What Roof Discoloration Really Means

A dirty, discolored roof can be far more than a mere eyesore. Although accumulations of dust and debris will certainly detract from the curbside appeal of your commercial building, they can also indicate serious underlying issues. Thus, before you hire a pressure washing company to clear discoloration up with "soft wash" treatments, it's important to know exactly what you're dealing with. It may be that hiring roofers to perform a thorough roof inspection instead is the best course of action.

Rusty Roof Components

Dusty, red-brown stains on your roof are a likely indication that metal components are becoming corroded. Roofs that are largely metal may need to be treated by professional roof painters. In this case, several coats of quality paint will likely limit further corrosion. Conversely, if evidence of rusting is only visible around various metal components such as at metal flashing, antenna mounts, or HVAC equipment, consider having these treated with oxalic acid or vinegar. This will mitigate the problem and keep future rusting to a minimum. Whenever rust exists at the rooftop, be sure to have professionals roofers verify that corrosion-related damages to metal components have not diminished the roof's overall integrity.

Fading & Aging

Commercial roofing tends to discolor just as the end of their lifespans are reached. Commonly referred to as bleed-through, this discoloration is the result of constant and long-term exposure to the natural elements. Harsh winds, excessive temperatures, prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays, and constant changes in humidity invariably lead to deterioration. If your roof hasn't been replaced in quite some time, you may want to call roofers for an inspection as soon as any noticeable color streaks appear.

Algae Infestations At The Rooftop

A fast-developing coating of algae can leave your rooftop dirtied with dark black and green streaks.  Algae is a fairly common issue for roofs in humid areas given that these organisms feed on the limestone-based fillers that surround shingles. In this case, having the roof treated with a "soft-wash" that includes an appropriate algae-fighting solution should be enough to clear the discoloration up. Letting algae infestations fester and spread, however, can result in the fusion of algae with fungi. This leads to lichen, which is ultimately far more difficult to get rid of.

Addressing roof discoloration at its source is essential. Certain problems cannot be simply hosed off. With bleed-through and extensive corrosion, repairs, replacements, or special maintenance tasks may be in order. If you have concerns about the changing colors of your roof, give Matrix Roofing Systems a call. We are the Mid-Atlantic region’s top source of roofing help!

3 Common Reasons for Commercial Roof Leaks

When you hear about leaky roofs, people often think about homes on a rainy day. They don’t think about commercial buildings, which can also suffer damage and allow for moisture to enter. There are many ways for commercial facilities to spring leaks. In this blog, we’ll be going over some of the most common reasons for breaches in commercial roofs.

1. Old Roofs

While they may seem like a constant, roofs do have a lifespan. The average flat roof has about 15 to 20 years until it needs to be replaced. While your roof can certainly be repaired and waterproofed, you may notice that the endless repairs and maintenance just may not be worth it anymore. If you’re finding that you call on a roofing professional every other month, it may be time to consider a full replacement of your commercial roof. 

2. Pooling Water

One of the most common sources of leaks comes from pooling water. If your roof has areas that aren’t totally level, water can collect in puddles. Roofs are large structures, and water can weigh about five pounds per square inch. This can put great strain on your roof, causing cracks that water can travel through. 

To fix your pooling water problem, you’ll need a roofing expert to level the roof and/or fix the drainage system. Being able to disperse water and prevent heavy puddles from forming is the key to decreasing the likelihood of leaks. 

3. Flashing Damage

If you aren’t already familiar, flashing is the term for the protective layer around your roof membrane’s edges. It also seals the area around things that pass through your roof, like chimneys and vents. From inclement weather to changing temperatures, flashing can experience wear and tear. At a certain point, this wear and tear results in a source for leaks. 

Without quality, maintained flashing, your commercial roof is ripe for leaks with multiple access points for water. This what makes roofing maintenance so important. If you aren’t getting your roof checked at least once a year, you may be suffering from damaged flashing and not know it. The best defense against roof leaks is a good offense!

