Commercial Roofing Design & Estimation
Based on the information obtained from our roof evaluation, we create a thorough proposal based on your unique…
Roof Repairs
Fixing minor problems here and there, or taking on bigger projects like stripping in the seams, can stop leaks…
Roof Replacement
If a new roof installation is chosen, the materials are ordered, the job is stocked, and the roof is completed…
What You Need to Know About Flat Roof Designs
Flat roofs are among the most common and versatile types of roofs globally. While they are not the most glamorous and enchanting option, they have unique advantages. It’s important to note that flat roofs require special attention, care, and handling. Flat roofs differ from their contemporary counterparts in more than outward appearance. Costs, materials, and versatility benefits are distinct capabilities of flat roofs. So, if you’re a commercial building owner or a private real estate developer, you will most likely have to deal with flat roofs firsthand.Here’s what you need to know about flat roof designs: 1. Cost The cost of a flat roof system can vary dramatically. If you need to complete a full tear off, you also need to install code-compliant insulation, which can add dramatically to the cost. There are also big cost differences between the products available (TPO, EPDM, PVC) and how they are installed (Fastened, adhered, etc). Make sure you do your homework and know what you are getting before approving a proposal. 2. Maintenance On a flat roof system, maintenance is very important. Clogged roof drains and minor defects can create big problems down the road. It is very important to walk your roof at least once a year, clearing vegetation and checking for defects. An annual maintenance program can go a long way in making sure your roof […]
Bonding Adhesive and Its Smell
When roofing contractors use bonding adhesives on a commercial building with a flat or low-sloped roof, you can usually smell it as soon as the can opens! To adhere materials to a roof, like EPDM membranes, synthetic rubber, tar paper, insulation boards, felt, and various other materials, roofing contractors use a variety of different adhesives. However, many standard roof bonding adhesive methods require cold application methods. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t the heat-applied adhesives that smell the most. it’s the cold-applied adhesives. These cold application methods are usually brushed, rolled, or sprayed onto the roof. Oftentimes these products let out a foul odor, which lasts until the product has dried and set. The unpleasant smells caused by the application of roofing bonding adhesive can lower the indoor air quality of every building in the vicinity. Roof bonding adhesive fumes can be so concentrated that they linger in the air for a long time. This is especially true on buildings where rooftop units are pulling air into the building from the roof. Odors and foul smells can disrupt the building’s occupants. So, how can the vapors, fumes, and unpleasant smells generated by roof bonding adhesives be mitigated? Here are three tips. Related: 4 Reasons To Avoid Built-Up Roof Systems Planning and Logistics Roofing contractors can work early morning or off-hours to maintain indoor air quality […]
4 Reasons to Avoid Built-Up Roof Systems
A built-up roof system, also known as BURS, is a multi-tiered roofing system for flat roofs. Built-up roof systems provide roof protection against the elements with multiple layers of protective systems. A built-up roof system is also known as a tar and gravel roof. The number of layers in the system will depend on the owner’s preferences and usage of the building. Typically, it is installed in 3-5 layers. The more layers, or plies, the stronger the BUR system and the longer it will last. The first layer of a built-up roof system is typically a base felt paper. This prevents the BUR system from being adhered directly to the structural decking, making removal down the road difficult to impossible. Then, alternating layers of asphalt/tar are applied between additional layers of felt paper. Install felt sheet, mop on a layer of asphalt, repeat. The top layer of a built-up roof system usually consists of gravel. In a built-up roof system, gravel acts as UV protection, which will prevent the asphalt roof system from cracking and breaking apart over time. In some cases, coatings are applied instead of P-stone. This serves the same purpose, UV protection. However, in some cases, they also serve as a heat-reflective top layer that reflects sunlight and heat away from a building to help keep it cool and lower energy bills. […]
Ballasted Roof Repair
