Asphalt Shingles and Solar Collection Devices are NOT Compatible. Here's WHY.

 Welcome Good People;

Today's topic is rather basic, but extraordinarily important.

Clients getting BAD INFORMATION regarding Solar.

Posting false information like this is both unscrupulous, and uneducated. First, let's analyze these comments;

https://lnkd.in/eRFGH55

"Material of Roofing:

Many people wonder whether solar panels hurt their roof? Fortunately, most roofing materials can accommodate a solar panel installation without harming the roof itself. First, let’s focus on the most common roofing material — ASPHALT SHINGLES, also called composite roofing.

ASPHALT ROOFING works great for solar panels and involves a simple installation process. Tile roofs are also highly compatible with solar panels and make them easy to install. The roof type that is most compatible with solar panels is a standing metal roof. The standing seam allows for easier and cheaper installation without drilling into the roof."

-------

Asphalt shingles elevate heat, and retain it well into the evening. Easily reaching 180 degrees F., creating an energy burden of 20%. The solar panel is MAXIMUM 20% efficient.

-20% BURDEN due to asphalt heat gain.
+20% SOLAR PRODUCTION , much less at the outlet.

TOTAL: 0%

With asphalt shingles, you are 20% in the red before you even consider solar collection devices.  

I am proposing that we apply synthetic membranes like we do on large low slope commercial projects.  

This prototype was created to illustrate how synthetic membranes (commercial grade) in the shape of shingles, installed over a high quality synthetic underlayment (SharkSkin for example). 

You cannot place a concentrated energy form (asphalt) in the sun and not expect it to get hot.

I've written another post called "Stop Paving Our Roofs".

I've worked with both Dr. Art Rosenfeld, and Dr. Ronnen Levinson, Director LBNL "Heat Island Group".   After shipping the prototype to them, we had a talk.  Dr. Art said:  "So Ron, it's just that simple"?  Dr. Levinson said, "Ron, you have a beautiful model here, but it just seems too good to be true".

Both of them are correct.

If anyone thinks what I say has merit, I will share testing parameters.

"Syngle"

Details

SYNTHETIC SHINGLE SYSTEM  BENEFITS:

 

·          Extremely high initial SRI over 80.

·          Extremely low radiant energy retention which translates into a surface heat reduction by up to 80 degrees F.

·          NO OIL in finished form.

·          Exceptional resistance to solar UV, ozone, and oxidation, thereby maintaining a “like new” appearance and structural integrity for the life of the product.

·          Chlorine free.

·          Plasticizer free.

·          Provides CLEAN STORM WATER RUNOFF which does not inhibit microbial growth, vegetation, or affect wildlife.

·          Outstanding puncture and tear resistance.

·          LEED COMPLIANT.   Satisfies Heat Island Effect by over 200%, 100% recyclable. 

·          Highly fungal resistant.

·          VOC free.

·          Synthetic self adhering system provides outstanding secondary water barrier (self adhering titanium).

·          Dual attachment methods greatly increase wind resistance.

·          May be offered at economical price point upon mass marketing, compared to existing products with few of the above benefits. 

·          Lightweight at approximately 100 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.

·          Reduction of soft tissue injuries due to much lower weight.

·          Titanium underlayment is 20X stronger than asphalt felt, and may be left exposed for an extended period of time if necessary.

·          Quicker installation to reduce labor costs.

·          Comes in a range of colors, textures and shapes.

 

    All sheet metal flashings would be prefinished Kynar 500 to eliminate maintenance.

I came up with this idea in 2008, and entered it into "Sustainable Florida" initiative. it placed 2nd. to Multi-Billion dollar energy provider, Progress Energy. In this case, 2nd. was good enough for one man on a budget of $0.00.

Ideally, would like a material manufacturer, government entity, or investor to take it from here. Simply put, my limited physical ability does not allow me to pursue it further. If anyone sees the value in what I'm saying, please contact me.

"Syngle" eliminates all the drawbacks of asphalt shingle roofing, and at a price comparable to common asphalt shingles.

