"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

"Are you smarter than Wal Mart"?

Hello everyone, and thank you for visiting with me today.

The "Are you smarter than Wal Mart"? question should have gotten your attention.

Okay, Ron, what do you mean by that?  What I mean is that Wal Mart is the most "Sustainability Conscious" corporation in the United States.  The statement is documented, and I have witnessed them in action many times.

You may be used to the daily news about some group suing Wal Mart every day in your newspaper, but that information will be next to the McDonald's, and Coca-Cola lawsuits.  Suits are not claimed against people without money obviously, as a judgement for 10 million dollars against someone who is without resources is  worth exactly $0.00.  "Easy Money" chasers don't have any complaints against you or I for that reason alone.  So, I just wanted to say thank you for the good they do, and show them in a more positive way.

1.)  Wal Mart is the largest private consumer of electricity in the United States.
2.)  Wal-Mart contributes $250,000,000.00 dollers each year for education and sustainability advancement.

I'd like you to actually be on top of a Wal Mart, like the one above.  The surface is vast at 250,000 sq. ft. , and reflects approximately 80% or more of the sun's radiant energy AWAY from the structure.  Average heat gain on this roof (TPO, or Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is only 10 degrees F., where a petroleum based white granular surfaced modified bitumen can easily have a heat gain of over 100 degrees F.

That's a no brainer right?  Well, yes it is, and Physicist, Nobel Laureate, and U.S. Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu, is in complete agreement.  Please take two minutes to view Dr. Chu's video on the topic.

http://blog.energy.gov/blog/2010/12/14/cool-roofs-easy-upgrade

Pretty simple, right?  Well the problem is that only a miniscule number of government agencies care one bit about this.  Roofing is probably the most boring topic on earth, and I know it.  But, for goodness sakes, let's use a small measure of common sense here.

I can only imagine the amount of money Wal Mart spends on energy each year, but the decision on synthetic white reflective roof saves an average of 20% in energy costs.  The only difference between Wal Mart, and your government, is that Wal Mart has to pay this money out of their own pocket, and government does not.

All I hear is "we need to save energy" 24 hours a day, yet the government will not participate.  Let us try an example:  I had an energy model done (Courtesy: Carlisle Syntec) on a 200,000 sq. ft. school, which is an average sized high school.

The purpose of the energy model was to compare "side by side" white granular modified bitumen roofing to TPO synthetic.  Both roofs were over R=19 insulation, and the warranty term was 30 years.

Amazingly, the white TPO roof:

Saved $455,000.00 in energy costs over the term of the warranty.

Saved 77,000 lbs. carbon.

My friends, that's ONE school.  Soon, I will actually do an up front installed cost comparison, but I know for sure the petroleum system will be far more expensive.  So, you've got a petroleum roof, costs more to install, and creates 20% more energy demand.  I have not met one person to date who can defend this position.

So far, I've only used schools as an example, but when you get into all government portfolios, the numbers easily climb into the billions of dollars.  AND, YOU'RE PAYING MORE FOR A PETROLEUM ROOF!!  I find this almost staggering, and you will not believe the great difficulty I have convincing government this is "Low Hanging Fruit".

I had a three hour discussion with a Professor of Advanced Electrical Engineering, at a major university.  The blinds were open, and the view was over a white petroleum modified bitumen roof.  He said, "well, we don't have that problem because our roofs are white".  First of all, the Dr. was very kind to spend so much time with me, and the visit was very informative, and to me, rewarding.

But, my point is that people of very advanced education, do not consider simpl;e physics, and most importantly "Radiant Absorption".  The roof remains hot well into the evening, and creates "Heat Islands", of which there is no excuse.  You LEED AP's can read page 95 V2.2, and understand the importance, and simplicity.

Wal Mart is passing on the savings to you, where the government is in your other pocket spending it.  The DOE has spent over 400 Billion taxpayer dollars, and you would think we'd have this very simple topic as common knowledge.  It's not me folks, it's the Secretary of Energy telling you the same thing.

