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Steep-Slope Roof Systems, Part 1
There are a variety of roof systems suitable for steep-slope roofs including asphalt shingles, metal roof panels, clay tile, concrete tile, slate, as well as metal shingle systems. Our firm has installed all of the above systems, primarily on institutional facilities, including K–12, 2-year colleges, 4-year universities and colleges, and government buildings. In our experience, there are 4 components that make for a successful roof replacement project on steep-slope systems: maintaining the recommended minimum slope, ensuring sufficient ventilation, proper application of metal flashings, and installation of the underlayment.
MOREUnderstanding a Contractor’s Accounting System
Contracting can be a complicated and risky business. If a contractor doesn’t know its true financial position, then trouble can’t be far away; and when trouble arrives (and it will), no owner wants to be impacted by the fallout caused by a financially-stripped contractor. For this reason, it’s important that owners not only thoroughly vet contractors before awarding a project, but also understand which accounting and billing methods the contractor adheres to.
MOREIt’s Raining Inside
Reroofing projects are major renovations that can entail hazards for owners and contractors alike. One of the most serious risks for building owners undergoing a reroofing project is what is known as an “open-roof” event. These events are usually the result of a contractor’s crew removing more roof at a time than can be made completely water-tight before risk of a shower or rain storm develops. In the case of an open-roof event, some contractors may simply walk away from the job. Here's what to do if you find yourself in that situation.
MOREOccupied Facility Safety Planning
While the rooftop presents contractors with its own set of safety hazards to be addressed in a safety plan, the grounds around a building present hazards as well. And if the building is occupied—as is often the case in reroofing and building exterior restoration projects—one of the most important components of a site-specific safety plan is the “traffic control plan”. The building’s occupants and visitors entering and exiting the building along with the safety of the contractor’s personnel on the ground are the primary considerations when developing the “traffic control” portion of the site-specific safety plan.
MOREThe Importance of a Solid Insurance Program
In high-risk industries such as construction services, the importance of a well-rounded, solid insurance program cannot be overstated. Construction insurance programs are not only intended to protect the contractor, but to also protect the owner's property, personnel and affected third parties. Owners are well-served to verify in writing that the contractor selected to do the work has the following 4 types of primary coverages in place.
MORESurety Bonds For Projects
Sometimes referred to as Payment Bonds, Surety Bonds are posted by a contractor to guarantee that its subcontractors, material suppliers and other vendors will be paid in-full. They provide insurance in the event that a general contractor declares insolvency or is otherwise unable to complete the project they're engaged in. When our firm found itself subjected to a general contractor declaring insolvency during the construction of a large high school project in Atlanta, the Surety Bonds put in place at the project's onset helped ensure that Standard was issued payment for the backlog of unpaid invoices.
MOREProtect Yourself: Licensing, Permits and Codes Matter
Whether it’s for a roof replacement, waterproofing project or masonry tuck/point/seal, building owners must protect themselves and the building occupants by ensuring that the contractor awarded the work is appropriately licensed, has the proper permits, and fully understands federal codes affecting the project.
MOREEstablish a Clear Scope of Work
A commercial roofing, reroofing, building envelope exterior repair, or restoration project is no small undertaking. It can be a complete success for your organization or turn out to be a disaster. But, if you follow these 3 steps, it is more likely to lead to success, and your extra effort in the beginning will save your organization a lot of heartache in the end.
MOREInclement Weather Planning, Part II
Follow these safety measures to keep your roofing project running on schedule in the event of inclement weather conditions and to help avoid equipment failure, employee injury and property damage.
MOREInclement Weather Planning, Part I
Mid-way through another hurricane season, now is a good time to review the benefits of having an established Inclement Weather Plan. Mother nature can be unpredictable, and in the event you are having a commercial roof repaired or replaced, damage resulting from severe weather can add both cost and time to even the most well-planned re-roofing projects. For this reason, your roofing contractor’s policies and procedures should include an “Inclement Weather Plan”. And to protect your commercial property investment, you should request this plan from your commercial roofing contractor in advance of signing a contract for any roof work.
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