I'd like to thank the good people at:

https://www.carbonbrief.org/if-energy-efficiency-is-so-great-why-arent-we-doing-more-of-it

"Forever the Cinderella of climate and energy policy, two reports published this week say we should remember to invite energy efficiency to the ball.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) says investing in efficiency can boost growth, jobs, health, government budgets, industrial productivity – and those are just the benefits backed by robust analysis.

Meanwhile left-leaning thinktank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says efficiency could reduce EU reliance on Russian gas.

It’s an impressive list of benefits. So what’s going wrong?

Multiple benefits

The positive effects of energy efficiency investment are “a reality that is often overlooked” according to the IEA’s report, Capturing the Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency. Efficiency can make a major contribution to five strategic aims shared by most governments around the world, it says."

I am seeking someone to develop this synthetic system, and take it off my hands.

RobertRSolomon@aol.com

My philosophy is about SAVING energy, and someone else can focus on CREATING energy. Without one, you cannot have the other.

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

Respect.

Robert R. Solomon

Public Roofing Oversight

State Certified  CCC 1325620

Licensed Roofing Consultant

Tampa, Florida

RobertRSolomon@AOL.COM

Public Profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertrsolomon/

School Roofing: The importance of P&P Bonds to protect Taxpayers.

Welcome Good People:

Today's lesson is about proper procedure, protecting the Owner, and in most cases, involve Public Works.  That will be the focus, and is my answer to "Low Bid" scenarios, and Taxpayer Protection.

It is very cheap insurance (2%?), and GUARANTEES the project will be finished by an approved applicator of any roof in question.  The problem is only between the Roofing Contractor, and their Bonding Company. 

All School Administrators should read this, and better understand a proper procurement method that saves them, and the Taxpayers from harm.  If you are not already doing this, contact me, and I will happily guide you through the sequence.

NOTE: Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept compensation or personal advancement of any kind.

I'll highlight a few words, and don't get nervous if the language seems foreign to you.  My time is your time.

Here, we have no interest in what a Private owner does.  Applies primarily to Publicly Funded Projects.

Respect to:  The good people at Cotney Construction Law.

https://trentcotney.com/

Respect to:  Roofing, "The Industries Voice" 

http://roofingmagazine.com/miller-time-bonds-sovereign-immunity-and-public-projects/

----------------------------------------------------------

Let's get started:

"Miller Time: Bonds, Sovereign Immunity, and Public Projects"

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 BY DAVID KEEL & RICHARD ANDERSON

Getting paid can sometimes be the hardest part of the job for a subcontractor. Typically, a subcontractor can claim a lien on the property where the work was performed or sue the prime contractor for breach of contract. However, where the “owner” is the government, getting paid can be a little trickier. Public construction projects consist of projects where the services and materials provided are used to make improvements to government owned property.

The government, whether it be the federal, state, or municipal government, has “sovereign immunity.” Sovereign immunity essentially means that the government cannot be sued in civil court. It is common, however, for legislatures to enact partial waivers of sovereign immunity by statute. The abiding test for whether the government has sovereign immunity rests in whether the wrongdoing arose in an operational or planning function. Decisions relating to policy making, planning, or judgmental government functions are usually not subject to these waivers — these are planning functions. Conversely, government entities are not immune from liability for their wrongdoing in operational functions, which are usually performed by private entities.

So, what does this mean? You cannot sue the government or put a lien on a government-owned facility in the case of non-payment. However, the Contracts Dispute Act waives government immunity in contract disputes with prime contractors, but not for subcontractors. This severely limits the ways in which subcontractors can enforce payment provisions in their contracts for public projects. There is legislation that can help subcontractors should they encounter payment issues involving government property: The Miller Act.

The Miller Act

The Miller Act is a law that requires every contractor bidding on a federal project to post a performance bond and a payment bond covering all labor and material. This is required on contracts exceeding $100,000 on any building or property in the United States. The performance bond is required to protect the government in the event that the contractor fails to perform its scope of work. The payment bond protects labor, suppliers, and materials. Payment bonds also cover subcontractors and suppliers contracted by subcontractors, called second-tier claimants. In addition to bonds required by The Miller Act, federal acquisition regulations could require additional protection or bonds to contracts between $25,000 and $100,000. It should be noted that since projects under $100,000 may not require a bond, the subcontractor should proceed with caution since they do not have the security of a bond or a lien in the case of non-payment by the prime contractor.

