Five Common Leak Sources NOT Associated With The Roof

It all starts with seeing a small drip of water or a stained ceiling tile. The little nuisance that a roof leak is to a building owner always is cause for concern to get addressed and repaired before it ever turns into a larger major problem. Many times a real estate building owner will call for a commercial roofing contractor to service a building for roof leaks they see but they are not always necessarily coming from the roof itself. Yes it may come from the ‘roof area’ but there are several other key things that need to be considered and looked into which a majority of the time, can be major causes of roof leaks in the commercial building world.

1. HVAC Units – Air conditioning units are many times found to be the culprit of a roof leak. From a backed up condensate line, to a rusted out drip pan, or a unit that is not properly sealed – HVAC units are common causes of every day roof leaks on commercial real estate buildings. Taking the time to locate a leak from the inside of the building and seeing if it lines up with a mechanical unit on the roof surface is a great step in determining if the HVAC unit is a possible cause. Also look for holes or missing screws on units where rain water can easily gain access into a unit or penetration and make its way into a building.

2. Cracks in Walls and Wall Joints – If a leak of water appears to be coming down from an outside wall of a building, this may be caused from cracks in walls or bad mortar. One of the most common sources of leaks on the wall of a building are found at wall joints especially when the sealant at these areas crack and deteriorate over time. Always keep regular observation on the upkeep of a buildings exterior walls and if cracks/voids start showing in wall areas, they should be addressed right away.

3. Plumbing from Roof Drains – As buildings age, the plumbing and seals of a building often need to be inspected regularly as plumbing seals can deteriorate and wear over time. If a so called ‘roof leak’ is coming from an area with a roof drain or drain pipe located near it, there can be cause for concern that the leak is actually associated with the plumbing of a building. This may take thorough examination by a roofing contractor and plumbing contractor together but once it’s determined to be coming from the roof drain bowl or the roof drain line – a plumbing contractor will have to take it from there. One side note to consider if the leak is at the drain bowl / pipe connection – a metal retrofit roof drain might be an option to fix the issue.

4. Condensation and Moisture – If you ever walk into a cold grocery store or temperature controlled environment, the temperature from cooling equipment can cause major moisture issues which can lead to condensation and moisture drips. Most of this comes down to the design of a buildings air cooling systems via piping or duct work that may be up against the roof deck in the ceiling but it is usually very easy to identify. If stained ceiling tiles or drips of water are coming from areas with duct work or pipes in the ceiling area, the main thing to monitor is if these drips of water are occurring during normal sunny days where no rain has been present. If this happens to be the case, a professional HVAC technician might have major issues to address in the insulation and function of the air cooling system in a building.

5. Foundation Water Entry – There are times when a commercial building owner comes into their building one morning and they find water all over the ground or up against walls. A common source, especially on older buildings is that the water may be coming in via the floor or wall-to-ground areas of a building. If the puddles of water are large or extremely saturated but no staining of ceiling areas or old water marks are found, this foundation issue may be the main problem. It would be wise to wait until a good heavy rain and see if it actually leaks in the rain from the roof at all.

Roof leaks or leaks that may be believed to come from the roof can be a common occurrence in the commercial real estate world but having proper professional contractors who know how to investigate and sort through the different water entry items of a building are a great resource to have.

For professional commercial roofing services and consultation for a real estate building which is facing leaking issues – contact one of the fifteen (15) national commercial roofing offices of Peach State Roofing Inc. Their information can be found on the locations page of our website.

Bidding a Roofing Project with Multiple Manufacturers Specified

Commercial real estate building owners usually find it advantageous to open up their roof bidding process to accept multiple roofing manufacturers. Not only does this allow them to possibly open themselves up to using more qualified and professional roofing contractors in a bidding process but it usually brings a few other things to consider to possibly help them in their commercial roofing needs.

Below are three reasons a building owner may want to consider opening up their bidding to multiple roofing manufacturers.

1. More competitive pricing – Just as having 2 or 3 contractors bidding a roofing project brings more competitive pricing to keep contractors “honest” with their pricing, having multiple manufacturers specified for bidding does the same thing. Pricing for roofing contractors all starts with roofing manufacturer material pricing. Whether it is the cost for TPO, EPDM, polyiso, or roofing accessories, pricing is more competitive to the contractors when they know they are bidding against other roof manufacturers.
2. Different warranties and coverages –  As previously mentioned – commercial roofing manufacturers are competitive and trying to win successful business just like any other industry. At times, different projects may require different approvals or needs from a warranty or project approval stand point. It can be common for roofing manufacturers to work with building owners and contractors to create more favorable warranty conditions or allow different details if that helps the project or owner and them to secure the project. Be careful though here as it is not recommended to sacrifice quality just to get a better price. Always understand fully what differences are present that manufacturers offer from their other roofing competitors.
3. Customer service and local representatives – Every roofing manufacturer has different levels of customer service and local roofing manufacturer representatives. As with all companies, a real estate owner can experience different levels of service, expertise, and support from the roofing manufacturers. One area of the country might have strong representation with one roofing manufacturer but in other areas of the country, a different roofing manufacturer might be more strongly suited for the building owner. It is common for building owners to find preference for roofing manufacturers and contractors around the country depending on the area.

Overall, finding and allowing for good roofing manufacturers in a real estate building owners bidding process is good for them from many stand points. A key recommendation is to stay with using key/strong roofing manufacturers such as Johns Manville, Carlisle, Firestone, Fibertite, GAF, Versico, etc just to name a few.

For help with being put in touch and partnering with a good list of roofing manufacturers for a commercial roofing project, Peach State Roofing local offices are happy to be contacted to discuss strong recommendations for building owners. By partnering with a good roofing contractor such as Peach State Roofing to deliver a successful warranted roof system, building owners can rest assured that their buildings needs will be well tended to.

---

Peach State Roofing Inc is a national commercial roofing contractor with 15 full service offices located around the country. Specialties of Peach State Roofing include commercial roofing with TPO, EPDM, PVC, KEE and repair and maintenance services.

