Commercial Flat Roofing

Advances in Roof Technology

November 3, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

As technology advances in everyday life, so does the way in which we are able to book, install, and maintain your roof. At your local roofing company we stay on top of the latest roofing trends so we can better improve how to serve you. We do all the research to present you with all your options so you don’t have to. It is our goal to ensure that you get the best roof for you and your family, at the best price.

The roof is the first line of defense for all buildings, keeping out the elements and maintaining a hot or cold environment inside. It makes sense that over the decades people are concerned with advancing roof technology since the times of straw and mud roofing systems. When thinking about new roofing technology, the first things that may come to mind are picture apps, programs, and new ways of communication that revolutionize the business side of the roofing industry. However, most of the fascinating technologies are taking place on the roof itself.

There is a lot more that goes into roofing than just nailing down shingles, the level of precision on installing roofs have been perfected with useful tools like satellite measurement imagery and much more. New materials have been introduced to improve energy efficiency and the safety of workers have significantly improved. Before modern advancing roof technology and practices, people used anything that was available to cover their homes and protect themselves.

Clay tiles were mostly used by advancing cultures as early as the neolithic age, it took longer to reach North America. As times progressed other materials were used such as wood, clay, and tin. These materials were very heavy and unreliable, some even posing as a fire risk with no ventilation. The advancement of asphalt shingles represent a dawn for modern roofing gaining momentum ever since.

People now have so many options that go well beyond original designs, with new technologies anything is possible. Roofing is still a necessity but now your roof does so much more than just keeping the rain out; it is a beautiful piece of architecture that optimizes the internal environment you want to create.

New shingle materials and designs

When choosing the best materials for your new roof installation, the key is to check longevity against purchase cost and installation. Although rolled roofing is one of the cheapest options, it is definitely not the best quality option for longevity. Comparing an expensive shingle that will last 50 plus years is a much better value than a cheaper one that only lasts 10.

Architectural shingles

Architectural shingles are one of the most popular, cost effective materials on the market. These shingles have been around since the 80’s but have made major advancements since then. These shingles are manufactured from fiberglass to mimic wood and slate, to give your home beautiful curb appeal without the mass amount of weight that comes with it.

Metal shingles

Most people have heard of metal roofing, it is used mostly on commercial buildings but becoming more popular on residential homes. Metal roofs last almost a lifetime and add a modern sleekness to a home. Metal shingles are slightly different, made in smaller sections to mimic the appearance of other materials like stone or wood. This concept has created new life in the metal roofing industry, with new methods of manipulating metal to stay strong but also give an appealing look.

Solar shingles

Solar panels are nothing new, many people already have them on their homes and most people have at least heard of them. Solar shingles however are much newer and have broken through the 21st century. This invention was monumental for the roofing industry, this meant that solar panels can be combined with roofing materials to create shingles. Instead of ugly large panels on top of your homes roof, advancing roof technology merged to make small attractive shingles that are barely noticeable to even be solar panels. Another plus to these small compact panels is getting all the benefits of solar without the added weight on your roof. Ask your local roofing company if they are experienced with solar shingles before making a decision.

Synthetic slate shingles

Made to resemble authentic slate tiles, synthetic slate shingles are the perfect alternative. Slate is beautiful and timeless but also very expensive and bears a ton of weight. Slate shingles are also difficult to install needing a very experienced roofing company to take on the job. Synthetic shingles are made from recycled materials that have less hassle and more durability. With proper installation and maintenance this roofing system can last a lifetime.

Cool shingles

These shingles were designed to reflect the sunlight, made with a special coating that doesn’t absorb UV rays. A standard roof can heat up to 150°F in the summer season, and this directly heats up the inside of your home as well. With these types of shingles that are ultra-reflective, the roof’s temperature can drop at least 50°F. A cooler roof means much more energy savings and also increases the longevity of your AC unit.

Other advancements that have been made in the roofing industry that are more behind the scenes, rather than on the roof itself are within the technology that is used. Generating leads through the web has never been easier with the help of certain programs and apps. Some apps allow you to search certain specifications to find buildings that may be in need of renovations or repairs. Other time saving mobile applications that have been created allow a contractor to measure a building’s roof without ever going to the actual building. You are able to upload pictures and video to share with other members in your company, send out estimates, create invoices, and add contact information. advances

Do roofers use drones?

Drones have become increasingly popular within the roofing community. They have made it possible to get great before and after photos of a roof, and also generate a building inspection without climbing on a ladder to do so. A good quality drone can be expensive but you can find a reasonably priced drone at your local electronic store. Some apps even sync up to your drone creating a cohesive system to download images you want to use for advertising.

As technology advances so does the way in which materials are made, communication between roofers improves, and installation practices become more efficient. We at Infinite Roofing stay up to date on all new technologies and advancements so we can share them with you.

How Long Will My Roof Last?

June 22, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

How long will my roof last? This varies a lot due to different material choices. The best roofing contractors are skilled at installing many different systems. Poorly installed roofing shingles may only last until high winds come sweeping through your town! A well installed roofing system is going to last longer than the manufacturer warranties it for. Many factors go into the life expectancy of roofing shingles, including southern facing exposure, drastic temperature changes in different regions, the amount of trees and shade the roof receives, severe or coastal weather, the roofing contractor’s skill level, and of course the brand of shingles and underlayments.