The three images above are from Tampa Museum of Art.  This was my last project prior to retirement, but it's a beauty.  Sitting downtown, directly on the Hillsborough River, and across the river from the University of Tampa.  The roof was toured by every governmental leader imaginable, and I open my newspaper to read that nothing about it is "Green".  I immediately made an appointment with the City Council member who said it, and we got that cleared up.  If not for the vicious fight to switch from a petroleum roof to the white synthetic, she may have been right.  At any rate, I am proud to know the energy consumption was greatly reduced by this roof system.  It's the "little victories" right?

I know how tough times are, but if you have a spare nickle I know will be well spent, please click on the "Sustainable Florida" logo at the upper left, and share if you can.  I've been associated with them for four years now, and can attest to their frugality, and purpose.  Mr. Tim Center will be your contact person there.

The next few months will bring great adventure to me in the form of intriguing challenges.  I welcome them with great enthusiasm, and will try to share the details with you here.

It is with great humility I accept your time with me here, and I am so very thankful.  Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620



"Getting it Straight "Up Front"

First:  The answer to the poll qauestion was 1,000 lbs.  OSHA requires a ladder's rating to be 400% more than the actual rating.

"Getting it Straight "Up Front" :

I cannot tell you how many times I see two entities preparing to do business with each other, and simply "assume" the project will be smooth as silk.  Nothing can be more erroneous, or in my mind, foolish than not addressing every phase of the project "BEFORE" you accept the contract, and certainly "BEFORE" you start.

Why is that Ron?  Well, it's "Perceived Fear", lack of confidence, and negotiating from weakness.  You WANT to tell them that tearing off their roof, and replacing it with a new one will be just like a trip to Disney.  But, that is not going to actually happen.  From experience, I can tell you that describing this very invasive process is appreciated by the owner.  They don't need to hear a "Shuck and Jive" show, but to be told exactly what to expect.

I've shown you how to write a roofing proposal, with date, scope of work, and terms.  Now the client accepts your very nice proposal, and wants to enter into a contract.  Great, everyone's happy so far.  You may have heard me discuss that "Disqualifying" a client, is just as important as "Qualifying" a client.  Shockingly, contractors get so lightheaded from simply getting a job, that no effort is placed into vetting the firm that will owe you a lot of money. 

Please believe that if you enter into a contract with me, I will know everything there is to know about you, your company, your license, insurance, and reputation.  I owe you a properly installed roof system, and you owe me money.  It would be nice if you like me, and vice versa, but we're not really in the "Friendship Ring" business are we?

It is VERY IMPORTANT you get the truth right out in the open, so when the roof leaks (and it will), or someone runs over a nail, and gets a flat tire (and they will), we're both prepared for it.  You would be amazed how people view you, when you act like you've done this before.  But invariably, I see a salesman (I rarely use that word because it's very negative) smiling, laughing, and full of joy over simply closing a "sale".

That happiness lasts approximately 3 minutes, until your estimator says he forgot 800' of coping, or half scaled it.  Or because the salesman was too afraid to share all data with everyone involved.  There are many reasons for this, and I don't want to lean on any one person, other than to say, you must do these descriptions "UP FRONT".

I watched a client sit in amusement as I told him the roofing project would not be like getting two Christmas' this year, but that it is a very invasive procedure, and I know it.  I told him that when driving over, I saw a Tire Kingdom two blocks away for the 4 flat tires I would have to fix.  A car detailing business for any cars that needed to be detailed, and I GUARANTEED him the roof would leak over his desk.

Folks, you're dealing with adults that own buildings.  Do you think they are so "sheltered" not to know mishaps (minor, or major) happen?  Their phone rings all day with problems, and we're going to do our bloody best to make that stop.  Certainly as it pertains to roofing, but you cannot ask, nor expect, perfection from your crew, or staff.

In this way, the client knows you're alert, ready, and we can proceed.

So let's stop with all the "Well, I thought you said", or "Nobody told me about that", that's what emails are for, and always ask them to acknowledge receipt of your message.  Now, you've got a record, and a time stamp.  But, that doesn't mean you have permission to proceed, until you've received an approved change order.  I will tell you in advance, that if your anxiety gets the better of you, you will not get paid.

