, facility managers swiftly address these issues.However, facility managers should prioritize regular roof maintenance in addition to addressing the most immediate facility concerns. Even something like a small leak from deferred roof maintenance can lead to much larger, and more costly repairs, creating headaches for everyone involved, that could have been avoided.The Value of Commercial Roof Maintenance ProgramsThe roof protects everything inside the school—from books and computers to shop equipment and musical instruments. If a roof leaks, many items could suffer damage. At the end of the day, ensuring a quality roof through regular maintenance not only protects everything inside the building, it can also help extend the life of the roof. Moreover, some roofing system manufacturers may require regular roof inspections to maintain warranties or guarantees. A roof maintenance program can meet this requirement, providing inspection records and evidence that any issues were addressed.How to Develop a Maintenance Program for SchoolsA commercial roof maintenance program for schools isn't much different from what you already do for other commercial buildings. And while regular maintenance inspections can be completed anytime, a neglected roof can often end up requiring repairs that need to align with the school's calendar to plan for minimal disruptions to the students. This can cause inconvenient delays, or date changes that could be avoided with regular inspections and maintenance.GAF Senior Product Manager Benjamin Runyan says that it's important to identify the manufacturer of the existing roofing system to ensure you are using compatible products that won't void the warranty or guarantee. "You want to be looking at this from a maintenance standpoint," says Runyan. "What does the roof look like? How was it built? How have they been maintaining it?"To start, Runyan recommends that you inspect the entire roof system and document its condition with photos and notes. Pay particular attention to the more vulnerable areas, such as seams, fasteners, flashings, edge metal, drains, and gutters. Look for cracks, missing roofing materials, evidence of ponding water, or of birds or other animals, and signs of moss or algae. An infrared scan of the roof can determine if any moisture is present and help pinpoint areas that need immediate attention.Your program should include basic tasks such as clearing debris from drains and gutters, removing leaves or branches, and making minor repairs where existing sealants are losing pliability or are showing signs of deterioration. If you identify larger concerns, you can document that with photos and provide an estimate for the repairs. Also, note how long the repairs should take and what products you'll use.Getting Started with SchoolsPreventative maintenance programs aren't just a benefit to the schools, they can also lead to other school roofing work including re-roofing opportunities. If you're ready to add school commercial maintenance programs to your business plan, GAF has the resources you need to get started. Runyan explains, "Your first step should be talking with your GAF Territory Manager as they will likely already have established relationships with school districts, colleges, roof consultants and architects in your service area."From commercial roofing system specifications to WellRoof® Guarantee Extensions, plus roof restoration options, GAF meets all your needs for stepping into the world of educational buildings.

Commercial Roofing
Questions to Ask a Roofer for Your Commercial Roof Project

By Karen L Edwards

November 08, 2023
Commercial Roofing
Time-Saving Products & Tips for Your Commercial Roofing Business

By Karen L Edwards

October 13, 2023
Commercial Roofing
What Is a Built Up Roof?

