United States Postal System Won’t Get Soaked

Nothing slows down delivery like wet mail, so when the United States Postal Service roofing consultant noticed their existing modified roofing system was beginning to show signs of aging they realized they could have a big problem on their hands.

The postal service is very proactive in maintaining their existing roofs and knows that there are options to explore beyond tear off and replacement. Upon close evaluation of the roofs at this postal facility, the roofing consultant’s report indicated signs of aging, including extensive open laps and seams of the modified roofing system. Years of exposure to the elements had also caused the metal parking canopies to rust.

Republic Representative Division Seven Systems was contacted by the roofing consultant to determine a viable restoration system. The successful contractor, DC Taylor Co., sealed all seams and laps with Solargard Patching Cement and then restored the roof with Solargard Ultra acrylic elastomer coating system. On the metal canopies, Alumanation 301 was installed eliminating all rusting of the existing panels.

Solargard® Ultra Coating System:

• Quick dry system
• Restores EPDM, Hypalon, PIB and reinforced PVC
• Reduces energy costs with its highly reflective white surface
• Available in white and 12 standard pastel colors; custom colors available upon request
• Environmentally friendly
• ENERGY STAR® qualified
• Material and labor warranties available

Phoenix City Hall, a 22-story building with a granulated modified bitumen roof system, had over 1,200 75 lb. concrete pavers and window washing equipment creating gouges in the roof that could have caused leaks. Instead of waiting for the leaks to occur, the City Hall’s maintenance department decided to be proactive with their roof maintenance.

Before: Division Seven Systems Geogard Urethane Roof Coating on the City Hall in Phoenix, AZ

After – Division Seven Systems Geogard Urethand Roof Coating City Hall Phoenix

Because of county ordinances, a low VOC product had to be specified. Republic Powdered Metals representative David Coultrap worked with a local consulting firm who had specified Geogard a low-VOC urethane coating to provide restoration and protection for the modified bitumen roof system. Republic Powdered Metals’ Geogard LV system with a sand aggregate for roof traffic was applied. Phoenix City Hall was issued a 12-year material and labor waterproofing warranty on their new roof coating.

Republic Powdered Metals, the founding company of RPM, Inc, manufactures roof coatings and single ply membranes including such products as Alumination 301, Solargard Hy-Build, Solargard Ultra, and Geogard. For more information, check on-line at www.rpmrepublic.com

Geogard Coating System:
¥ ENERGY STAR® qualified
¥ Withstands harsh roof top pollutants
¥ Restores weathered single ply, modified bitumen and built-up roofs
¥ Provides 85% reflectivity to increase energy savings

Material and labor warranties available

http://roofcoatingsphoenix.com/

Division Seven Systems

480-917-8383

Roof Coatings Phoenix: Installing Mechanically Attached Commercial Roofing Systems and Restoring them with Restoration Coating Systems

Roof Coatings Phoenix Installing Mechanically Attached Commercial Roofing Systems

Coverboard

Most mechanically attached roofing systems need insulation or a coverboard to improve insulating value of the roof system, and to provide a smooth surface for the single ply membranes installation. Types of insulation that may be used are polyisocyanurate, expanded polystyrene or extruded polystyrene, perlite, high density gypsum, or wood fiber board. Never use insulation or coverboard smaller than 4’ x 4’ sheets unless approved by the roofing system manufacturer. Minimizing the number of joints in the insulation will also improve the performance of the insulation. Roof Coatings Phoenix expresses that staggering multiple layers of insulation at least 6” so the joints do not align will minimize what is called thermal drift and reduced energy loss at the joints. Support the edges properly assuring that they are properly supported to reduce potential damage to the insulation. Always replace wet, warped, buckled, or damaged insulation or coverboard.

Thermoplastic Membranes

Roof Coatings Phoenix recognizes there are several major thermoplastic membranes currently on the market. Thermoplastic mechanically attached systems lend themselves to cool-weather installation as there are few solvents and no hot asphalt to be concerned with. However, as in all cases of thermoplastic membranes, the temperature of the heat welding of the seams is critical to getting a good bond and cool weather must be taken into consideration when welding.