People who work out of their left pocket fail.  Those with a program, sequence, and uniformity succeed.  So stick to your program, and get all the problems at least "addressed" before taking another step forward.  For those of you who doubt what I'm telling you, please think of me the next time you do additional work without a change order, and do not get paid.

Again, a 250 lb. rated ladder must be able to support 1,000 lbs.

Thank you to the very kind gentleman from the UK who related to the Greek lesson.  I am always happy to know that you take time to share with me, and I am thankful for the opportunity.

Interestingly enough, I will be writing a post here regarding (of all things) sharks, and how they may affect roofing materials in the near future.  Don't panic, it's about replicating a design feature of the animal that performs a very specific task.

Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620

What Greeks Have Known For Centuries"

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Sometime as I look over the many countries that visit this blogsite, I think of you, those particular nations, and today I became fascinated with my visitors from Greece, and what the Greeks have contributed to society as a whole. 

The Greek heritage and civilization is, of course legendary, and as a result, are recognized as great benefactors to humanity.  From the sciences, to the arts, their mark has been indelibly etched upon this earth and rank among the truly magnificent people, and cultures, the earth has ever known.

A city named "Tarpon Springs" about 35 miles from Tampa, Florida is home to the sponge docks, a well known tourist area, and home to a large Greek community, and many fine Greek restaurants I've visited many times.

Why am I talking about Greece on a roofing information blogsite?  Because the Greeks have known about the value of reflecting radiant energy away from their homes for many centuries, as evidenced in the photos above.  I also wanted to illustrate how my "Low Hanging Fruit" approach to roofing follows this theme, except in today's modern society, we have the very same principles available in highly reflective synthetic roof membranes.

I don't want to ruin this rather personal message to my friends in Greece by rambling on about it, but to illustrate how many times, and how many years, we've seen this principle of physics applied.  I'd like you to take a moment, and ask yourself why our "modern society" doesn't implement more of this , instead of roofing buildings in petroleum?  I think if it was a good idea, the Greeks would have thought of it first.

I am quite thankful you take time from your day, and visit with me here.  In an effort to bring information to you, I am constantly evolving, and am humbled you care what I have to say.

Have a very happy, and productive day, reject negativity in all forms, and keep looking "UP".

Respectfully,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

CCC1325620 

"Reality of "OSHA"

Okay, today I will tackle some rather touchy issues as it pertains to OSHA.  I could be infinitely technical here, but will spare you the minutia and boredom.  I will approach the topic as an observation.  Some will be in support, and some will not, but I will share actual experience, and not hypothetical.

OSHA is a very complex, and infinite set of rules.  They are in fact, designed for worker safety, and the safety of all trades.  Many projects require a "site specific" safety program based upon an approved safety model.  these "site specific" programs require thought, and time, to properly address, and solve, potential safety hazards.

In many cases, once you've written the program, you will be asked to translate it into Spanish, and this is the best free software I've found for doing that:

http://www.online-translator.com/Default.aspx/Text

Boy did that save us some time.

In "Contractor World", the last conscious thoughts you should have each night should be the safety of those in your charge, and providing the safest work environment possible.  Your goal is to see the workmen return each day safely to their families.  I firmly believe the vast majority of contractors do exactly that.

I admire the many people who do this, and it takes a lot of work, and money, to make that happen.  10 or 30 hour OSHA courses are recommended for each employee, and that person should have his or her OSHA card on them at all times.

Okay, now you've got your safety program, site specific plan, Spanish translation, and OSHA training for each employee.  Outstanding.  But now comes the rub.  It is impossible for you to comply with the very fine print of OSHA.  It is so voluminous, you cannot reasonably be required to memorize every page.

I can tell you that I could go on a jobsite, and cite every single person on that job.  Startling isn't it?  And that's just what OSHA does when they feel like it.  I've watched firms that spend countless hours, and vast sums of money training, testing, and supervising employees, only to be slapped with a huge fine by OSHA because they felt like it.  I cannot change that, but I can make you aware of it.