EPDM Tid Bits

Specifically known as ethylene propylene diene monomer, EPDM, has been and still is to this day a major commercial roofing product in the real estate industry for keeping buildings dry. It has been a dominate membrane in the single ply market around the country for many years and although TPO and its white reflective surface have taken a good bit of market share from EPDM, this typically black rubber membrane is still for many, a “go-to” roofing product. Many influential markets such as commercial, government, hospitals, and education buildings all have long standing use of EPDM.

Like previously stated, EPDM is traditionally black in color and the simplest way to describe EPDM is that it is a flat sheet of rubber. It can be made as a reinforced membrane or a non-reinforced membrane. For a roofing membrane to be reinforced, it means that fabric/scrim is manufactured inside the layers of rubber. This creates added strength for certain installation areas, especially to prevent tearing of the membrane during installations that are mechanically attached roof systems. If a roof system is fully adhered or ballasted in its securement, PSR typically prefers a non-reinforced membrane as do many roofing manufacturer’s reps.

EPDM is an easy product to handle, maneuver around penetrations and wrap special areas with. Once laid out, it’s seams are adhered together using an EPDM primer and a ‘peel n stick’ / seam tape product. This is a very simple and reliable way to seal the seams and prior to this seam adhesion process, proper cleaning of the membrane area is key. Contractor’s can buy membrane with factory applied seam tape already on rolls now.

The standard thicknesses for EPDM come in 45 mil, 60 mil, and 90 mil membranes. Rolls typically installed are 10 ft wide in nature however for large wide open roofing projects, some contractor’s may elect to go with a 20 ft wide roll of membrane so that less seams are needing to be sealed thus creating faster installation time and less leak sources.

Many contractor’s say that when an EPDM roof system is at its life expectancy, it is not because of the EPDM failing because it is only rubber. The main sign of an EPDM system failing is when the seams and penetrations start coming loose. Occasionally weathering and sun can dry out the rubber membrane causing it to be brittle and tear easily as well.

In recent market trends, EPDM has been installed less and less in the south due to its high ‘heat’ attraction nature with its black surface. In in the north however, EPDM still is in use a great deal. Roofing manufacturer’s have started to make white EPDM to compete with TPO white membranes and they are great systems to consider for some owners.

From a price point, EPDM is more expensive than TPO due to the amounts of accessories and adhesives, primers, and cleaners needed. One price point where EPDM can compete better with TPO is in the application nature for a roofing project itself. A building with an existing EPDM building and ballast river rock on it may elect to go with a “re-ballast” or “re-skin” of the existing ballasted EPDM membrane by simply pushing the rock aside and swapping out the EPDM membrane with new. The main point in considering EPDM is that it opens contractor’s and building owners up to different applications which may fit better than other types.

Overall, EPDM is a terrific product in the commercial roofing industry. It should always be expected to have a solid strong hold for certain buildings across the country and as commercial roofing always makes advances, EPDM will be reliable option for many years to come.

Article written by: Jaret Sweatt

Why NOT to get a ‘Single-Source’ Warranty

Every now and then contractors try to offer a ‘Single Source’ warranty. In other words, they offer a warranty where they are solely the full supplier and backer of the roofing system installed. Rather than following a roofing industry standard of having a “third party” roofing manufacturer’s warranty, some contractors promote only a document with their name on it as a level of protection and security for building owners. Although this may seem great to a building owner, many are regretful of having a roofing warranty which is only covered by the contractor. Roofing contractors who offer their own warranties often pitch to owners that their warranties and repair process’ are simpler, quicker, or better quality on a few accords. One key note for commercial building owners to remember is that warranties are there to protect the building owners but also the roof warranty providers to a certain level as well. Contractors who offer “single source” warranties typically offer the same time lengths of 10, 15, and 20+ year warranties as that of roofing manufacturer’s (“third party” warranties). There are not a lot of reputable contractors who offer these ‘sales pitch’ type warranties but below are three reasons why to stay away from a contractor who DOES NOT provide you with a true commercial roofing manufacturer’s warranty.

1. Proven and Long-Term Tested Installation Details – When a contractor is installing a new roofing system to meet warranty requirements of a specified roofing manufacturer, they are held to a much higher status than a contractor who is providing their own warranty. Being that the roofing manufacturer is a “third party” and will be the responsible party holding the warranty, they are going to ensure that the details of the roofing system installed are made in the highest degree with proven long term installation standards. It can be common place for contractors who do not provide a manufacturer’s warranty to simply ‘cut corners’ to make the roofing work or be a lower price. At the end of the day, those types of contractors pick and choose what they do and do not install rather than being held to high quality proven methods.
2. Quality Inspection and Performance Reviews – When a roof is either in progress or going through its final inspection process, a good quality roof inspection process is key. After all, this is what is testing the roof to make sure it will up-hold to long term performance. When working with a roofing contractor who is providing a manufacturer’s warranty in lieu of just a contractor’s warranty (even if it is a contractor’s 20 year warranty), a “third party” roofing manufacturer’s field inspector is going to come out to every job and complete a thorough inspection of all of the details installed, often do probe testing of seams in a roof, and evaluate the newly installed roof system to make sure it will hold up against “Mother Nature” for the course of the long term roof warranty. Often times, contractors who provide only their own warranties, skip the roof inspection process’ or become very slack on them just to get past the project and move on to the next one.
3. Larger Contractor Coverage – Sometimes there are problems that come up between owners and contractors and for a building owner to know they are backed by a larger parent company other than the original contractor of choice can give the said owner peace of mind. There are instances where contractors who give only their own warranties go out of business, get bought out, etc and their warranties become void to the building owners. Also, building owners may experience bad treatment by their roofing contractor and may want a new contractor to serve them. If the owner is tied down to a contractor who provided ONLY their own warranty and NOT a roofing manufacturer’s warranty, they only will be stuck dealing with ONLY the original contractor who they may not prefer anymore. At least in the instance of conflict, a building owner has access to a variety of quality approved roofing contractors if they have a roofing manufacturer’s warranty to go with their new roof system.