In addition to the federal Miller Act, all states and the District of Columbia have passed “Little Miller Acts,” statutes based upon the federal Miller Act that require prime contractors on state construction projects to post bonds guaranteeing the performance of their contractual duties and the payment to their subcontractors and material suppliers. Like the federal Miller Act, Little Miller Acts require the posting of both performance and payment bonds.

Little Miller payment bonds provide an alternative source of payment to the subcontractors and material suppliers who worked on the job. If the claimant did not have a direct contractual relationship with the prime contractor, the claimant is typically required to give some form of notice to the prime contractor within a specified time after the completion of the work to preserve the right to make a claim against the payment bond. The purpose of this requirement is to give the prime contractor notice that you have been hired by the subcontractor and expect to be paid. Across state lines, the notice requirement and the entitlement to a copy of the bond varies.

In sum, although you cannot lien public property to secure payment for work completed on a public project, there are other methods available. The requirement that prime contractors secure both performance and payment bonds ensures that all parties to the project will be satisfied at the conclusion of the project. It is best practice for any subcontractor working on a public project to become familiar with the requirements under the host state’s Little Miller Act, and to request a copy of the payment bond if possible and timely serve its Notice to Contractor, if required. This is the best way to ensure preservation and enforcement of a bond claim in the event of non-payment.

About the authors: David Keel is an Attorney at Cotney Construction Law who represents clients in construction law. Richard Anderson is an Attorney at Cotney Construction Law with direct experience working in the construction industry. Cotney Construction Law is an advocate for the roofing industry and serves as General Counsel for NRCA and several other roofing associations. For more information, visit www.cotneycl.com.

Authors’ note: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

---------------------------------------------------------

Never buy a roof through a "Purchasing Cooperative".  You will be paying approximately 40-50% MORE for an average roof at best.  Don't fall for the sales pitch. 

 Contact me, and I'll tell you the truth, substantiated by public record.

I can save you a ton of grief.  

NOTE: Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept compensation or personal advancement of any kind.

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

Ron

RobertRSolomon@aol.com

National Roofing Partners CEO, Mr. Steve Little and Ron Solomon achieve "Peaceful Coexistence" .

  

Welcome, good people:

Today, I have a very special message  to share with you.  One of  joy and happiness.  A great advancement.

Mr. Steve Little, CEO of National Roofing Partners, representing a group of approximately 200 Contractors, writes

 This was a rather long, and difficult challenge, but we got it done.

Mr. Little was a top flight Professional throughout the negotiation, and that's  hard to do.  I can be overly insistent at times, and somewhat hard headed, but we got it done.

My theme from the very beginning was "Peaceful Coexistence", and Mr. Little's letter helped us achieve that goal.  Mr. Little is a "Tough Up",  He runs KPOST Roofing out of Dallas, and responsible for 400 employees.  You don't reach that responsibility level without possessing a model work ethic, time management skill,  and "Care' for his employees, and clients.

I must acknowledge his communication etiquette, a rarity in 2020.  This is a lesson for other administrators to follow.  Steve could have just shut me down, but it would have put me in a bad place.

A place I didn't want to be, and would have forced me to do things I didn't want to do.  Thankfully, we were both spared a gut wrenching, protracted, battle, but in the end, it worked out great.  Just like two rational, reasonable, and responsible, Men.

National Roofing Partners website:

https://www.nationalroofingpartners.com/roof-services

I want to give KPOST roofing in Dallas credit for their fine work, and organization.  They are very important in the process, and am greatly appreciative. While I'm here, let's give KPOST a little "Pop" :

Contact KPOST, and mention my name:

KPOST: Website:

https://www.kpostcompany.com/

Ask for Steve Little, and he'll get you all set up.

                              Mr. Steve Little

You will notice the mention of Tremco, and Garland in his letter, and I am thankful NRP does not endorse them, and to me, that's huge for taxpayers.  One day, our schools will be free of  "Predatory Sales Models", and think Steve will be a valuable partner  in my fight against them.