OSHA's funding has been cut, and I can guarantee you they are out to make up that revenue.  Why do you care?  Because the cost will be transferred to you.  Or, if you work for a firm that has been cited by OSHA, you, and many others may be out of a job.  OSHA puts far more people in the unemployment line than they help.

OSHA, as any other government agency is a complex maze of pure confusion.  I am trying desperately to make you aware that you not only have to deal with OSHA, but you will have to deal with the temperament of the OSHA inspector.  You are at the mercy of how they feel that particular day, and I don't think anyone in construction will dispute what I just said.

Example:  I had a 100,000 sq. ft. project with non-friable asbestos encapsulated in the base flashing, and nowhere else on the roof.  My men were made to wear HEPA masks, and full Tyvek suits in 96 degree Florida sun.  Certainly, I was more concerned with them having heat stroke than breathing asbestos, because they were not in danger to begin with.  This is yet another example of trying to out think yourself, or justifying your position at the expense of others.

Regulation, upon regulation, upon regulation is starving us of oxygen to breathe and do our work properly, and safely.

I can only suggest you keep your safety records up to date, have ongoing training (I know how boring it is), and simply do your best.  Please see the poll question based upon an OSHA regulation it took me  hours to find.

It is very exciting to me to see my many friends across the globe checking in.  You are very welcomed, as the bulk of my work is for impoverished nations, and my true joy comes from helping them.  I do not take for granted, the many blessings my God, so loving, sends to me.  I do not measure myself by the accumulation of material things, but by achievement, on behalf of others.

Today, I will also introduce you to an absolute doll Rachel Beckner, of  Go Green Roofing.  I'm playing a little bit, because she's as cute as a button, and tease her husband night and day gogreenroofing@aol.com 

I know both she, and her husband Bob very personally, and would like to give both of them my very highest seal of approval.  Particularly if you have structures that require extensive engineering and thought beyond that of , let's say "standard" roofers.  they are full service people, and very client oriented.  Lovely people whom I place the utmost trust.  They are domiciled in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, but have a rather extensive service area.  I am proud to say they are people of faith, and in this business, we need all the help we can get.  It also illustrates a principle that cannot be broken.

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

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620

"Sustainable Florida Program"

Please forgive me for taking so long between posts, but I've been overwhelmed with a number of projects lately in the U.S. and Europe.  The European venture is very exciting, and I will share the topic and outcome after a meeting in Brussels next Tuesday.

I'd like to make a very brief personal announcement if you don't mind, and that is to inform you that the state capitol communicated with me yesterday and has asked me to again be a Judge for their "Sustainable Florida" program, which I feel to be the most prestigious sustainability awards program in Florida.  I am both humbled, and honored, that they place a measure of value on my skill set, and it somehow validates a few things I speak to you about on this page.

I get to see up close, and in great detail, what our state is doing in terms of sustainability, and find it fascinating.  The applicants vary from a lady that suggests drying your clothes on a clothesline (she was smiling in every picture), to Wal-Mart.  Each nominee is judged without prejudice, I promise you.

This is my 4th. appointment as a Judge, and to say I'm thrilled, would be an understatement.  The responsibility is to review applications from major corporations, ambitious individuals, public service sectors, individual commissions and counties.  Each application is rather lengthy, numerous attachments to consider, and then I take into account cost, benefit, etc., and attach a numerical score that is transmitted to the Capitol, where the winners are determined.

It makes me very happy to serve my state in this way, and I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from these projects, so I can relay that information to you first hand.

This program is very efficiently run, and if you can spare a nickel, please support them.  The administrator Mr. Tim Center, Esq. is a very hard working guy that encouraged me years ago, and gave purpose to my research.

Over the weekend, I will be posting about "Roof Rebates" available in Florida.  Particularly the new program recently approved by TECO (Tampa Electric Company), as it is exciting.  Most roofers do not care about energy issues, and subsequently don't know about energy rebates.  The roofers who take education seriously, have a great advantage in knowing about energy rebates, and additional "Value" for them to present to their clients.

