Thursday, October 27, 2016

Infrared Testing – When and Why It's Needed


As a business or commercial property owner, damage to your roof is at the top of the list of potential threats to your building. The roof is your property’s main defense, protecting it from rain, wind, heat, and many other natural hazards. While roofs are designed and installed to withstand the forces of nature, over time, sections of your roof can be weakened by repeated or abnormal exposure to moisture. 

Too often, owners or occupants of buildings do not notice an issue with their roof until damage starts to show in the interior. Unfortunately, by the time a leak or other damage is noticed, your roof may be past the point of simple repairs. Repairing or replacing your roof can be one of the most expensive costs during the building’s life span, so it is important to be proactive and identify possible issues before they develop into larger problems. A great preventative measure you can take to protect your roof is infrared testing.

Infrared testing is a non-destructive method to detect moisture damage to your roof. As the sun shines on your roof throughout the day, the temperature of your roof increases. As the sun sets and your roof cools down, areas where moisture is trapped cool off at a slower rate. Infrared cameras are able to spot these temperature differences and pinpoint affected areas of your roof.

Infrared testing is beneficial to property owners in numerous ways.  As the owner of a building, the last thing you want to risk is the safety of the occupants. Identifying potential areas of concern can go a long in way in protecting the structural integrity of your entire roof. Additionally, water damage adds to the weight of your roof, so identifying issues early on will help avoid structural issues with the rest of your building.

Identifying compromised areas of your roof also helps reduce your expenses. Instead of spending money repairing or replacing your entire roof, infrared testing allows you to locate and repair only the damaged sections. As for long term costs, water-damaged areas of a roof affect your roof’s insulation. Repairing a damaged section of your roof will increase the energy efficiency of your building, in return lowering electricity bills.

It is recommended that you have your roof inspected using infrared testing at least once a year. If your property is located in an area that experiences extreme weather, it is smart to have your roof inspected before and after the severe weather season. Additionally, whenever a building is purchased, sold or leased, you should have the roof inspected to make sure any damage is identified.  

If you have any questions about infrared testing, please give us a call at (267) 327-4680 or visit our website. We’re a commercial roofing company in New Jersey, and we’re more than happy to help you explore your options and identify the best solution for your commercial buildings.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Why Manufacturer Warranties are Important

Purchasing a new roof for your commercial building is a decision that requires time, research, and frankly, the willingness to invest financially in the project. With all of this in mind, you need to be certain replacing an existing one will be worthwhile for both you and your business. A manufacturer warranty can help to ensure this and help to protect you against any mishaps with your roof.

A state of the art roof, when properly installed by a group of professionals, should last you for decades. However, mistakes can be made and accidents do happen. While many things, such as the weather, are out of our control, there are some things you can do to ensure the safety and longevity of your roof. The more you can do to protect yourself from future expenses the better off you will be in the long run.

Before you get started on a roofing project, it is always a good idea to consult your roofing contractor about manufacturer warranties. A good manufacturer warranty will ensure that any products used in the installation of your new roof that do not hold up to the test of time will be replaced. Manufacturer warranties usually last somewhere between 15 to 50 years, though it will depend on the materials used and the specific manufacturer. When a manufacturer offers a warranty on their product, you can rest assured knowing that they back their products and believe in what they are selling.

Purchasing a warranty along with your new roof will ensure that you will not be held accountable for paying for any product defects. This type of warranty also usually ensures that you'll receive warranted repairs for the first few years after installation at no additional cost to you.

In addition to a manufacturer warranty, there are other types of coverage that you may want to consider when investing in your new roof. Many roofing contractors offer warranties on their workmanship, which ensures that you will be protected against any roofing installation defects.

Remember what when deciding on what warranty you will purchase or be provided when investing in a new roof, the coverage is only as reliable as the roofing contractor you've chosen to work with. Make sure that you understand the terms of your warranty and discuss anything you may be concerned or confused about with your contractor before getting started on your roofing project.

