"White Roof Coatings & VALUE"

Today is my first foray into the roof coatings topic with you.  I've seen many, many, many coatings come and go, but I felt comfortable bringing it up today, with the help of my friends at Lexis Roof Coatings:

http://www.lexiscoatings.com/

It is very important when addressing any coating job to do the "Prep Work".  Roofs rarely leak in the field of a system, but at joints, laps, and vertical details.  This is extremely important.

Most warranted coating projects (and I cannot emphasize enough, the value of a manufacturer's warranty), require rather labor intensive "Prep".  This is accomplished by walking the entire roof (let's use a metal roof for purpose of discussion), inspecting for all loose or missing fasteners.  These will have to be tightened, or replaced with new screws 1 size larger.

Now that you've refastened your roof, and eliminated all those open holes, we will address rust by applying either rust remover, or rust inhibitor depending upon the severity.  Replace any rusted through panels.

The seams and laps are critical, and we normally apply a mesh fabric in two layers of flashing grade material to make sure they don't leak.  Again, don't "Rush" your roofer during this phase, as it is very important.  I know you want to see that pretty white roof, but be patient.

After we've properly prepared our roof surface, we can begin with the base coat (usually gray, so we can see where we've applied the finish coat properly), and then comes the beautiful, and very reflective (LEED Compliant) white top coat.  These base and finish coats must be applied in strict accord with manufacturer's specified thicknesses.

I know everyone likes to tell you how pleasant the roofing experience is, but you cannot reasonably expect absolute perfection, so please don't act surprised when a little overspray lands on the CEO's car.  For some reason coatings know these things, and only land on the cars of corporate officers.  This is normally adressed by giving your roofer enough space to work in the first place, and any overspray is easily cleaned from the affected surface.  I normally like to find the local detailing shop, and tell the owners up front what to expect.

But coatings are far less invasive than traditional tar and gravel type systems, and you may want to review your warranty options with the manufacturer.  The following material is furnished courtesy Lexis Coatings, who have earned my confidence, and trust.

Roof Repair

Is your leaky roof causing a major disruption?

If left unattended, roof leaks can cause damage to your building’s interior and even cause structural deterioration.

Built Up Roofing

Built up roofs (BUR) are dark colored roofs which can reach a scorching 180°F in the summer. They are made of tar or asphalt which dries out, becomes brittle and cracks. Leaks are difficult to find.
Learn about Built Up Roof Coating.

Concrete Roofing

Concrete roofs are porous and absorbs moisture. Moist concrete promotes rebar corrosion which causes structural damage. Uncoated concrete roofs absorb solar heat in the daytime & slowly release it at night.
Learn about Concrete Roof Coating.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs do not have to be old and rusted to leak. A high pitched metal roof is just as prone to leak as a low sloped one. Roof patches and other temporary fixes can aggravate the leak.
Learn about Metal Roof Coating.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified Bitumen roofs need to be coated if noticeable granule loss occurs. Don’t wait until you see crazing, cracking or blistering. Ponding conditions accelerate defects.
Learn about Modified Bitumen Roof Coating.

Polyurethane Foam Roofing

Polyurethane spray foam is not UV-resistant and starts deteriorating as soon as it is installed. Elastomeric coatings block harmful UV-rays and provides a seamless, watertight membrane.
Learn about Polyurethane Foam Roof Coating.

Single Ply Roofing

Single ply roofs like Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), Polyvinyl Choride (PVC) and Hypalon roofing become brittle over time.

Learn about Single Ply Roof Coating.

In the vast majority of applications, you will qualify for an energy rebate.  In my city (Tampa), that rebate is .60 per sq. ft., up to $15,000.00, and an owner may find that very substantial.  On average, they will also be saving approximately 20% in energy costs each month.

I will not get into water based, solvent based, soy based, etc., as I will be here for a solid month.  But try to seek a REPUTABLE manufacturer for your roof warranty, as 80% of roofers fail after 1 year, and you can fall back on the manufacturer, not the installer.  Peace of mind means something to me, and I will suppose, to you as well.