Soon, I will figure out how to post access to papers I've written for you to download.  Forgive me, but I think it's obvious I am still studying the basics of presenting my comments by way of this blog, and trying to improve the experience for both of us..

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

Very respectfully,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620

"How to write a roofing proposal"

This is intended primarily for entry level contractors, who may not know what is required of them in the most basic of all roofing paperwork: "The Proposal"

Many roofers and their clients use the "Proposal", in lieu of a contract (mainly residential), so that will be the focus of our discussion, elementary as it may be.  Remember, if it is not contained within the 4 corners of your proposal, it is not enforceable.  Watch "Judge Judy" sometime, and she'll tell you the same thing.

These components never change, and  regardless of your aversion to paperwork, or if you think you have a "better idea", believe me, you don't.

1.)  The proposal must be dated.
2.)  The client's name and address.
3.)  A detailed "Scope Of Work".
4.)  Price (furnished and installed, taxes included)
5.)  Terms (net 30 days typically), but in an effort to insure quicker payment, I've found that instead of "net 30 days", I like to establish when the project is officially over, because you can spend three lifetimes with nit-picking things.  When I write a proposal, I use the phrase "Upon final inspection by local permitting jurisdiction", so the job is officially over, not based upon your opinion, or the client's opinion, but by the inspector who has no interest in the matter.

6.)  "Hidden Damages".  this is a "unit cost" issue normally associated with deeteriorated lumber (decking mainly, and occasionally support members).  "Deteriorated Lumber" sounds a lot more professional than "Rotten Wood", doesn't it?  If the client balks at the "hidden damages" clause, walk away.  You (to the best of my knowledge) do not have X-Ray vision, and cannot reasonably accept the financial responsibility, and burden it will cause.

7.)  Signed by an officer.

I will again suggest taking your time here, and will state once more "if it's not within the 4 corners of the document, it does not exist".  A reasonable person can accept this, as they certainly would not go out on the limb they ask you to shinny out on.

The "Scope of work" section normally follows the installation in order of application, such as:
A.)  Remove and properly dispose existing roof system.
B.)  Inspect and replace deteriorated decking as "hidden damages", at unit cost listed below.
C.)  Nail 30 lb. underlayment to receive asphalt shingles.
D.)  Mechanically fasten asphalt shingles (6 nails per shingle).  Color selection by owner.
E.)  Fabricate and install prefinished metal accessory items (you may further describe the items individually if you prefer).  Color selection by owner.
F.)  Perform magnetic sweep of work area.
G.)  Furnish roofing contractor's two year guarantee.
H.)  Furnish material manufacturer's 25 year warranty.

All components installed per manufacturer's latest printed specifications.

Note:  If you have reduced your safety program to CD, you might want to spend 10 cents to burn a copy for the owner.  WHOA!! What's this, a roofer bringing up safety, and giving me a copy?  Killer.

If you want to scrimp on words, leave out items, or are afraid to tell a client you cannot predict wood replacement, that's your business, but I ADVISE AGAINST IT.  The idea of a proposal is  to eliminate guesswork, make the owner happy, and make sure you get paid.

A nice touch is to present your guarantee, and the owner's warranty to the client when you pick up your final payment.  Include a prepaid, addressed envelope, for them to send in the warranty registration, and you'd be amazed how impressive that is to the client.  To think you took the time to type out an addressed, and stamped envelope, instills additional "Comfort Level", and they will tell their neighbors how professional you are.

The owner has to work for the money they have.  As a result, you have to work for the money they pay you.  It should not be an "Us vs. Them" scenario, but as palatable experience as possible, for this very intrusive roof system installation.

The above will create great distance between you and any competitor.  Who would you choose, a guy in a broken down truck with a hand written estimate, or a full pro with the skill to make you happy knowing your investment is being maximized?

I did not mention lien releases, but that is also a nice touch, because once again, you are protecting their money.  People seem to like that.

I am thankful for my many visitors from around this beautiful earth we are fortunate to live in.  Thank you so much for spending time with me today, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Reject negativity in all forms.

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620