As a Team Member for Cole Roofing, I am constantly asked why roofs are so expensive. Logistics, materials, access, and a whole laundry list of reasons contribute to the cost of a new roof or maintenance repairs. Even something as simple as removing debris for general housekeeping can take a small crew a substantial amount of time on larger buildings. It all adds up. At Cole Roofing, we understand what goes into a property budget, and we take pride in finding ways to work with that budget, whether it’s a capital expenditure or just preventative maintenance.  Is there a way to minimize future costs and avoid surprises that will ruin a budget? The answer is “Most Definitely”, and it consists of a Roof Evaluation. 

 In-person roof evaluations provide pertinent information about your roofing system that wouldn’t otherwise be noticed. It’s easy to forget about the roof until a leak occurs, and roof evaluations assist with identifying issues before they turn into that leak or a more serious problem. Preventative maintenance repairs identified during a roof evaluation are less expensive than being reactive to a leak which may damage underlying insulations, roof decks, and the computer on someone’s desk. Also, the information gathered during a roof evaluation, with the completion of maintenance items, may extend the life of the roof and allow that costly capital expenditure to be deferred for a couple of years!

 The team members at Cole Roofing have vast experience and education in the industry which allows us to provide thorough and accurate roof evaluations. Call Cole Roofing at 410-242-0600 for more information about roof evaluations, and schedule your evaluation today!

Why did we always avoid stepping on cracks in concrete when we were kids? Lovely superstitions!
Just like those superstitions, the cracks in the concrete made no sense to most. How does something
that tough form cracks? There are a number of reasons, but a common one involves freeze and thaw
cycles. Water typically follows the path of least resistance, and if there is the slightest existing crack
in the concrete maybe due to earth movement or a defect like an air bubble between the aggregate
in the concrete, water will find its way in. Under normal circumstances, that would normally not
create a significant issue, but add Winter and freezing temperatures into the equation, and those
cracks and defects will widen and perpetuate the problem as frozen water, aka ice, expands if there
is no intervention.

So, what does this have to do with roofing? Some older roofing systems contain materials, although
typically strong and durable, that become brittle with freezing temperatures and may be susceptible
to fracturing, splitting, and cracking due to building movement, roof traffic, or a drop of a tool. Add a
freeze/thaw cycle to those fractures and cracks, and just like concrete, those defects will continue to
get worse without intervention.

As the season “slowly” changes from Winter to Spring, now is the time to start planning a Spring
Preventative Maintenance Roof Evaluation. Luckily, we haven’t experienced many freezing days this
Winter, but for the ones we did have, it doesn’t take much to make a small issue a large problem.
The team members at Cole Roofing can assist you with identifying potential issues and preventing a
much larger problem.

Call Cole Roofing at 410-242-0600 to discuss what Preventative Maintenance Roof Evaluations can
do for you and schedule your evaluation today!

1. Job security: There will always be a need for roofers, as every building needs a roof. Whether its new construction or repairing an existing roof, there will always be work available for skilled roofers.
2. Physical work: If you enjoy working with your hands and being physically active, roofing can be a great job. Roofing requires climbing ladders, carrying heavy materials, and working outside in a variety of weather conditions.
3. Variety of work: Roofers work on a variety of buildings, from residential homes to commercial buildings. This can provide a variety of job experiences and opportunities to learn new skills.
4. Good pay: Roofing can offer a competitive salary and the opportunity for overtime or bonuses. The pay may vary depending on the region, level of experience, and type of work being done.
5. Independent work: While roofers may work as part of a team, much of the work is done independently. This can be appealing to those who enjoy working independently or those who prefer to work outside of a traditional office environment.
6. Pride in workmanship: A well-built roof is an important aspect of any building, and as a roofer, you can take pride in knowing that you have played a key role in protecting a home or building from the elements.

The roof is a critical part of any commercial building. It protects the building from weather elements, improves energy efficiency, and ensures the safety of occupants. However, commercial roofs are prone to various problems that can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. These include:

1. Leaks – One of the most common commercial roofing problems is leaks. Leaks can occur due to various reasons, such as poor installation, aging, and damage caused by weather elements. Leaks can damage the building structure and can also result in mold growth and other health hazards.

2. Ponding Water: Ponding water refers to the accumulation of water on the roof surface. It occurs when the roof has poor drainage, or when the roof is not sloped correctly. Ponding water can lead to premature deterioration of the roof membrane, and it can also cause leaks.

3. Blow-offs: Blow-offs occur when the roofing system is not properly secured to the building. Strong winds can cause the roofing system to lift and detach from the building, resulting in significant damage. Blow-offs can be prevented by ensuring proper installation and regular maintenance.

4. Punctures: Commercial roofs are prone to punctures caused by foot traffic, falling objects, and other debris. Punctures can cause leaks and other damages to the roof. Regular inspections and maintenance can help detect and repair punctures before they become major problems.

5. Shrinkage: Roof shrinkage is a common problem with single-ply roofing systems. It occurs when the roofing membrane shrinks due to changes in temperature, resulting in wrinkles, cracks, and other damages. Roof shrinkage can be prevented by using high-quality roofing materials and proper installation techniques.

6. Blistering: Blistering is the formation of bubbles or blisters on the surface of the roofing membrane. It is caused by the accumulation of moisture or gas beneath the membrane. Blistering can weaken the roof
membrane and lead to premature failure. In conclusion, commercial roofing problems can be costly and disruptive to
business operations. Regular maintenance and inspections can help detect and prevent these problems. Cole Roofing’s Service Department routinely performs roof inspection. If you’d like us to take a look, give us a shout and we’ll quickly schedule a visit.