Shingle roofing systems – local roofing contractors who are certified usually are the best choice for installing a new shingle roof because they can offer the extended manufacturer’s warranty. Most certified roofing installers have been trained to install a roof per spec and can not get a manufacturer’s certification without the know how. This alone will usually guarantee your roof installation is performed correctly; having enough nails to prevent high wind blow-offs, installing all flashing correctly to prevent premature leaks and guaranteeing the use of premium roofing materials since most manufacturers will not extend a warranty with the use of knock-off materials. When the best roofing contractors install a fully warrantied roofing system, you can expect to get 20-25 years out of a moderately weathered and or sheltered home.

Having a lot of trees around your home can either be great or detrimental to your roof’s life expectancy. Often, trees will cause more harm than good to your roof for the following reasons:

Branches or even the trees themselves can fall and damage your roof.
Other debris such as leaves and needles can also cause issues, blocking your gutters and valleys and encouraging the growth of mold.
Trees can cause moss and lichen to grow on your roof. Once the moss reaches a certain point it starts getting in between the roofing shingles. If this happens, the moss will absorb any moisture and feeds right onto your roof decking, where it causes further damage. At this point, if your roof is not already leaking then it will be soon. If things progress this far, it will cost much more to repair later.
If the trees are too close, animals may be tempted to jump to or nest on your roof.
Too much shade can mean that your roof does not dry off quickly. It can also mean that snow will linger around much longer on your rooftop. This can be detrimental to your roof if ice dams form consistently over time.

However, in the right environment, trees could also be very beneficial to your roof for the following reasons:

These trees may actually help your roof last longer by protecting it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. UV rays will contribute to the breakdown of the components of your roofing system over time. These components are rated to last a certain amount of time in direct sunlight, but often they would last much longer in a more shaded environment.
The right trees can also protect your home from storms and harsh weather without putting your property at more risk.
Shade from trees can help your home stay cooler in the summer and reduce the strain on your air conditioning units.

A well sheltered asphalt shingle roof will last 25-30 years. These well-sheltered houses would also most likely benefit from having gutter guards installed as some houses in the woods need to have their gutters cleaned up to 5 times a year.

The quality of shingle will also greatly affect the roofing system’s life expectancy. Top brand shingle manufacturing companies have developed their roofing shingles through years and years of research and development. GAF’s test lab recently installed a roof using no nails or any fasteners. The roof was put under extreme 140 mph wind conditions and remained fully intact. GAF is also the only shingle company that makes a shingle that is 50% thicker, known as their ULTRA line. These shingles are known to last anywhere from 30-35 years and also improve the looks of the roof because the increased thickness increases the shadow lines creating more contrast for an overall fancier look. As an experienced local roofing company, we can tell you that no other roofing manufacturer comes close to rivalling the consistently high quality of GAF’s shingles.

The quality of underlayments used under the roofing shingles will be another determining factor on how long your roof will last. An upgraded GAF Deck Armor roof allows the decking to breathe while not letting moisture in. This will allow your house’s attic to remain cooler in the hot months decreasing the overall roof temperature preventing the shingles from prematurely aging due to extreme temperatures. Also a higher quality Ice and Water shield will stick tight to the nails penetrating it so that no moisture will get in between the nail holes if you do have ice dams building up along your eaves. A lot of roofing contractors will try and save hundreds of dollars by using the cheap store brands of ice and water which do not really fully adhere to the roof decking, allowing ice build up to rot out the bottom few feet of decking.

Metal roofing systems have an average life expectancy of about 50 years. It is important to only use contractors who have experience installing metal as it is a highly skilled trade. Metal is something you put on your forever home. Standing seam is the Cadillac of metal roofing and is going to have little to no maintenance due to a snap lock panel system. Corrugated roofing is more economical but will need some maintenance from time to time because it has exposed fasteners. These exposed fasteners have little rubber washers creating a watertight seal that eventually fail over the course of the roof’s lifespan. To properly maintain these penetrations and avoid leaks they will need to be caulked after about 20 years. Taking into consideration the maintenance and overall price of a corrugated metal roofing system, it still remains a huge ROI compared to two and a half lifespans of shingles.

Cedar shakes can be expected to last around 30 years. This system will need some maintenance from time to time. The color of cedar shakes darkens and looks more natural as years go on. The overall cost of a cedar shake roofing system does end up costing around the same price as metal but will not last as long and is typically only purchased for aesthetic purposes. Cedar shakes do come in metal and composite look-a-likes which will have a longer lifespan of 50 years. Most local roofing companies will not install cedar shakes due to inexperience.

Slate is the longest lasting roofing product to this date. Some slate had lasted almost a hundred years in the right conditions. Most slate is going to start looking rough and needing continuous maintenance after about 75 years. Slate now comes in composites and can be expected to last just as long as real slate. Local roofing companies who can install slate are usually hard to come by. Most local roofing contractors will not quote for or repair slate, as you have to be so highly skilled or you can easily cause more damage than good.

Rubber roofing or EPDM roofing is most commonly used for flat commercial roofing or smaller porch roof sections on residential homes and will last between 20-25 years. Most manufacturers offer 20 year full coverage warranties if you use their full roofing system, meaning you have to use all quality, name brand seam tape and cover tape. Commercial roofing companies are usually certified by manufacturers because high standards must be met in order for the manufacturers to back their labor and material warranties once they are installed. Commercial roofing manufacturers will send roofing inspectors out after the work is complete to check it meets all their requirements. If the contractors work is sub-par a warranty will not be issued until all aspects have been installed to spec.

