Posted on February 21, 2012
RockTenn Roof Replacement
Marion, NC
222,216 sq. ft. GAF TOPCOAT
54,480 sq. ft. GAF 60-mil EverGuard TPO
RockTenn, a national packaging and corrugated products manufacturer was looking for an energy-efficient, long-term roofing solution for their 276,696 sq. ft., newly purchased facility in Marion, North Carolina. Preliminary inspections revealed numerous issues with a 54,480 sq. ft. section of the old roof, including abundant leaks, soaked insulation and the presence of a large amount of non-friable asbestos-containing material (ACM). The remaining 222,216 sq. ft. was salvageable but needed additional protection from the elements.
The multi-faceted project included the tear off and disposal of the asbestos insulation on the badly damaged 54, 480 sq. ft. section in accordance with OSHA and EPA regulations. Because the renovated facility will be climate controlled, North American Roofing then mounted a 3-inch layer of polyisocyanurate (ISO) insulation before installing reflective, energy-efficient, GAF 60-mil EverGuard® thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing, complete with a 20-year, no dollar limit (NDL) warranty.
We fitted 24-gauge metal roof edge around the roof perimeter and installed single-cleated coping around the parapet walls. To ensure proper drainage, we ran 22-gauge metal guttering, fitted with 24-gauge, heavy-duty downspouts.
On the remaining roof sections, we applied GAF’s TOPCOAT® elastomeric roofing membrane to seal and waterproof the standing seam metal. With high tensile strength and solar reflectivity, TOPCOAT® was the best solution for seamless protection over the existing metal roof.
Since RockTenn decided to install a new HVAC system at the same time, North American Roofing filled in existing voids from previous tenants and flashed in the new HVAC components and penetrations.
RockTenn wanted to replace the damaged roof section and protect the rest of the viable roofing. With a focus on energy efficiency, North America Roofing was able to offer a cost-effective dual solution that solved both problems.
Posted on February 17, 2012
Jim Conner and Evan Bryant from North American Roofing will be there to discuss any and all things related to your facilities’ roof systems. We’ll have plenty of brochures and giveaways so stop by early!
Visit us at booth #117!
Posted on February 15, 2012
When it comes to low-slope roof systems, the old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” truly applies. Some of the most common roof problems relate to improper installation or lack of maintenance. An older roof will naturally experience more problems than a new roof, but with regular inspections and ongoing repairs, you can greatly extend the life and service of your roof.
Wind Damage
Inadequate flashing, open seams and adhesion failure all increase the risk of roof damage from high winds. When a forceful wind catches an open seam or loose flashing, it can cause billowing, tenting or even roof blow-off. The force of the wind can be so great that it can damage single-ply systems, even when the seams are fully intact. Once the membrane loosens from the substrate, it’s more likely to tear or puncture. While this is might be the result of an installation or maintenance issue, it can also result from the use of cold adhesives that don’t cure adequately before they are exposed to rain or high winds. Damage isn’t limited to single-ply systems; high winds can wreak havoc on other roof systems, including built-up roofs (BUR), modified bitumen (MB). An experienced contractor will engineer a system specific to the wind uplift in your area to minimize any issues in performance; a preventative maintenance program will ensure any damage is caught early enough as well.
Leaks
Of all roof problems, leaks are among the most insidious and the least welcome. Once water enters the building, it can damage inventory and contents, resulting in a major expense to the owner. Roof leaks can result from installing laps against the natural flow of water, incorrect flashing and adhesion failure at the seams. If it’s a built-up roof, the leak may occur along the flashing details. The risk of leaks increases when the roof suffers physical damage or thermal shock. With single-ply roofs, correct lapping and good seam adhesion are essential for leak prevention. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to reduce the risk of leaks. Many contractors band-aid leaks using mostly a caulking solution. It is critical to have an experienced contractor responding to any leak concerns and managing your preventative maintenance program to get to the root of any leaking issues and address them for the long-term.
Improper Workmanship
For a quality roof, hire a knowledgeable installer. Because many common roof problems can be traced back to shoddy workmanship, you can minimize the risk of future roof problems by using an experienced roofing company. Before hiring a roofing contractor, ask for a list of recent clients and find out how long the contractor’s been in business. The best roofing companies train their workers in professional installation techniques that ensure a high quality roof. The NRCA is the industry leading association and resource you can use. Google the contractor online to see what positive and negative news may appear. Go to the top manufacturers’ websites and choose a contractor with the highest manufacturer quality status. Most important factors to consider are years in business, manufacturer quality status, safety rating and financial stability. If you take the time upfront to choose carefully, you will minimize the risks for leaks and other issues post-installation.
Maintenance
Regular inspections and roof maintenance are important steps in protecting the life and integrity of the roof system. A qualified roofing professional should inspect the roof at least twice a year and provide you with photo documented reporting of all roof areas. Specific levels of documented maintenance are required to prevent voiding a roofing warranty. Check your warranty to understand what those are and make sure to use an approved contractor to maintain your warranty. Choose a preventative maintenance program with a qualified contractor whose program includes a specific checklist of items performed every time, photo documentation, comprehensive conditions report and recommendations as needed.
Punctures
Most punctures occur in high traffic areas, but you can reduce the risk by installing sacrificial membrane layers along specified paths and walkways. Once a new roof is in place, limit foot traffic to avoid unintentional punctures, and inspect the roof carefully after all major storms to identify problem areas and repair damage to the roof system. It is most beneficial to require all contractors who enter your roof area to log in so that you maintain a record of such activity in case of damage. With a quality preventative maintenance program, your contractor will help manage this for you and address any punctures immediately.