ALWAYS insist upon proper insurance limits, as some people who apply coatings are "Painters" by trade, and may have much lower limits.

The manufacturer will be able to suggest a few of their local contractors, and you will greatly reduce your chances of disappointment.

Hopefully, this will illustrate that not all roof coatings are created equal (% of solids), and your commercial structure.  Thank you to the people at Lexis Coatings for the data supplied.  An in depth look at their website will reveal the topic in greater detail of course.

Until we meet again, I will encourage you to "do more, to be more", and always remember: Keep looking "UP".

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620

"Collecting Water From Asphalt Shingles"

These comments refer to virtually all petroleum based (asphalt) roofs.

I would like to say that GAF is one of the finest manufacturers of roofing materials on earth.  I've found them extremely professional.  You will never go wrong having the GAF roof of your choice, and they are well represented, both corporate, and in the field.


This information is directly from GAF’s website, and I admire them for telling you the truth.

SUBJECT: Reclaimed Water From An Asphalt Shingle Roof
Q: Can I Reclaim Water (Collect Water For Use) Run-off From My Roof?

A: Yes… But you should only use this water for lawn, shrubbery, and flower irrigation since water run-off from asphalt shingles is not FDA approved for potable water reclamation or agricultural use.
What this means…is that because it is not FDA approved, the reclaimed water is not suitable for:
• drinking
• cooking
• bathing
• watering of fruits or vegetables for human consumption

Q: What Should I Know?

A: Water reclaimed from a shingle roof… may present a variety of hazards that may affect you or your animal’s health. While the water may seem “clean”, consider:

• Asphalt is processed from crude oil and there are chemicals in asphalt that can be hazardous to your health if consumed.

• The granule surface can collect dirt and other air pollutants which vary by location… water running over these granules can collect the dirt and pollutants as it runs off the roof.

• Under the correct conditions, algae, mold, moss, and mildew can grow on the shingle surface. These fungi may be harmful to people and animals when introduced into a drinking water supply.
• Shingles may contain copper oxide, or other algae inhibitors that may harm aquatic life.

Please let me state that GAF is the largest manufacturer of roofing materials on earth. But we never consider the “lowly roof” which I happen to think is the most important component of any structure.

"If rainwater harvesting were used in only 15% of landscape irrigation in the U.S. that would equate to over 1 Billion Gallons of water saved EVERYDAY. Come learn how different technologies turn into LEED points, offering your clients the most cost effective and water efficient solutions available, adding value to your firm and proposals. Water conservation has become a necessary element to most new development projects. A roof area of 1,000 square feet  w one inch of rain equals over 600 gallons of pristine water! Rain is a perfectly pure source of water that is inexhaustible, no matter where you live.

An average home uses 40%-60% of its water for landscape irrigation. Harvesting rainwater can reduce your overall water consumption by replacing the source from municipal water to rain water. Imagine watering your small garden with pure natural rainwater". (Courtesy: USGBC)

I was primarily thinking of the millions of people on earth who do not have accesss to fresh water, other than roof water catchment devices.  Over a million in Australia alone, 400,000 in New Zealand, and the list goes on and on. 

I think we should consider a broader scope of people than just those immediately around us.  I'm doing my very best to spread awareness of fresh water, and how to collect it with less contamination.

Looks like nobody's interested in Iceland, and their source of power, but it's really quite a fascinating example of using resources that are readily available.  97% of their energy demand is by geothermal in case you were wondering.

Most metal, tile, and Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) membranes are your very best method of collecting cleaner water.  If a shingle manufacturer tells you not to do it, I would suggest you follow that advice.

Thank you to my friends around the globe, and know I'm working hard on your behalf to make things better for ALL people.

