Author: Palmer

The end of winter can be a relief for property owners and managers. Longer daylight hours, warmer weather, and less snow are welcomed by those who no longer have to worry about the condition of their buildings.

But the end of winter and the upcoming spring thaw can bring its own share of problems to your roofing system. As the winter snow begins to thaw, damage to your flat roof membrane and flashings can cause significant and costly damage.

That’s why your roof needs an inspection before the spring thaw.

Winter Effects

The winter season puts your roofing system at risk of a variety of issues. These result from the heavy wind, ice, water, and damage to materials that occur throughout the season.

Heavy snow and ice can cause elements of your roofing system to be displaced and disrupted. This affects their ability to prevent issues such as leaking, rotting, and mould growth.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial roof systems contribute to the energy efficiency of your building. This helps reduce the costs associated with controlling the temperature as well as conserves the use of natural resources.

Buildings that utilize well insulated and efficient roofing systems, for example, benefit in both the warm summer months as well as in the cold winter season. This reduces your energy costs all year round if you properly maintain it over time.

Inspecting your roofing system before the spring that will ensure that you optimize its energy efficiency and cost-saving benefits.

Flashings and Joints

Flashings and joints work to seal the most vulnerable parts of your roofing system such as chimneys and skylights. When ice expands, flashings become displaced and joints are damaged. Gaskets can become dry and weak during the winter, causing them to crack.

Be sure to have your flashings checked for any damage and assess the state of all roofing system gaskets and seals.

Other aspects of your property that can be affected after the winter season include:

• Roofing membranes
• Caulking
• Insulation

Knowing why your roof needs an inspection before the spring that helps you plan ahead and prevent costly issues. Winter affects all aspects of your roofing system including seams, joints and flashings. By implementing a regular maintenance and inspection program, you’ll make it through the winter months without any issues while ensuring that your property is protected for years to come and that you maintain your warranty.

A roof inspection is one of the most important things you can do to maintain the integrity and lifespan of your commercial roof. Inspections provide numerous benefits and can lower your maintenance and repair costs over time.

A professional roof inspection helps you identify any red flags that indicate the risk of more serious and costly issues in the future. Knowing what roof professionals look for during an inspection ensures that you take care of one of the most valuable parts of your commercial property.

Deck and Wall Inspection

A roof inspection includes the assessment of your commercial deck and walls. A trained inspector will look for any signs of damage, aging, or wear, which can be documented and shared with the property management and owners.

Some of the major issues that occur with roof decks and walls include poor flashing and the intrusion of water. When water penetrates the ledgers of the deck, the underlying materials can become corroded and rotted. This increases the risk of further damage.

Metal Flashings

Metal flashings are also assessed during a professional roof inspection. Metal roofing systems must be fastened appropriately to prevent issues such as leakage and corrosion.

Flashings, perimeters, and seams are areas where these issues typically occur. The materials can contract and expand over time, which can cause the sealant to lose its integrity.

High winds can cause parts to become loose and further compromise the strength of your roofing system.

Expansion Joints

Expansion joints must also be inspected to ensure proper function and extended performance of your commercial roofing system.

Expansion joints are essential to protecting your building and its roof. When expansion joints aren’t terminated properly, they can become damaged. A proper inspection will allow you to evaluate the rubber bellows and identify any openings or inappropriate materials that may have been used by a previous roofing service company.

Roof Dividers

Roofing dividers allow you to minimize the movement that can occur due to changes in temperature. By dividing the roof into separate parts, you reduce the amount of movement and ensure that it remains within a safe limit.

Inspecting your roof dividers is another way to prevent unwanted and costly roofing issues. By reducing the movement that occurs within your roofing system, you protect your building all year long during extreme changes in temperature.

The following are some other aspects of your roofing system that can be evaluated during your next inspection:

• Metal, cap, and counter flashings
• Ballast placement
• Drains
• HVAC equipment
• Conduit and pipe flashings
• Ballast displacement

When Do You Need an Inspection?

How often you get your roof inspected depends on a number of factors, but a regularly scheduled roof inspection will prevent costly damage over time. Also, there are some key signs that will indicate the need for a professional roof inspection. If you’ve experienced roofing leaks in previous years, then you should consider getting your roof assessed.

If you don’t have a maintenance program in place, then a roofing inspection will ensure that no issues are being ignored. Rising energy costs can also be an indication that there may be some roofing or insulation problems that need to be addressed by a professional.