The common expression used among building owner and contractors when it comes to warning owners of “single source” roof warranties by the contractor is that you never want the contractor to play “judge, jury, and executioner” when it comes to making and upholding the decisions and performance of the roof system. By partnering up with a quality commercial roofing contractor who is providing a manufacturer’s roof warranty on any roofing project, building owners can receive the proper “third party” benefits to ensure quality, performance, and service for the life time of their roofing systems.

Some leading manufacturer’s to ask your roofing contractor about for warranties: Johns Manville, Carlisle, Firestone, GAF, Sarnafil, Fibertite, Versico, GenFlex, etc.

Five Important Safety Items for a Roofing Job Site

In today’s world and any construction site, contractors can never be too safe. Not only is it important for the workers themselves to be safe so that they may return home each day, but safety is also important for the general public and those on the job sites being worked on. As society as a whole pays more attention to safety for purposes of liability, insurance, and corporate responsibility – quality roofing contractors are taking steps to ensure proper measures are taken to create safe job sites and working environments.

Below are five common steps that commercial roofing contractors can take and all of which Peach State Roofing has taken around its nationally located offices to create safe working job sites.

1. OSHA Training Cards – Peach State Roofing has taken the step to have most all of its site superintendents and project managers trained in an OSHA 10 hour training class. By having key site management trained in proper safety classes, job sites can be expected to have safer working conditions for the workers and the building occupants below. Peach State Roofing requires those trained in the OSHA 10 hour training classes to carry their certification cards with them to any roofing job sites.
2. Safety Flagging – OSHA requires safety flagging to be set up on job site roofs 6 feet from the perimeter of the building. As a roofing contractor, this should be the first thing done when loading up and starting a job site. Typically red flagging is used and contractors should stay away from only using caution tape as this is not approved flagging. Flagging off of the roof perimeter, dumpster areas, staging/loading areas, and any other needed locations which may encounter work should always be taken and can prevent dangerous situations.
3. Tie Off Plates – In addition to red safety flagging, OSHA approved tie off plates should be used if needed. On many new construction or re-roofing projects – certified tie off plates can be anchored directly into the buildings decking system with approved fasteners to allow for harness tie off locations around the building. If an employee is ever working out side of the safety flagging, they should use 100% full tie off requirements.
4. Fire Extinguishers – Fires can be extremely dangerous if they ever occur on a roof due to the limited nature of access and worker evacuation. Commercial roofing systems use a variety of flammable materials such as weathered membrane cleaner and bonding adhesive. The slightest spark during construction or the use of heat generating tools can cause serious fire threats on a job site. Having properly sized fire extinguishers located at numerous areas around the roofing job site are a serious requirement.
5. Proper Safety Attire – It is no question that roofers face conditions that can have wear and tear on the body or cause serious damage to themselves. For these cases, having workers wear basic safety approved attire can help prevent injuries on the job site. Some proper safety attire on commercial roofing job sites typically include things like steel-toed work boots, safety yellow vests or shirts, safety glasses, hard hats, and work gloves. Of course specific job site conditions can warrant other types of safety measures but the basics should always be covered.

All in all, it is not hard to implement standards to create a safe work environment for both field workers, management, and occupants of a job site. With a little dedication, on going safety training, and paying attention to detail – commercial roofing contractors can provide quality services with safe work habit practices.

Recycling Metal from Roofing Projects

It has been common practice for Peach State Roofing Inc over the course of many years to participate and promote recycling among all of its 15 nationally located branches when it comes to metal products and existing materials from construction sites.

Many times during the course of a re-roofing project, the existing sheet metal from the building site needs to be removed in order to install a new properly functioning roofing system. The most common types of metal removed from an existing building during the re-roofing process are copings, gravel stop fascias, gutters, downspouts, and counter flashings. Of course there are many other details on buildings upon tearing out the existing conditions that reveal metal which must be disposed of. In the case of all of the previously listed metal details, Peach State Roofing for years has elected to transport the metal back to our local offices where there are storage bins for different types of recyclable metals. In addition to metal that comes back from project sites with existing metal conditions, Peach State Roofing recycles excess/scrap metal which is created in our metal fabrication shops in the process of cutting sheet metal to make the numerous roofing edge metal details. Each one of Peach State Roofing's national offices has a metal fabrication shop of its own.

Besides the positive gestures of the recycling itself, recycling roofing edge metals from re-roofing sites has allowed Peach State Roofing to cut down on the amount of dumpsters used on job sites thus saving money in its jobs which allows for more competitive pricing to end building owner customers. Management not only looks at this recycling initiative from the financial aspect but also a good awareness tool to our employees themselves. For many years, Peach State Roofing management has taken many approaches in teaching and educating employees in good construction practices.
Over the course of years, Peach State Roofing has estimated that it has recycled thousands of pounds of scrap metal from construction sites all over the entire United States. As stated earlier, each Peach State Roofing office successfully participates in this green initiative program.

Besides this simple construction practice of recycling metal, other recycling practices have been used on a job-by-job basis depending on owner preferences around the country over the years. To name just a few other recycling construction practices Peach State Roofing has participated in on certain jobs, PSR has recycled EPDM membrane, polyiso roof insulation, plastic buckets and packaging, cardboard boxes and packaging, metal pails and storage bins, wood, and some chemicals on a case by case basis. Although not every re-roofing job allows for recycling principles to fully take place, it has been a proud business point for Peach State Roofing to have participated in some of the roofing industries best recycling practices. As technology and the roofing industry will always be changing, Peach State Roofing looks forward to being a leader among roofing contractors in providing some of the best construction practices in the industry.

Company Info: Peach State Roofing Inc is a nationally recognized commercial roofing contractor headquartered out of Lawrenceville, Georgia. With 15 offices locations, Peach State Roofing specializes in the installation of TPO, EPDM, and PVC roof membrane systems. Major manufacturer's supported by Peach State Roofing are Carlisle, Johns Manville, Firestone, Versico, GAF, Fibertite, Sarnafil, and many more. For a local office near you, please reference the 'Locations' page of our website!

Peach State Roofing Featured in Vol. 8 / Issue 4 of ROOFING MAGAZINE!