By Karen L Edwards

August 25, 2023

Commercial Roofing
What to Know about Fleece-Back TPO
As a contractor, you're constantly on the lookout for ways to get the job done quickly while continuing to provide a high level of quality to customers. Carefully selecting the materials you use can help—and with new roofing technologies being developed every day, you have a lot of options.Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply membranes are a cost-effective solution for commercial roofs. And when you add a fleece backing, the resulting fleece-back TPO adds even more durability, protection, and strength to the system. The material can be used for both reroofing projects and new installations.The Benefits of Fleece-Back TPO MembranesHere are a few reasons TPO with a fleece backing might be the perfect solution for your next roofing job:1. Performance and DurabilityFleece-back TPO, like GAF Everguard® TPO Fleece-Back Membrane, provides excellent performance and durability. It's available in a variety of new thicknesses that make it easier than ever to find one that's suitable for your project. For instance, the GAF EverGuard® TPO Fleece‑Back 100, 115, and 135 Membranes offer good impact resistance, as some systems are approved under Factory Mutual (FM) 4470 - Very Severe Hail (Class 1 - VSH).* These membranes are especially suitable for high-traffic roofs, because they provide added protection during regular maintenance of HVAC systems, for example.2. Ease of InstallationInstalling fleece-back TPO membranes can be done easily and efficiently, saving roofers time and labor. They can be mechanically attached for fast installation, or combined with adhesives like the GAF LRF Adhesive XF to reduce overall thermal bridging and add wind resistance capabilities.Commercial building owners and property managers that want jobs finished as quickly as possible will find mechanically attached fleece-back TPO membranes to be an excellent option. Watch the following video to see how they're installed:Because of their versatility, fleece-back TPO membranes are also a popular choice for reroofing projects if your customer isn't looking to completely remove an existing roof:3. UV Ray Protection and Energy SavingsFleece-back TPO membranes come in white and light colors, and they're designed to be ultraviolet (UV) resistant and reflect the sun's rays. By reflecting the sun rays away from the roof, white or light fleeceback TPO membranes can help lower the temperature of the roof and increase the roof's longevity.4. Excellent Warranty or Guarantee CoverageThe robust build of fleece-back TPO membranes means manufacturers can often offer good warranty or guarantee coverage. Depending on the thickness of the membrane and the method of attachment, you could be covered from 20 to 25—or even up to 30—years. This reflects confidence in the quality of the material and provides peace of mind for property owners and managers.Other Considerations for Fleece-Back TPO RoofingWhile fleece-back TPO membrane is typically more expensive than other commercial roofing solutions like smooth TPO, the installed cost may be comparable depending on the installation method used: you can estimate the cost of the EverGuard® Fleece-Back TPO needed for your project using the TPO Material Calculator on the GAF EverGuard® TPO Fleece‑Back Membrane product page. As an added benefit, GAF EverGuard® TPO membranes are made in the U.S.A. with domestic and imported materials.The speedy installation possible with these membranes is convenient for customers and contractors alike, and the durability provides long-term performance. Plus, the fleece-back TPO works well in all areas—even those with harsh weather—so it's not limited to specific locations.If this TPO sounds like the perfect material for your next project, visit the GAF EverGuard® TPO Fleece‑Back product page to learn more.*See FM Global Data Sheet 1-34 for more information. Visit RoofNav.com for approved assemblies.
By Mark Soto
June 27, 2023
Commercial Roofing
How Commercial Skylights Can Boost Revenue
Historically, commercial skylights have gotten a bad rap. "The old joke was: 'if it's not leaking now, it will be soon,'" says Brian Grohe, a 13-year vet of the skylight industry and a commercial sales manager at industry leader VELUX. Fortunately, technology has changed that old tune for the better, turning commercial skylights into a golden opportunity for roofing contractors.Thanks to revolutionized frame designs, glazing, and water management strategies, installing these rays of light in a roof provides added value to customers while increasing project revenue. Plus, it's now possible to streamline skylight ordering, delivery, and warranty/guarantee services through your roofing manufacturer, which can help save time and money.Benefits of Commercial Skylights"The skylight of the past is not the skylight of the present," Brian explains. "The aesthetic and practical benefits can improve a building's space, increase revenue, and positively impact resale value." Here are just some of the perks of incorporating natural overhead light into your commercial roofing repertoire.Contractor BenefitsExpand work opportunities: Replacement work makes up a large part of the commercial skylight industry, according to Brian. This presents a tremendous service opportunity for contractors if they can identify and repair or replace an older skylight that is sun-damaged, broken, or leaking. "Solve a building owner's problem for them," suggests Brian, "and you'll expand your work while adding value for the customer."Increase revenue potential: Adding this ancillary product into a project proposal provides aesthetic and financial benefits to the customer, and increased revenue potential for the contractor.Benefits for Building OwnersSave money: Explain to customers how a skylight can reduce electrical consumption by harnessing sunlight. In fact, a daylighting strategy can reduce the need for energy-consuming electric lighting by 20% to 80%. This saves on costs for building owners.