Matrix Roofing Systems is a respected leader in the roofing industry and have won numerous awards from several manufacturers as proof of their superior workmanship. Not only are we members of the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association), we are certified by the top manufacturers to successfully complete your new roofing project to your satisfaction. Give us a call today to discuss your roof replacement, retrofit or repair for your commercial roofing in Bucks County, PA.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Retrofit vs. Replacement

A properly installed and maintained roof can last for decades, but it won’t last forever! Perhaps you've noticed some damage to the roof of your commercial building, or maybe your roof has simply exceeded its lifespan; whatever the reason, you've decided that it's finally time to replace your existing roof with something newer and more durable. It's a major investment to undertake, but considering your roof is an essential part of the structure of your building and works to keep your building and those inside of it safe, it's well worth it!

There are several different roofing options to choose from, but did you know that you don't need to start from scratch? In many cases, a retrofit roof can be placed over your existing roof and eliminate the need and costs of an entire replacement. Interested in learning more about retrofit roofing solutions? Check out just a few of the reasons why a retrofit roof in an excellent option when installing a new roof on your commercial building:

  • They’re less expensive. A retrofit roof can save you money, since you won't need to worry about the cost of tearing off your existing roof and having materials properly moved and disposed of.
  • They’re convenient. Since the construction of your new roof will be far less extensive than it would be had you installed a brand new one, your building can remain open while a professional roofing contractor installs your retrofit!
  • They’re no less effective than a replacement. Retrofit roofs are flexible, which not only makes them easy to install and fit over your existing roof, it also makes them durable and able to stand up to severe weather conditions and wind.
  • They come with options. Retrofit roofs are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, including "cool roof" options that will increase energy efficiency and keep your roof and, in turn, your building cooler!

There are a few scenarios in which retrofitting your roof is not a viable option for your commercial building. If you're constructing a new building and need to add a roof, you will of course need to start with a roof build, not a retrofit. Additionally, if your roof is severely damaged, it's likely that it will be worth investing in an entirely new roof rather than retrofitting your existing one.

If you have any questions about retrofit roofs, replacements or repairs, please give us a call at (267) 327-4680 or visit our website. We’re a commercial roofing company doing business in New Jersey, and we’re more than happy to help you explore your reroofing options and identify the best solution for your commercial buildings.

Monday, May 23, 2016

Energy Efficient Roofs

As the weather continues to get warmer, you are likely performing all of the necessary maintenance to make sure that the air conditioning in your commercial building is in proper working order to run smoothly throughout the summer. Unless you spend a great deal of time on your roof, you may not know that the roof of your building can get extremely hot during the warmer months, which causes your air conditioning system to work harder to cool your building! Luckily, there is a solution! An energy efficient roofing system can not only keep your building cooler during the summer, but also cut energy costs significantly!

There are several different steps you can take to make your roof more energy efficient. We’d recommend the following:

Cool Roofs: You've probably heard on several occasions that you should avoid wearing dark colors on hot days, as these colors absorb sunlight and make you even hotter. Well, the same logic can be applied to your roof! A cool roof is one that is lighter in color and designed to reflect sunlight and heat. A traditional asphalt roof will absorb 85% to 95% of the energy from the sun, while a cool roof will absorb only 35% or less!

We'd love to help you develop an energy efficient roofing system that is right for you building! We’re a commercial roofing company doing business in New Jersey. Give us a call today at (267) 327-4680 or visit our website to learn more and request an estimate.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Respecting Your Roof

Whether the roof of your commercial building is equipped for leisure or is only accessible to vendors and contractors, you always want to make sure that the area is safe, secure, and being well taken care of. Below are some tips to help you maintain your roof and treat it with respect, all while staying safe!

Be cautious: It's important to always take caution when up on the roof, whether you're working or enjoying the view. Never enter the roof when it is storming or extremely windy and avoid spending time on the roof when it's wet as it may be slippery. Do not smoke while on the roof, as this can easily lead to fire that can spread to other parts of the building. We recommend that you never enter the roof alone, but if you do, make sure that someone nearby knows where you are in case of an emergency.

Careful with tools: If you work with tools often, it will come as no surprise to you that they can cause some serious damage when dropped onto the roof and off of it! When working around the edge of the roof, be sure to place tools a safe distance from the edge to prevent them from falling off. Additionally, make sure that you place tools onto the surface of the roof rather than dropping them to prevent damage to the roof.