Steel

Steel is an excellent choice for mechanically attached systems, especially when installing a new roofing system over a structural standing seam metal building, because the mechanical attachment is light weight and less likely to overload the highly engineered weight limits of the building. Wood decks are also very good for mechanically fastened systems, however, fire ratings need to be closely evaluated. We at Roof Coatings Phoenix voice that mechanically attached membranes are generally not the preferred way of installing single plies over structural concrete decks but are good for use on steel or wood. A fully adhered or ballasted system is more appropriate for structural concrete to avoid damage to the concrete.

Coating Restorations

Commercial building owners also need to be  aware that most mechanically attached or fully adhered single ply roofing systems can also be restored with protective coating systems when the single ply membranes begin to show signs of degradation caused by normal weathering and UV exposure. The photograph below shows a 14 year old existing mechanically attached single ply roofing system restored with coating.

Roof Coatings Phoenix: Installing Mechanically Attached Commercial Roofing Systems and Restoring them with Restoration Coating Systems

Roof Coatings Phoenix Restoring Mechanically Attached Commercial Roofing Systems with Restoration Coating Systems

Choosing the right commercial roof coating can be very tricky says Roof Coatings Phoenix. You have to look at the type of roof you have and the amount of fabric it has, to determine the type of coating you need. If your roof has a hard, smooth surface, then a high level of adhesion is required. But if you have a rough and uneven surface, you will find a wide variety of coatings that adhere to your commercial roof’s surface just fine. Most roofs have a particular base coat specifically formulated for them, further improving the adhesion level. Another base coat benefit is preventing the bleeding of color from your old roof into the new coat, because a roof coating is not only designed to repair your roof, but also extend its life and improve appearance.

Roof Coatings Phoenix talks about Choosing the Right Roof Coating

Successful Commercial Roofing Application

The success of a commercial roof coating application can be affected by many factors. There are some beyond the roofing contractor’s control, such as weather conditions, but others are in their control, like the application thickness, and even control, so hiring a Roof Coatings Phoenix professional is likely to enhance your roof in both appearance and durability because of the professionalism and experience you choose. Commercial Roof coatings are usually guaranteed for about ten years and come in a range of colors and finishes, so you can pick the one that is right for you aesthetically. There are also some finishes that improve heating and air conditioning because of the insulating material they are made with, and that is not only good for the environment but the running costs of the building, as well. An added benefit of the insulation is the comfortable environment it gives in hot weather, with the regulated building temperature that is a result of a good commercial roofing application.

Take into Consideration

Other factors you may want to consider depend on where you live and the type of conditions you have with your weather. Moss growth or acid rain can greatly affect the reliability of the roof as well as its appearance, so it is good to pick something that will be reliable against all factors that are a result of your commercial roof getting weathered. Roof Coatings Phoenix stresses that when choosing your roof the cost will definitely be a factor in your purchase, but you should also take into consideration several issues which could affect the life of your roof over time: existing commercial roof type, effect on energy bills, durability, guarantee period, range of colors, resistance to acid rain, weather resistance, resistant to moss and lichen growth, and a base coat required or recommended.

Safety

In some cases, you may find yourself requiring a special coating because of a commercial roof having been made with asbestos. This then becomes more important for safety reasons than making sure your roof’s lifetime is at its maximum, so you will be more concerned with picking a heavy duty covering than something that will give you the best bang for your buck says Roof Coatings Phoenix.

Roof Coatings Phoenix talks about Choosing the Right Commercial Roof Coating

Corrugated metal roofing is a type of metal roofing sheet made with ripples that is used for roofing applications. Corrugated roofing is commonly used by Roof Coatings Phoenix in industrial and commercial applications and is a common form of residential roofing as well. It has been in use since the 1840’s, and through technological developments has become rust free with other enhanced attributes. Corrugated roof galvanizing protects it against the corrosion in air and water. This results in the roofing system being one of the most durable roofing systems on the market. Corrugated roofing has a life expectancy of over fifty years and is weather proof and non-combustible, leaving it as one of the safest options for lightning prone areas. It is not only environmentally friendly but recyclable, too. As a good reflector of heat, metal roofing reduces energy charges and is lightweight enough to put less stress on the underlying walls and materials, and does not require much framework or support.