*Improve tenant or employee well-being: Exposure to natural light can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of a space. This can increase employee productivity, work satisfaction, and overall wellness.Boost building value: Enhancing the architecture and natural light in a space can improve the building's appearance and increase potential resale value.Skylight TypesCommercial skylights come in a range of shapes — dome, pyramid, vault, low-profile, etc. There are also different functionalities, such as vented or fixed, which describe whether the skylight provides ventilation. All of these options fall into two main categories: glass and plastic.A glass skylight is often an architectural consideration, Brian says. "[They] accentuate designs of the building and provide a stunning view."Most commercial skylight projects like those in "industrial buildings, retail, some office spaces, and places like school gyms use the plastic unit skylight," says Brian. Fortunately, "these are already in a roofer's wheelhouse, because it's no different — from a flashing standpoint — than any other roof penetration."Unlike older plastic skylight materials that didn't provide much UV protection, prismatic polycarbonate is now the industry standard. A modern plastic skylight can offer high-clarity, excellent thermal insulation, impact resistance, UV protection, and long-term high light transmission.Choosing the Right SkylightTake these factors into consideration when navigating skylight brand and style selection for a project:Customer and building needs: A project in a storm-prone region may benefit most from a hurricane-rated skylight, while another project focused on maximizing energy efficiency would benefit from sun-harvesting industrial warehouse skylights. For example, VELUX offers the Dynamic Dome, engineered to harvest more early morning and late afternoon daylight than its competitors and allow a building's lights to remain off for nearly an extra hour per day.Proprietary skylight designs: Proprietary skylight offerings from a company typically provide "stronger impact resistance and better UV resistance long-term," says Brian. Often, proprietary designs last longer for the building owner and are safer for roofers.Warranty/Guarantee coverage: Carefully research what a warranty covers when selecting the commercial skylight you'll use for a project. "Some skylight manufacturers have very limited warranties," Brian notes. GAF and VELUX offer a new approach — when purchased through GAF, VELUX skylights are eligible for up to 20-years of coverage under GAF NDL (no dollar limit) guarantees.**Combining Roof and Skylight WarrantiesRoofers can make a project easier and get a stronger warranty by going through one manufacturer and distributor for both their roof and skylight needs. GAF and VELUX have teamed up to provide this seamless service. This alliance "streamlines skylight ordering, freight coordination, warranty/guarantee registration, and any manufacturer claims because it's one manufacturer and one distributor handling the project needs," explains Brian.For roofers, the project makes it easier from a purchasing and ordering standpoint: "All order management and freight coordination happen through one source," says Brian. Consolidating roofing and skylight needs also streamlines the delivery of materials coming to a job site.This also holds advantages during the life of the roof. "You're getting a warranty that's tied into the roof system," says Brian. "This means that if there is a problem with a skylight after construction is completed, the contractor or building owner doesn't have to find out who the manufacturer is and submit a separate claim — they can handle claims through GAF. Also, the timing of the roof guarantees and skylight warranties will match, meaning there are no gaps in coverage."Want to learn more about expanding your roofing services while upgrading your commercial roofing projects? GAF can offer support and expertise for skylight projects and level up your work. Get in touch with your territory manager today.*Savings will vary and are not guaranteed.**See applicable warranty and guarantee documents, available at gaf.com, for complete coverage and restrictions.
By Annie Crawford
January 17, 2023
Commercial Roofing
Using Self-Adhered Roof Membranes and Other Time-Saving Roofing Tips
With the labor pool stretched thin, finding time-saving solutions like installing a self-adhered roof is high on many contractors' to-do lists. Saving time doesn't mean jeopardizing quality: manufacturers continually work to deliver solutions that help increase efficiencies while still delivering a first-class installation. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is one of the fastest-growing single-ply roofing solutions. For instance, GAF EverGuard® TPO offers excellent protection in an affordable roofing system, making it one of the most popular choices for building owners. To help contractors save time while still delivering a high quality installation, GAF offers several time-saving tools. 1. Quick Spray Adhesive Using spray adhesive means you can put away the roller—and time-consuming methods of applying bonding adhesive. EverGuard TPO Quick Spray Adhesive is a solvent-based adhesive that allows installers to quickly bond TPO membrane to a variety of substrates. In addition, when used properly, a Quick Spray canister can cover installation of approximately 10 squares, compared to the approximately 3 squares of installation a bucket can cover. (As with all adhesives, porosity of the substrate can impact coverage rates.) Simply spray the adhesive uniformly onto the substrate and the back of the membrane, then apply pressure with a broom or weighted roller to ensure adhesion and heat weld the seams. 2. Prefabricated Accessories It can take a significant amount of time, experience and know-how to properly measure, cut and hand weld details. GAF has prefabricated accessories available for most details of a rooftop, offering a full line of vent and pipe boots, tube wraps, pourable sealer pockets, and universal corners that can be cut to accommodate either an inside or outside corner. You can save time and ensure consistent quality in all the flashings by choosing these ready-to-use accessories. These accessories can help contractors boost their productivity. 