THANK YOU STEVE:

Again, check them out:  

https://www.kpostcompany.com/

You'll be in good hands with Steve.

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

Much Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

State Certified CCC 1325620

Public Procurement Analyst

Licensed Roofing Consultant

Public Roofing SCAM through "Exclusion", and 100% FAKE "Bids" VIA Purchasing Cooperatives.

 Welcome, good people.

The purpose of this site is to increase public awareness of "Predatory Sales Models" and "Exclusion" of  fair competition in public works.  Roofing in particular.

Approximately 40%-50% MORE in cost than a "Competitively Bid Project' through "Msajors" like GAF, Johns Manville, Firestone, Carlisle, Sika Sarnafil, and many more.

I write it to help:  

Taxpayers, Architects, Public Administrators, Contractors, Consultants, Manufacturers, and Distributors, who are all affected by "Proprietary Specifications".  

A sales trick to eliminate all competition for taxpayer money.  A complete SCAM, 

Everything I say here is backed by  public record, and subsequent documentation.  If I say something that is factually incorrect, I will retract it.  Constructive criticism is encouraged, and welcomed.

NOTE: Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept, compensation or personal advancement of any kind.

*Revised August 4, 2019.


In the upper right search box, please type keywords:  School Roofing Scam, Purchasing Cooperative, Taxpayer abuse, Tremco, Garland, sole source, NRCA, Honor, Fairness, Competition, Public Procurement,etc.

Approximately 172 posts all told. 

Highly recommended is Roof Consultant's Institute who provide necessary data, and support.  (I have no affiliation with them).

"Self Advocacy Tools"

You may find it here: 

http://rci-online.org/news-and-advocacy/self-advocacy-tools/

The following comments are mine:

FACT:  Garland, and Tremco do not make half the products they sell, and are not found in any local roofing supply house. It must be trucked in from Ohio.  You are essentially exporting 70% of your local tax dollar to other economies. 

FACT:  Garland, nor Tremco will "Compete" for anything.  Don't believe me?  Tell your Garland, or Tremco Representative that you want to include other manufacturers to the bid list .  Watch their faces, and I GUARANTEE they will run away.

But Ron, the purchasing cooperative says they won by "competitive" means.  This an outright lie.  The Cooperative lies to increase their commissions.  U.S. Communities listed 55 pages of BLANK line items from Garland.

Since I noticed the blank documents, they have come up with this convoluted mess:

https://www.garlandco.com/us-communities

The "Response Package"

https://www.garlandco.com/uploads/misc/14-5903_RESPONSE_PKG_FOR_WEB.pdf


YOU, and all  taxpayers should be concerned that we are paying upwards of 50% MORE for roofing and duped into thinking you've received a value.  The opposite is true. 

If you are working with a Purchasing Cooperative, your district is taking a beating that is 100% avoidable.  Certainly, I've illustrated the scam that is undeniable. 

I know all the manufacturers, and have installed millions of sq. ft. of any subset of roofing.  Steep slope, single ply (EPDM, TPO, PVC), built up, modified, etc.  I've successfully completed over 100 public schools, and know what I'm talking about.

If I don't know the answer, Roof Consultant's Institute (RCI) will.  RCI is the standard for roofing excellence, and an honorable organization with top level consultants.

Many are Architects, Consultants, Engineers, Contractors, Manufacturers, etc. ,ALL are credentialed, and will have someone near you.

I do not belong to any organization.  A lot of my work is very sensitive, and may cause discomfort through association.  They are not allowed to speak freely, while I can tell the truth without fear of reprisal.

Please understand that I have no beef with individuals trying to make an honest living.  It's the "Predatory Sales Model" I despise.  I do not want to "Exclude" those mentioned, and welcome them to any public bid list.  Repeat, I do not want Tremco or Garland "Excluded" from anything.  They should get the same opportunity like everyone else.

IF YOU ARE NOT COMPETITIVE IN THE PRIVATE MARKET, YOU ARE NOT COMPETITIVE IN THE PUBLIC MARKET.

Doesn't that make sense?

Instead of "Favoritism", we seek fair competition for our own tax dollars.  

