"Where The Oil Goes"

I wanted to take a moment today to illustrate the makeup of a barrel of oil, and how it's used.

Of course, the oil goes to a refinery, and the portion of material used in roofing products is called "Residuum".

You will see it also described as "Asphalt Base". In the United States, we consume asphalt products in two major applications.

1.) Road Building : 80%
2.) Roofing Products : 20%

Of course, they both have similar radiant absorption properties, and it is simply impossible to defy laws of physics, and expect it to not get hot. This is where most people who are laymen regarding the roofing discipline are (in my opinion) being misled. Most of you probably think that white shingles, or white modified bitumen is reflective, but in reality, has a very low SRI of approximately .25.

Ron, it's white, so why doesn't it "reflect"? Well it does, but very, very little. But it's the radiant absorption, or "heat gain" that is generally (conditions vary slightly) twice that of ambient temperature. So on a nice hot day here in Florida, at 95 degrees (assume all measurements to be Fahrenheit), the roof can easily, I repeat easily, attain surface temperatures in excess of 180 degrees.

The roof surface stays hot well into the evening, and a heat island effect of between 6-8 degrees higher than surrounding areas is typical. I keep trying to come up with new ways to say this, but petroleum based roofs are singular in dimension, get very hot, create a huge demand on energy, are unsafe, and contaminate water supplies by introducing large amounts of nitrogen andf phosphorous into our tributaries.

Okay, enough of that for now, but there is a reason why huge retailers (Wal-Mart being the best example) do not use petroleum based roof systems. Can you imagine the monthly energy bill for a Wal-Mart Super Center at 250,000 sq. ft.? You may believe Wal-Mart is alert, and cares a great deal about a 20% energy reduction. I cannot comprehend the dollar value when multiplied by all their stores, but they sure can.

Is your City Council smarter than Wal-Mart? Nope.
County Commission? Nope.
Congress? Of course not.
Senate? No way.

This is simply "Common Sense", and while our Secretary of Energy supports it, no governing agencies adopt it. The people who actually have to pay the bills care about it, and use white synthetic thermoplastic, and save money. The government uses oil, and loses money.

I invite you to make an appointment with a school board member in your district, and ask "why?" Their pensive stare will not amuse you. I'm one person, and I'm challenging government agencies to justify this heinous waste of taxpayer money.

When we run out of fresh water, it will be too late. And to think we actually "PAID" a premium for the contamination, when we didn't have to, is the absolute definition of "irresponsible". If you would like this point shared with a decision maker in your jurisdiction, simply send me a name and email address, and I will do it for you.

Thank you once again for visiting with me today. Reject negativity, and keep looking "UP".

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620

"Uninformed Contractors & Consultants"

This is an example of an uninformed contractor, pretending to know something about "Sustainability", and quite frankly was disturbed by his comments, as if this was a great accomplishment, when quite the opposite was true.

"We reroofed a school this summer in South Florida, 80,000 sf. Original roof was BUR asphalt and gravel. Replaced this with Soprema's Soprastar, torch applied modified bitumen. This cap sheet has the highest Solar Reflectance after three years than other modified cap sheets, granular or coated. It's the aged SRI that's important, because what good is a white roof that turns tobacco stained. But anyway, this school is identical to another school in the same county. Both of these schools are cooled by 2 chillers. The newly reroofed school has only had to turn on one chiller since the reroof. The other school has had to use 2 chillers. We also gave the School District over $32,000.00 in rebate from FPL after the reroof.

So, the effects on the HVAC system are substantial, at least in the beginning. The big question is will it remain white? Will the owner see the advantage / importance of having a maintenance program on his new roof, so he can keep reaping the benefits?"

My reply:

You didn't do anyone any favors with your "Soprastar". There is no rational explanation for approving such an expenditure. None. Tell us about all that petroleum we consumed on a product without 3 year testing.

Miami-Dade says it was only approved 06/10/09, so there is no 3 year testing as far as they're concerned.