A TPO roofing system will last twenty to twenty five years. Only the best roofing contractors in each area will be geared towards installing TPO. Local roofing contractors usually don’t install this system because they do not have the expensive equipment needed to perform heat welds. TPO is also a white reflective roof which will add years to your cooling units lifespans.

Overall you only need high quality materials and high quality workmanship to get the most bang for your buck over the long term. The best way to get the longest potential lifespan out of a roofing system is to choose a quality product that offers a full warrantied system which has to use all high quality accessories to qualify for full coverage. Make sure to ask your contractor which materials are being used and check the contract for brand names on underlayments.

Choosing certified roofing installers who back their work up with their own in house warranty is the safest bet to achieve maximum lifetime efficiency out of the materials you invest in. Check that the local roofing company is listed on any websites they claim to be certified by to ensure that you will receive an actual manufacturers warranty. Most shingle companies will mail you a warranty within a month after your replacement offering you peace of mind for many years to come.

Increase the Energy Efficiency of Your Commercial or Residential Property

February 28, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

What Makes a Roof Energy Efficient?

Why would you want to make your property more energy efficient? Well it would benefit you by saving money on energy bills, creating less strain on HVAC systems, and minimizing your property’s environmental impact. Basically, for a roof to be energy efficient, it needs to do a good job of reflecting the hot air off your roof instead of absorbing it. When a roof absorbs heat, that warmth is radiated into the air inside the building, and pretty soon the entire interior has become much warmer. A roof that reflects the sunlight off and bounces the heat back out into the atmosphere will do a much better job of protecting the home or business from hot air.

Some roof types that have good reflective qualities are white TPO, PVC and Elastomeric Coatings. Cool roofing is probably the most popular and most effective in terms of energy efficiency for commercial roofs. Residential shingle manufacturers also have cool roofs, but the nuts are very expensive and not yet worth the cost. Manufacturers rate the energy efficiency of the roofing material by what’s called SRI values. You will have a hard time finding SRI values on shingles unless they are part of a cool series line such as GAF’s cool series. A common misconception about shingle roofing is that the lighter the color of the shingle, the cooler the house will be and will result in heating and cooling cost savings. The way the cool shingles work is the granules are coated in a chemical that reflects the heat. The downside is that the coating wears off in time and you will eventually lose your reflectivity, which is where the cost vs savings comes into play. Another roofing material for this type of job is a metal roof. You might think that metal would not be a good choice to save heating and cooling costs because it gets so hot when it sits out in the sun, but that is exactly why it works. The surface of the metal that is exposed to the sun gets super hot because it is reflecting all of the light and heat. Underneath the metal, however, remains relatively cool because the heat has been reflected away. Most commercial buildings will have a metal roofing substrate, and the roofing company will install insulation on top of the metal with a single-ply membrane to ensure the best insulation possible.

Reflective Roof Coating

A reflective roof coating is applied to roofs to help reflect more sunlight from the surface, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the roof. Also known as cool roofing, these roof coatings are available for different types of surfaces, in a number of colors and thicknesses, and can make a huge difference when it comes to saving money on energy costs and usage. On top of that, they also aid in creating more comfortable indoor environments, and play a role in prolonging the lifespan of your roof and the roofing materials.

The point of cool roof coatings is to keep the home cool in two distinct ways. The first is by solar reflectivity, or the coating’s ability to reflect sunlight as soon as it hits your structure. Instead of absorbing the sunlight and heat like a traditional roof, a cool roof reflects the light and heat away from your home, keeping your home cooler in the process. The other way that cool roofing helps to keep your home cooler is through thermal emittance. These roof coatings are now made with special materials that increase your roof’s thermal emittance level, or your roof’s ability to radiate absorbed heat back into the atmosphere instead of down into your home. It’s this potent combination of high solar reflectance and thermal emittance that make these roof coatings so effective at keeping your home cool and your energy costs and usage down.

Ventilation Cooling

Ventilation is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool buildings. Ventilation works best when combined with methods to avoid heat buildup in your home. In some cases, natural ventilation will suffice for cooling, although it usually needs to be supplemented with spot ventilation.

Insulation

Insulation in your home provides resistance to heat flow and lowers your heating and cooling cost. Properly insulating your home not only reduces heating and cooling costs, but also improves comfort.

To understand how insulation works it helps to understand heat flow, which involves three basic mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the way heat moves through materials, such as when a spoon placed in a hot cup of coffee conducts heat through its handle to your hand. Convection is the way heat circulates through liquids and gases, and is why lighter, warmer air rises, and cooler, denser air sinks in your home. Radiant heat travels in a straight line and heats anything solid in its path that absorbs its energy. Most common insulation materials work by slowing conductive heat flow and to a lesser extent convective heat flow. Radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems work by reducing radiant heat gain. To be effective, the reflective surface must face an air space.

Regardless of the mechanism, heat flows from warmer to cooler until there is no longer a temperature difference. In your home, during the winter, heat flows directly from all heated living spaces to adjacent unheated attics, garages, basements, and even to the outdoors. Heat flow can also move indirectly through interior ceilings, walls, and floors wherever there is a difference in temperature. During the cooling season, heat flows from the outdoors to the interior of a house. To maintain comfort, the heat lost in the winter must be replaced by your heating system and the heat gained in the summer must be removed by your cooling system.