While there are many other causes for potential leaks, one thing remains true: having a certified home inspector check your roof annually is the best way to spot small problems before they turn into big ones. Matrix Roofing Systems is the Mid-Atlantic region’s top roofing expert. To protect your commercial roof from leaks, give us a call today!

The Cost of a Commercial Roof Replacement

The Cost of a Commercial Roof Replacement

Without speaking with you or looking at your roof, a professional roofer couldn’t tell you the exact amount it would cost to replace your commercial roof. There are a lot of factors that come into play, but the following will give you a general idea of what influences replacement costs.

The Kind of Roof You’re Considering

There are a lot of different materials used in roofing today. If the roof is flat, it will require different materials than if the roof is steep sloped. Aesthetic appeal may make a difference in the kind of roofing materials you’re considering, which will directly affect the cost. Materials typically make up a significant portion of the price you pay.

The Condition of Your Current Roof

The extent of the work that is required will directly affect the cost. If there is only one roof system in place, then this roof can be roofed over, providing any wet or damaged substrate materials are removed first. The greater the extent of wet or damaged materials that must be removed, the more the roof will cost. If there are already two roofs in place, the existing materials should be removed prior to re-roofing.

There may be isolated areas of the roof that are more deteriorated than others, due to poor drainage, excessive roof top traffic and equipment, poor maintenance, etc. If the rest of the roof is in fair condition, it may be possible to replace or repair just those sections.

Accessibility to the Roof

Accessibility, logistics, safety requirements and size directly affect the cost of your project. Buildings with limited perimeter access for set-up areas, cranes and dumpsters may cost more than roofs that are easily accessible. A variety of things come into play that determine safety requirements i.e. building height, parapet wall height or lack thereof, trash removal requirements and any necessary deck replacement, to name a few.

Also, low slope and steep slope roofs have different requirements that must be considered when calculating the costs of your project.

The internal use and operations of the building can also determine working hours, when certain scopes of work can be performed, internal protection requirements and any necessary shutdown of internal processes to name a few. All of these can determine the production rate of the crew and may affect your pricing more than all of the other items previously mentioned.

Every situation and building is unique, to some degree.

Contact the Professionals for a Quote

While roofing materials, current condition and accessibility play a big part in the cost of your commercial roof replacement, there are other factors at play as well. For a more specific idea of your replacement will cost, contact the professionals at Matrix Roofing by calling 267-642-5027 or sending an email to jeffh@matrixroofing.info.

FAQs about a New Commercial Roof

As a business owner, the last thing you want to worry about is your roof! A commercial roof protects your business investments, so understanding how to take care of it is important. Here are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to a commercial roof.

Q. How much will my new roof cost?

A. The cost of your new roof will depend on a lot of factors and each situation has its own unique challenges that cause the prices to fluctuate. Some factors that can contribute to the price of your new commercial roof include the size of your roof, insulation and installation choices, condition of existing roof, type of warranty, and more. Our team of professionals can provide you with an estimate on your roofing installation.

Q. Does my building need a new roof?

A. It’s often hard to determine visually whether or not a flat roof needs to be replaced. A professional will be able to take a close look at the vapor barrier and determine if it is intact or torn anywhere. Take it as a sign that the roof should be replaced if there are any leakages or if wind has blown off the tar-paper and exposed the undercoat of the roof.

Q. When it comes to getting a new roof for my building, how do I know which type of roof is best?

A. There are many different types of commercial roofing systems. We offer metal roofing, TPO roofs, PVC roofs, EPDM, and modified bitumen. Our thorough, educated and experienced team of professionals will work with you to determine the roof that's right for your building and your budget. If you are considering a roof replacement, give us a call today and we will help you identify the best solution.

Q. How long does it take to install a new roof?

A. The time it takes to install a commercial roof depends on a variety of factors. The size of the job, the type of roofing material, and any existing damage can all affect how long installation will take to complete. You’ll be provided a time estimate as well and cost estimate when you setup a consultation with a professional commercial roofing company.