A full inspection of your roof will determine if there are any maintenance or repairs that need to be performed to the exterior and interior aspects of your roofing system.

A professional inspection saves you money over time and maximizes the life and performance of your commercial roof. For more information, contact Empire Roofing today.

Flashings are an integral and vital component of your roofing system. They protect the joints of your roof and provide a seal against water. These joints protected by flashings are vulnerable to a wide range of threats including high winds, extreme temperatures, and damage from aging.

The winter poses a unique threat to your commercial roofing system, and flashings must be properly maintained to ensure that you have no damage during the winter months. Melting and refreezing water during the winter places undue stress on flashings, and high winds can cause further damage over time.

The following are the four biggest problems your flashings could face this winter.

1. Heavy Winds

Winter storms bring heavy winds that can quickly lead to costly damage to your roofing system. Any penetrations in the roof are vulnerable to high winds and can lead to loosening of flashings.

Winds can cause debris to be blown onto your roof. With enough force, this creates tears in the materials, increasing the risk of leaks and further damage.

2. Heavy Snow

The weight of heavy snow also causes damage to your roof and flashings. Flashings can be pulled away or loosened as a result of the drift of heavy snow.

When the snow melts, water becomes trapped and lead to the formation of ice dams. This forces water underneath the roofing system and through its flashings, causing damage to the interior of the roof.

3. Improper Sealing

If the materials of your rooftop have been improperly sealed, the winter winds can cause significant damage. The materials used when installing a roofing system are critical to its performance during the winter season.

Sealants and mastics must work in cold temperatures. Using cold-weather caulks prevents unwanted damage during the winter season. If the materials used during installation aren’t appropriate for cold temperatures, it could lead to costly damage during and after winter.

4. Aging Materials

Roofing materials can wear down with time. If your roof’s flashings are old, they may not work well with newer materials. If any corrosion, cracking, or thinning occurs, you must make sure that it is replaced when re-roofing your building.

Flashings can be replaced when applying a tear-off roof replacement. They can also be installed over previous flashings when performing a roof-over installation. In any case, you should have your flashings inspected for issues related to aging in order to prevent further damage.

These four problems could impact your flashings during the winter season. Heavy winds and snow create undue stress on the roofing materials and causes tearing and leaks to occur.

The quality of the sealing performed during installation will also impact how well your roof withstands cold temperatures, heavy winds, and moisture. Knowing what to look for helps you determine the best flashing solution for your needs. You’ll protect your building’s roofing system and reduce the costs related to maintenance and repair.

Contact the Empire Roofing team today to see how we can help you build, maintain, and prevent problems with your roof.

Canada is known for many things: scenic views, a diverse culture, and a thriving economy. But it’s also known for its cold winters. This means trouble for your roof if you haven’t implemented regular maintenance and repairs throughout the year.

Cold temperatures result in a wide range of issues that can lead to costly repairs. Understanding what Canadian winters can do to your roof will prepare you year after year so that you can enhance the lifespan and performance of your building’s roof.

What to Look For

Many roofs are wide and have low slopes. This makes it difficult for snow and debris to fall onto the ground. You should have your roof regularly inspected just before winter to ensure that there’s no risk in building up debris.

Older roofs are particularly vulnerable to the freezing and thawing cycles that occur during the winter months. This causes serious damage to the roof’s materials if you’re not prepared.

Inspect your roof’s flashings, drains, and tie-ins in order to identify any existing damage. Areas that have a high accumulation of snow should be addressed as soon as possible. This prevents water from entering any spaces that could lead to further cracking and leaks.

Common Issues During Canadian Winters

Flashings are used to protect the roof’s joints. They play a valuable role in keeping water from damaging your roof and property. Be sure to have your roof’s flashings inspected. They are typically located near skylights and chimneys.

Unfortunately the risk factors of winter risk factors doesn’t end there; Ice dams are another large problem for rooftops. If heat from your property’s interior reaches the roof, it can raise its temperature and increase the risk of ice dams. These form along the edge of your roof and keep water from flowing off of your property. If water becomes trapped on your roof, it will seep into the materials and eventually cause leaks and other damage.

Condensation can also form from the combination of warm and cold temperatures. Moisture leads to mould growth that can cause damage to materials, but this doesn’t just pose a structural risk; it also presents a health risk for occupants.

Getting the Right Help for Canadian Winters

Consulting with a professional roofing company will help you identify any existing risk factors. Damage to your roof or insulation can be difficult to detect with an untrained eye. A service professional provides a comprehensive assessment and program that keeps your property protected during the cold winter months.