An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. The R-value of some insulations depends on temperature, aging, and moisture accumulation. When calculating the R-value of a multilayered installation, you add the R-value of the individual layers.

Installing more insulation in your home increases the R-value and the resistance to heat flow. In general, increased insulation thickness will proportionally increase the R-value. However, as the installed thickness increases for loose-fill insulation, the settled density of the product increases due to compression of the insulation under its own weight. Because of this compression, loose-fill insulation R-value does not change proportionately with thickness. To determine how much insulation you need for your climate, consult with your local roofing contractor during your free estimate.

Cool Roofs

A cool roof is one that has been designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. Nearly any type of building can benefit from a cool roof, but must consider the climate and other factors that come with the building’s geographic location before deciding to install one.

Just as wearing light-colored clothing can help keep you cool on a sunny day, cool roofing materials that are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof complete the same objective. Cool roofs can be made of highly reflective types of paint, a sheet covering, or highly reflective tiles, rubber or shingles. Standard or dark roofs can reach temperatures of 150 degrees F or more in the summer sun. A cool roof under the same conditions could stay more than 50 degrees F cooler and save energy and money by using less air conditioning.

Beyond the commercial building itself, cool roofs can also benefit the environment, especially when many buildings in a community have them. Cool roofs can reduce local air temperatures, which is sometimes referred to as the urban heat island effect. Lower peak electricity demand, which can help prevent power outages. Reduce power plant emissions, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and mercury, by reducing cooling energy use in buildings.

There are many types of roofing systems available, but the surface exposed to the sun is the one that determines if a roof is cool or not. You can usually make a new or existing roof cool by selecting the appropriate surface or applying a roof coating. Cool roof coatings are usually white or special reflective pigments that reflect sunlight. Coatings are like very thick paints that can protect the roof surface from ultraviolet light and chemical damage, and some offer water protection and restorative features. Roof coating products are available for most roof types.

What is the Most Energy Efficient Roofing Option?

Not only does being more energy efficient help the environment as a whole, but it also can help your pocket book each month. Energy costs, whether it be gas, electricity, or other forms, are at all time highs. Increasing your home’s energy efficiency can be a great help when trying to pay bills. One of the biggest influences on the energy efficiency of a home is the type of roof that it has installed over it. In North America during the summer time it can get really hot, therefore, that means if you are trying to keep that hot air out, you should consider installing a cool roof or cool roof coating. Any homeowner would know that trying to keep the hot air out of the home can be very expensive, simply by running the air conditioner to return the house to a comfortable temperature. When building a residential property or commercial property, picking the right material for your roofing project can make a big difference in your heating and cooling costs down the line.

The Dangers of Asbestos

February 14, 2020 by Infinite Roofing 1 Comment

What is Asbestos? Why is it Dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance. In the environment, it poses virtually no threat to humans. However, the problem with asbestos initially arose out of the full-scale mining, extraction, and use of the substance in the roofing industry which led to an increase of the amount of asbestos in the air. Asbestos fibers are microscopic, so when they are exposed they can become airborne and inhaled. Once inhaled, they can lodge in the outer tissue of the lungs and abdomen, which over time leads to inflammation, scarring and the eventual formation of fatal diseases such as lung cancer. This is why many homeowners have begun to get asbestos roof removals done for their safety. Many homeowners today are seeking to get an asbestos roof removal once discovered.

How Can I Tell If It’s Asbestos?

The reliable way to know if your home contains asbestos is to hire an environmental consulting firm or asbestos building inspector for asbestos testing. They’ll take fingernail-sized samples and test them in a laboratory. You can’t see or smell asbestos, but exposure to loose fibers can cause lung diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer. The naturally occurring, flame-retardant mineral fibers are too small to identify without a microscope, so don’t believe anyone who claims you have asbestos but hasn’t done testing.

Is An Asbestos Roof Dangerous?

One of the widest uses of asbestos in the building industry was in roofing. Due to its heat and fire-resistant properties, asbestos was added to many roofing products including roofing tiles. Cement tiles were not comprised solely of cement. Cement roofing tiles were largely made from cement, with the now-banned product added into the cement mixture. Depending on the manufacturer, the cement tiles would typically be made with between 10 to 15 percent asbestos.

In addition to its heat and fire-resistant properties, asbestos has excellent strength and durability features. New homes built prior to the 1970s with asbestos roofs, were lauded for the longevity of their roof systems, as the roofs had a life expectancy of 30 to 50 years. Although asbestos serves as a formidable roofing material, it exposed people to a list of compromising health issues, which led to its eventual ban.

Do I Have to Remove My Asbestos Roof or Siding?

Many homes, especially the ones that were built at the turn of the twentieth century, have siding or roof shingles that contain asbestos. Asbestos has plenty of quality features, including its durability and fire-resistance. However, it also poses many significant health hazards. The inherent question that comes with this is whether it is necessary to remove your asbestos-containing roofing shingles or fiber cement siding to protect your family’s health?

We know that there are many homeowners who want a roofing company that does asbestos roof removal. A homeowner should be aware of the harmful effects that occur with asbestos when someone breathes in a tiny, sharp fiber, which irritates and inflames the lungs. If the asbestos is not airborne, it is not a danger. The asbestos in shingles, siding, and other home products is encapsulated, which is surrounded by a coating of something else that keeps it from becoming airborne. If your roof or siding shingles are in good condition, they are unlikely to pose a health hazard to you or your family. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends not disturbing asbestos if at all possible.

