ASSESSING YOUR NEEDS
Development a Plan Through Clear Comminution
We begin your roofing project by joining you in your office or on site to assess your needs and learn more about your roofing plans. We then work with you to identify potential opportunities for saving money while helping you determine short-and-long-term maintenance, repair and/or replacement plans. Our ultimate objective is to develop an understanding of your strengths and problems, and to determine which roofing system will improve the effectiveness of your roofing efforts. Understanding what you need, before commiting to a particular roofing system is crucial for reliable, long-term roof performance.
After establishing your needs, RN focuses on the roofing system that will meet these needs. We install a complete roofing system, which encompasses the membrane, insulation, flashings, details, and any other requirements to properly attach system to the building. Each building is unique and requires individual plans. RN will work with you to determine your objective, and carefully investigate your building and roof environment. Using this information, we’ll consider a variety of options before recommending the most appropriate roofing system(s). We train our craftsmen to install a broad range of systems, and provide high quality materials for our projects.
EPDM ROOF SYSTEMS
EPDM is a product consisting of three distinct monomers. EPDM is classified as a Thermoset material which means it is either fully-cured prior to being installed or that it cures during natural weathering after installation. EPDM roofs are single-ply membranes meaning there is only one ply of roofing material.
EPDM membranes are installed fully-adhered, mechanically-attached or ballasted. Fully-adhered means that the roof is “glued” to the substrate using a special adhesive. Ballasted means the membrane is loose laid over the top of the roof, sealed at all penetrations and around the perimeter, and then a ballast is put on it to hold it in place. Ballast usually consists of smooth, round, river rock 2″-3″ diameter. Mechanically-attached membranes are those that use some type of screw-type fastener to secure it. The seams of all systems are sealed using either an adhesive or a splice tape.
This system offers ease of installation and usually a lower cost. Some concerns are puncture from heavy traffic, ponding water, delamination, shrinking if not properly installed, and chemical resistance.
Properly installed EPDM rubber roofs should last between 15 – 20 year
TPO ROOF SYSTEMS
TPO advantages include bitumen and polystyrene compatibility, very good low temperature flexibility, excellent puncture resistance, and increased welding rates. TPO is the fastest growing product type in the roofing industry.
TPO membranes are installed fully-adhered, mechanically-attached, or ballasted. Fully-adhered means that the roof is “glued” to the substrate using a special adhesive. Ballasted means the membrane is loose laid over the top of the roof, sealed at all penetrations and around the perimeter, and then a ballast is put on it to hold it in place. Ballast usually consists of smooth, round, river rock 2″-3″ diameter. Mechanically-attached membranes are those that use some type of screw-type fastener to secure it. TPO sheets contain colorant, flame retardants, UV absorbers and other proprietary substances to achieve desired physical properties.
This system offers ease of installation, are lighter wieght, and usually a lower cost. Some of the concerns are punctures from heavy traffic, ponding water, delamination, shrinking, and chemical resistance.
Properly installed and mainatained TPO roofs should last between 15 and 20 years.
MODIFIEDS BITUMEN ROOF SYSTEMS
MB’s are a roof system developed by taking the qualities of a BUR system along with the qualities of a single-ply roof. A standard MB roof system should have a base sheet or ply, similar to the BUR system, then a waterproofing sheet similar to single-ply.
To break it down, a modified bitumen membrane is composed primarily of polymer-modified bitumen reinforced with one or more plies of fabric such as polyester, fiberglass, or a combination of both. Factory surfacing, if applied, includes mineral granules, slag, aluminum, or copper.
Modified bitumen’s generally use a traditional waterproofing medium — asphalt — modified with atactic polyproplylene (APP), styrene (SBS), synthetic rubber, or other agents that will enhance the asphalt properties.
Properly installed and mainatained MB roof systems should last 25+ years.
TAPERED ROOF SYSTEMS
Although it is not a roofing system in itself, the Tapered Roofing Feature is a valuable addition that can be built into any roofing system. It is a valuable addition as it both drains water from the roof and insulates the roof while extending the life span of all roof types.
It’s created by laying down a series of tapered sheets of insulation that direct the water to roof drains, scuppers, and gutters. While adding minimal cost to the project, it can dramatically increase the life span of the roof by preventing ponding water.
Duration depends on the roofing system it is combined with.
REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
A roof needs regular check-ups in the form of regular inspections and prompt repairs. Money spent on maintenance every year protects your investment and prolongs the life span of your roof. Studies have shown that a roof not regularly maintained, will only last about half of its expected service life.
A warranty is not enough to protect your investment, as almost all roofing material manufacturerers’ warranties state specifically that their warranty is void if the roof is not maintained. If you cannot show that the roof has been maintained, you will have no claim on a warranty issue.
If you see any signs of leaking, like dark spots on a ceiling, mold or dampness occuring, then take action immediately. Roof leaks only get worse, protect your investment and increase the life span of your roof by spending money on maintenance. The alternative is, expensive repair or total replacement.
Maintaining and repairing your roofing system will insure that it lasts as long as possible.