CRRC says this:
Soprastar Bright White Modified Bitumen: Initial SRI 0.78 Projected 3 year SRI 0.66

The .78 barely hits an acceptable reflectivity of, you guessed it .78 (page 95 LEED V2.2.). The .66 is three year aging (real or projected). A white TPO far surpasses that dismal performance.

For a school district no less. How much of a premium for NO additional benefit do you think you caused the taxpayers in that county? Did that even cross your mind?

I know you are happy to get an energy "Rebate" of $32,000.00 for them, but that money isn't free. The taxpayers ate that, AND the HUGE upcharge. I'll bet the "Soprastar" easily cancelled out the rebate. Easily.

Seriously, you could have given them an .080 TPO, 30 year NDL instead of using a "Boutique" manufacturer like Soprema, for LESS MONEY!!. Let me guess, they also listed "Siplast". You rarely see one without the other.

I get so tired of watching this scenario play out in our schools. No private owner would ever consider a huge cost increase like that. They don't do it because it doesn't make sense. Some consultant or salesman was responsible for that, and I'd really like them to explain why, but that won't happen.

I am very curious how you plan to "maintain" the magical "flakes" on Soprastar.

Also curious about the wind speed warranty you gave the school district. Let me guess, 54 mph?

I'm glad you got a job, but at what cost?

You want to see how our schools are getting ripped off by roofing material salesmen? Just check here http://schoolroofingscam.blogspot.com/ , and it's in black and white. I know you paid a lot more for the material than you would have paid from a manufacturer that competes fairly. GAF, Johns-Manville, Firestone?

Thanks for telling us about Soprema's super great product. I'm holding my tongue, because I know the exact scenario, and I despise it. Now you've piqued my curiosity, and I'll do a little more research and report back.

DIRECTLY FROM SOPREMA'S PUBLISHED DATA SHEET

Initial :

Solar Reflectance 0.78 Weathered:Pending
Thermal Emittance 0.89 Weathered:Pending

The "flakes" will create an irregular surface, and trap even more contaminant, and I have no idea how you restore reflectivity to a modified, as they are new to the market.

At least you can easily clean a TPO.

Please tell us how much you paid for the smooth modified per roll, and the Soprastar per roll, and I think this conversation will be over.

Now, I know that may seem a bit confrontational, but in here, I give you substantiated facts, not idle chatter. These are the misconceptions I face each day, because a great number of consultants will say, or do, anything for a dollar, and it's that simple.

If you think for one moment, a consultant cares about a taxpayer, you are sadly mistaken. I just think they don't care, and maybe I'm asking too much of them. Most roof consultants are failed roofing contractors. They couldn't run their own company, yet are intelligent enough to tell others how to do it.

Forgive my rather elevated tone today, but it really aggravates me that our government, and schools in particular, allow this horrific "Sales Model" to be perpetuated.

I'm trying my bloody best to restore honor and integrity into my chosen discipline, but it's like facing a 300' tidal wave. I am absolutely overwhelmed by what has become almost a vertical climb, and I'm ashamed.

Perhaps tomorrow will be the day things change? But after saying that to myself for 8 years, am beginning to lose hope. It doesn't make me less enthusiastic, but my skin is not made of titanium, and sometime it gets to me. Regardless, I don't get paid for ripping off school districts, and I hope by now, you know I am deeply committed to you, the TAXPAYER.

The sun will shine tomorrow, and of that, I am certain.

Alright my friends, I am thankful for the time you spend here, and remember to ALWAYS keep looking "UP".

Respectfully,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620

"Time Management", and "Left Side Of The Line"

The roofing industry is quite unpredictable, due to weather, equipment failure, affect on deadlines, while making an attempt to secure new work. Certainly, there will be a few exceptions to what I am describing to you, but you will find yourself far more productive, and conderably less stressed if you consider, or better yet, implementing this technique.

When you consider everything as an "emergency" and make decisions based on "knee jerk" reactions, you are making the so called "emergencies" of others, your own. Rarely are they true emergencies, but the complete lack of planning by others.

