Single Ply Roofs…Adhesive, Screws, or Stone?

Posted by Dustin Lentz on

Roofing systems can be complicated. The single-ply roof itself isn’t a complicated concept since it’s one ply of roofing membrane typically over insulation and the roof deck. So, why can it be complicated? The attachment method for the membrane can get a bit confusing, especially when adding wind uplift pressures, but there are three popular attachment methods. Adhering the membrane with bonding adhesive, mechanically fastening the membrane with screws, and ballasting the membrane with stone are commonplace in the industry. But which method to use? All methods have pros and cons and are suitable with the appropriate design. This topic can be multiple pages long, but simply put, consider the following:

Adhered membranes are the easiest to maintain, allow for easy leak identification, and spread building pressures throughout the entire roof, but they are the most expensive of the three methods. Mechanically fastened membranes are easy to maintain, and more cost-efficient than adhered, but leak identification can be difficult, and building pressures are isolated to the mechanically fastened field seams. Ballasted membranes are typically the most cost-efficient and fastest to install since all insulations and membranes are loose-laid, but maintenance and leak identification are difficult since everything is covered in stone, there are building height limitations, and ballast weight may be a concern.

Call Cole Roofing today to discuss the appropriate method for your new single-ply roofing system!

Trees and Roofs. The Battle Continues

Posted by Dustin Lentz on

We are in that “awesome” time of year in the Mid-Atlantic. Trees lose leaves, grasses turn brown, and overcast skies seem to last forever. On the bright side, Spring will be here before we know it, and we’ll be back to beaches, barbeques, and flourishing green foliage. But before returning to those May flowers, consider some housekeeping items with those trees and large bushes overhanging onto your roof.

By now, you’ve probably realized that the deciduous trees have completely dropped their leaves, and you’ve contracted someone to clean them from roof drains. It’s amazing how much simple leaf removal can cost! And even more amazing how much it can cost if you don’t remove them and drains are blocked!! So now that the leaves are gone, and the branches are bare, it may be time to think about trimming those trees to attempt to minimize next year’s leaf fall. Also, lesser known, but not unheard of, occurrences are branches breaking off and puncturing the roofing system. Trees and shrubs don’t need to be completely cut down, but if they can be trimmed back so as not to overhang onto the roof, every little bit helps to fight that ongoing battle!

Call Cole Roofing today for a maintenance plan recommendation before the trees win!

Slick As Ice

Posted by Dustin Lentz on

Within the past few weeks, we have seen temperatures dip to the 30s. On one of those cold mornings, I went through my usual routine of making coffee and letting the dog outside. Grabbed a cup of brewed bean water, went to check on the dog from the back patio, took a sip, and proceeded to spray coffee all over the patio door. Ever seen a St. Bernard willingly slide down a hill covered in frost? It’s hilarious, and unfortunately, I had a mouthful of coffee at the time. That situation reminded me that frost or recent rain could create a comical scenario at ground level but make a very hazardous environment when on a roof and gravity is against you.

Single-ply roofing membranes are slippery when wet and even worse when frost and ice are present. Textured walkways, consisting of walkway pads made from the membrane material, liquid membranes with embedded granules, or simple concrete pavers, can assist roof traffic with getting a grip. As an added bonus, the walkways offer an additional layer of protection to your roof! Cole Roofing can assist you with designing and installing a walkway layout to suit your needs!

It’s still winter, and some foul weather is surely ahead of u. Please be careful on those roofs, and if going on a roof is absolutely necessary, the best safety practices are limiting roof traffic, OSHA-compliant fall protection, being aware of perimeters and hazards, and walking slowly and diligently.

P.S. No St. Bernards were injured in the making of this post 🙂

Don’t Forget Your Mittens!

Posted by Dustin Lentz on

I’ve heard stories from many people whose mothers, mine included, seemed to be cut from the same cloth. In winter, as we left the house growing up, mom would always say, “Don’t forget your hat” or “Don’t forget your gloves”. They wanted us to be warm and protect our skin. Now in my professional adult years, I’ve realized that they were really talking about R-value and thermodynamics! The more layers and insulation from the elements, the warmer we’d be when outside during cold winter months.

The same principle can be used in roofing. The more insulation and insulation layers, your building will stay warmer longer in the winter and cooler longer in the summer. The temperatures inside and outside of the building will naturally want to equalize, heat rises to the roof, and all sorts of other thermodynamic principles are at work. However, if your roof is properly insulated, the transfer of heat is slowed, and your HVAC systems will work more efficiently as they won’t have to run as much!

Call Cole Roofing today to set up an evaluation. We’ll help you determine the options to update your current roofing system. Happy Holidays from Cole Roofing!