You can count on Matrix Roofing for your commercial roofing installation and maintenance needs. Our company delivers top-quality products that meet the highest industry standards, and out years of experience have established our credibility among homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic region. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions that you may have on the topic of this blog post – we’re happy to further discuss!

Identification of Commercial Roofing Stains

Commercial roofing stains can happen for a variety of reasons, and here we will explain those reasons with some detail that will help you to gain a better understanding. For instance, noticing the stain color, its location, and the stain in relation to your roof’s conditions (shading, nearby trees, debris, roofing materials) will usually lead to a quick diagnosis of the cause for the stain. 

Flat roofs have the tendency to collect water from rain, which can lead to potential issues, such as the buildup of unattractive algae and stains. To avoid these types of stains, it’s important to remove any standing water from the top of your building’s roof. Additionally, if you notice red or brown stains on your metal roof surfaces, it is most likely rust staining. Expect to see rust stains only around and below rusting metal components on a roof.

It’s important to ensure that the trees around your building are properly trimmed to safeguard your roof from fallen branches, leaves, and debris. Trust us when we say that you don’t want leaves and debris accumulating on your roof, because it can cause cosmetic staining, long term wear, and leaks below the debris. Having that said, it is important that you protect your gutters by trimming back branches that have pine needles or leaves.

A simple roof cleaning (once a year!) will help to keep the dirt and other visible elements from making your roof look dirty, moldy, or discolored to the naked eye. Contact Matrix Roofing today! From there, we can help to identify and resolve your commercial roofing stains. 

The Importance of Roof Coatings

Adding a roof coating is an important aspect to consider when repairing and maintaining your roof. Over the years, your roof will develop some wear and tear, and a roof coating is an attractive and cost-effective option when this happens - instead of doing an entire roof replacement. They are a great way to keep your roof in shape and to prevent wear and tear from occurring in the first place.

A coating will protect the roof of your building from adverse weather and physical damage that can be caused by water, smoke, or dust. This will reduce maintenance costs and avoid completely re-roofing your building. Roof coatings also have benefits to energy use and the environment. Depending on the type, certain coatings are capable of reflecting light and UV radiation, which will lower interior temperatures. This can help reduce energy costs for your building!  However, different coating products can offer a combination of features to meet your roofing needs. 

Some of these features include:

• Elastomeric properties: This is the ability to expand and contract with temperature changes. For example, under extreme temperature changes an inflexible coating could crack leading to roofing issues.
• Chemical resistance: Choosing a coating material with chemical resistance can be beneficial because you’ll have peace of mind that your roof will be resistant to any chemicals. This type of coating is rust resistant and can be fire resistant.
• Waterproofing: The type of moisture in your climate and the slope of your roof come into consideration when choosing the right coating. Certain coatings can protect your building from moisture and can resist penetration from standing water if you live in a moister climate.

Various types of roof coatings are available to choose from, but there are multiple factors to consider before choosing one such as location, slope, heat, and UV rays. Many coatings are intended for use on specific roof types, and their application can depend on climate. Call Matrix Roofing to help you decide which roof coating would work best for your building!

 

How to Determine if Your Roof Should be Repaired, Patched, or Replaced

The roof on your commercial building has seen better days, but it’s only been a few years since you last replaced it; could it already be time to replace it again? 

It can be challenging to determine how much work your roof requires and whether it is best to make simple repairs or replace the entire thing. While a professional inspection of your roof is the only way to determine the best course of action, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to prepare you for the best way to mend your roof. 

The term “patched” is commonly used to refer to covering holes or other damage on your roof and can be very effective in certain situations. Placing patches on punctures or tears in the membrane will work fine when you have only a handful of areas that have been damaged. If your roof is beginning to develop leaks and holes, especially if this is affecting the interior of your building, it may make sense to patch them until your roof can be properly attended to; however this is not an adequate long term solution. When there are more than just a few areas that need to be repaired, you’ll need to do a cost analysis to determine if repairing or replacing is what’s best as a long term solution. 