I never cease to be amazed by the people in so many countries that visit with me, and you are most welcomed here.  If you have specific topics, or projects you think I may assist you with, simply send your request to my central email address:  RobertRSolomon@aol.com

Again, I am thankful, and want you to smile, be happy, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620

"Unlicensed Contracting, and Dangers Within"

Many colleagues have been writing to me about this topic, and I will attempt to break it down for you, the consumer.

At the onset, let me tell you my state is without doubt, the most stringent licensing bureau in the United States, as it pertains to "State Certified Roofing Contractor" status.  The CCC1325620 you see after my name in each post is in fact my state certification number.  This license number, and all information about it's current status are available to the public online.

Now, for this, I've invested 16 weeks of specific financial training, product knowledge, and several thousand dollars preparing for my exam.  This is in addition to my 37 years of service within my discipline at the highest level.  70% of first time applicants fail the two day testing procedure.  I am fortunate to not be among that group, and I know many contractors who've taken the test three times before finally passing it.  But good for them, as they wanted the highest certification possible, and I know what they went through mentally, and financially to achieve "State Certification".

This accreditation is acknowledged by most other states in the Republic, and I enjoy reciprocity in permitting jurisdictions within those states.  Some states do not require roofers to have state licensing, which is why you should do your homework before enlisting them on a project.

Okay, that's the purpose, and now we'll get to the problem.  UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR  ACTIVITY.  Our permitting jurisdictions are understaffed due to budgetary restrictions, and unlicensed activity is not properly policed due to sheer volume.


"Why should I care Ron?, I just saved $500.00 on my house with a guy that did it on the weekend, and it turned out good too".  Well let me describe something that will not "turn out good" in the event you are caught, or if someone gets hurt.  Odds are the unlicensed contractor has no insurance (there's the $500.00 you saved), and when someone gets hurt, it falls directly upon the homeowner.

Now, YOUR homeowner's insurance will become involved, and it will be exactly like you imagine it will be, MESSY.  You will explain to them why you hired an unlicensed contractor, and the "I didn't know he was unlicensed" answer will not fly.

Let us explore a more stark version, and say (God forbid) someone on his crew got seriously hurt (very easy to do).  He has no insurance, so who is on the hook?  Of course the answer is "YOU are".  Now you are open to court proceedings, responsible for his medical bills, and anything else his atorney wishes to tack on.

Unlicensed contractors are not approved by any material manufacturers, so you will certainly not receive any manufacturer's warranty, so don't expect it.  Typically, the unlicensed contractor will ask for either 50% up front, and in some cases, 100%.  NEVER pay a roofing contractor up front for anything.

Last weekend, here in Hillsborough County Florida, they conducted a "sweep" of illegal contractors and over 80 were arrested, on ONE weekend!  I forgot to mention they were also featured on the 6:00 news, and boy was it ugly.  I'm trying to present issues to you that occur in the "Real World", and not hypotheticals.

That $500.00 sure seems insignificant now doesn't it?  A friend of mine hired a subcontractor on his commercial job.  The subcontractor uttered a fake certificate of insurance to him, and had a man hurt on the job.  That error cost him $107,000.00 CASH.  Always call the insurance company and ask about the validity of the insurance certificate, as they are very easy to forge, and often are.

Where did he buy the roofing material?  If you do not receive a "Lien Release" from his supplier, and he does not pay them, guess who that falls on?  You of course, and paying twice for a roof may not be very palatable.

Unless you are, in fact, Kenny Rogers "The Gambler", I would not suggest you bet your property and livelihood on a $500.00 pot.

It is my wish to be at least marginally informative regarding this topic, and hopefully I've convinced you not to play with fire.

Thank you for taking the time to visit with me here, and I am appreciative you care what I have to say.  Reject negativity in all forms, and remember to always keep looking "UP".