"Left Side Of The Line"

1.) Take a piece of paper and draw a line straight down the middle.

2.) On the left side of the paper, write your itinerary, or goals for the day. A numerical list of what you want to get done that SPECIFIC day.

3.) After you've completed a topic, take a pen, and strike it off. This will give the feeling of accomplishment, or "Perceived Reward".

4.) Make it widely known that you have an itinerary, that is important for you to complete, and this will reduce the number of "walk ups" to your desk, as they will think before presenting you with a "crisis" that you have not created.

5.) At the end of the day, any topic you were not able to strike off, goes to the top of the list for your next day.

I know how elementary this may sound to you, but very few people have an itinerary. They just "React" as it comes, rather than being proactive, and planning ahead.

Your telephone is a huge waste of time, or your most important tool, dependant upon how you use it. You will be shocked at the time wasted on the phone, just chit chatting. If it's not relevant, get done with it already. For everytime you allow someone to disrupt your motion, you find yourself on the "Right Side Of The Line", exactly where you do not want to be. For every "emergency" on the right side, you will be unable to achieve three items on the left side.

Kind of like riding along smoothly on your bicycle, and having someone put their foot in the spokes. You go flying over the handlebars, and are in complete disarray. You MUST work in a very controlled fashion, or you will fail. There's a difference between success, and lying in the street with torn pants, and a scraped elbow.

Another exercise is to keep a simple log of your phone calls. Simple: again put a line down a paper, and simply check each time you have an "incoming" or "outgoing" call, and add up each side at the end of your day. Soon, you will realize the amount of very wasteful phone calls, that are making you nonproductive.

I'd be willing to bet that without time management, you accomplish approximately 3 hours of work, in an 8 hour day. Very common, and easily corrected.

I mentioned "Perceived Reward" earlier. It is an actual achievement, but your brain needs to be rewarded in some way to feel good, and keep going. You are literally "Rewarding" yourself when you cross a task off your itinerary. Few people wake up to an itinerary, because "It takes too much time". Well, I can tell you that 30 minutes spent on that itinerary, will wsave you 4 hours of work that would otherwise be spent living in a "Pinball Machine".

People will respect your space, and you will understand that you must respect theirs.

Nobody wants to hear a story about a big bass you caught, or the softball game. It may be interesting to you, but believe me, others don't feel as energetic about it as you do.

Okay folks, that's the topic for today, and for those of you who implement this practice, I would love to hear your results.

It's so easy "A Cave Man Can Do It"

I am deeply thankful you've chosen to visit with me today. I think we'll talk about quality roof coatings, and application tomorrow.

As always, "Reject Negativity In All Forms", and keep looking "UP".

Much respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620 Florida

"Roofing 101 Sales Advice"

Entry Level Sales and Reality. This information has been gathered over many years of having my skull crushed, and I am making an attempt to spare you the pain.

My Young Friends:

I would like to take a brief departure from my normal rambling to address entry level sales. You must realize a few things, and focus:

1.) The client has no interest in YOU.
2.) They have a problem they want to go away, and they want it gone NOW.
3.) They are not remotely interested in anything you need.
4.) People who own buildings are not typically illiterate, or they wouldn't own buildings.
5.) They do not want to see your rehearsed "slapstick" show. They can stay home and watch "The 3 Stooges" for that.
6.) They do not want to be "passed off" to anyone else in your company.
7.) They expect you to answer your telephone when it's convenient to THEM.
8.) Straight talk is how they live, and you are expected to provide it, either good or bad.
9.) Do not give excuses, nor accept them.
10.) Say what you mean, mean what you say.
11.) You are not their equal, so don't act like it.
12.) You are not doing anyone a "favor".
13.) Money comes from somewhere, and is not simply numerals in boxes.
14.) Eat your loaf of bread one slice at a time.
15.) DO NOT LIE. DO NOT STEAL. DO NOT COMPROMISE YOUR INTEGRITY. If you don't believe me, try it sometime and call me from the unemployment line when you do.