The third option for fixing your roof is what is referred to as a retrofit. A retrofit is a when a new roof is placed over your existing roof, making it stronger, more efficient, and takes care of any existing damage. 

For more information on roof repair and replacement, click here to visit our website.

The Importance of Hiring a Roofing Contractor Who Specializes in Commercial Roofing

A new roof for your home or business is a huge undertaking, so selecting a roofing contractor should be done thoroughly and carefully. While all roofing contractors undergo important certifications and training, it is important to note that there are a few distinct differences between residential and commercial roof experts. When it comes to roofing for your commercial building, you’ll want to ensure that you hire a commercial roofing contractor to get the job completed efficiently and effectively. Keeping reading this blog post for more information on the importance of hiring a roofing contractor who specializes in commercial roofing.

They use the right materials:  Commercial roofs are generally much larger than residential roofs, and therefore require a larger quantity of, and different kinds of, roofing material. Selecting materials for a commercial roof is determined by the roof’s slope, occupancy (what the building is used for), and the climate and weather conditions of the area. A commercial roofing contractor will take all of these factors into account when selecting material for your commercial roof.

They understand weight and building codes: Your commercial building likely has certain building codes that need to be met during construction, as well as ones that your roof will need to meet or exceed once it is completed. Additionally, your commercial building may have heavy HVAC and other equipment on the roof which your roofer will need to take into account during design and construction. A commercial roofing expert is familiar with building codes in your area, and understands the damage that equipment can do to your roof if not properly addressed and accounted for.

They have the proper licensing: Believe it or not, a residential roofer may not even be qualified to handle your commercial roofing needs! Commercial work requires specific training and licenses, to ensure that all of the information mentioned above is basic knowledge to a roofing professional that works on commercial buildings. These regulations help to prevent damage and unnecessary repairs to commercial buildings, in turn keeping employees, residents, and equipment safe.

Matrix Roofing is proud to provide commercial roofing services to the commercial buildings in our area. For more information or to get started on your next commercial roofing project, click here to visit our website.

Spring Cleaning for the Roof of Your Commercial Building

It’s hard to believe that we’re already well into spring, and it won’t be long before the hottest days of summer are upon us. Before we reach temperatures in the triple digits, it’s important to ensure that your commercial roof will be able to properly serve you and your building throughout the warmer seasons ahead. In this blog post, we’ll address some of the most important reasons for spring-cleaning for the roof of your commercial building.

It’s well known to all that spring is a popular time for cleaning, and cleaning your commercial roof is no exception to this unofficial rule of the season. Removing dust, debris and things like tree branches that may have fallen on your roof can help to keep your commercial building safer. Not only will cleaning your roof help to prevent damage, but it can also help to alleviate any dirt or allergens that might otherwise enter into your HVAC system, causing damage and a decrease in indoor air quality in your commercial building.

Spring-cleaning allows you to address any damage that may have incurred over the winter months, which you’re likely well aware can wreak havoc on your roof. During times of extremely cold temperatures, wind, snow, and ice, your roof can become damaged and unable to properly protect and secure your commercial building. Spring-cleaning allows for a professional roofing contractor to assess any damage caused by any winter storms, and either make the necessary repairs or recommend a roof replacement or retrofit.

Spring-cleaning for your commercial roof will also include unclogging scuppers, drains and gutters if your building has them. These structures all allow for water to properly drain off and away from your building, so proper cleaning and unclogging if necessary is imperative to ensure that your commercial building and roof will not suffer any avoidable water damage.

Spring-cleaning for your commercial roof is an important part of readying your building for the warmer months ahead. If you have any questions on roof cleaning or would like to schedule commercial roof maintenance before summer, click here to visit our website.

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.

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!

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!