Respect,

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

"Value in presentation"

I see this over, over, and over again.  Many (If not all) roofing contractors despise paperwork, because it is so time consuming.  In many cases it is almost foreign to them, so a minimal effort, or emphasis is placed upon it.  That is normally a precursor what to expect of them when you enter into contract.  You will be begging for submittals, MSDS, permit, insurance, etc., and you that have been in the discipline for any length of time will agree.

It's pretty easy to secure a contract, but how are you going to fulfill all the paperwork (AIA billing, schedule of values, etc.) that absolutely must be done in a timely manner.

Very few know how to write a professional proposal, much less a detailed report, with detailed remedy.  You are literally asking someone to entrust hundreds of thousands of dollars to you for a 1 page FAX.  And boy, do I hate faxes.  It is a sign of laziness, and if the company isn't advanced enough to scan documents, and transmit them electronically, then I don't think you should view this as a positive sign.

This is where owners are torn between "Cheap" Vs. "Professional".  It is a simple matter of mathematics really, or is it?  If you have not properly vetted the contractor or consultant, you may get EXACTLY what you pay for.  In the end, job delay, poor performance, endless change order requests, paperwork holdups, and a bad experience in general is what comes with "Cheap".  I may type that word, but it never crosses my lips.  Please realize it takes money to operate as a "Professional", but that is the last thing you should try to scrimp on.  Fire the employee with no drivers license, or skill, first.  But don't think your client is stupid and lazy, because they aren't.

I am of the opinion (rarely do I offer opinion, but in the absence of data, must rely on it in this case) that assuming your estimator has done an accurate takeoff with area, lineage, object count, and general conditions, you must now present his findings to the client.  You've already invested substantial time and money into that portion, so are you prepared to take it to the end?  Or will you depend upon dumb luck?

If you are simply faxing a one page quote, I will tell you the future does not look bright for you.  It makes you look very ordinary, and that is not a good idea unless your firm is named "Very Ordinary Roofing, Inc.".

I swear I saw a truck last week that was named "Above Average Roofing".  I thought about it for a second, and  said "I respect this guy".  He tells it like it is, and states it right there for you.  I loved it, because he  cut to the chase.

It is not remotely unusual for me to take three days to write a nice roof report, and work order for the Chief Superintendent.  Invest that time up front, hire someone to do it, but make sure it is done.  There is a very fine line between achievement, and failure in the roofing discipline.  My advice is for you to do the extra work whether you find it valuable or not.

You are simply defining how you wish to be perceived by your current, or prospective client.  Cliche' time:  "You only get one chance to make a first impression".

Of course the answer to our last poll was TPO.

I am appreciative of the time you spend here, and humbled you care what I have to share.  Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember, my dear friends, to always keep looking "UP".

Respect,

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

"Carbon Nanotubes, and the Future of Solar Energy Collection"

Boy, doesn't that sound fun?  I bet you were just sitting there thinking "Boy, I'd like to read up on an interesting topic, so why not carbon nanotubes".  So, I think you should be aware of this topic that many say will be commercially available within 5 years, and at the cost of regular house paint.  Now that's the solar collection we've been looking for.  Please read the following article which I hope brings this topic into focus for you.

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), graphene and their compounds exhibit extraordinary electrical properties for organic materials, and have a huge potential in electrical and electronic applications such as photovoltaics, sensors, semiconductor devices, displays, conductors, smart textiles and energy conversion devices (e.g., fuel cells, harvesters and batteries). This updated report brings all of this together, covering the latest work from 100 organizations around the world to details of the latest progress applying the technologies. New developments, challenges and opportunities regarding material production and applications are given.

 

Applications of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene for electronics applications

Depending on their chemical structure, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be used as an alternative to organic or inorganic semiconductors as well as conductors, but the cost is currently the greatest restraint. However, that has the ability to rapidly fall as new, cheaper mass production processes are established, which we cover in this report. In electronics, other than electromagnetic shielding, one of the first large applications for CNTs will be conductors. In addition to their high conductance, they can be transparent, flexible and even stretchable. Here, applications are for displays, replacing ITO; touch screens, photovoltaics and display bus bars and beyond.

