Does Your Roof Withstand High Winds?

Excessive snow or rain is often seen as enemy number one to commercial roofs, but don’t forget about the hazards that high winds bring. Strong gusts can severely damage the structure of a roof and demand expensive repairs if not prepared. While some roofing materials claim to be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 90mph, most can exhibit signs of damage at 50 mph. Considering that the minimum wind speed of a severe thunderstorm is 58 mph, it’s important to make sure that your roof is able to handle the elements.

Wind damage can be easy to spot when you understand the common culprits. Wind can often loosen your HVAC components and cause them to roll around across your roof, resulting in noticeable and severe damage. A strong gale can also rip off sections of your metal roofing system, especially when hail or other debris is involved. You can also look out for damage to your gutters, downspouts, and flashing to get a feel for how your roof may have been affected by high winds.

There are a few strategies you can take to prevent substantial damage next time high winds come around. If there are any trees nearby with branches that could damage your roof, have a tree service trim those back. Also, have your gutters cleaned regularly. Gutters that don’t drain properly can contribute to pooling water on your roof, which can be severely damaging. In the event of a storm, you’ll want your gutters to direct all rainfall away from your building, not on top of it!

To get the best understanding of your roof’s resilience to high winds, the best strategy is regular maintenance and check-ups. After a storm or any other period of high winds, have a look at your facility’s roof. If you notice the HVAC machine on its side, leaky and crooked gutters, missing sections of the roof cover, damage to the roof’s flashing, and/or more, your roof may not be in such great shape.

A professional roof inspection will be the best way to assess the conditions of your commercial roof. A roofing expert can highlight any areas that may be susceptible to damage and possibly help you to prevent expensive repairs after a storm. At Matrix Roofing Systems, we service commercial clients across the Mid-Atlantic area and are happy to be a resource for wind-proofing your roof. Call us today to schedule an inspection!

What to Goes in to the Pricing of Your New Roofing System

What to Goes in to the Pricing of Your New Roofing System

When having a new commercial roof installed, there are many things to take into consideration that make up the cost/price of your new roof. Here are a few things that go into the pricing of your new roofing system.

Choosing a Roofing System

Whether your building has a flat or sloped roof, there are several basic types of roofing materials to choose from. These materials vary in both effectiveness and durability. The material you choose can be the main difference between a roof that lasts 10 years and a roof that lasts 30 years. Some of the common roofing types to consider include:

·         Asphalt or fiberglass shingles

·         Built-up roofing (asphalt or coal tar)

·         Modified bitumen roofing system

·         Single-ply membrane roofing (TPO< PVC & EPDM)

·         Spray polyurethane foam roofing

Pricing the Project

There are many factors that affect the overall cost of a roof replacement. These factors include the size of the roof, the materials you choose, the amount and concentration of roof top penetrations, perimeter details, ease of access and set-up, equipment required and the presence of any other damage (wet insulation, bad deck) that needs to be addressed, building codes, permits and warranty fees. When choosing a contractor for the job, pricing should not be the only factor you consider. Just because a contractor offers their services at the lowest price does not mean they’ll provide high-quality work.

Length of Project

How long it takes to install your commercial roof varies greatly depending on the size of the roof and the complexity of the project. Roofs that have experienced water damage and need to be torn off will take longer than a roof that can be roofed over. The size and skill of the crew also dictate the duration of a job. Smaller roofs and residential roofs often take only a day or two while large commercial roofs can take more than a month(s) to install. 

A well-installed roof will help save you money on your monthly utility bills, prevent costly repairs, and make for a healthier working environment. Contact Matrix Roofing by calling 267-642-5027 or emailing jeffh@matrixroofing.info to determine the best roofing system for your building.

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.

Common Commercial Roofing Problems that Can Be Avoided

Commercial buildings experience a range of roofing issues that cause business owners to seek a roofing contractor. Leaks, clogged gutters, and damaged membrane are some of the most typical problems that all types of buildings endure. However, there are some problems that are unique to commercial roofs.

Tree branches, leaves, and other debris can collect on top of drain covers and slow down water drainage. A clogged drain in a commercial building can be, at best, an unpleasant mess. In some cases, clogged drains are the cause of significant damage to the building. Serious clogs or clogs that are deep in the plumbing or drainage system will most likely require professional attention.

If drains become clogged with debris, standing water on the roof will follow. This standing water can attract insects, lead to mold and algae growth, and create interior leaks. It can also accelerate the deterioration of the roof, thus reducing its longevity. To ensure the roof isn’t "ponding," contact a professional.

Pitch pockets protect the pipes that run through roofs. Occasionally, a pitch pan becomes dislodged and then water trickles down the pipelines and causes leaks. This can happen for a few reasons, usually related to structural movement. The sealant can also dry out and shrink. It’s also possible that the penetration that is wrapped by the pitch pocket moves or vibrates, thus compromising the pitch pocket seal. Regardless of the reason, all pitch pocket problems mean leaks.

To help prevent problems in the future and ultimately avoid headaches for your business, clear debris from your roof any time you can see it building up on your roof or gutters. If you notice any of your downspouts not draining properly, be sure to check your gutter system and call us today to learn how we can protect your company's largest asset! Our Preventative Maintenance Program ensures that our experienced inspectors perform an in-depth survey of your roof and document and photograph its conditions to create customized repair and/or maintenance recommendations for you.

Importance of Post-Winter Roof Maintenance

While the increasing temperatures of spring are surely a cause for celebration, don't be so sure that the responsibilities of winter are behind you. The freezing temperatures, snow and ice are known to be brutal on whatever stands in their way, and your business's roof has been at it all season! Now that winter is over, it's a great time to assess any damage to your commercial roof and make repairs as needed.