Roof Coatings Phoenix: Corrugated Metal Roofing Can Give Protection

Insulator

Corrugated metal roofing is a great insulator and energy saver, as the insulation materials inhibit the flow of energy, thus reducing the heat loss or gain of the structure. The five main insulation materials are blankets, polymethane foam, rigid fibers or plastic foam boards and fiber pellets. A roofing system like this will always be installed by Roof Coatings Phoenix according to safety requirements and industry standards, to improve functional conditions and life of the roof. When using a professional service, you will get provided installation, repair, cleaning, maintenance, and replacement if needed, so it is the best route to go. Metal roofing contractors are required to ensure the roofing installation brings long lasting comfort and quality to you within your budget.

Binders

An acrylic binder is incorporated as a roof refurbishment application in metal roofing restoration. Other materials for roof restoration include formulated primers, sealers, and top coats. Most of the time, a technologically advanced roof coating enhanced with Teflon will increase the value and longevity of the roof. Repairing the roof includes locating leak sources to prevent further spreading of water. An acrylic roof coating will provide complete water protection to the roof, eliminating the issue of leaks says Roof Coatings Phoenix.

Wide Rib Industrial Choice

Metal roofing systems are the choice of building owners and architects, because they provide a wide array of design options with the different corrugated metal design options. Metal roofing is east to work with and is available in both standard modules, and custom, to fit any design and budget, making them economical and available. Wide Rib is often the industrial choice, preferred because the wide rib allows for a narrow top opening which is desirable when a rigid installation is to be used on top of the roofing system. Roof Coatings Phoenix will provide to the home owners detailed instructions and a corrugated metal roofing guide, to ensure that optimization of performance can be adhered to, depending on the residence location.

Roof Coatings Phoenix: Commercial Corrugated Metal Roofing Can Give Protection

The commercial roof coating is the final layer to the finished construction of your roof. This is essential that when applied, it is done so correctly to keep from getting damaged from UV rays and harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail. A properly installed roof coating will be seamless and can be used to prevent and repair damage to the commercial roof that causes leaks. Done correctly the coating can add up to 25 years on the roof. If you are facing a repair this might be the best option for you, at least, than having to replace your entire roof, which is a time consuming and can be a costly ordeal. A roof coating depending on the way it is applied can also be an energy efficient addition to your home. Roof Coatings Phoenix states that these will ultimately insuring a cut in the cost of your air conditioning and heating bills.

Roof Coatings Phoenix: Roof Coating Importance to Maintain Strength

Consultation advantages

The procedure of coating a commercial roof is a little complicated. With advancement in technology, the roof coating companies are bringing out new formulations and newer technologies. If it a small roof project that you are wishing to apply a coating to, such as a garage, shed, or out building, this can be done in as little as two day and is an easy enough DIY project. Roof Coatings Phoenix highly recommends to hire a contractor or professional to fix roof if you have damage to the commercial roof of your home or an extensive leak on your property. A consultation is advisable to be sure of the extent of repair needed to your roof before deciding on how to go about repairing your commercial roof. What might look simple could ultimately have some major underlying problems that will involve a more extensive repair.

Preemptive Step

Even if you don’t need a repair done to your commercial roof it would be a preemptive step for you to have a roof coating applied to your roof before it is too late for a coating. Whether new or old, an undamaged commercial roof can be prevented from having damage done to it. This would be particularly beneficial in high catastrophic areas, especially northern regions that experience freezing temperatures, tropical regions subject to hurricanes and high precipitation. Even building in the Midwest prone to tornadoes can benefit from a roof coat. Roof Coatings Phoenix states that a roof coating isn’t going to be a fix-all to a damaged commercial roof and in severe cases it is not going to prevent damage to your roof.