Unfortunately, while asbestos home products are durable and long-lasting, everything must be replaced eventually. In 1989 asbestos was banned, leading to the asbestos roofs and sidings to fall into disrepair. Many asbestos roofs and sidings are damaged, cracked, or broken. Asbestos siding in particular, however, has a tendency to chip, crack, and break with normal wear-and-tear of family life. This can release the fibers into the air, which poses a threat to your family’s and neighbors’ health.

How Can You Tell If Old Siding Has Asbestos?

Many manufacturers made their products to look like asbestos-free products, so it is not really possible to determine if your siding contains asbestos just by looks. You can easily send a sample to a lab if you suspect that it may contain asbestos. Or you can hire a specialist to take a look at the siding so that they can determine if you have an asbestos siding.

Can I Install New Siding Over Old Asbestos?

Some people try to attempt to solve the problem of deteriorating asbestos siding by installing vinyl siding over on top of it. This practice is not recommended for a number of reasons. First, the siding installation process itself, nailing into existing boards or tiles, is enough to disturb the existing material and create a dangerous condition. Second, installing vinyl siding over any existing materials, particularly those in poor condition, can lead to additional problems in your home and can hide the development of those problems until they become extremely large and costly to repair. Therefore, hiring a specialist or roofing contractor who has the right education for asbestos would help in asbestos roof removal.

Can You Pressure Wash Asbestos Siding?

Painting asbestos siding is not difficult at all, as one of its benefits is that paint easily adheres to it and it is very durable and can last for decades without chipping or cracking. However, when cleaning the siding before painting, the important thing to note is that you should avoid power washing asbestos siding as it can chip or damage the siding and release the dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. If you do pressure wash, use a gentle touch if possible and stop immediately if you find that you’re knocking pieces of siding off. This means that you’ll have to take some extra time cleaning and prepping the siding before painting and rely on a garden hose and sponges instead. If you manage to chip damage your siding and worry it may be made with asbestos, make an appointment to have the material tested to confirm.

Do You Have to Disclose Asbestos When Selling a House?

For starters, it is not illegal to sell a house with asbestos. Obviously, buyers would much rather buy a home with no asbestos concerns. However, outside of a thorough inspection, there is no way to tell if a home contains this potentially toxic material. If you know your house has asbestos, you might disclose the information to buyers. Again, it’s not illegal to sell a home with asbestos, but you can be liable for not disclosing the information to the buyer if you knew it was present beforehand.

Cement Asbestos Roofing

When asbestos came into the picture many manufacturers experimented with it. In the 1880s manufacturers used asbestos fibers in mixtures that resulted in building products like insulation for steam pipes and boilers. It was eventually being mixed in Portland cement and the paste was used as a roof repair compound. In 1907, process equipment was invented that produced rigid sheets from the cement-asbestos mixture. These sheets could be pigmented and cut into manageable shapes and were able to have textured patterns pressed into the surface. The result was very durable siding and roofing shingles that imitate traditional, natural products, both less expensive and lighter than slate. They don’t rot or warp like wood and are extremely fire resistant. It’s not at all surprising that the popularity of these asbestos sheets skyrocketed throughout two-thirds of the twentieth century.

The manufacturers of individual asphalt shingles, which were less expensive and more flexible than cement asbestos, were major competitors for market share in the roofing material industry by the 1920s. In the late 1930s, asphalt strip shingles, coated with granules in a wide variety of colors, were the most popular roof covering.

Asbestos-containing products, like the cement mixture, posed very little health risk if the material is kept in good condition and not disturbed. Severely worn or damaged asbestos roofs and walls, or improper repairs, alterations, or removals can allow the release of the fibers and risk the health of the occupants and neighbors. The EPA provides detailed information about managing asbestos-containing products on its web site.

The Problems

Cement asbestos roof shingles typically have a much shorter life than the siding panels. If a replacement is needed, removal can be a significant expense. If the shingles are severely weathered, to a point that the material can be crushed by hand, professional abatement is needed. Precautions should still be taken even if they’re intact. The fasteners securing them should be kept wet and lowered to the ground instead of being tossed down. Individual states and municipalities may also have additional requirements for the removal and specific requirements for disposal.

Like tile and slate roofs, occasionally there may be some cracked, broken, or missing tiles or slates, or flashing repairs that may be needed. Maintaining an asbestos tile roof can be difficult. Finding contractors willing to work with the material associated with the A word can be a challenge. It can also be a challenge to find contractors that are mindful of the brittle nature of these tiles. Some roofing contractors, experienced with slate and tile roof repairs are willing to repair and restore asbestos tile roofs. The tools, equipment, and techniques they use for their regular repairs are well-suited for working with the brittle shingles. There are also a few good sources of salvaged replacement shingles that with luck can be a close match to the existing roof.

Hopefully, the remaining cement asbestos roof tiles are in good to repairable condition and will be properly maintained for the maximum potential life. Those that are beyond safe repair will need to be properly and professionally removed, and will likely be replaced with a roof that looks like most other roofs, and will likely only last one-third as long.
If you or someone you know is concerned about the effects that asbestos can have on their health, please visit the EPA website for more information on handling asbestos the proper way.