In this past month’s issue of ROOFING MAGAZINE, Peach State Roofing was proudly honored to be included in one of the top publications for the commercial roofing industry. The featured project was a large outdoor mall for Simon Property Group -Gaffney Premium Outlets.  Three of the five buildings in the complex were re-roofed by Peach State Roofing as a recover application to meet a set specification and all projects passed the manufacturer’s roof inspection with excellent reviews. The manufacturer of choice on this project was selected by the owner as Firestone Building Products and a high density cover board was the insulation recovery board of choice. TPO in a 60 mil thickness and a 20 year warranty were chosen by the owner and overall the project was executed with great management.  The project was managed by senior project managers Anthony Wilkerson and Blake Wideman whom did an excellent job with daily reporting and communication with the real estate contacts.

Below is a brief exert from the article….

The Peach State Way……

Headquartered in Atlanta, Peach State Roofing Inc. has 15 branches and covers clients across the nation. The company specializes in commercial and industrial roofing, and excels at large-scale single-ply jobs. The goal of every branch is to provide the same level of service for clients no matter where they are in the country, as exemplified by a recent project at a large retail mall in South Carolina.

Peach State’s Charlotte branch is located in Rock Hill, S.C. The company has re-roofed three of the five roofs at Gaffney Premium Outlets in Gaffney, S.C., including two roofs completed this year in just two weeks. Anthony Wilkerson, the branch manager, and Blake Wideman, strategic accounts, shared their insights on the project.

Peach State’s Charlotte branch focuses primarily on re-roofing, service and maintenance work for existing customers and property managers. Most of the company’s work involves TPO, EPDM and PVC, but crews have to be able to handle almost every type of system on the market. “If there is a hotel with some shingles or metal on it, we want to be…….

For reading the remainder of the article on the Gaffney Premium Outlets commercial roofing project please click the link below.....

http://www.roofingmagazine.com/planning-and-teamwork-are-essential-in-tackling-retail-project/ 

Peach State Roofing is a national commercial roofing contractor specializing in TPO, EPDM, and PVC roof systems as well as built up roofing and modified roofing repairs services. With 15 offices nationally, a local office is available to serve commercial real estate properties across the country. Check out our website locations page for more details.

TPO ‘Tid Bits’……

Thermoplastic polyolefin is the literal terminology of what commercial roofing companies around the world call TPO. The material is a single-ply reflective roofing membrane that is made of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that is polymerized together. The membrane itself has been accepted in the market of commercial roofing by broad businesses across the country. The reasoning behind this huge upswing in support is because TPO has more performance and installation advantages than common other forms of membrane. TPO is among the fastest growing commercial roofing products in the modern world and there is no doubt that it will continue to rise.

It is cost effective when compared to other roofing systems. The thicker the membrane the more resistant to tears, impacts, and punctures that can easily happen while being installed. Standard thickness’ are 45 mil, 60 mil, and 80 mil. The resistance between a 45 and 80 mil membrane is an estimated increase of 50%. It also has great flexibility to allow for movement while the construction workers are putting the membrane together on the roof itself. What is even more amazing is how it is able to be installed on low and high slope surfaces, as well as being able to be heated and reshaped or melted multiple times. Flexibility allows easy access to some tight areas on the roof as well as rapid installation which helps keep costs down. Another way this innovation cuts down costs drastically is by being available in large panels/sheet sizes. It reduces the number of panels/sheets ordered in a shipment in comparison to a typical modified bitumen 3 foot wide sheet. That also means less welding/adhering of seams. Standard rolls of TPO come anywhere from 6 ft wide to 12 ft wide.

When most people are looking at a building, they rarely think about the color of the membrane on the roof. With that said, it is in fact in the minds of the many business owners that have to pay their air conditioning bills. It has been proven that buildings with light colored roofing are able to reflect the sun’s energy and reduce the amount of heat taken in. Not only does it benefit the building itself, but it also has a significant impact on the surrounding area as a whole. Today a key issue that comes up, especially in down town city areas is the Heat Island Effect. These reflective roofs can help reduce that effect.

Some quick facts about this particular membrane are that it has been used for nearly 40 years and started off in the country of Italy. TPO is typically installed in three colors that are the most generic being white, grey, and tan. Not only has TPO been a breakthrough in commercial roofing but it is also used for underground cabling and waterproofing. This use began around 30 years ago.

Sooner or later roofing will continue to bring about changes just as it should be, but as of now, what is really changing is how TPO is being brought to the forefront with good reason. Over the course of the past decade the market for TPO has increased by 20+% for year over year growth according to a major manufacturer. Just in the United States alone 28% of commercial roofing is TPO based (Industry Data 2012) and as more consumers and businesses are enlightened, the market will continue to expand.

*Article researched and written by Jaret Sweatt

Peach State Roofing displaying at the 2017 BOMA International Show

This upcoming weekend, Peach State Roofing Inc out of Lawrenceville, Georgia will be displaying at the national BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) trade show in Nashville, Tennessee! This is the key show for commercial real estate owners, property managers, facility managers, maintenance technicians, and other real estate industry professionals. The BOMA International show highlights some of the leading service and product providers nationally for the commercial real estate industry.

Peach State Roofing will have a large display open at the BOMA show where it will be displaying a wide variety of fun items and services! Come by the booth for refreshments, snacks, give aways, and watch some live sports while meeting team members from numerous Peach State Roofing offices nationally!

PRESS RELEASE – Peach State Roofing, Inc., Receives Carlisle’s 2017 Excellence in Single-Ply Award

(Carlisle, Pennsylvania) – Carlisle SynTec Systems, a leading manufacturer and supplier of single-ply roofing systems, recently honored Peach State Roofing, Inc., with its 2017 Excellence in Single-Ply (ESP) Award. Created in 1998 to recognize Carlisle’s foremost contractor partners, ESP has become one of the best-known and most prestigious awards in the roofing industry.

Carlisle selects ESP Award winners based on a number of metrics, including workmanship and sales volume. Inclusion in ESP is an acknowledgement that a contractor is an industry leader who consistently delivers outstanding service and installation quality.