Roofing professionals understand the issues that can result from extreme temperatures. They have the knowledge and equipment to maintain your roof safely, and inspect the waterproofing and insulation systems you have in place and make any necessary recommendations.

Protecting your roof during the Canadian winters is critical to maximizing its safety, performance, and lifespan. Regular maintenance and repair from a qualified service team saves you money over time and protects you and your occupants all year round.

Your roof is invaluable to the safety and lifespan of your building. Proper maintenance of your roof enhances its performance over time and prevents damage from factors such as extreme temperatures, debris, and mould.

A maintained roof helps reduce energy costs, protects your building’s occupants, and saves you money over time. Overlooking the needs of your roof can lead to serious damage that requires extensive and costly repairs.

Here are four ways to extend the life of your roof.

1. Clear the Leaves From Your Roof

   If your building is in an area surrounded by trees, the roof will become covered with leaves as time goes on. This buildup prevents moisture from evaporating and causes the underlying materials to become compromised.

   Using a leaf blower to clear your roofs throughout the year will prevent the possible damage that could occur with a rake, but it’s best to hire a roofing professional to do the job. This will ensure the safety of the worker as well as the integrity of your roof.

2. Maintain Your Gutters

   Leaves and other debris can make their way into the gutters around your property. When combined with excess moisture from rain, the leaves can increase in weight and put undue pressure on the gutters.

   In some cases, gutters become displaced and can lead to extensive damage. This also prevents the flow of water through the gutters and can cause excess moisture from flowing down the side of your building.

3. Take steps to Prevent Ice Dams

   Colder temperatures can lead to ice dams on your roof. Formed ice should be treated carefully, as attempting to remove it on your own can damage the underlying roofing material. You can use an extending pole with a roof rake to loosen ice buildup.

   Ice dams are more prevalent on properties that have poor insulation. This should be corrected once the temperatures return to normal so that it’s easier to prevent ice dams the following winter.

4. Regular Maintenance

   Regular roof maintenance is the best prevention against costly wear and damage. Consult with a roofing service professional to determine the best maintenance schedule for your building’s needs.

   Having a professional inspect and maintain your roof will ensure that all issues are addressed as soon as possible. Issues such as excessive moisture can easily be overlooked by an untrained person.

A professional roofing company can provide you with the proper inspection and repairs to extend the life of your roof. They’ll make sure that all drainage systems, counterflashing, and membranes are in excellent working order so that you have the safest and most reliable roof on your building. For more information, contact us today!

Proper roof safety is essential to keeping your roof in the best shape all year round. Many property owners fail to understand the safety requirements when inspecting their roofs.

A large number of rooftop accidents can be avoided by following a few key steps. This will prevent injury and protect you or any service professional who needs to access your rooftop for inspection or maintenance.

1. Set Up a Safe Work Area

   Creating a safe work area around your roof is the first step in proper roof safety. Rooftops should only be accessed in ideal weather conditions to avoid other risks such as slipping. Rain and cold weather are factors that raise the safety risks of your roof.

   If you experience high levels of wind or heat, your roof may become vulnerable to damage. Keep this in mind when someone needs to inspect and maintain your roof.

   Individuals with little experience working on rooftops should avoid them altogether unless under the supervision of a professional. Not knowing proper safety measures or other rules and guidelines can create a hazard for the entire team working on your roof.

   You should also protect individuals on the ground by marking off the area that you’ll be working over. This protects any people passing by from falling debris or tools.

2. Footwear

   Proper footwear is essential to roof safety. Shoes shouldn’t have any loose dirt or other debris on them. Before you or any service professional goes onto your roof for maintenance work, you should make sure that it’s been properly swept to remove any hazardous debris.

   Shoes should have rubber soles on them to provide a higher level of traction when walking on your roof.

3. Basic Ladder Safety

   In some cases, rooftop service professionals will need to use a ladder to access your roof. Ladders should be long enough so that they extend above the edge of the roof and provide the proper support.

   The best ladders are made of fiberglass, which is easier to transport and protects you from electrical hazards when working near power lines. The ladder should be placed on a firm and level surface, and an anchor point should be used to secure it in place.

4. Equipment Safety

   You can ensure proper roof safety by storing and maintaining your tools. They should be secured using ropes in order to keep them from falling, while smaller tools should be contained in a toolbox at all times.