How to Tell if Your Roof is Ready to be Replaced

Your roof is an important part of keeping your building operating smoothly, and unless water is falling through the ceiling with each rainfall, it's tough to know what kind of condition your roof is in. Some roofing problems can be solved with simple repairs, but it’s important to be aware of the signs that it may be time to replace your roof entirely. Wondering if you need to replace the roof on your building? Here are a few ways to tell it's time to invest in a new roof:

Lifespan: On average, commercial roofs typically last somewhere around 20 years before they need to be replaced. With that being said, if you live in an area with extreme heat or cold, snow, or hail, it's likely that your roof will need to be replaced before you hit the 20 year mark. Consider what your roof has had to endure weather wise when making a decision on whether to repair or replace it. If your roof has seen snow storms, hurricanes, or hail, you’ll want to think about replacing your roof before the damage starts to affect other areas of the building.

Rust: Rust is a sign of water damage, and if your roof is rusting, it's also a sign that the protective coating on your roof is no longer doing its job. Once the protective coating is gone, water is able to come in contact with metal on the roof, which is why you begin to notice the rust. Without this protective coating, your roof is likely to begin to leak, causing damage to the interior of your commercial building. The best thing you can do once your roof has begun to rust is replace it.

Leaking: As mentioned above, leaking can be an indicator that your roof is rusting, but leaking can also be caused by a number of other things. One of the main instigators of leaks is curled metal planes. Planes on your commercial roof can begin to curl because of improper installation or, more likely, from exposure to harsh weather conditions. The water damage caused by leaks can lead to problems with the electrical systems in your building and mold. Curled plans can create access for pests and intruders into your building. In these situations, it's best to replace your roof before these problems begin to arise.

Sun: A little natural light in your office can be great... that is of course unless it's coming through cracks in your ceiling! Your roof may not be leaking water when it rains, but if sunlight is leaking through, that's a problem! A worn out roof board can have patches from which daylight is coming in, indicating that your roof is weak. It may not seem like a major problem, but if ignored, it can cause your roof to buckle over time.

Need a professional to assess your commercial roof in Delaware County, PA? Call Matrix Roofing Systems today at (267) 327-4680. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have, and schedule an appointment to inspect your roof.

Roofing 101

There’s more to a roof than meets the eye. Unless you own a building or you work in the construction field, chances are that the only time you give your roof a second thought is when it’s leaking. When that happens, you’ll need to call a professional. Wouldn’t it be great if you could speak their language, understand their lingo and be able to confidently make a decision based on your knowledge? In this post we’ve listed some of the most common roofing terms and definitions used in the commercial roofing industry. Trust us, they’ll come in handy when the need arises.
TPO Membrane (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): A single ply roof membrane, constructed from thermoplastic materials, primarily used in commercial applications on flat and low sloped roofs.
EPDM Membrane (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): A single ply synthetic elastomer roof membrane, constructed from thermoplastic materials, primarily used in commercial applications on flat and low sloped roofs.
Decking: The bottom layer of the roof that supports the weight of the roof system. The five types of decking are plywood, wood plank, gypsum, concrete and corrugated metal.
Isocyanurate: A foam based thermal insulation that is placed between the decking and membrane.
Cricket: This is a peaked water diverter that's placed between the chimney and large roof projections. It basically helps to move the course of the water around the chimney and projections.
Scupper: Basically, it's a drain that allows water to run out of the side of a building.
Ballast: When the roof membrane is not screwed or glued down, ballast is placed on top of the membrane to hold it in place. The most common forms of ballast are river rocks or crushed stone.
Flashing: "Components used to weatherproof or seal roof system edges at perimeters, penetrations, walls, expansion joints, valleys, drains and other places where the roof covering is interrupted or terminated." (Definition gathered from: http://www.nrca.net/Technical/Search/Glossary?GlossaryTerm=flashing&GlossaryAlpha=&btnSearchGlossary=Search)

Remember, these are just a sampling of the terms you can expect to hear when you’re having roof work done. Visit our blog often to learn the ins and outs of roofs, and how you can keep your buildings in great shape.

Interested in commercial roofing, Montgomery County PA? Please call Matrix Roofing Systems today at (267) 327-4680. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have, and schedule an appointment to inspect your roof.

Resources: http://www.gaf.com and http://www.nrca.net