“Carlisle appreciates Peach State Roofing’s commitment to installing high-quality products and providing outstanding  workmanship on every job. Peach State Roofing shares Carlisle’s dedication to roofing excellence and consistently exemplifies this philosophy in the field,” said Nick Shears, Carlisle’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Peach State Roofing is one of only 140 applicators in North America to receive Carlisle’s 2017 ESP Award. The ESP award is given out annually; 2017 marked the 20th anniversary of ESP.

About Peach State Roofing, Inc.: Peach State Roofing specializes in commercial and industrial roofing. Whether it is new construction or a re-roofing project, the experts at Peach State provide customers with high-performance products and high-quality installations. To find out how you can benefit from the services offered by Peach State Roofing, call 800-604-9309 or visit www.peachstateroofinginc.com

About Carlisle SynTec Systems: Carlisle SynTec Systems, headquartered in Carlisle, Pa., has been manufacturing single-ply membrane roofing systems for more than half a century. Carlisle SynTec Systems is a business segment of Carlisle Construction Materials, LLC and has membrane manufacturing facilities in Carlisle, PA.; Greenville, Ill.; Senatobia, Miss,; and Tooele, Utah. For more information, call 800-479-6832 or visit www. carlislesyntec.com

Training the 'Peach State' Way

Training, education, mentoring, and growth are all key attributes that people seek and desire in so many areas of life and their careers. It is the sense of being poured into and making steps toward progress. Motivation is found in having people who care about your long term success and not just an immediate impact. At Peach State Roofing, it is common culture of building a team of competent commercial roofing professionals who are well rounded and well versed in the world of flat or low sloped roofed systems as well as many other types of commercial roofing and waterproofing practices. Whether dealing with TPO, EPDM, PVC, Fibertite, modified bitumen, built up roofs, roof coatings, repair work, waterproofing, asphalt shingles, metal panels and beyond, Peach State Roofing strives to take time and educate it's employees on anything and everything that it may encounter in the commercial construction world. Peach State's view point on experience or education is that the process of growth and knowledge is something that cannot be rushed. As many other contractor's in the commercial roofing world seek to just 'fill a spot', it's Peach State Roofing's belief that a long slow track of continual field experience and constant mentoring by older industry professionals is not only key but truly a requirement to be successful in the long term time frame of a career.

Something that has becoming very well known among contractors, manufacturer's and other industry professionals in the commercial roofing world is the long term training and education of personnel at Peach State Roofing nationally. To many who come to PSR it is explained as training and learning the roofing industry the 'Peach State Way'. It's often explained to new hires coming into the roofing industry that Peach State fully expects a good three years of being hands on in the industry before that person can truly understand and 'run fully' at their craft in the roofing industry. Yes, all hires bring tremendous value and skill that is of great use to Peach State Roofing right from the start but management tries to make employees understand that they do not want to rush their growth and teach them what is believed to be the 'right way'. 

Even as industry professionals come on board around the country with certain levels of roofing and waterproofing experience, PSR encourages all employees to in a way, forget what they know and come in with a fresh mind and attitude of learning everything new.

Typically the ideal path for people coming into the roofing industry is one in which Peach State Roofing encourages professionals to very simply work on the roofs. What better way to learn the commercial roofing industry than to learn how to install it hands on. It is explained that the notion of working on the roods is not a long term position but a stepping stone in the right direction. Whether it is a college graduate or a seasoned professional, when an employee is willing to work on the roofs for 3-6 months acting as a site superintendent, repair technician, assistant project manager, warehouse sheet metal fabricator, or quite simply a general roof or metal laborer, the level of success when that employee comes of the roofs to work and train in the proper long term position is incredibly higher than employees who did not take that 'field experience' type path. Quite simply, you will hear management at Peach State Roofing tell others that the longer personnel can work on the 'flat roofs', the better they will be down the road.

The experience of learning in the field is hard work for both the employee and the employer but PSR feels its the best way. There is a very hands on daily interaction and approach from upper management with its employees that comes from the top personnel literally knowing how to roof and vast years of installation experience from the founding days of the company. The founding personnel of Peach State Roofing literally have thousands and thousands of hours of installing commercial roof systems of all types on their own, especially in the early years of the company. Most people in the roofing industry know the reputation that the upper management of Peach State Roofing are some of the best roof installers in the company. It is not rare for key personnel to go to job sites to literally install roof fasteners, insulation board, or heat weld membrane side by side with the crews in an effort to teach them the quality that Peach State Roofing expects.

Peach State Roofing teaches new employees for sales, project management, and many other career paths how to run a commercial roofing crew, install polyiso roofing insulation and other types of cover boards, use a screw gun to install roof insulation, how to use a heat gun and weld different types of membrane roof systems, how to fabricate and install metal details and so much more. PSR works to bounce trainees around to all sorts of different roof systems such as TPO to a PVC system to an EPDM system to a roof coating and beyond. There is the desire to have our personnel well rounded and well versed. Different manufacturer's such as Johns Manville, Firestone, Carlisle, Versico, Fibertite, and GAF are all different variations of roofing systems that personnel are placed on to become well versed with the different roofing manufacturer's and their warranty installation requirements. Quite simply, field roofing experience is highly thought of at Peach State Roofing.

When employees come 'off of the roofs' and into their long term career paths - continual education is always a main practice. Plant tours at manufacturer's locations such as Fibertite, Johns Manville, and Carlisle all have been used as great education tools. Roof system manufacturer's from rep firms such as Versico, Firestone and beyond are brought in regularly to many of PSR's national offices for industry updates, lunch and learns, and on-going education for our reps. Tradeshow visits in the commercial roofing industry and construction industry overall are used to walk teams of Peach State Roofing employees around to learn directly from many product manufacturer's and service providers with what is 'new' in the commercial construction world. Very easily stated, the process of continual roofing industry training is extensive, on going, and very valued at Peach State Roofing.

