Guilford Park High School opens in Howard County – Cole Roofing is a key construction partner.

Posted by Doug Groves on

Guilford Park High School in Howard County. Maryland was open for new classes in August 2023.  

The  $129 million-dollar new construction project included a roof provided by Cole Roofing Company; a family owned 100 plus year old commercial roofing firm in Baltimore.

The new school is intended to be used by over 1,600 students soon.  It is the County’s first new high school since 2005.

Check Out The Drone Video Below

The building features 40 classrooms and several technology and science rooms.

For Cole Roofing Company, the project had more than the usual construction challenges.  The supply chain interruptions due to the Covid-related material shortages created the need for material planning, which only a company with Cole’s strength and reputation could overcome.  The project materials included over 140,000 square ft. of built-up roofing and some 37,000 square ft. of metal wall panels.

Cole Roofing overcame supply and other obstacles to contribute to an on time and on budget roof, ready for the kids to start the school year.

Metal Roofs

Posted by Doug Groves on

Metal roofs are a popular choice for businesses, commercial and industrial facilities. The durability and
longevity of the material provides exceptional performance. These roofs are made from metal materials such
as steel or aluminum, which provide unmatched strength and resistance to harsh weather conditions. They can
withstand heavy rain, snow, and high winds, making them ideal for commercial buildings in areas with extreme
weather patterns.

One of the important advantages is the long lifespan. Unlike traditional roofing materials like shingles or tiles,
metal roofs can last for several decades with proper maintenance. This longevity not only saves businesses
money on frequent roof replacements but also reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing and
disposing of roofing materials.

In addition to their durability, commercial metal roofs offer excellent energy efficiency. They have reflective
properties that help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the building, resulting in lower cooling costs during
hot summer months. This energy-saving feature can contribute to significant savings on utility bills for
commercial establishments. And metal roofs provide a great paring with Solar PV systems.

Furthermore, commercial metal roofs are highly versatile in terms of design and aesthetics. They come in a
wide range of colors and finishes, allowing businesses to choose a roof that complements their brand image or
architectural style.

Finally, commercial metal roofs require minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials. They are
resistant to rot, insect infestation, and fire, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Regular
inspections and simple cleaning routines are usually sufficient to keep a metal roof in optimal condition.

Colonial Baptist Church Roof Renovation

Posted by Doug Groves on

Recently Cole Roofing constructed a roof replacement at the Colonial Baptist Church in Randallstown, Maryland.  The Cole Production team was tasked with correcting roof issues that had caused significant interior damage to the Church.

The overall project included 8,300 sq. ft. of roof membrane material and metal custom shop-formed copings and trim.  Just the kind of nuanced and challenging jobs we like to do. Cole Roofing’s best value is in solving challenges that jobs with existing or older buildings present us.  Some other complications at the Church included:

  • The roof had a round skylight that would have caused interior damage if removed. Cole built a pressure treated wood cover and fully covered it with the 20yr Roof Membrane.
  • The solution to a brick chimney with missing/cracked mortar joints and a cracked mortar cap was to add pressure treated plywood to the chimney, fully wrapped it in the 20yr roof membrane and added a shop formed stainless steel cap with soldered joints.
  • A very unusual accommodation was keeping the project presentable for several funeral services that came up during the roof replacement. We would dismantle our staging area and move the items around the back so the funerals could take place with no knowledge of the construction of the roof replacement project. Cole worked closely with church leaders to consider their unique needs.
  • The end result and job success?  The church and its parishioners were able to fix the interior damage caused by the old roof leaks and can now enjoy their place of worship.

Cole Roofing really thrives when we work with customers who have challenging construction and usage problems. We’re delighted to have been part of the solution, completing the project on time and on budget and with an emphasis on the safety of members, employees and workers.

At Cole Roofing, we make challenging roof projects successful.  For over a century, Cole Roofing has built a reputation for quality workmanship with the delivery of client focused projects on time, safely constructed and on budget. Offering traditional roofing technologies, Cole offers options that include solar PV, metal panels, vegetated roof systems, roof-decks, water management systems, solar thermal and daylighting.

Main Causes Of Roofing Problems

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Commercial Roofs can develop cracks over time due to various factors. Cracks in a roof can lead to water leaks, structural issues, and other problems if not addressed promptly. Here are some common causes of roof cracking:

  1. Aging:
    • Over time, roofing materials can deteriorate due to exposure to the elements. This aging process can lead to the development of cracks, especially in asphalt shingles, tile roofs, and other types of roofing materials.
  2. Weathering:
    • Exposure to harsh weather conditions, including sunlight, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations, can cause roofing materials to expand and contract. This continuous cycle of weathering can contribute to the development of cracks.
  3. Poor Installation:
    • If a roof is not installed correctly, it may be more prone to developing issues such as cracks. Poor workmanship, inadequate sealing, or improper material installation can all contribute to structural problems.
  4. Movement of the Building:
    • Buildings naturally experience some degree of movement due to factors like settling, shifting, or vibrations. This movement can stress roofing materials and contribute to the development of cracks.
  5. Lack of Maintenance:
    • Neglecting regular roof maintenance, such as cleaning gutters, removing debris, and inspecting for signs of damage, can allow small issues to escalate into more significant problems, including cracking.
  6. Extreme Temperatures:
    • Fluctuations between extreme temperatures, such as freezing and thawing cycles, can put stress on roofing materials. This stress can lead to the development of cracks over time.
  7. Impact Damage:
    • Severe weather events, falling branches, or other impacts can damage roofing materials and create cracks. Hailstorms, in particular, can cause significant damage to roofs.
  8. Inadequate Ventilation:
    • Poor attic ventilation can contribute to temperature extremes in the roof structure. This can lead to the deterioration of roofing materials and the formation of cracks.

Addressing Roof Cracks:

  1. Regular Inspections:
    • Conduct regular inspections of your roof to identify and address cracks early on. Inspections can be done by a professional roofer or through a careful visual examination.
  2. Prompt Repairs:
    • Address any cracks or damage promptly to prevent further deterioration. Small cracks can often be repaired before they escalate into larger issues.
  3. Proper Installation:
    • Ensure that qualified professionals install your roof using proper techniques and high-quality materials. Proper installation can contribute to the longevity of the roofing system.
  4. Maintain Adequate Ventilation:
    • Ensure proper attic ventilation to regulate temperature extremes and reduce stress on roofing materials.
  5. Weather-Resistant Roofing Materials:
    • Consider using weather-resistant and durable roofing materials that can withstand the climate conditions in your area.

If you notice any signs of roof cracking or damage, it’s advisable to consult with a roofing professional to assess the extent of the issue and recommend appropriate repairs or replacement. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to ensuring the longevity and performance of a roofing system.