Next time, we'll discuss time management and staying on the "Left side of the line".

In sales, you will fail far more than succeed, so let's grip that as a reality. If your sales capture ratio is too high, you are doing something wrong. You are almost certainly selling by price, and they can get a prairie dog to do that.

In order to conquer the natural fear of rejection, I would suggest you incorporate personality with whatever training you may have. People can sense "sincerity" vs. a sales rap P.O. chaser every time. Fear is your enemy, and once you accept that being afraid does nothing but make you queasy, you will free yourself to focus on things that are important. They may say "no", but they will not bite your legs off. I can almost guarantee that.

I once had (many years ago) an elderly gentleman look at my business card and say "I don't need any roofing", and promptly throw it in his trash can in front of me. I repeat: "IN FRONT OF ME".

The scenario was so hilariously weird that I decided to participate rather than react. "Sir, may I please have the card back, because my boss makes me account for each and every one of them, or I'll receive a payroll deduct". He laughed, retrieved my card, and placed it in his file. He said he'd never seen anyone smile in the face of rejection that way. He gave me a building to look at, which we subsequently got. This old guy was as stiff as they come, but those are the challenges of what you do.

Believe it or not, but some people don't like me. There will be people that don't like you either, so don't act surprised when someone doesn't find you funny or charming.

Honor and Integrity seem lost in many of today's transactions, but believe me, there are many people who appreciate the "Old School" handshake approach. But know this, if you fail to keep your word, it's over. NQA.

"In this world everything changes except good deeds and bad deeds; they follow you as the shadow follows the body" (unknown author)

I do a lot of work in Africa, and they are fond of saying:
"Lies, they may bring flowers, but at the end of season, do not bear fruit"

I'm not quite sure what compelled me to share this message, other than to illuminate stark reality, and solutions for young people just getting started. Certainly, I will have many "experts" suggest I am insane for telling you these things, but I promise they will work.

It is not my intent to downplay the importance of specific training, as I've been through every sales exercise known to humans. But this note was more 101 stuff and not technique.

Thank you for visiting with me today

"Stand For Something" , and remember to keep looking "UP"

Respectfully,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Roofing Consultants "Fear And Absence Of Knowledge"

I have never seen a roofing consultant at any energy conference, "Green" Roofing forum, or seminar. Never seen one nominated for an environmental award either.

I'm sure there are exceptions, but few try to think of anything except sales, basic roofing, and details. I am of the opinion they are uneducated regarding the impact of their decisions.

I know many, many roofing consultants (I am a licensed consultant myself), and never once do I hear them discuss the following:

1.) Taxpayer Value. I have no idea why they cannot understand the financial impact of specifying singular dimension, out of date, hideously unsafe, and very environmentally unfriendly.

2.) Energy Savings: If they were paying an additional 20% of the energy demand they create, I bet they'd study and specify energy saving roof systems.

3.) Environment: Are you kidding me? No roofing Consultant cares one bit about clean water, nor are they interested in understanding how roofing impacts our tiny fresh water supplies.

4.) Safety: They only have to type a specification. It's not them who have to stand out in the blistering sun, working with torches, or molten asphalt. The air conditioned office does not translate to inhumane working conditions, and I am appalled that concern for the workmen is
not the slightest consideration.

5.) Boutique Manufacturers: Consultants REGULARLY get caught up in "Proprietary Specifications", and kickback schemes. Well documented here:

http://schoolroofingscam.blogspot.com/

I will ask my consulting friends to research topics listed above, so the roof you specify does things other than keep water out of a building.

"Stand For Something"

Thank you so much for visiting with me today, reject negativity in all forms, and keep looking "UP".