   Roof brackets and safety harnesses should be used whenever possible. These will further protect you from any unwanted mishaps and prevent injury to you or nearby individuals.

   Proper roof safety is a vital component to maintaining your roof throughout the year. Putting these four steps in place will protect you and others when maintaining and repairing your building’s roof.

Cleaning your commercial roof provides a wide range of benefits to its performance, lifespan, and safety. Commercial roofs play a vital role in your business and need to be properly maintained over time.

Roofs are exposed to extreme temperatures, debris, mould, and other environmental threats, and cleaning your roof is only one part of the maintenance required to protect your roof, building, and occupants over time.

Using the Right Products

The first step in cleaning your commercial roof is to ensure that the right products are used.

Cleaning products contain chemicals that are effective in treating the materials of your commercial roof, and the best products contain titanium dioxide to allow for the proper chemical reactions to take place. It’s also an effective element in refracting light on your roof, which can help improve its energy efficiency.

The Right Cleaning Process

In order to clean your commercial roof, you’ll need to find the right service professionals who understand the needs of your building. There is no one-size-fits-all cleaning solution to warehouses and other large buildings, and this allows you to apply the best treatment process for maximum results.

Mould, algae, and other debris are first broken down using products that have high pH levels. Once these are broken down, they’re washed away using a surface cleaner and solution using high temperatures. This leaves a clean finish to your roof and prevents future damage from occurring.

A treatment is then applied after the surface is cleaned to provide a long-lasting finish and enhance the look of your roof. This optimizes its reflective properties and maximizes the benefits you’ll receive from your investment.

Clean Your Roof Each Year

Maintaining your commercial roof shouldn’t end after a quality cleaning; it’s an ongoing process that requires you to observe any changes in its integrity. Be aware of any debris or mould growth that can lead to further damage as the earlier you detect these, the better off you and your building will be.

Your roofing service professionals can help you determine an effective maintenance schedule. An annual cleaning is recommended to provide you with a functional roof, but you’ll want to plan in advance, as cleanings are difficult during the colder winter months and are often dangerous for your roofing company to perform.

Benefits of Cleaning Your Commercial Roof

Cleaning your roof keeps its surface temperature low. This maximizes the lifespan of the roof’s membrane and helps reduce the costs associated with controlling the building’s temperature.

A clean roof allows cool air to enter through the HVAC system and provides significant energy savings to you.

Cleaning your roof also helps to expose any damage or needed repairs. When the roof is covered with dirt and debris, building owners can overlook the red flags that indicate the need for maintenance.

Regular cleaning makes it easy and less expensive to clean your roof in the future. A comprehensive roof maintenance program is one of the best investments you can make in the quality of your commercial roof.

When it comes to maintaining your roof, there are many potential threats that you need to look out for. Wind uplift is one of the most important factors to consider when maintaining and protecting your roof.

Property manufacturers and designers must have wind uplift in mind when determining the best way to develop a property. Property owners and managers need to understand what wind uplift is, the risks it presents, and the ways to prevent future damage.

Understanding Wind Uplift

Wind uplift occurs when high levels of wind come into contact with a building. This exerts a significant amount up pressure against the structure and pushes air upwards.

When pressure builds underneath a roof and is greater than the pressure above it this uplift is created, but there are many other factors that contribute to wind uplift and its effects on your building.

The height of your building and the surrounding area will affect the level of uplift you experience. Buildings with large doors such as hangars and medical facilities are at a greater risk than buildings with standard doors or loading docks.

How it Affects Your Roof

If your roofing system is unable to withstand the high forces of uplift, it has a higher risk of being separated from the structure. Openings and cracks inside increase the air pressure of the building’s interior, which contributes to a greater uplift affect. Unfortunately, this can cause your roof system’s seams to become delaminated while damaging the roof membrane. Screws and other materials can be pulled out, causing extensive damage to your building.

In some cases, the damage caused by wind uplift may not be detected immediately. This can lead to leaks and other issues over time, and further damage can require an entire roof replacement.

Protecting Your Roof From Wind Uplift

Property developers can select an appropriate roofing system once all considerations have been made, and understanding the wind loads that are placed on a given structure allows you to determine the best roof for your building.

Using roofing materials that have been properly tested will keep your entire building safe over time, but it’s essential that you find a roofing company who are experienced in working on buildings with major wind uplift issues.

Consulting with a roof service professional lets you evaluate your property and determine the best protection against uplift. Damage caused by winds can be difficult to detect, so an experienced team is a must. A skilled professional will evaluate any existing issues and help you prevent long-term roofing problems.

