Temperatures are starting to drop, which means fall is coming to an end and winter is right around the corner. Preparing for the winter season can mean many things for many different people. For commercial property owners, part of preparing for winter involves getting roofs ready for the change in the weather. Here’s how commercial property owners can prepare commercial roofing for the winter:

Inspect the Roof

The first step to preparing your roof for the winter is inspecting it for potential problems. What should you look for? Look for obvious signs of damage, such as holes or puncture marks in the roofing material. Run your hands across the areas where sewams meet. If the roofing seams are open or if the material is coming apart ,contact a professional right away.

Pay close attention to the flashings, which are metal, plastic or same as the matereial in the field. lt is typically located around the pipes, vents, and HVAC system on your roof. Flashing can start to deteriorate, become loose, or crack if it has reached the end of its lifespan. If you spot any of these signs, call a roofing professional. If the flashing is damaged, water and snow can easily make its way inside your building, which can cause a big problem.

Another area that you need to inspect closely is the edge of the roof, especially if you have a flat roof. The flashing that attaches the roofing material to the edge of the building should be in good condition. If it’s not, this needs to be addressed right away. Worn down flashing located at the edge of your roof could blow off during a winter windstorm. To prevent this problem and protect your property, have the flashing replaced before the weather gets bad.

Many commercial property owners perform these roof inspections on their own, but it’s strongly recommended that you hire a professional to do so, especially if you don’t know much about roofing. If you perform the inspection on your own, it’s possible that you could miss a potential problem or seriously injure yourself while on the roof.

Clean the Gutters

Hire a professional to visit your commercial property and clean the gutters before winter arrives. Why is this important? The snow that falls on your roof will eventually melt, and this water will need to be able to drain off of your roof quickly. If the gutters are clogged with dirt and debris, the water will have no place to go so it will remain on your roof. Sitting water can weaken roofing materials and lead to leaks. In some cases, the water can become so heavy that it causes part of the roof to collapse. This can be a headache, not only because it’s expensive to repair, but also because it could interfere with your ability to operate your business. To prevent this problem, simply schedule a gutter cleaning in the early days of the winter. See tips for cleaning and repairing gutters.

Review Insurance and Warranty Information

Commercial property owners should take the time to review their insurance and warranty information just in case a roofing problem arises during the winter. First, make sure that you are up-to-date with insurance payments so you don’t try to make a claim for roof repair only to find out that your policy has lapsed. You should also review the details of your coverage to make sure you understand what is and is not covered under your current policy.

Next, take a look at the warranty or guarantee that you have on your roof. Is it still in effect or has too much time passed since the roof was installed? If it’s still in effect, review the details of what the warranty or guarantee covers. You should also make sure that you are doing everything you are supposed to do under the terms of the agreement. For instance, if the agreement states that the property owner must schedule two roofing inspections per year, make sure that you are complying with this term so you don’t accidentally void the warranty or guarantee. Keep these documents in a safe place during the winter so you can quickly access them if a problem arises.

Take A Look At the Trees

Before winter officially arrives, take a look at the trees on your property to see if any of the branches need to be trimmed to protect your roof. Keep in mind that snow can start to accumulate on tree branches over the winter, which could weigh them down and cause them to snap. These sharp, pointy branches could puncture or damage roofing material on your building, which is why it’s so important to trim them before they become a problem.

Create An Action Plan

No matter how long you spend preparing, it’s possible that something could damage your roof in the winter. For this reason, it’s a good idea to create an action plan that outlines exactly what will happen if a roofing problem is discovered. This is especially important if you are a landlord who rents out the property to a commercial tenant.

Who should be checking the roof for signs of damage throughout the winter? Who is responsible for getting in touch with a roofing professional? Will the business temporarily close while the repairs are made? These questions all need to be answered in your action plan to make sure everyone that you work with is on the same page.

Winter is just weeks away, but there’s still time to prepare your roof for the season. For more information on preparing commercial roofs for the winter, talk to our team of experts. Rhino Roofing is the premier commercial roofing company in the greater area. We will perform the necessary repairs as quickly as possible so we don’t disturb your customers or interfere with your business operations. To learn more about our roofing services, contact Rhino Roofing today.

On November 7th, voters passed the Green Roof Initiative. This law requires ‘garden roofs’ to be installed on top of any new construction that is 25,000 square feet or greater below 50 feet. The law also requires any new roofing project on existing structures that are of similar size to include a garden roof. A commercial roofing project in must now take into account the requirements of this garden roofing mandate, and as such it is important to be aware of how this new law can affect your business.

Choosing a Garden Roof Type

First, it is important to understand what a ‘garden roof’ entails. According to the National Park Service, a garden roof is a layer of vegetation planted over a waterproofing system that is installed on top of a flat or slightly–sloped roof.

There are a variety of types of garden roofs. There is an ‘extensive garden roof’, which consists of a shallow growing medium (usually less than six inches) with less irrigation, limited plant diversity, and minimal watering requirements. The ‘intensive garden roof’ has a deeper growing medium, sometimes several feet in depth, with greater plant diversity and more heavy watering requirements. Intensive garden roofs can include things such as trees, and often come with more structural requirements as well as more intensive levels of maintenance. The ‘semi-intensive garden roof’ includes features of both the ‘extensive’ and ‘intensive’ variety, and can be more appropriate depending on your desired vegetation covering.