Polyurethane Foam vs Duro Last

January 31, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Spray Polyurethane Foam and Duro Last go head to head in the market, the reason being that they both have the same benefits for your commercial roof. However, some may say that Polyurethane Foam is better than Duro Last and some may say the opposite. Well, we are going to compare them both and see exactly product is more beneficial for your roof.

What is Spray Polyurethane Foam?

When talking about Polyurethane Foam, the question you might ask is, what is the sole purpose of Polyurethane and how can my commercial roof benefit from it? What are the benefits of installing the spray polyurethane foam roofing system and how would it outweigh the advantages of other roofing systems? Many manufactures use SPF simply because of the ease of installation, the impressive performance, affordability, and durability. Property owners love the idea of it because of the protection it provides for their roof. Some of the benefits that SPF provides are energy efficiency, durability, a seamless surface and it’s environmentally friendly. Sprayed Polyurethane Foam has been used as a commercial roofing and insulation material for over 20 years.

Energy Efficient Insulation

Spray Polyurethane Foam provides the highest level of insulation against air and moisture, it also provides that perfect thermal barrier. Therefore, spray polyurethane foam carries out as an air sealant, where it closes the spaces that would allow the air to escape and add dollars to monthly energy bills. Based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program they estimated that when adding insulation and sealing air leaks, you can save about 20 percent on your monthly bill. Among other roofing and wall insulation, it has the highest R-value per inch. When a system has a higher R-value that simply just means that there is greater insulating power.

Durability

When applying a Spray Polyurethane Foam roofing system it is able to improve a building’s strength and effective lifespan. When SPF is sprayed on to the surface it conforms and adheres to the material, which creates a strong bond to protect the roof. That layer of spray foam is seamless, which can eliminate the ability of water to seep through weak spots. Therefore, if there was to be a flood on your commercial roof where spray polyurethane foam was sprayed, it would be highly resistant to water damage. When spraying the foam in the cavities of the walls it increases the durability of the wall system because of the foam’s ability to conform and adhere to the surface and create a strong bond where it’s sprayed. One of the best qualities that spray foam has, is that it is able to expand and contract with the changing temperature. Roofing contractors would be able to install the SPF in any climate or harsh environment and it will not be at the mercy of the conditions. Thus, guaranteeing a strong and legitimate bond.

Seamless Surface

The way that roofing companies apply SPF is by a liquid through a high-pressure spray gun. When the liquid lands on a surface it ends up expanding, covering the entire roof over a large area. Doing this provides a seamless membrane that fills in the cracks, holes, corners, and crevices along the base of the roof. Because spray foam roofs have no seams, there is a less chance for water to leak through. Spray foam is a solid, seamless barrier that is able to protect your roof from moisture and air.

Environmentally Friendly

Spray Polyurethane Foam is an environmentally friendly alternative to fiber insulation, such as fiberglass or cellulose. Spray foam insulation reduces the impact on the environment by using renewable resources and recycled plastic waste in their foams. Therefore, with the proper maintenance, your roofing contractor would be able to recycle the membrane of your roof whenever the time comes to replace your roof, and recycled materials would be used to create a spray foam. Also, keep in mind that Spray Polyurethane Foam insulation can improve the air quality by creating an impermeable air barrier against pollen, pollutants, and dust. With this, it makes it perfect for people who suffer from allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivity.

The Downside to SPF

We know that there are some great benefits to Spray Polyurethane Foam. However, here’s the downside, some people have poor thoughts on the spray foam because some commercial roofs were installed incorrectly using the foam insulation. This is one of the biggest reasons that there are negative reactions to the spray foam. To get the most benefits out of the Spray Polyurethane Foam roofing system, then your roofing contractor must install it correctly. Hiring a professional, certified roofing contractor would be able to provide your commercial roof with a special product that supply the savings in energy cost that SPF provides and they will reapply the SPF every ten years to ensure its quality. However, many believe that over time, these benefits will slowly disappear in comparison to the Duro Last roofing system. When compared to Duro Last, Duro Last uses a white or grey membrane that reflects the UV rays from the sun without having something additional applied to it.

What is Duro Last?

What makes Duro Last equivalent to SPF? What benefits from Duro Last could potentially outweigh SPF? For starters, Duro Last roofing systems contain the highest quality materials and undergo demanding quality control checks during the manufacturing process. A Duro Last roofing system is a reinforced thermoplastic (PVC) single-ply membrane that would be a perfect fit for your commercial roof or industrial building that has a flat or low slope roof. It is said that the Duro Last roofing system can last longer than the spray polyurethane foam. There are elastomeric coatings for roofs that can be applied and reapplied that can help make the spray foam last longer. When the PVC membrane is used and the ISO insulation is installed underneath the membrane, then Duro Last can last longer than the SPF. The only way that the spray foam can last longer than 20 years is if it is maintained and reapplied correctly. It would have to be recoated every ten years or so and would require a strict maintenance program in order to maintain all of its benefits. Duro Last offers a 15 and 20-year warranty on their products which many building owners prefer.

Prefabrication

With Duro Last, each roof is measured and manufactured to the exact size of the roof, accommodating for every rooftop penetration. When the Duro Last roof is prefabricated in the factory, it eliminates just about up to 80 percent of seaming that would’ve been done on-site during rooftop installation. Which in return improves the long-term performance of the roofing system. It is actually the only roof manufacturing company to offer prefabrication of the entire roofing system. Doing this provides an excellent fit and delivers leak-proof protection. A custom- fabricated Duro Last commercial roofing system is long-lasting and is one of the leaders in roof leak prevention.