Improper Repairs
You’ve invested a lot in your roof; don’t settle for improper repairs that can make the problem worse. The use of the wrong products to seal or patch the roof can often do more harm than good. Construction adhesives, which are incompatible with specific types of roofs, can damage membranes and reduce the life of the roof system. Many contractors will use whatever products are available to them to make repairs as cheap as possible. Choose a contractor with experience and manufacturer approval so that they will always use like-membrane materials to make repairs. Only the highest quality contractors with the highest quality status with manufacturers work in this way.
Blisters and Ridges
Built-up roofs (BURs), due to their nature, have a greater tendency to develop blisters and ridges, especially when installed by inexperienced contractors. Small blisters might not require immediate attention, but larger blisters or ridges beneath lap areas require attention. Blistering can result if the substrate was wet during installation, or it could be due to improper membrane torching or the application of a cold-applied bitumen system. Unless the blisters break, they will not leak, but a roofing professional should inspect the roof and recommend a preventative course of action.
Membrane Normalization
Infrequently, ballasted or mechanically attached single-ply systems are subject to normalization, or contraction. Tightening or induced loads can increase the risk of normalization, making it essential for building owners to have their roofs inspected regularly. Signs of normalization may first appear at the flashings. Failure to address the problem could result in deterioration or delamination along the membrane’s perimeter.
Contact North American Roofing for a reroofing, repair or preventative maintenance program today. As the third largest contractor in the country, we install and service all size roofs in every state and have local crews in all major markets. Visit us at www.naroofing.com to understand why North American Roofing is the most trusted and respected roofing company.
Posted on February 07, 2012
Project Profile: STERIGENICS – Charlotte, NC
65,549 sf
Sterigenics was facing the typical problem facilities have when their roofs are 25 years old, leaks. A lot of the flashing around the HVAC units and skylights had deteriorated and was letting water underneath the membrane. After inspecting the existing insulation, we determined not all the insulation was damaged or wet so we were able to salvage most of it, reducing the overall cost of the project.
They were happy with the previous TPO roof system’s chemical resistance, reflectivity and durability so we specified a mechanically attached re-cover with GAF’s 60-mil TPO membrane. We tore off all 65,549 square feet of the existing membrane and replaced the wet insulation as needed. Since there is a lot of foot traffic on the roof we installed walkpads at all the HVAC units for added durability. All the parapet walls, scuppers, curbs and penetrations were re-flashed and Sterigenics got a brand new roof. GAF Inspectors rated this roof system a perfect 10 on their visit, and we were able to give them a 20 year warranty.
Posted on February 02, 2012
It’s always been our goal at North American Roofing to provide our customers with the best roofing products and services available, and we’re proud that our roofs last so long. We also pride ourselves on our track record of listening to our customers’ needs and working together to come up with solutions that benefit all of us.
In the spirit of partnership, we’re excited to introduce our Waste Recycling Program. Our goal is to divert single-ply re-roofing and insulation debris from overcrowded landfills to recycling centers where it will be recycled and used to produce hundreds of new commercial and consumer products. We expect to recycle up to 16 million sq. ft. of insulation and more than 5 million lbs. of post-commercial roofing membrane in 2012 alone.
When you team up with us, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that what’s good for your roof is good for the environment. Starting this year, we’re launching a massive reclamation initiative that will divert many types of re-roofing debris to recycling centers.
Did You Know?
- Tearing off a typical 50,000 sq. ft. roof that consists of single-ply membrane and 2.5-inch foam generates approximately 12,000 cubic feet of non-biodegradable waste. In a landfill, that produces 390 lbs. of carbon dioxide, and that’s just the debris from a single roof!
- Many types of thermoplastic roofing materials are recyclable, including EPDM, PVC and TPO membranes. Extruded Polystyrene insulation and beadboard, in addition to composite foam insulation and poly isocyanurate foam insulation are also recyclable.
- Overloading our landfills with non-biodegradable waste can lead to chemical leaching, contamination of vital water supplies and can contribute to the pollution of surrounding environments.
- By diverting re-roofing waste to recycling centers, we’re not only reducing environmental degradation, we’re conserving valuable energy resources that go into the manufacture of new products. Your old roof will have a new life in the form of new roofing membrane, athletic fields, picture frames, shipping materials, walking pads and potentially hundreds of other items.
How Our Program Works
When you’re ready for a new roof, we’ll send out a representative to inspect the old roof, and if the materials are recyclable, we’ll let you know. Most of the time, we’ll be able to remove the old roofing materials and send them on their way to the recycling center at no additional cost to you.
During the re-roofing project, we’ll separate the recyclable membranes and foam materials from the non-recyclable debris. We’ll track the recyclable material from the time it leaves the job site until it arrives at the recycling center, and we’ll let you know how much re-roofing waste we saved from the landfill.
Benefits to You – Our Customer
You are an important part of protecting our environment for future generations. While we strive to give you a long-lasting roof through quality installation and preventative maintenance, it’s reassuring to know that once your roof reaches the end of its usefulness, it can be recycled and reused.
By diverting re-roofing materials from the waste stream, we’re making it possible for you to reach your sustainability goals in a way that diminishes the impact on the environment. Our program meets and exceeds most government regulations.
Rest assured that not only will you get a new high quality roof for your building; you’ll be taking part in our ongoing commitment to respect our environment and protect our resources.
We’re committed To:
• Reclaiming
• Recycling
• Replacing
• Responsibility
At North American Roofing, that’s what we’re all about.