Roofers will decide all things roofing, and not elite sectors who are without credential, experience, or the exhaustive safety training it takes.  

"My name is Ron, and I'm a roofer.........For some reason, feel like I should be at an AA meeting."

Just so I don't come off like a 'Lone Wolf", will share what the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and Roof Consultant's Institute (RCI) have to say:

Reference:

From Roof Consultant's Institute:


http://rci-online.org/news-and-advocacy/policy-statements/

June 21, 2012 RCI’s Position Statement applies to all publicly bid work, including federal, state (provincial/ territorial), municipal, and local government projects or otherwise taxpayer-funded projects in which RCI, Inc. members may participate.

Projects not under the procurement requirements of government agencies or that do not utilize taxpayer funds should also employ similar fair and impartial procurement practices. It is the position of RCI, Inc. that all public work and taxpayer-funded projects clearly adhere to all applicable procurement regulations, maintain the highest levels of transparency and value, and comply with the following principles.

In addition to the owner, projects should involve three distinct entities: the design professional, the manufacturer (or supplier), and the qualified contractor (contractor).

1.) . The design professional should be selected by the owner based on qualifications, experience and past performance. The design professional should prepare contract documents to be in compliance with all applicable code requirements (including but not limited to fire, wind, drainage, thermal resistance or performance, warranty and environmental requirements).

Contract documents should not be proprietary or exclusive to a manufacturer, a supplier or a qualified contractor. A product or system that may be able to be produced, supplied or installed by other competitors but is not, is considered a proprietary product/system. Procurement regulations have specific procedures that are required if proprietary materials or systems are to be considered. Design professionals are discouraged from utilizing proprietary specifications.

All projects should utilize a minimum of three manufacturers or utilize materials commonly available from three manufacturers. Systems should be selected to meet specific performance criteria or standards. The design professional must adhere to all state (provincial/territorial) licensing requirements and carry the appropriate errors and omissions insurance.

2.)  The manufacturer and its suppliers should provide the materials and systems adhering to the contract documents. A manufacturer should not act as the design professional unless qualified to do so, and should state in writing and publicly its financial interest in the specifications/requirements provided. Contractual obligations or agreements should not exist between owners and manufacturers. Proprietary and/or exclusionary specifications intended to limit competition among manufacturers, suppliers and/or qualified contractors are strongly discouraged.

Manufacturers are encouraged to provide data, RCI, Inc. Position Statement on Procurement – Support Document information, or other assistance to qualified contractors to determine the best use and application of their materials and systems. Manufacturers should not control material specifications.

3.)  The contractor should be contracted directly to the owner. At no time should any contractual or financial obligation or agreement exist between the design professional and manufacturer, or the design professional and the qualified contractor, or the manufacturer and the qualified contractor. At no time should the manufacturer act as either the design professional or qualified contractor. At no time should the design professional act as the manufacturer or contractor.

4.)  Design-build delivery methods are acceptable under the following conditions: (a) The principles noted above, are met. (b) Design build delivery maintains a competitive bidding/tender environment among all parties: designer, contractor, and manufacturer. (c) A design-build contract is used to ensure that a clear line of responsibility for the design and compliance with code is established. It is the position of RCI, Inc. that the use of "buy boards,” group-purchasing agencies, and all similar purchasing models in any type of building construction, remediation, or rehabilitation are not transparent, do not ensure compliance with the minimum requirements of the codes, do not provide a competitive bid situation, and should not be utilized.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is what the NRCA has to say:  Click to enlarge.




There you have it.  The largest roofing organization (NRCA), and the premier Consultant's organization: RCI (Roof Consultant's Institute) have spoken, and any reasonable person will agree.



Please help stop this assault on taxpayers, and school maintenance budgets across all of North America.  The "Scam" is impossible for them to argue, so they take the position of  subterranean termites, and hide.


NOTE;  Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept, compensation or personal advancement of any kind.

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

It is humbling that anyone cares one bit about what I have to say, and please know I am thankful for your time.

Respect.

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Public Procurement Analyst
State Certification  CCC 1325620
Licensed Consultant
Tampa, Florida  33647

RobertRSolomon@aol.com