Clean roof first

In order to apply a clean even coat on your commercial roof certain tools should be used. Roof Coatings Phoenix has on hand high pressure airless spray equipment, pressure washers with rotary nozzles, as well as other miscellaneous tools such as paint brushes and putty knives. While these might not be your average equipment, something you are going to have stashed in your garage, many rental equipment companies have such gadgets on hand. Basic commercial roof maintenance is important, but unfortunately home owners neglect the proper maintenance of their roof and later repent while paying a fortune in getting it repaired. By the time the commercial roof surface has corroded completely, the roof starts leaking requiring extensive repair work or needs a complete reroof!

Roof Coatings Phoenix: Commercial Roof Coating Importance to Maintain Strength

If you are a homeowner or a commercial building owner that has a flat commercial roof you can have serious roof problems occur that are very difficult to repair without the proper knowledge. Roof Coatings Phoenix wants you to know that you can’t just hire any roofing contractor to fix the problem, it has to be one with extensive knowledge of roofing surfaces and how each one reacts with different roof coatings. The best way to extend the life of the roof is to apply a roof coating to the surface, these come in a few different types. There is asphalt based and polymer or elastomeric based coatings available today. Both can extend the life of your roof but the elastomeric roof coatings will give you a better quality roof surface.

Roof Coatings Phoenix Talks on Flat Roof Coatings

Asphalt Based

A black modified asphalt based coating formulated with fillers and fibers will form a tough but elastic film upon curing. This type of coating will seal small cracks, joints, seams and voids, however, these types of asphalt coatings are not UV stable and will typically require a UV stable elastomeric topcoat. These modified asphalt coatings have the ability to penetrate, resaturate, and revitalizes sound roofing materials while it’s elastic skin prevents underlying commercial roof felts from becoming brittle and cracking. The elastomeric topcoat is resistant to water and heavy bodied enough to eliminate running on a sloped roofing surfaces. There are also aluminum coatings that are available that can be utilized in lieu of elastomerics to give a certain level of sunlight reflectivity to help reduce the roofs overall surface temperature thus saving you money on your cooling expenses and keep costs to a minimum. A modified asphalt coating will also provide a tenacious bond to existing asphalt based roofing systems when roof restoration systems are being considered with acrylic coatings.

Elastomeric

Elastomeric commercial roof coatings are generally acrylic or urethane based and come in a liquid form. Roof Coatings Phoenix says they are white in color but can be mixed with colorants to obtain a desired look. Quality elastomeric roof coatings have low dirt pick up and excellent ponded water resistance and long term UV stability. Both of these types of coatings will give you a seamless roof surface and should be leak free if the coatings are applied correctly. Commercial roof coatings do not work alone, there is a lot of prep work that must be done prior to applying the coating. Fasteners need to individually sealed and seams need to be reinforced if your coating a metal roof, flashing’s need to checked and reinforced and you need to start with a clean surface which that alone can take some time to complete.

Contemplate coatings

As you can see there is a lot to consider when choosing a commercial roof coating solution, if you are unsure you should contact Roof Coatings Phoenix. The condition and age of your roof are very important to consider as well because some roofs are too far gone to be saved by coatings and will need to be torn off. The best way is to have your roof inspected by a professional, but a good indicator is walking the roof and feeling for soft areas where water has penetrated through the commercial roof and damaged the underlying insulation and deck. In many cases these bad areas can be cut out and repaired with traditional roof materials and then the coatings can be applied. The surface of the roof is a good indicator as well, if the surface of the commercial roof is very brittle and cracks while you are inspecting then most likely the roof would not be a good candidate for a roof coating.