3. Self-Adhered TPO You can eliminate the need to apply adhesive altogether when you choose a self-adhered roof. GAF's EverGuard® SA TPO comes with the adhesive already applied on the back of the membrane. Once positioned, the crew just folds the membrane sheet back, removes the release liner to expose the factory-applied adhesive, lays the membrane in place and brooms in the sheet before using a weighted roller. Then the crew heat welds the seams. 4. Extra-Wide Rolls When self-adhered TPO isn't an option, roofers can make their installation time more efficient by using rolls of membrane that are wider than the standard 10 feet. GAF offers 12-foot-wide rolls of membrane that are ideal for jobs with large, open rooftop areas. Get more coverage in less time, and 20% wider rolls means fewer seams to weld. 5. Learn From the Experts GAF offers a robust video library featuring roofing veterans Dave Scott and Wally Brown. The Roofing it Right series features how-to videos, including a Self-Adhered Membrane Product Overview. These informative and educational videos cover topics as diverse as roof inspections, core cuts, tear-offs, and installations. Contractors can both provide quality installations and save time on the job by taking advantage of these innovative solutions. You can also reach out to your GAF Territory Manager for additional information or to discuss your specific project needs.
By Karen L Edwards
June 30, 2022
Commercial Roofing
Commercial vs Residential Roofing: What Are the Differences?
Every roof is different, and that's especially true when comparing commercial vs residential roofing, also known as low-slope vs steep-slope roofing. Many roofing contractors start out installing residential roofs because they have a low cost of entry. The process requires minimal specialized equipment—most roofers are able to start out with a truck, a ladder, a nail gun, a compressor, and safety gear. You can earn a great living installing residential roofs. But as your business grows, you may consider installing larger commercial roofs that provide steady work over weeks or even months. Commercial roofing also brings more opportunities for regular service and maintenance, helping you develop relationships with customers. When it comes time to replace their roof, they'll know your company can get the job done. If you're interested in expanding into commercial roofing, it's important to understand the differences between commercial and residential roofing, from crew size to specialized equipment to financial considerations. Using Specialized Equipment Although you can install shingles with a nail gun, the same can't be said for commercial roofing installations. For instance, if you plan to install a thermoplastic single-ply membrane such as GAF EverGuard® TPO, you'll need to invest in hot air welding equipment to weld the seams and handheld welders for the flashing details. If the system is specified to be an adhered installation, the job may require a spray rig to apply the adhesive efficiently and effectively. In the case of an induction welded system, RhinoBond® induction welding equipment helps secure the membrane and insulation to the roof deck without penetrating the membrane. This equipment can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Identifying Crew Size and Experience A residential roofing crew can range anywhere from four to six workers, who are typically able to reroof an average-sized home in one day. Commercial roofing crews need more people and more time. Depending on the size of the building and the roofing materials involved, commercial roofing replacements can take anywhere from several days to months. You'll also want to be sure to ensure your crews are properly trained and certified by the manufacturer so that you can offer system warranties or guarantees to building owners for their new roofs. Reviewing Safety Measures Safety comes first on every roofing job, and the safety requirements on commercial roofing projects can vary greatly from those on a residential roof. Prepare a comprehensive safety plan for each commercial roof that includes identifying roof access points, establishing safety perimeter lines at the roof edge, locating and flagging potential hazards such as skylights, and reviewing the need for any special fall protection equipment such as weighted anchors or parapet clamps. OSHA safety requirements are readily available in their guide for protecting roofing workers available on www.osha.org. Considering Financial Concerns While a residential roofing project may have a short life cycle for installation and payment, a large commercial roofing project can take months to install—and potentially months to get paid following the installation. Many large companies pay on a 30-, 60-, or even 90-day payment system, and will often work retainage into the contract. Retainage refers to a percent of every payment that is withheld until substantial completion of the project- which could mean when most other trades on the job have finished their work as well. You'll need to be sure that your company is in a financial position to wait that length of time before receiving payment, and ensure you're capable of completing the job by any date indicated on the contract to avoid liquidated damages. The sales life cycle for a large commercial roofing project can take a long time as well. You'll need a good salesperson who can find jobs, build relationships, and work closely with your estimating team to develop a solid bid. Partnering with Your Manufacturer Navigating the differences in commercial vs residential roofing can raise new questions for roofers. As you expand your business in a new direction, GAF is here to help you find success with a robust training library and expert videos that allow you to learn at your own pace. This support is available through the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has a host of resources and training to fit your goals and the way you prefer to learn. Get started by reaching out to your GAF territory manager, who can help you begin your journey in commercial roofing. RhinoBond® is a registered trademark of OMG, Inc.
By Karen L Edwards
June 14, 2022

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