Durability

Comparing Duro Last to SPF, the durability is quite similar in the sense that the Duro Last roofing system is resistant to any water damage. Duro Last has a custom flashing that is able to resist any ponding water, or collecting of water, which is very common in a commercial roof. Once the roof is installed, it is virtually maintenance-free, unlike other roofing materials that may require regular maintenance or other repairs. Not only is it resistant to ponding water, but it is also resistant to fire, chemicals, grease, high winds, and punctures. Just like the spray foam, Duro Last can easily accommodate for a wide range of temperatures.

Energy Efficient

The Duro Last roofing system has a white membrane that has the highest reflectivity retention of any single-ply membrane. Which means that you are able to save more money on cooling costs, very similar to Polyurethane Foam. Out of the white, single-ply products rated by the Energy Star program, Duro Last is the only roofing system that has a reflectivity retention of greater than 85 percent after three years of weathering. The sustained reflectivity rate is saving a lot of energy and money for building owners. The Duro Last roofing system is mechanically-attached, and insulation can be placed under the membrane during the installation of the roof, which would reduce the amount of heat loss in the winter.

SPF vs Duro Last: Which is Better?

Spray Polyurethane Foam is more costly than Duro Last because of the installation process. It is as easy as needing a piece of special equipment in order to install the spray foam, even to reapply it, but the special equipment is expensive to use. However, Duro Last is easy and quick to install as well without the required expense of high tech equipment to be used. Many know spray polyurethane foam is sprayed to secure the roof. Duro Last is installed with screws and plates which gives it that air and watertight fit. Duro Last can also be applied over EPDM rubber roofs, TPO single-ply, and metal roofs. It’s also affordable, plus it carries a longer lifespan and more benefits than polyurethane foam does. However, we are going to go against Duro Last a little. The reason being, that polyurethane foam can be applied to surfaces with irregular shapes and penetrations. Another benefit of SPF is that it can be applied over an existing roof, which eliminates the need for the cost of tearing off of an old roof. Sprayed Polyurethane Foam roofing systems are also much lighter than Duro Last. When placing the insulation on the outside, the foam insulation reduces building movement and thermal shock. Spray Polyurethane Foam is one of the best insulators that a building owner can buy. Closed-cell SPF is the only insulating material that does not soak up water. Since SPF is applied to the roof surface, it is recommended for your commercial roof that your qualified roofing contractor assures the material’s integrity.

So is SPF better than Duro Last? Or is it the other way around? The decision comes down to the requirements of your project, your budget, and personal preference. Both roofing systems are high quality products that will ensure the quality and protection of your roof. It is important to sit down with your commercial roofing contractor and discuss the pros and cons of each of these methods to come to the best solution for your commercial roof.

November 18, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Making a decision on what type of commercial roofing system you want to have or replace on your current commercial roof, there are many options to choose from. Therefore, trying to decide exactly what you want can be extremely stressful especially when you do not know a lot about commercial roofing. So the question you should ask is, how do I decide and what should I consider in order to make my decision? Well, for starters, flat roof systems have different types of roofing materials for your needs and budget. Therefore, you should consider each of the advantages and disadvantages before making any final decisions. You would also need to consider where you’re located, the use of the roof, your climate, and roof maintenance. Therefore, when considering buying a commercial flat roof system you need to know the materials that you want to go with. There are five types of commercial flat roofing materials that are the most commonly used on modern commercial flat roofs. These five materials are EPDM roofing, TPO roofing, PVC roofing, metal roofing and modified bitumen.

Some factors that you would want to consider when purchasing a new commercial flat roofing system is price. Price is one of the biggest factors many building owners and residential owners consider when purchasing a roofing system. When you’re basing your decision on price, take into consideration if your roof will need any extra attention or expense after the initial installation. For instance, your new roof may require regular maintenance and repair. Some roof types require far more maintenance than others do. Therefore, if you have a budget in place, you will want to consider how much you will be paying for a regular maintenance program to keep the roof running in good shape. Modified Bitumen roofs, for example, require frequent roof maintenance compared to EPDM, TPO or PVC roofs. Another thing is the price of any repairs, so you should ask yourself the question, is this roof system easily repairable and how quickly would it need to be repaired? This question should be based on your roof use, roof material and weather conditions in your area.

Now, if the system that you choose or already have is not one that has a long lifespan then you will most likely have to repair it within a ten year period. Especially if it requires frequent maintenance and repairs. Now, which one is going to cost you more annually? Is it going to be the flat roof that does not usually have a very long lifespan and requires more maintenance? Every roof system needs to be maintained, however, the amount of time and the cost to maintain it can vary quite a lot. Therefore, consider what the roof system may cost you on an annual basis over its lifespan. Hiring a commercial roofing contractor that has experience in commercial flat roofing can be a useful source of advice to help you make the right choice. The majority of the time the cheaper roofing material can be the most costly in the long run, when you factor in the cost of regular repairs and maintenance.

Another factor that you want to take into consideration when investing in a new commercial flat roof is the quality. As mentioned before, some roofs last much longer than others because of the maintenance requirements, the lifespan of the material, the roof itself and how it is used, and even the location of your property. So you might ask yourself; what is the quality of each roofing material you are considering? Is the material reinforced? Is it flexible? Is it a well-known brand? Is it durable enough for my roof? You’re going to want the quality to be high, affordable and you want to know if its performance truly meets your expectations.