 

In addition, interest is high as CNTs have demonstrated mobilities which are magnitudes higher than silicon, meaning that fast switching transistors can be fabricated. In addition, CNTs can be solution processed, i.e. printed. In other words, CNTs will be able to provide high performing devices which can ultimately be made in low cost manufacturing processes such as printing, over large areas. They have application to supercapacitors, which bridge the gap between batteries and capacitors, leveraging the energy density of batteries with the power density of capacitors and transistors.

 

Challenges are material purity, device fabrication, and the need for other device materials such as suitable dielectrics. However, the opportunity is large, given the high performance, flexibility, transparency and printability. Companies that IDTechEx surveyed report growth rates as high as 300% over the next five years. New developments regarding the production of pure CNTs and the separation of conducting and semiconducting carbon nanotubes are given in this updated report.

 

Graphene, a cheap organic material, is being enhanced by companies that are increasing its conductivity, to be used in some applications as a significantly cheaper printed conductor compared to silver ink. Graphene and its compounds are increasingly used to make transistors that show extremely good performance - a progress that comes with new cheaper production processes for the raw material.

 

Courtesy: ID TechEx

 

Carbon nanotubes may be used in medical applications, roofing, computers, improving materials, etc.  The uses seem limited only by the human imagination, and I truly believe this is the future of solar collection.

 

You may wish to stop for a moment and think about the hundreds of millions who do not have access to energy for even the most basic of needs.  This is the way that will allow them the bare necessities we so casually take for granted each day.

 

Thank you so much to my visitors from around the globe.  Here we discuss roofing topics, sciences associated with it, and make an attempt to show the importance of honor, integrity, and self respect in all phases of this life.  I am humbled you care what I have to say here.

 

I will encourage you to reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

 

Respect,

 

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620

RobertRSolomon@aol.com

"FREE Home Energy Audit"

Today, we will take a departure from a lot of the commercial roofing topics I normally discuss, to focus on your residence.

Believe it or not, but I actually live in a home (insert joke here), and here in Florida, the temperature today is 95 degrees F.   In Florida, it is a very rare occasion to experience heating days, but regardless of where you live, you want to have an efficient, insulated home.  Gee Ron, No Kidding!

I decided to take advantage of a "Free Home Energy Audit" by my energy provider (TECO), and will describe my experience, so you may consider the same.  I called TECO on Friday to inquire about the program, and they had a man here 10:00 am on Monday.  They didn't send a "subcontractor" by the way, but a first class representative, who'd been with them for 37 YEARS!!  Right here is where I give "Big Ups" to My Man Rick.  I could go on about him, but it would get mushy, and turn into the "Rick Show".

He conducted any number of tests, and inspections, in about 1 hour.  I received a printout on the exact energy coefficients of my home, and then sat down for solutions.  Other than some minor sealing (gasket around front entry), we focused on duct sealing, and additional attic insulation.

Please note that I was already instructed by Mrs. Solomon to purchase unfaced batt insulation that week, or I could find myself an even hotter residence somewhere else.  Don't quite know how serious she was about that, didn't want to find out, and I am trained by now to know better.  Take notes on this you younger guys.  The cost of the insulation alone was around $1,000.00 at Home Depot and then the install costs would be in addition.

Instead, the energy auditor (Super Rick) told me I could have all ductwork sealed for $50.00, and additional R-11 fiberglass blown into my attic for $100.00.  $150.00 TOTAL!!  So, my immediate thought was to get on Craigslist and buy some stereo equipment as any man would, but was quickly snatched back into reality.

All the procrastinating I'd done, cost me a rather large sum of money in energy costs, and I could have kicked myself.

The day after the ductwork was sealed, my inside temperature went down by 5 degrees F.!  The insulation is being blown in next week, and I'll report back on that improvement as well.  While we're on the subject, my energy provider allowed me to choose between blown in cellulose (newspaper), or fiberglass.