Having your commercial roof inspected and maintained in the spring is essential to running your business efficiently. Your roof is one of the largest investments in your facility's future, so it wouldn't make sense to ignore it and hope for the best. Winter damage can result in expensive repairs or even entire roof replacement if nothing is done to address it. Regular maintenance helps to boost the lifespan of your roof, just like it would with a car.

While it makes sense to focus on the parts of your business that you can see, there are plenty of concerns to address on the roof that may not be apparent at first. A spring roof inspection could shed light on the following concerns:

• Clogged drainage systems, which can result in pooling water. Keep in mind: a square foot of one inch of water comes out to five pounds of pressure, so larger pools of water can really put a strain on your roof.
• Debris and vegetation, which can cause tears in the roof membrane. The roof membrane is the waterproof covering that prevents moisture from entering your building.
• Damage to perimeter flashing. Any splits or cracks in the flashing require professional attention, or you risk substantial to both the roof and interior of your building.

While addressing these issues should be reason enough to include your commercial roof in your spring cleaning checklist, don't forget about appearances! The way you present your building to others speaks volumes about your business. Even though your roof is high up, people are likely still able to see it from somewhere. Don't let dirt, loose roofing materials and murky water lead others to think poorly of your company identity.

A roof may not last forever, but it can surely last a long time if you give it the care it needs! Similar to how cleaning out weeds and leaves from a garden can lead to blooms in the spring, maintaining your commercial roof after the winter will set it up for success (and minimal repairs) for the season.

We know how important regular care is to a commercial roof at Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc., which is why we offer the Preventative Maintenance Program. Call us today to learn how we can protect your company's largest asset!

4 Clean Up and Maintenance Tips for Your Commercial Roof This Spring

Spring weather can be unpredictable. From heavy rains to hail storms followed by bouts of heavy winds and bright sunshine, commercial roofs take a beating. Over time, these weather extremes can lead to a variety of roofing issues as well as leaks. So, to keep your commercial roof in the best shape possible, here are four clean up and maintenance tips.

1. Trim Those Trees

Most plants don’t grow much in the wintertime. However, once spring has sprung, they will start to make up for months of stagnation. If there are trees close to your building, then this may present hazards if a strong wind should send a tree or its branches falling onto your roof. Consider trimming the branches, or removing the tree altogether. You can always replant one further away from the building.

2. Clean the Roof

When was the last time you cleaned your roof? You may believe that Mother Nature does a great job of this on her own, but this is far from the truth. Inspecting and cleaning the roof on regular intervals removes dirt and debris that can collect in numerous places on your roof, especially near drains and scuppers, preventing prolonged areas of standing water which can lead to dirt and silt deposits that support plant life, algae and possibly mold or fungus. Geese and/or seagulls flocking on rooftops are more than just a slight nuisance for many building owners. Gulls often bring their scavenged food up on rooftops to eat in peace, leaving behind bones and other scraps. Then there is the waste that both of these birds deposit on the roof. This biological stew can be unhealthy and cleaning it up is best done by professionals with respirators, and protective suits and gloves. 

3. Inspect the Roof

Once the roof is clean, inspection of the roof system itself becomes a whole lot easier. Roofing system manufacturers recommend that you have your commercial roof inspected at least twice per year, typically before and after the winter season. Here are a few things contractors are on the lookout for:

·         Open seams/laps

·         Punctures

·         Buckling of insulation

·         Splits in the roof surface

·         Exposed felts or scrims

·         Cracked caulking

·         Damaged perimeter metal

·         Deteriorated penetration flashings

4. Hire Professionals

Roofing is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in America and with good reason. For the safety of yourself and your workers, leave this work up to professionals who are trained, equipped, licensed, insured and highly experienced with this type of work.

Are you looking for professional assistance with maintenance work on your commercial roof? Matrix Roofing is proud to be the commercial roofing leaders of the Mid-Atlantic. Contact us today by calling 267-863-4481 or sending an email to info@matrixroofing.com for roof replacements, maintenance, repairs or disaster response.

How Do You Know When to Coat a Commercial Roof?

There are a few things that point directly to a new roof. Curled shingles, excessive wear and tear around the roof, stains on the interior ceiling, attic leaks, curled roofing materials, and other similar damages are almost always a sign your roof is failing to protect your commercial property. Should you get an entirely new roof or should you get it coated? The following will help you figure that out.

Check Out the Existing Roof Condition

Sometimes a roof meets all the criteria for getting a new coating but it simply won’t work because the existing roof is in such poor condition. A coating won’t permanently adhere to certain types of roofing materials, especially if they are in poor condition or have been installed improperly. If the existing roof is in good enough order and you’re certain it won’t create problems underneath the coating, go ahead and check this box.

Check Out the Texture

Proper application of a roof coating requires a smooth surface. Too much texture and the coating won’t seal. Without a proper seal, you’ll end up dealing with leaks and other problems. Speaking with the professionals about the texture of your roof will give you a better idea of whether or not yours is smooth enough.

Check Out the Moisture Level

You want your roof to be completely dry before applying any type of coating. Though you might think this is referring to the top layer of the roof, it goes for every layer. Many commercial roofs that have a porous layer will have built up moisture from any leaks that may have occurred over the years. Putting a coating over something such as that will trap the moisture and damage the roof.

As you can see, there are some things you need to be sure about before coating a commercial roof. If the condition, texture and moisture level are just right, that’s when it’s time to schedule your roof coating. Contact Matrix Roofing today by calling 267-863-4481 or sending an email to info@matrixroofing.com to learn more.