The list and story of training employee's the 'Peach State Way' can go on and on but it is a hope that many in the commercial / flat roofing world and real estate industry come to understand that Peach State Roofing professionals are some of the most well rounded and knowledgeable professionals in the industry.  Ask around other companies and roofing systems manufacturer's such as Johns Manville, Carlisle, and Firestone and many will tell you that long term employees at Peach State Roofing truly have great commercial roofing knowledge and are highly sought after professionals across the entire country. It will remain Peach State Roofing's common practice to always seek willing professionals to have 'teach-ability'  and a desire to grow so that trusted commercial roofing industry professionals are brought up and highly successful for years to come.

*Peach State Roofing is a national commercial roofing contractor specializing in installations of TPO, PVC, EPDM, and roof coating systems. Repair services are available on each of these systems as well as work on modified bitumen and built up roof (BUR) systems. Sheet metal work is also a large service provided. With 15 offices helping to serve the a large majority of the United States, Peach State Roofing is recognized as a commercial roofing industry leader. Visit our 'Location' page for a list of our national commercial roofing offices - http://peachstateroofinginc.com/locations/ 

Locations - Peach State Roofing Inc peachstateroofinginc.com Peach State Roofing is licensed throughout the United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We currently have 15 fully staffed offices supporting our customers ...

Firestone Master Contractor Award Letter - 2017

Throughout 2016, this firm has earned a spot as one of the most elite contractors in the nation thanks to a commitment to long-term roofing system performance and high quality workmanship. Therefore, Firestone Building Products is pleased to present Peach State Roofing, Inc. with the 2017 Master Contractor award. The annual Master Contractor Program honors top Firestone Building Products Red Shield Licensed Roofing Contractors for excellence in roofing system installation, quality of work and customer service. This year holds a special distinction, as 2017 commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Master Contractor Program.

The Master Contractor award represents contractors who have mastered quality commercial roofing solutions and who exemplify the hard work, determination and entrepreneurial leadership that defines Firestone Building Products.

Peach State Roofing, Inc. achieved this designation by meeting requirements for total square footage installed; outstanding inspection ratings on materials covered by the Red Shield Warranty; and the number of completed Red Shield warranted jobs. Master Contractors are also required to earn a Preferred Quality Incidence Rating (QIR) that does not exceed 2.5 times the average QIR for Red Shield Contractors.

On behalf of Firestone Building Products, I congratulate Peach State Roofing, Inc. on a successful 2016. The firm demonstrates a commitment to excellence and has upheld our high commercial roofing standards. We are pleased to recognize Peach State Roofing, Inc. as a Master Contractor winner and look forward to continuing our partnership to provide superior building performance solutions in 2017 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Timothy C. Dunn

President, Firestone Building Products

Peach State Roofing, Inc. – National Commercial Roofing Services

1-800-604-9309

www.PeachStateRoofingInc.com

Manufacturer's Warranty and Roof Maintenance

Written By: Wayne T. Belina – Peach State Roofing – South Florida Office

The length of the manufacturer’s warranty shouldn’t be the principle factor in selecting a roofing system. A good roof system requires proper design, quality materials, and quality application to perform successfully. The warranty alone doesn’t provide assurances of actual roof system performance. Selecting a quality roofing contractor and engaging in a proactive maintenance program is vital to the longevity of your new roofing system. Yet once the roof system is installed, more often than not, the roof is simply left unattended until a leak occurs. Nothing is more critical to its long-term performance than establishing a program of regular inspections and proper maintenance. A common misconception is that warranties are all inclusive and should cover virtually all roofing issues. It is far better to get quality installation upfront using quality materials than to rely solely on a written document for roof system performance.

Roofs, like all components, require maintenance; in fact, most manufactures’ warranties stipulate that all roofs are required to have a minimum of two (2) inspections per year to keep the warranty in force. This requirement, although stringent, is a very good practice, particularly in Florida with its harsh roofing climate. Florida regularly encounters heavy rains, tropical storm type winds, excessive UV exposure, and high amounts of foot traffic caused by, among others, technicians maintaining A/C equipment. Warranties often contain exclusions which limits the manufacturer’s liability. Roofing systems should be chosen based on objective comparisons of proven roofing systems and on the contractor’s expertise and their ability to perform routine maintenance.

Even a “20 year” roof cannot reasonably achieve such a life span without regular attention. In order for a warranty to be valid, materials manufacturers are increasingly requiring that building owners provide proof of regular inspections. Considering the amount invested in a new or replacement roof, regular maintenance is a small price to pay. A formal, long-term relationship with a professional roofing contractor providing roof maintenance will help protect your investment in your building and ensure the greatest life cycle value from your roofing system.

According to respected business writer Peter Drucker:

In a Wall Street Journal Article (April 13, 1993) and in his textbook “Managing in a Great Change” (Truman Talley Books/Dutton), Drucker discusses the cost of non-performance. If a property manager or owner wants to save some money and skip a roof inspection, what can result? Here is an illustration: Imagine that a huge storm blows in, but the roof drains are blocked. Water cannot drain, it builds up on the roof, and the tremendous weight of the water causes the roof membrane to tear. Thousands of gallons of water burst into the building, soaking computers, furniture, company records, and the building interior. Materials and inventory are ruined, work stops for weeks, and income is lost. This worst-case scenario illustrates the merit of preventive roof maintenance.

The common thread in all repair issues is neglect. However, developing a routine maintenance program for managing built-up roofs not only saves headaches, but also makes good business sense, by helping to lessen repair issues and to achieve the expected life from the roofing system.

Select a maintenance program that is proactive (rather than reactive). It is better to identify and correct problems sooner than later. A proactive maintenance program can uncover and address minor leaks before they become catastrophic. Too many times roofs are only inspected after a leak occurs. While most leak calls are handled in a timely manner by a roofing contractor; warranty repairs can take time to be processed and the problem remains unresolved. The cost to repair minor roof leaks as soon as they occur is minimal. Neglecting your roof will result in costly repairs. Don’t wait until the damage is done; by being proactive it not only saves money it can save your roof. Identify and then eliminate the cause of small problems before they become big expensive problems.

When engaging in a preventative maintenance program be sure that these specific items be inspected closely because of their susceptibility to damage. These include:

-Flashing: flashings are critical because a majority of leaks originate at these areas. A detailed inspection of the flashings should be made at locations such as skylights, perimeters, walls, penetrations, equipment curbs, and drains. Flashings are typically stressed more than membrane in the roof’s field because of thermal movement, possible differential movement, and UV degradation.

