You?re in your office and you look up to see those dreaded brown stains on your ceiling tiles. Then comes the sagging and eventually the drip, drip, drip no commercial building owner wants to hear or see. Or your tenants are calling complaining and wanting it fixed ASAP. You cross your fingers and hope that it?s a simple repair. Selecting the right, reputable commercial roofing company that won?t break your wallet is the next critical task.

One of the best resources to read before you begin your search is from The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). They created a Consumer Advisory Bulletin that outlines key things to look for when shopping for a commercial roofer. It?s called Selecting an NRCA Professional Roofing Contractor (Low-slope Commercial).

Snippets from the bulletin

• Permanent place of business. Of the 14 areas covered, they chose to put confirming the roofing company has a permanent location as the top item. The reason this is critical in Texas is there is no state-level licensing. So, Texas is ripe hunting grounds for unscrupulous companies coming in after a large storm and then leaving after demand dies down. As a result, they are not there months or years later if you need warranty work or repairs. Whether you are in the Dallas, Fort Worth, or Houston area, you are always welcome to visit our offices.
• Affiliated with an industry organization. Because the State doesn?t mandate quality standards, it?s even more important to pay attention to affiliations. In particular, I would recommend looking at the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) because they have instituted their own licensing program that holds licensees accountable to a high level of standards.
• Knowledge of roof systems. Commercial roofing is a different set of skills because of the wide variety of materials that can be used. You want a roofing company that can provide a knowledgeable assessment of what type of materials is best for your building. For instance, Peak Roofing & Construction has commercial roofing professionalsaand crews trained in the following materials; Cold Process, TPO, PVC, Modified Bitumen, Slate, Sheet Metal, Single Ply, Standing Seam, and Tile.

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Roofing material is available in a wide variety of choices; the selection of a particular type frequently tends to match the roofing trend of the different locales. One very popular design is a corrugated roofing panel that is noticeable for its corrugated design which serves several purposes. The purpose of corrugation is to channel water in one uniform direction. It also adds structural integrity to the panel by resisting bending. Aside from the practical application of the design, some corrugated roofing panels are also designed for aesthetic purposes. Houston roofing contractorscan easily install this type of roof for homeowners.

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Popular Roofing Material

Corrugated roofing panels are generally a popular roofing material because it is inexpensive as compared to other roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. Although corrugated roofing panels are thin and light-weight, they also offer reliable protection from most extreme weather conditions such as hail and strong winds. The corrugation on the panel serves as reinforcement, thus increasing the actual strength of the material.

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Different Types

Corrugated roofing panels are available from Houston roofing contractors in several different materials. The distinctiveness in the material choice affects the product?s life span as well as the cost of the panel. Corrugated roofing is available in metal, polycarbonate, and fiberglass materials. Metal, particularly steel, is a strong, proven material that has the longest roofing lifespan, ranging from 20 to 30 years depending on the gauge of the metal sheet as well as the quality of protective coating applied. With polycarbonate and fiberglass roof panels, the service life is from 6 to 10 years. Beyond the manufacturer?s specified life span, polycarbonate and fiberglass panels become soft and brittle over time. Despite the short life span, polycarbonate and fiberglass roof panels still remain the preferred roofing material due to its low cost and translucent property.

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Inexpensive Installation

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Compared to other roofing material, corrugated roofing panels are inexpensive to install and require very little effort. Any individual with a few work shop skills and a ?DIY? interest could easily install a corrugated roofing panel. It just takes a little courage to work at the height required; a little skill with a nail and hammer; and the ability to cut the panels to the correct length. This type of roof can also be installed by Houston roofing contractors within a short period of time

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Required Number of Panels

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To get the exact number of required roof panels, compute the entire area of the roof from the ridge down and across; for repairs, just measure the size of the damaged area. Standard corrugated roof panels come in 36? width x 8?, 10?, or 12? length. With that information, simply compute the number of panels required to cover the roof area. Keep in mind that the ridges have to overlap on each side, and the top panel should overlap the succeeding panels below it at least 2 to 3 inches to prevent leakage. Secure the panels in place by using a corrugated roofing fastener with a rubber washer for a tight and waterproof fit. Anytime there is an overlap between two panels, apply silicone caulk to seal the edges. A circular saw can be used for metal, PVC, and fiberglass panels if trimming is required. Corrugated roof panels are one of the best roofing materials to use. They are easy to install, inexpensive, and come in various types to suit the roofing requirements of each individual building. Call one of the many Houston roofing contractors and they will be able to provide a homeowner with information all about corrugated roofing panels!