Wind uplift causes extensive damage to your property. Understanding what wind uplift is and the factors that contribute to its impact on your building will help you choose the best roofing system. You’ll prevent unwanted and costly issues in the future and enhance the safety of your building.

Choosing a new roof can seem like an overwhelming task. There are many options related to materials and installation, making it difficult to determine which ones are best for your needs.

One of the decisions you may face is whether to install a white or black roof. Most people are unaware that each has a range of benefits that need to be considered when replacing a roof.

What to Consider

There are many factors that influence your decision when replacing your roof. Determining the right colour can have an impact on its performance, energy-efficiency, and even lifespan.

The following are some of the factors that you need to evaluate when choosing between a white and black roof:

• Deck type
• Surrounding climate
• Insulation
• Winds
• Budget

Why Choose a White Roof?

A white roofing system will help keep surface temperatures low and are generally more effective at reflecting the sunlight and decreases temperatures significantly. This lowers the energy required to keep your building cool which is especially useful in densely populated areas.

Buildings that are developed in warm climates commonly use a white roofing system, which includes a variety of types like PVC and TPO. Lower surface temperatures can increase the durability of your roofing system as well, however you shouldn’t assume that a white roof will always be more durable as other factors also influence the integrity of your roof.

Why Choose a Black Roof?

Black roofs don’t reflect sunlight in the same way as a white roofing system. They absorb the radiant heat, which allows moisture to evaporate quickly. During the winter months, a black roof makes it easy for snow to melt, reducing the risk of damage to your roof.

Buildings in colder climates typically use black roofing systems like EPDM, which provides a high level of durability over time. These options may reduce the costs associated with heating your property during the cold winter season.

Roof Maintenance

White and black roof systems require regular maintenance and cleaning in order to provide the many benefits they offer. A scheduled maintenance program makes it easy to keep your roof clean and optimize its performance. Keeping your roof clean ensures that its ability to absorb or reflect sunlight remains intact.

Your choice in a roofing system should depend on your building’s unique needs and budget. Determine the best choice based on the properties of each roofing system so that you can make the best investment for your building.

Understanding the different benefits provided by white and black roofs will give you the knowledge you need to choose the one that’s right for you. This will provide your building with a durable and reliable roof system.

Snow can be a serious threat to your property’s roof, but knowing what to look for helps you determine the best strategy to safely remove snow from an industrial roof.

There are inherent risks that you should consider to protect your roof during the winter months, but simply having the right knowledge and equipment helps you safely remove the snow from your roof and prevent long-term damage.

Evaluate the Risk

Before removing snow from an industrial roof, you should evaluate all areas of the property to determine your level of risk.

Taking the time to observe the drywall surrounding door frames and looking for cracks gives you an idea of the damage that may be caused by snow on your roof. If doors begin to stick, it could be an indication that there is a high level of weight on the structure of your property.

Keeping snow off of your roof lowers the risk of developing ice dams. These prevent snow, water, and other debris from falling off your roof. When these items get trapped, they can lead to further damage over time.

Examine the snow outside of your building. If it’s wet and heavy, it could indicate that your roof is at risk for damage. You should remove the snow from your roof as soon as possible.

Snow Removal Equipment

You can safely remove snow from your roof by using a snow rake equipped with a telescoping handle. This makes it easy to reach high areas, and the rake’s rollers can help protect your roof from its blades.

Some rakes allow you to target the underside of the snow on your roof. These rakes can be placed between the snow and underlying roof, which allows you to use the snow’s weight to remove it.

Removing the snow on your roof on a regular basis keeps it from piling up. This prevents the formation of ice dams and reduces the load placed on your rooftop structure.

If you’re unable to reach beyond your property’s overhangs, consult with a professional roofing service to remove your snow safely.

Professional Assistance

Your roofing service professionals can help you address snow buildup and protect your property during the winter season. A professional service team will have the insurance and licenses to provide you with quality work that is fully protected, and they help you reduce the excess weight on your roof without causing the damage that occurs when property owners attempt to remove the underlying ice.

Having the right skilled service team and the proper equipment makes it easy to keep your roof free from excess snow and enhances its lifespan.

Snow can lead to damage on your roof and other parts of your property. Knowing how to identify the signs of potential risks will ensure that you keep your property safe, so using the right equipment and the help of a skilled professional is an investment in the value and safety of your property. Contact us today for more information!