Roof Coatings Phoenix Talks on Commercial Flat Roof Coatings

Roof Coatings Phoenix thinks the most important feature of an ideal cool commercial roof is that its surface strongly reflects sunlight. This is the ability to reflect the visible, infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths of the sun, reducing heat transfer to the building and high thermal emittance. The ability to radiate absorbed or non-reflected solar energy is emittance. Both properties are measured from 0 to 1 and the higher the value, the “cooler” the roof. The benefits associated with cool commercial roofs include reduced cooling energy load, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emission, and improved human health and comfort. Cool roofs come in mainly three types rooftop garden, reflective coating, and lightly colored reflective coating.

Roof Coatings Phoenix : Cool Roofs What Are They & How Can They Help?

Green Rooftop Commercial Garden Roofs

Most popular and Eco-friendly is undeniably ‘the commercial rooftop garden’ which is said all in the name a garden grown on top of a roof. Another name is green roofs and can also be adapted to cool down a building with an angled commercial roof as well as a flat roof, which is the more common variation. A green commercial roof can enhance the aesthetic appearance of a building, last a long time, and contribute for the purification of air by converting Carbon Dioxide in to Oxygen. Roof Coatings Phoenix says unfortunately a green roof requires a lot of maintenance and is installation cost can be rather high.

Reflective & Inherently Cool Roofs

Reflective coating, aka as coated commercial roofs, have been reported to reflect more than 95% of the sun’s rays says Roof Coatings Phoenix. This coating is generally in the form of paint and can be applied on any type of commercial roof and common and popular enough to be stocked by your local roofing installer. An existing (or new) roof can be made reflective by applying a solar reflective coating to its surface. The third type of cool roofs is the ‘inherently cool roof’. This is actually a light colored roof covering material which displays solar light and heat reflecting properties without any kind of special treatment as opposed to dark colored materials such as asbestos sheets. Roofing materials such as polymers, light colored fibre glass and thermoplastic white vinyl fall in to this category. A roof covered with thermoplastic white vinyl can be expected to reflect more than 80% of the sun’s rays.

Benefits of Commercial Cool Roofs

Cool roofs are energy savings and global warming mitigation. They help with the reduction in urban heat island effect and smog. This can in turn improve occupant comfort. Cool commercial roofs comply with codes and green building programs. The U.S. Department of Energy is encouraging the use of reflective paint and “cool roofs” to increase the energy efficiency of homes and commercial buildings. The move could reduce electric bills by 10 to 20 percent, because structures use less air conditioning when they absorb fewer of the sun’s rays. The Department of Energy is now processing requests for $37 million in stimulus funding for small businesses, to develop quick-turnaround, clean-energy technologies. Roof Coatings Phoenix  says that because cool roofs are fairly new to the market, there is less information presently available about the effects of exposure on the solar reflectances and thermal emittances of cool materials for steep-sloped commercial roofs, such as white and cool color tile, shingle, and metal products.

Roof Coatings Phoenix : Commercial Cool Roofs What Are They & How Can They Help?

Repairing a commercial roof is a big task. There are different options to choose from in repairing a commercial roof surface. Roof Coatings Phoenix takes some time to look over them and learn what they are and how they all work. The basic difference in choosing flat over angled repair is just preference. Both will require the same in timely maintenance, so it doesn’t make much difference when choosing one or the other. For flat surfaces, it will require cleaning to prepare for repair, and if there is wet insulation, it will need replaced so everything is dry. If there is any structural damage, this is all fixed at this time as well. Afterwards, there is either a full replacement of a new surface installed, or patch repairs in certain areas, depending on the extent of the damage. If only certain areas need repaired, it is done by cutting out the areas that need attention, and replacing it with new layers, and then applying a protective coating over the entire roof surface

Roof Coatings Phoenix Commercial Roof Repair

Repair Materials

There are so many different repair materials used on commercial roofing systems that it is not possible to mention them all. Some commercial buildings have asphalt built-up, others have polyurethane foam, and others may be single ply, to name a few. Single ply and built-up roofing systems seems to be the most popular choice in today’s market states Roof Coatings Phoenix. All commercial roof repair projects require different tools and levels of expertise, so it is important to make sure you choose a contractor that’s familiar with the type of system you have installed on your commercial property. While some repairs may be more extensive, others may simply require repairs with a reinforcing fabric and a commercial roof coating.