?You know you?re from Colorado if you plan your Halloween costume around your winter coat.?
Regardless of the fact that the last few years have brought warmer Halloween nights here in the metro area, this old adage is still in the forefront of all of our minds. October has been an up and down, warm and cold, and blustery month so far, and as we creep closer to Halloween, we need to start preparing our homes for the colder weather. If you haven?t thought about it already, it isn?t too late to assess your home?s windows and replace them if necessary. In fact, we have three reasons why you actually need to have your windows replaced before the cold weather hits.

3 Reasons to Replace Your Windows Before Winter

Energy Efficiency

New windows can go a long way towards helping to ensure that your home is energy efficient this winter. Older windows have too many spaces where warm air on the inside can escape into the frigid air outside. New windows will help to better trap the warm air all winter long, meaning your furnace won?t have to work as hard to keep your house heated. This is also excellent news for your monthly energy bill.

Prevent Damage

As temperatures rise and fall throughout the winter, the materials of your home expand and contract. If your windows are damaged or poorly sealed, they can contribute to damaging your home as it shifts with the temperature changes. If you need new windows, it is better to have them installed before the temperatures begin to drop.

Curb Appeal

Old or damaged windows wreck curb appeal. If you have relatives coming into town for the holidays, the last thing you want to worry about is your home?s exterior making a bad impression. Imagine the looks on their smiling faces when they see those holiday decorations adorning your brand new windows? And imagine how proud your parents will be when you mention how much those new windows are helping your save on your energy bill.

For all of your window installation needs this fall, contact Airtight Exteriors here in Lakewood. We have served the Denver metro area for nearly 20 years and we know what it takes to provide your Colorado home with the best.

Who doesn't like to be prepared! America's birthday is this comingaMonday, so if you're looking to enjoy thealong weekend, get readyafor the holiday now.aFrom buying the necessitiesato mowing the lawn, there are plenty of things to doabefore the weekendabegins.

This year, the 4th of July falls on a Monday, which means that you haveaallaweekend to prepare -- so expectations are high. If you plan on hosting aaparty yourself, be sure toacheck off the items below.aConsider this your official 4th of July Checklist!

[ a] Plan Your Party and Send Invitations

No 4th of July should be spent alone. So the first item on your listaisato decideawhether you will attend a party or host one yourself. If you don't have a party to attend, likely your friends and family are thinking the same thing -- so take initiative and plan one yourself. Where are you going? Do you want to host? How many people are you planning to invite, and where should the party take place?aIf you're planning or attending a party in a public place, willathere be aagrill?

These are important questions that you should get out of the way as soon as possible. To make sure all of your friends and family attend, you need to get your invitations out as soon as possible. In addition, selecting a location allows you to plan the rest of the day much more easily. Send an email or text message with the details of the party including the start time, location, and whether the guest should bring anything (is the party BYOB?). Consider using a free service like e-vite to send out electronic invitations. Electronic invitations allow you to easily keep track of who has RSVP'd.

[ a] Buy the Food and Drink

If you choose to serve hamburgers, be sure to haveatoppings and condimentsasuch as cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, ketchup, mustard,amayonnaise and relish.aBe aware that supermarkets mayarun out of these necessities, so stock up early.

Also, keep in mind that the weather forecast for the DC area is HOT, so supply your guests with plenty of refreshments and water.aLemonade is always a favorite for both the kids and adults!

Ultimately, you shouldathink about youraguests. Willathey expect traditional fare or would they appreciate something new?

[ a] Consider Fireworks

These days, no 4th of July is complete without fireworks. InaMaryland, Virginia, and DC you cannot set off fireworks in your yard - but you can buy small items like sparklers and pinwheels, or plan your party near a local firework display.