Respectfully,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620 Florida
RobertRSolomon@aol.com

"DOW Ceases PVC & TPO Operations"

Apparently DOW has better things to do than compete in a fierce product competition from GAF, Firestone, Carlisle, Manville, etc. Here is the official notice:

From Building Design & Construction

Dow Roofing Systems ceases sale of TPO and PVC membranes, accessories in North America

MIDLAND, Mich. January 11, 2011 – Dow Roofing Systems LLC, (DRS) will cease the sale of TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofing membranes and accessories in North America, effective January 31, 2011.

DRS, which aligns with the Dow Building Solutions business unit, was formed through the acquisition of Stevens Roofing Systems in 2008. Dow Building Solutions’ strategy is to focus on its market leading insulation and adhesive solutions along with ongoing development of differentiated roofing innovations for the future. “The DRS product line represents a small percentage of our overall building solutions business and we are confident that we can better serve the roofing industry long term by refocusing our efforts on our core business portfolio,” says Scott Young, president and general manager of Dow Roofing Systems.

Products that will no longer be sold to the North America market include TIEMPO™+ 2000 TPO membranes and accessories, VIENTO™ PVC membranes and accessories, and TERMICO™ polyisocyanurate insulation. All existing warranties for these products will continue to be honored.

“Dow Building Solutions remains committed to the roofing market and will continue to provide the roofing industry with our preferred portfolio of products,” says Young. “These include STYROFOAM™ Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation products, INSTA STIK™ Quik Set Commercial Roofing Adhesives, TILEBOND™ Roof Tile Adhesive, THERMAX™ Polyisocyanurate Insulation and DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles from Dow Solar Solutions.”

About Dow Building Solutions

Dow Building Solutions has a 60+ year legacy of providing energy saving solutions to the global commercial and residential construction industry, which began with the launch of its flagship STYROFOAM™ Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Insulation, one of the most recognized brands of insulation in the world. A market-facing business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Building Solutions offers building science expertise to help builders, designers, architects and home/building owners reduce energy costs and protect against wind, rain and moisture, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. More information about Dow Building Solutions can be found at www.dowbuildingsolutions.com.

About Dow

Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. In 2008, Dow had annual sales of $57.4 billion and employed approximately 46,000 people worldwide. The Company has 150 manufacturing sites in 35 countries and produces approximately 3,300 products. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company with sales of $10 billion in 2008, 98 manufacturing sites in 30 countries and approximately 15,000 employees worldwide. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

For further information, please contact Jan McKinnon, senior marketing communications manager, The Dow Chemical Company, on (519) 541-0336, jmckinnon@dow.com; or Liz McDonnell, Gibbs & Soell Public Relations, on (203) 613-6463, emcdonnell@gibbs-

Thank you for visiting today, and keep looking "UP".

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
RobertRSolomon@aol.com
CCC1325620 Florida

Robert R. Solomon & 1968 ElectroVoice "Aries" Speakers

Hobby Photos for AudioKarma:

1968 ElectroVoice "Aries".

PPlease do ot bee afraid to do this, because I approached it with little knowledge.  Once you figure out the grill cover comes off by 4 screws at the UNDERSIDE FRONT of the cabinet, you can easily remove the drivers.

In my case, I only did the 12" woofers, because everything else looked fine.

I made a little "roll" of non-shrink plumbers putty to seat them.

nce completed, I hooked them up to a rebuilt Pioneer SX 1010, and at 2 watts can feel that bass in your chest.

I am very fond of paper cone drivers,  and find that a 12", 6", and 3", components are my favorite.

No gimmic 1,000 watt speakers for me.  I always make sure the SX 1010 volume is turned to 0  when finished listening.  2-3 watts is more than enough power, and you tube guys will be knocked out.

Rarely do I see these units, and if you get thee chance to buy a pair, do it.  

Some of you will frown because I didn't fool with the crossover network, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it.  Sound magnificent.  The woofer has a 6.5 lb. alnico magnet, and everything built when people took pride in their craftsmanship.

Put on My Morning Jacket;  "Highly Suspicious" if you really want an experience.  Tony Joe White, and Mark Knopfler, "Not One Bad Thought", is another "Show Off" tune.

Hope you enjoy the photos.