-Field: the field of a roof should be inspected for items such as surface wear, lap integrity, and overall degradation. A roofing professional should be able to recognize developing problems and provide proper repair methods.

Roofing is a complex science as well as an art. A proactive maintenance program in place can provide an average roof life of 21 years compared to 13 years with a reactive maintenance program, depending on the roofing system and building type. An effective roof management program is a win-win situation. The owner gets a trouble-free and cost-effective preventative program. With a proactive maintenance schedule in place, the average life-cycle cost is 14 cents per square foot. The average reactive maintenance life-cycle costs are 25 cents per square foot.

Peach State Roofing, Inc. – National Commercial Roofing Services

1-800-604-9309

www.PeachStateRoofingInc.com

TPO 'Tid Bits'.....

     Thermoplastic polyolefin is the literal terminology of what commercial roofing companies around the world call TPO. The material is a single-ply reflective roofing membrane that is made of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that is polymerized together. The membrane itself has been accepted in the market of commercial roofing by broad businesses across the country. The reasoning behind this huge upswing in support is because TPO has more performance and installation advantages than common other forms of membrane. TPO is among the fastest growing commercial roofing products in the modern world and there is no doubt that it will continue to rise.

       It is cost effective when compared to other roofing systems. The thicker the membrane the more resistant to tears, impacts, and punctures that can easily happen while being installed. Standard thickness’ are 45 mil, 60 mil, and 80 mil. The resistance between a 45 and 80 mil membrane is an estimated increase of 50%. It also has great flexibility to allow for movement while the construction workers are putting the membrane together on the roof itself. What is even more amazing is how it is able to be installed on low and high slope surfaces, as well as being able to be heated and reshaped or melted multiple times. Flexibility allows easy access to some tight areas on the roof as well as rapid installation which helps keep costs down. Another way this innovation cuts down costs drastically is by being available in large panels/sheet sizes. It reduces the number of panels/sheets ordered in a shipment in comparison to a typical modified bitumen 3 foot wide sheet. That also means less welding/adhering of seams. Standard rolls of TPO come anywhere from 6 ft wide to 12 ft wide.

      When most people are looking at a building, they rarely think about the color of the membrane on the roof. With that said, it is in fact in the minds of the many business owners that have to pay their air conditioning bills. It has been proven that buildings with light colored roofing are able to reflect the sun’s energy and reduce the amount of heat taken in. Not only does it benefit the building itself, but it also has a significant impact on the surrounding area as a whole. Today a key issue that comes up, especially in down town city areas is the Heat Island Effect. These reflective roofs can help reduce that effect.

     Some quick facts about this particular membrane are that it has been used for nearly 40 years and started off in the country of Italy. TPO is typically installed in three colors that are the most generic being white, grey, and tan. Not only has TPO been a breakthrough in commercial roofing but it is also used for underground cabling and waterproofing. This use began around 30 years ago.

     Sooner or later roofing will continue to bring about changes just as it should be, but as of now, what is really changing is how TPO is being brought to the forefront with good reason. Over the course of the past decade the market for TPO has increased by 20+% for year over year growth according to a major manufacturer. Just in the United States alone 28% of commercial roofing is TPO based (Industry Data 2012) and as more consumers and businesses are enlightened, the market will continue to expand.  

*Article researched and written by Jaret Sweatt

Peach State Roofing, Inc. – National Commercial Roofing Services

1-800-604-9309

www.PeachStateRoofingInc.com

Routine Preventative Maintenance

Author: Wayne T. Belina – South Florida Office (Peach State Roofing Inc)

Roofing is a complex science as well as an art. A proactive maintenance program in place can provide an average roof life of 21 years compared to 13 years with a reactive maintenance program, depending on the roofing system and building type. An effective roof management program is a win-win situation. The owner gets a trouble-free and cost-effective preventative program. With a proactive maintenance schedule in place, the average life-cycle cost is 14 cents per square foot. The average reactive maintenance life-style costs are 25 cents per square foot.

1. Bi-annual roof inspections.
2. Clean roof of all debris.
3. Clean out all scuppers and drains.
4. Seal and top off all pitch pans to avoid buildup of water.
5. Check base and curb flashings for voids.
6. Address all joints in metal perimeter coping.
7. Aluminum coat all base and curb flashings.
8. Identify deteriorations and/or damages to roof membrane.
9. Address and caulk all joints in metal counter flashings.
10. Identify roof damages from other trades.
11. All damages or concerns found to be outside this scope of work will be documented and put into proposal form for the property manager’s consideration.
12. Notify and update current roof system manufacturer of any/all changes to roof system as per warranty requirements.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”

-Benjamin Franklin

Peach State Roofing, Inc. – National Commercial Roofing Services

1-800-604-9309

www.PeachStateRoofingInc.com

Project Profile: Mount Carmel Christian School

The Challenge – As a structure that has been around for more than 20 years, Mount Carmel Christian School was built as one of the largest religious sanctuaries in the state of Georgia. Still standing on its original workmanship, Mt. Carmel was constructed with a 20 gauge standard steel 6 on 12 sloped deck covered with 24 gauge standing seam metal roof panels. With a 24 gauge turn metal radius dome sitting atop the main roof, the total structure compiles roughly 35,000 sq ft.

Since the day Mt. Carmel’s original roof was completed, the facilities staff battled leaks due to the roof being incorrectly installed at the start. Major water damage occurred all throughout the interior building. The key challenges that had to be met were the extreme OSHA safety requirements due to the severe slope of the dome and lower roof along with the complexity of perfectly covering the dome to give the overall roof the appearance of a metal system.

Before construction started, a systematic approach was studied and developed to meet all meticulous challenges for this project which would provide excellent workmanship, first class service, and a solution that would achieve total satisfaction for the issues facing Mt Carmel Christian School.