The qualities that you would want to look for are durability, lifespan, sustainability, reputation, the characteristics of the material and so on. You want to ask, what puts that roofing material above the others?

Prefabrication is another factor to consider. Prefabrication generally means the material is fabricated at the manufactures so when applying on the job site, it would consist of more focus on installing the system than having to go through the full process of measuring, cutting and welding. The product would come pre-fitted for your roof which can take away from the labor costs to install and the roof can be installed much faster. This can help minimize disruptions to your business which can be an important issue in any commercial roof installation process.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is different from most other commercial flat roofing materials for a few reasons. A metal roof is an ideal choice with a roof slope that is greater than 2 inches. Metal roofs are mainly favored by facility managers because it is extremely durable, non-combustible and is able to reflect heat off your roof. The surface of the metal roof can be extremely hot when the sun beams down on it, however, a lot of that heat ends up being prevented from entering the building and saving on energy costs. Metal roofs are immune to cracks that affect single-ply roofs. However, metal roofs can be vulnerable to leaks around the seams and roof edges. Metal roofs can be customized and formed around angles and protrusions. While they are typically manufactured in large standardized sheets, there are some customization options available to commercial roofing contractors as they prepare to install.

When talking about the installation process and disruptions, keep in mind that some flat roofing materials need more time, space and heavy equipment for their installation. Other materials, such as PVC and TPO, require less installation time and little equipment to install. Some job sites can also become very messy and if you do not require a tear-off with certain roofing systems, then the debris will not be in the way of your business operations.

TPO

TPO is a very popular roof type and compared to PVC it is also the best flat roofing material to install. TPO is one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing systems on the market. It is made up of a single layer of synthetic and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs. Not only is TPO roofing material inexpensive, but it also has a decent lifespan between 10 and 20 years. In addition, the white coating that appears on many TPO roofs has all the same energy-saving properties as PVC roofs. They even require less maintenance than EPDM roofs.

When properly installed and maintained, your commercial single-ply membrane roof can last longer than 20 years. There are a lot of benefits when it comes to single-ply membrane roofing systems. For the fact that single-ply membrane roofing does not include the insulation factor, as a customer, you have more options to choose from to be able to insulate your facility’s roof. The most common TPO material is usually bright white with highly reflective properties. With the bright white roof installation, it is able to reflect UV rays and heat from the building, which end up saving you money during the summer months from decreased energy usage to cool the building interior. Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Systems have been the go-to roofing system for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities for decades.

EPDM

When talking about EPDM rubber roofs compared to the other flat roofing materials, it is one of the most inexpensive roofing materials around. It’s extremely easy to install, therefore you are able to install it yourself or hire a professional roofing contractor. One of the biggest advantages that EPDM rubber roofing has is that it’s very lightweight, therefore, the roof deck doesn’t need any kind of reinforcement. The way that it is installed is by stripping everything right off the roof and applying an adhesive then roll out the roof. There are few seams, which would mean that leaks are fairly rare and an extremely good quality EPDM roof can last you for up to 20 years. This roofing material is fairly durable, it doesn’t scratch or scuff easily, and it can be easily repaired if a leak was to occur. Roofing contractors would use liquid roofing membranes, latex tape or adhesives, and a type of rubber shingle to install over the EPDM roofing in order to repair and patch the leaks. The material may be black and doesn’t absorb heat, it isn’t easy for it to be damaged by UV rays, which in turn helps it hold up well in sunny climates.

PVC Roofing

PVC roofing is another commercial flat roof material on the market, some building owners usually prefer to use it. However, some roofing contractors usually don’t recommend it as a first option. PVC roofing is one of the most expensive roofing materials compared to other single-ply flat roof materials. However, for the extra expense, PVC roofing offers a good amount of benefits. One benefit would be that the reinforced membrane makes PVC roofs resistant to impact damage and cracking, which in any case would normally shorten the lifespan of single-ply roofs. With a PVC roof, commercial buildings, for instance, manufacturing facilities, wouldn’t face roofing problems that result from chemical exposure because PVC is extremely resistant to chemical damage. PVC roofing requires low maintenance and has a long lifespan, making a very popular material among commercial roofing contractors. With a PVC roof, it will keep your business building temperature cooler, reducing energy demands.

Modified Bitumen Roof

When you compare modified bitumen roofs to other commercial flat roofing materials, modified bitumen stands out as the more low-budget option. Modified bitumen roofs mainly use asphalt membrane as the base to the roof. The surface is vulnerable to cracking and blistering, which greatly reduces their typical lifespan. While this lifespan is less than the more advanced options, the installation savings can still make modified bitumen roofs a serious consideration for some businesses. However, some roofing contractors go back and forth with this option. Modified bitumen roofs are a single-ply membrane system that is most often roll-applied to the surface of your roof. Modified bitumen is quite similar to asphalt roofs, but they have additional polymers in their materials that provide added protection from the elements and help to increase the lifespan of the product. When comparing how popular this roofing material is to the other flat roofing materials, modified bitumen is the least popular flat roofing system. However, it is still pretty common on older roofs. Modified bitumen roofs are installed by rolling out the roofing material after it has been heated with a blow torch. This heating process allows the material to mold itself to the roof surface. However, many roofing contractors try to avoid using this roofing material because installation requires a heated blow torch which ends up being a liability. As well as it requires a lot of maintenance, therefore becoming a hassle.