Climate Differences

Climates with extreme temperatures desire a more expansive characteristic in their roofing repair, and here in Phoenix, AZ elastomeric commercial roof coatings seem to be used the most on commercial roof repairs. The end result is that the commercial repair that is done is similar to any other flat roof repair that is not commercial. Commercial roof repair is dependent largely on the age of the existing roof surface and the extent of the damage.

Commercial & Residential Repair Differences

Even though it sounds easy, a commercial roof repair is still a big job, covering a large amount of area. Dealing with large numbers is a basic difference between commercial roof repair and residential home repair. Different materials are used because the aesthetic value of a commercial roof is less than a residential one. All in all, commercial roof repair is simply an ongoing task every business owner should be ready for. Come to Roof Coatings Phoenix to get the best support.

Roof Coatings Phoenix Commercial Roof Repair

In order to extend roof life many property owners will put on a roof coating restoration system instead of complete roof replacement options in order to save downtime and money. The added bonus says Roof Coatings Phoenix, is our more environmentally conscience society. Roof coatings can add an insulating layer to the commercial roof which can improve the energy-efficiency of the building, and reduce the heating and/or air conditioning costs associated with running a business. Commercial roof coatings are used for a variety of reasons in addition to extending the life of the roof. There are systems that are specifically engineered to waterproof, withstand UV rays, lower roof surface temperature, reduce energy costs and protect the original roofing system. Their coatings can help reduce maintenance costs and avoid costly commercial roof tear off and disposal. As with all roofs, extreme weather conditions and variations over a long period of time will reduce the effectiveness of the roofing system and the insulation.

Roof Coatings Phoenix Discusses Roof Coatings

Steps for installing a roof coating restoration system

The first step Roof Coatings Phoenix commercial roofers take is to remove all dirt, dust, and debris from the roof. Second, they pressure wash the entire roof surface and allow to dry in preparation for all necessary repairs. Third, the roofing crew will make all necessary repairs with a compatible patching compound and reinforcing stitchbonded polyester fabric to all cracks, bad seams, pipe penetrations, vents, wall flashings, and interior drains or thru wall scuppers. Then the first application of coating is applied to the entire roof by either roller or spraying the coating material. If material is spray applied, it is important the first application is always backrolled to insure the coating is well bonded to the roofing substrate. Lastly they must let this application of coating dry, and reapply a second or third coat dependent upon warranty requirements. This provides a strong restoration repair that allows for expansion and contraction of the existing roof system with long term performance.

Types of coatings

Today, coatings primarily consist of asphaltic, aluminum, acrylic, urethane, and silicone. The most commonly used are acrylic coatings over built-up, modified bitumen, metal, polyurethane foam, concrete, and single ply membranes. The resulting commercial roof is monolithic, 100% adhered to the substrate with no seams, fasteners or adhesives. In the case of asbestos roofs there are serious safety issues and concerns that must be addressed. We at Roof Coatings Phoenix state that any commercial roof coating used on an asbestos roof must be able to bond and encapsulate the entire asbestos roofing system. Not every roof is the right candidate to receive a coating system. Some things to watch out for include severely degraded roofing materials or excessive trapped moisture within the commercial roof assembly.

Benefits of coating roofs

From a more practical point of view, commercial roof coatings mean that the business or premises do not have to be closed down which may have been necessary for a commercial roof removal and total replacement. Thus this is contributing to some additional cost benefits for the company. Since coatings are not considered roof systems, they are also not considered to be capital investments and therefore may be depreciable 100% in the first year as maintenance. Roof Coatings Phoenix wants you to contact your accountant about this. This is a huge tax incentive, vs. amortizing the commercial roof over a 20 or 30 year period of time as is the policy with traditional roofing systems.

Roof Coatings Phoenix Discusses Commercial Roof Coatings