The Construction – Before any immediate roofing construction took place, a 2 week period was spent manually installing a detailed safety network. With multiple levels of roof, a solid perimeter railing system was built up around the base edge of the structure for the purpose of fall protection. Once this system was in place, workers built wood scaffold decking around sections of the base of the dome and flat-arched wood step ladders were built to aid in scaling up the severe slope. All workers were 100% tied off to the cross of the dome at all times while assembly was in progress. After the 2 week period of safety setup, construction began.

Roof construction started with the dome. Quarter inch Dens Deck was field cut into “pie-shapes” so that the board could be contoured around the radius dome smoothly. Broad ends of the board started at the base of the dome and ran up to a point at the top of the cross. After assembling the unique design on the surface, the Dens Deck was mechanically fastened to the metal deck. Once in place, Sarnafil G410-14 Feltback membrane was field cut into “pie-shapes” and prepared for being fully adhered to the dome. The unique shapes were chosen to create a “no-wrinkle” appearance for the membrane. Extreme caution and supervision were required while adhering to the complex arch of the building. Five workers were required to lay each layer of membrane to ensure a perfect contour from the base to the top.

Once the first layer of membrane was secured, the next layer was overlapped, adhered, and heat welded to the existing membrane. Severe attention was paid during the welding due to the fact that a heat walker was run from the top down on an uneven surface which meant balancing the equipment by hand on the seams while it was being lowered by cable. An average of three section a day were placed in order to ensure a perfect decor system. There totaled 32 section days of work for the dome alone.

After completion of the membrane around the dome, a repeat process of heat welding was replicated for decor seams a 1/4 inch away from the field seams for the purpose of hiding the seams from ground vision.

During construction of the base roof sections, 1.5 inch polyisocyanurate board was cut in 12 inch strips to fill between the panel ribs. Half inch Dens Deck was then applied over the polyiso board and mechanically fastened to give the lower roof sections a flat surface. G410-14 was laid vertically, fully adhered, and heat welded to each existing layer of membrane. The heat walker was manually supported and lowered by cable for the field seams and decor seams.

The Result – Through a detailed and sequential strategy, Peach State Roofing meticulously monitored the Mt. Carmel roofing project ensuring that it ran smoothly and was completed to perfection. With the highest degree of service and support, this roofing project was completed with extreme excellence. Many members of the congregation stated that they never knew Peach State Roofing was there during the re-roofing project. Mount Carmel Christian School was nominated for the Sika Sarnafil 2008 project of the year for the absolute fact that master workmanship, creative abilities, and world-class performance achieved in the highest degree.

Peach State Roofing, Inc. – National Commercial Roofing Services

1-800-604-9309

www.PeachStateRoofingInc.com

Roofing 101: Types of Roofs

Single Ply Roofing

Single ply roofing has become the leading low slope option in commercial and industrial roofing. Single ply roofing benefits include low cost installation, reflectivity, and lack of use of non renewable resources. Single ply roofing is available in a wide variety of types, thickness, colors and installation methods.

• TPO Roofing
  The fastest growing segment of commercial roofing. TPO membranes are the most economical solution. Seams of the TPO membranes are heat welded together with robotic welders for excellent water tightness.
• PVC Roofing
  Benefits include great flexibility and excellent chemical resistance. Seams of PVC membranes are heat welded together with robotic welders for water tightness.
• EPDM Roofing
  A long standing reliable option in low slope roofing. When installed and maintained properly, an EPDM roof may last well beyond its expected life. EPDM roofing is also able to be recycled.

Application Methods

• Mechanically Fasten
  Membrane screws and plates are inserted at the seams of the membrane into the decking substrate.
• Fully Adhere
  Membrane is attached to the substrate in full coverage of manufacture’s liquid adhesive.
• Ballast
  Membrane is loose laid and held in place with coverage of ballast rock. Ballast is available in several color options allowing for decorative design options when desired.
• Rhino Bond
  Specialized plates with membrane coating on top are installed through the substrate. The membrane is laid out on top and attached to the underlying plates with a magnetic welder.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Also known as MBR, this is an asphalt based option that incorporates multiple layers of asphalt sheets attached by one of several options. Types of MBR include SBS and APP

Application Methods

• Torch Down
  Requires the use of open flame torches to adhere multiple layers together.
• Cold Applied
  Uses manufacturer’s asphalt based liquid adhesive in full coverage spread to adhere multiple layers together.
• Hot Applied
  Uses hot tar in full coverage spread to adhere multiple layers together. This has the significant drawback of tar kettle fumes during the installation process.

Built Up Roofing

Also known as BUR, this is an asphalt based option that uses flood coats of hot asphalt, ply felt, and gravel surfacing.

BUR requires the use of tar kettles and results in significant amounts of fumes during the roofing process.

Decor Roofing

Decor Roofing is a process in which battens are heat welded on a finished membrane roofing system to give the appearance of a standing seam roofing system with the benefits of a single ply rooing system’s water tightness. Decor systems are available in a wide variety of stock and custom colors as well as can be installed in any design desired to create a one of a kind custom look. Decor roofing is an excellent option for reroofing standing seam domes.

Standing Seam Metal  Roofing

SSMR is available in a wide variety of manufacture’s styles and colors. SSMR is attached to a substrate using hidden clips and has either quick locking or mechanically seamed joints.

Peach State Roofing, Inc. – National Commercial Roofing Services

1-800-604-9309

www.PeachStateRoofingInc.com

Peach State Roofing earns distinction of 2017 Firestone Master Contractor

Peach State Roofing was recently awarded for outstanding performance and commitment in regards to the quality installations of Firestone Red Shield warranted roof systems. Peach State Roofing earned the distinction of 2017 Firestone Master Contractor for work and projects completed in the 2016 year. According to Firestone, this year holds a special distinction, as 2017 commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Master Contractor Program.

Peach State Roofing has found it a a pleasure working with the entire Firestone Building Products team around the country and all of the 15 national offices of Peach State Roofing have enjoyed in supporting projects to help the company as a whole achieve this Master Contractor award.

An award plaque was recently delivered to commemorate this high roofing industry distinction.

 Peach State Roofing, Inc. – National Commercial Roofing Services

1-800-604-9309

www.PeachStateRoofingInc.com