That means, of course, that you need to do the research. Familiarize yourself withaMarylandaandaVirginia law concerning fireworks. If you want to fully satisfy the firework craving, you probably want to findalocal firework events,athen, plan your party accordingly.

[ a] Load up on Sunscreen

You want your party to be as much 'fun in the sun' as possible. That means you can't forget the sunscreen! aInvest in enough sunscreen not only for yourself but also for your guests, because you know some attendees willaforget. The weather forecast for the DMV is 85 and sunnyawith a UV index of 10 out of 10!aBe careful out there.

[ a] Prepare Your Space

Is your space ready for the party? The weekend before July 4th offers a perfect opportunity to tidy up. Mow the lawn, clean the house, prepathe grill, and set up any entertainment options your guests may appreciate. From cornhole to a volleyball or badminton net, you want to have enough entertainment options for your guests to have fun before the fireworks, especially if children are part of the party. A fun weekend project could be toabuild your own cornhole set before the big day.

[ a] Enjoy the Day!

Finally, don't forget the most important item on your checklist: enjoying the 4th of July. This is the date our nation gained independence, and a holiday important enough for people to plan their summers around. When you hold a 4th of July party, your goal should be to have as much fun as your guests, which can only be possible with enough preparation.

Part of that preparation may include peace of mind. If, during your planning, you notice that your roof has a few loose shingles, why not get them fixedabefore the party? Contact usabefore your eventato ensure you can thoroughly enjoy and appreciate your Independence Day.

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Garden roofs or green roofs have been gaining in popularity as environmental awareness increases. At first thought, it may seem a radical idea when in reality, it can be a great way to utilize otherwise wasted space. The benefits of this kind of project are much more substantial than simply growing flowers and vegetation. With some effort, almost any roof can be turned into a beautiful skyline landscape to enjoy and help conserve energy.

When considering this kind of project, there are a number of important details that must be thought about before getting starting, the most essential one being the ability of the supporting structure to bear such weight. A typical, flat roof weighs about five to six pounds per square foot on its own, so it is imperative to know how much of a saturated load the structure can handle. Only then would it be safe to plan which type of green roof will be installed ? extensive or intensive.

• Extensive ? An extensive garden roof is lighter, smaller and requires less maintenance. Using between 2 to 6 inches of substrate, the saturated load is about fifteen to eighteen pounds per square foot, allowing for extensive plants to be grown even on metal. These gardens are usually planted with low growth plants having shallow roots, not requiring any kind of irrigation system as rain water is usually sufficient water especially if drought-resistant plants are used. Because of this, the extensive plan also provides the most runoff control since more water is absorbed with this than irrigated gardens.
• Intensive ? Intensive layouts are much heavier, consisting of deeper plant beds that require much more soil and substrate. While this allows for a wider variety of plants to be grown, it also makes irrigation a necessity as well as increases the load per square foot to upwards of 100 pounds. Add to that any other landscape or hardscape features and the load is even greater. These types of roof gardens are only suitable with structural concrete roofs and generally require a lot more maintenance.

Installation

Besides roof weight-bearing capabilities, other important factors are installation requirements to provide waterproof protection and other modifications to ensure stability. In some situations and especially with older buildings, the amount of required work outweighs any benefit, making the idea a lot less appealing. There are emergency drainage and wind updraft concerns that need to be addressed as well as fireproofing and testing of the roof waterproofing membrane before any garden plan is ready to go.

Benefits

Although this may seem like a fun and interesting project, installing a garden roof is a lot of hard work and initial expense. Once plants have been put in and are well-established, benefits will begin to be noticed. Lower cooling and heating bills and in some cases home-grown food can be the result. Environmentally, reducing storm water runoff has been known to help prevent sewer flooding and soil erosion while aiding in the prevention of elevated urban heat and poor air quality.

A garden at the top of any building can be an environmentally friendly way of reducing the cost of energy while adding a perfect touch of nature that looks great and provides a calming environment to escape the rigors of city life!

Call Schulte Roofing To Be Your Expert Houston Roof Builders!

Are you interested in finding a Houston roof firm to help make decisions about installing a garden roof? Contact the experts at Schulte Roofing at 800-367-7663 for professional advice for all Houston area customers about such a project!