Commercial buildings have been using ballasted roofs since the roofing method became more widespread in the 1960s. Ballasted roofs offer building owners a wide variety of benefits and are easier to install than other roofing methods. A ballasted roof is an unmoored roofing system secured in place on flat roofs by the weight of small rocks, gravel, and pebbles. So, for example, if you had EPDM membrane installed on your commercial roof, the only thing holding it in place would be the accumulated weight of the small rocks covering it. Ballasted roofs are not an ad hoc or hastily constructed roofing design method. On the contrary, extensive wind tunnel testing conducted over decades has proven that rocks used as ballast can keep unmoored roofing systems in place in the rain, wind, and other forms of inclement weather. Aesthetically pleasing rocks as roof ballast are plentiful, affordable to procure, and relatively quick to install than other roofing methods. In addition, rocks don’t burn, so a ballasted roof can act as a natural fire retardant. And light-colored roof ballast can reflect heat energy from the sun, saving money on energy costs. Additionally, ballasted roofs provide excellent UV protection, since they cover the roof system from the sun’s UV rays. Related: Adding On Or Renovating Your Commercial Property? Consider Upgrading Your Roof Easy to Replace Ballasted roof repair […]
Adding or Renovating Your Property? Consider Upgrading Your Roof
The average roof will last 15 to 30 years in the United States. However, if you own a commercial building, you should not take anything for granted. It would be best to regularly inspect your roof and take proactive steps in renovating and upgrading your roof before problems develop. Here are three ideas on renovating or upgrading your roof to save money and improve the aesthetics of your commercial property. Related: EPDM Warranties Explained (And Why It’s So Popular) EPDM Over 50% of American buildings have mild to serious mold infiltration problems. Many people think leaky pipes cause expensive, façade damaging and health-endangering mold problems but sometimes, mold can infiltrate your building from the top. It would not take a lot of water infiltration via the roof for a mold problem to get out of control. Ethylene propylene diene monomer, more commonly known as EPDM, is a sheet material made of synthetic rubber. EPDM is used to line flat roofs and most commonly as the lining for artificial ponds because of its durability. EPDM lining is held in place with masonry pavers, ballast, glue, or fastening. It is a lightweight, relatively inexpensive material that offers enhanced insulation. As long as EPDM sheeting is installed expertly, leaks won’t be a commonplace occurrence. If your commercial property is located in a region with colder weather, then the […]
Choosing The Longest Lasting Commercial Roofing For Harsh Winters
Winters are harsh on commercial roofing. All of that rain, sleet, snow, ice, and wind will do damage. Often business owners think their roof is strong until a night of wind and rain brings leaks and damp patches. The weight of heavy snowfall or a week of ice will cause its own problems. A harsh winter will expose weaknesses, often with devastating results. At Chaffee Roofing, we know the benefits of a long-lasting commercial roof. The type of roofing to come through the winter and withstand the toughest conditions is what you need. Let’s take a closer look at the best roofing for your building. TPO is one of the best roofing solutions for harsh winter problems. We supply EPDM, TPO, and PVC membrane roofing materials for commercial installs. All three products have their benefits, depending on the style of the roof. TPO is one of the best for harsh winters. It has many benefits, and for commercial roofs going through harsh winters, TPO covers all eventualities. Not shattering is one of the major benefits of any roof in a harsh winter. Instant, low temperatures can cause a roof to shatter, often overnight. This will not happen with TPO, and you can rest assured when the coldest nights come that your TPO roof will stay secure. Shrinking is another problem with cold and freezing conditions. […]
Heat – Welded PVC And TPO Seams Do Away With Seam Weaknesses
A flat roof is only as strong as its weakest seam. Many types of seams are not strong enough under pressure and will fail. Age, foul weather, and even poor application by badly trained roofing mechanics can cause a seam to open. Once the seam opens, the membrane separates, and the next rainfall will do the damage. At Chaffee Roofing, we know that properly installed heat-welded membranes fix the problem of seam weakness. Our years of experience tell us how both PVC and TPO give peace of mind when it comes to solid roofs. Let’s take a closer look at how not to have roof seam weakness become an issue. It’s all in the welding Both PVC and TPO membrane seams are heated-welded together. The rolls of membrane slot into place and our highly-trained Chaffee Roofing technicians go into action. We use robotic welders on large, open plan roofing installations. The onboard computer automatically sets the correct temperature for the material. Hot air welding, using temperatures up to 800 degrees, seal together the seams of the membranes. The computer also sets the correct pressure to apply and the most suitable speed when welding together the PVC seams. The bonding process creates the strongest seal possible in roofing systems. How about the tighter roof areas? While the robotic welder is ideal for the larger roof areas, […]