I've written a seperate post in here about fiberglass, so I took my own advice for once, and chose that thermal medium.  Do you remember why?  Because fiberglass is non-flammable, condensation does not allow it to collapse, and it is a very bad nesting environment for vermin.

The purpose of today's message is to encourage you to stop putting it off, because it is very painless, and an incredible value.  Your energy provider really does want to help you, so let them.

Also, you commercial roofing guys might like to know that (with my energy provider anyway) that if you install a white, reflective, roof system like TPO, you may qualify your client for up to $15,000.00 (.60 sq. ft.), in "cool roofing" rebate.  I should think that's quite a plus for you, if your competitor is not very savvy when it comes to energy.  This is directly from TECO's website:

Cool Roof Program

What is it?

You can earn a rebate up to $0.60 per square foot up to $15,000 for installing a cool roof system above conditioned spaces. This program is designed to decrease heat transfer through reflectance, improve comfort and reduce commercial heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) load.

How does it work?

Available to commercial/industrial customers with a roof area that includes a dedicated electric HVAC system. The cool roof system must reflect at least 70 percent of the solar radiation, have a thermal emittance greater than 0.75 and be installed by a licensed contractor. In addition, the systems must have an Energy Star labeled roof product based on ASTE E-903 or ASTM C-1549 testing.

How do I participate?

To participate, please follow these steps:

1. Mail or e-mail your project proposal to Tampa Electric. Once your proposal is received, a Tampa Electric representative may schedule an on-site visit for pre-inspection.
2. After the pre-inspection is complete or Tampa Electric approves your proposal, download and submit the Cool Roof program application to Tampa Electric. Once your application is received, a Tampa Electric representative may schedule an on-site post-inspection.
3. Tampa Electric will process the rebate check after the program guidelines are met. Please allow 4 weeks to process your rebate check.

Please mail all documentation to:
Commercial Energy Management Services
Tampa Electric
P.O. Box 111
Tampa, FL 33601

I mean, it was a piece of cake, and I am thankful for such outstanding customer service.  TECO is a very fine company and is always involved in community events, while helping their consumers on a very personal basis.

Thanks TECO.

I hope everyone and their families are well on this Independence Day weekend, that you stay safe, and happy in your endeavors.

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

I am very thankful for the time you spend with me here, and remember to always keep looking "UP".

Much respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620

"White Roofs All Around You"

I know I discuss "Radiant Absorption" of  petroleum roof systems quite a bit here , and I also sing the praises of white, synthetic, reflective roof systems, as the answer to great energy savings, and overall value.

If I can't get through with SRI indexes, perhaps some more common uses will assist you.

Okay, this is a fleet of school buses you see every day, and everywhere.  Why would you imagine virtually all school buses have white tops?  The school buses have white tops, but the schools are asphalt convection ovens.  Where is the logic in that?

So, we covered the white roofs on virtually every school bus on earth.  Now I will illustrate yet another fleet applicatiion, Police Cars.  Certainly the roof helps identify the vehicle number, but I don't think it's a simple coincidence.

Okay, now we can see a taxi in Portland.  It is pretty typical of taxis you might find anywhere, but again, why the white roof? (we know all these answers already, so ignore my questions)



And now we will translate the same principle of reflectivity used in buses, police cars, and taxis, into a large white monolithic roof system.

Perhaps this will bring my campaign to educate government, a bit more in focus.  You don't put a petroleum roof system on any of the vehicles I've illustrated, any more than you would install it on a building.  It's because IT WORKS!  COSTS LESS MONEY! And therefor saves taxpayer dollars (20% on average).

Thank you to everyone  who visits with me here.  I've received a great number of encouraging letters from my colleagues in the roofing discipline, and  I am humbled that anyone cares what I have to say.

Please reject negativity in all forms, be good, and keep looking "UP"

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620