Secure Doors: For safety purposes, most rooftop access doors will lock from the outside. The last thing you'll want is to get locked out on top of the roof unable to get back inside! Make sure that you secure the access door with a door stop or something suitable to hold the weight of the door that cannot be accidentally moved.

Be courteous: If you're working on the roof, or are lucky enough to work in a building where the roof is easy and safe to access, be courteous of other people! Do not leave any trash or food behind. Doing so can entice pests and make the area unpleasant to spend time out on.

Remember that treating the roof of your commercial building with respect will help to keep it safe and in good condition! For more information on properly maintaining your commercial roofing in Delaware County, PA give us a call today!

Monday, February 29, 2016

All Shingles Are NOT the Same

While most roofing options last for decades, eventually, you will need to replace the roof on your commercial building. With so many options out there, it can be tough trying to decide what your best option is! Shingles are a very popular roofing material, but even shingles come in many different materials and styles. Interested in learning which shingle will work best for your roofing system? Here is some information you'll want to keep in mind!  

Asphalt Shingles: Easily the most common type of shingle, asphalt shingles are a classic look that offer the most affordability. Additionally, asphalt shingles are easily installed and, when properly cared for, have a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. If budget is a concern of yours, asphalt shingles may be the best option for you.  

Wood Shingles: If there's a little more wiggle room in your budget, you may consider investing in a roofing system with wood shingles. Wood shingles are considered more stylish than asphalt shingles, as they age naturally and different types of wood can exude a different look and feel. If style is something that is important to you, wood shingles are likely the best way to go! Additionally, wood shingles can last from 30 to 50 years.  

Metal Shingles: Metal shingles are an increasingly popular choice for commercial buildings, as they work well with flat and low angled roofs. The materials can be very cheap, though at times tricky to install so you'll want to make sure to hire a reputable roofing professional if you decide on this system. When properly maintained, metal roofs can last about 50 years, making them an incredibly durable option. When properly installed and well maintained, any roofing material that you decide on will last your commercial building for years. Whether it is durability or style you seek, taking your time to find the proper roofing system for your commercial building is an important step in replacing your roof.

Is it time to schedule commercial roofing maintenance for your business in Bucks County, PA? If so, contact Matrix Roofing today at (267) 327-4680.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

The Importance of Gutter and Downspout Maintenance

Unless you spend a lot of time on the roof of your building, you probably aren't too sure about the condition of your gutters! While gutter and downspout maintenance may not be at the top of your priority list, properly maintaining the gutters and downspouts on your commercial building can make all the difference in protecting it from damage over time. A complete gutter and downspout cleaning only takes about an hour, so there's no reason to wait until serious repairs are required!

Here are a few reasons why gutter and downspout maintenance are so important to the safety of your commercial building.

Water Damage: Gutters and downspouts work together to guide rain that collects on the roof of your building down to the ground. When gutters and downspouts aren't properly maintained, they aren't able to do their job as efficiently as they normally would. When water begins to accumulate, it can begin to leak into your building, causing serious water damage to walls and flooring.

Pest Problems: Clogged gutters make for the perfect environment for many different types of pests, such as ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes. Once pests have made your gutters their home, it's only a matter of time before they work their way into your building. Regular gutter and downspout maintenance will ensure that these kinds of pests aren’t able to get too comfortable on your roof!

Fire Hazard: It's no secret that as leaves begin to fall off of trees a few are bound to land in your gutters! Not only can leaves clog your gutters, but they can also be a serious fire hazard. Wind can carry sparks or embers from nearby buildings or vehicles. The fire can then spread to the roof and siding of your building.

A Preventative Measure: Regularly scheduling gutter and downspout maintenance can help to prolong the life and effectiveness of your gutters and downspouts. Having a professional come take a look at your roof and gutters once a year can help to detect small repair problems before they become major issues down the road, saving you time and money in the long run.

It's easy to understand the importance of gutter and downspout maintenance for your building. Is it time to schedule commercial roofing maintenance for your business in central New Jersey? If so, contact Matrix Roofing today!