There are a few factors to consider when deciding which garden roof to go with. If money is the primary concern, the extensive garden roof is the more desirable option. A shallower growing medium means that there will be less materials required for the project. It will also cost less in terms of water usage, as well as labor required to keep the roof in a healthy state. Drought-tolerant and drought-resistant plants can be chosen to ensure that water is never a concern in regards to your roof-top garden. Extensive garden roofs are ideal for larger projects, and are a great option for those who are looking to comply with the law without having to hire a gardener or someone with extensive knowledge of plants.

An intensive rooftop garden may be something to consider if you want to make a statement and create an attractive environment on top of your business. Intensive garden roofs can be an impressive feature for a rooftop patio, one that lets your customers and clients understand you care deeply about your environmental impact. When considering an intensive garden roof, one must keep in mind the increased structural requirements, as well as the need for greater water usage. Intensive garden roofs will require a larger amount of maintenance and regular care, and are suited for those who are able to make a bigger commitment, both in terms of time and money.

Benefits of a garden Roof

Though this new initiative may seem like an economic burden, it is one that can be approached in manner that doesn’t create excessive financial stress upon your business. In fact, a garden roof done correctly can be great marketing material for your company, as it can highlight your business’s forward-thinking and innovative mindset. Depending on your desired design, a garden roof can be used to grow flowers that are then cut and displayed in your waiting room. Vegetables can be grown and served in company cafeterias, or donated to local food banks as a form of charitable giving and community outreach. garden roofs can be a source of inspiration for employees, as well as a way to enter an oasis on a lunch break. Studies indicate the presence of plants is a major mental health benefit, and a garden roof can increase this sense of well-being within your workforce.

The garden Roofing Ordinance requires structures that fall under the mandate to have a percentage of their roof covered with some type of vegetation, ranging from 20-60% of total roofing area of a structure. The goal of the initiative is to reduce urban heat islands, which create increased temperatures from the presence of radiating roofs and pavement. According to a 2014 study by Climate Central, ranked 3rd in the US in terms of its urban ‘heat island’ effect. By planting vegetation on roofs, the ‘heat island’ effect can be offset.

Garden roofing requirements can be offset by the presence of sustainable energy technologies, such as solar panels. A roof that falls under the new standard must be at least 30% garden roof of the total mandate amount. For instance, if a new roofing project is required to be at least 20% garden roofing, and the area of available roofing for the structure is 1,000 square feet, 200 square feet must have some form of vegetation or sustainable energy source. If a business wanted to implement as much sustainable energy as possible on this project, it would still be required to have at least 60 square feet of vegetation on the roof.

If your company is considering installing a new roof, it may be affected under the garden Roof Initiative’s new set of requirements. If your building’s structure is within the city limits, and is 25,000 square feet or greater, a new roofing project must include the same amount of garden roofing as new construction projects.

Rhino Roofing understands that this law has a tremendous impact on many future commercial roofing projects, and we want to work with your business to ensure that your roofing project complies with the new set of standards as defined by this law. We know that your business will want to comply with this law in the most economical way possible and we are more than happy to find the garden roofing solution that best fits your budget. We are confident that our vast understanding of diverse roofing projects will allow us to serve your company efficiently and effectively under the new era of garden roofing.

Installing a new roof for your business can seem like a daunting and intimidating task. Having a commercial roof installed will require you to consider many factors that are important to be aware of prior to starting the project. Having a more thorough and well-rounded understanding of the various weather and environmental issues that can present themselves are critical to ensuring the longevity of your commercial roof.

Hail Considerations

Perhaps the primary role of any roof is to keep outside elements from entering your home or business. A leaky or poorly insulated roof will be a stark reminder of this factor, and it is important to consider your geography’s specific weather factors when installing a new commercial roof.

The May 2017 hail storm that hit proved to be the most costly storm in Colorado history, inflicting a staggering $1.4 billion in damage on the state. A great portion of this damage was done to roofs, causing many businesses to close their doors for an extended period of time in order to fix the issue.

This illustrates the point that choosing the best roof for your business can mean the difference between staying open for business and having to close for months on end, losing lots of business in the process. It is incredibly important to choose a commercial roof that can handle the elements that weather can bring.

Hail Damage

If your commercial roof does happen to be damaged due to an intense hail storm, it important to be aware of a few key factors. First, it is critically important to have your roof looked at by a qualified professional immediately after a significant hail storm. Hail can compromise key elements to your roof that will become a bigger issue in a short period of time.

Hail can accelerate any existing damage to your roof, and can quickly necessitate the installation of a new roof. By having someone look at your roof to assess for damage, you are taking the necessary precautions to ensure you are being as proactive as possible regarding the health of your roof. Leaks can develop quickly, and hail can open your business up to the elements in a short amount of time.

Damage from a hail storm may not be immediately present, as it can often take time for water to seep into a hole or leak that has been created from a storm. Inspecting your roof post-storm will ensure that you get a jump on any potential issue that may have risen in the wake of hail damage.

Inevitably, there will be contractors soliciting for their services in the wake of larger hail storms. As a business owner, you should not sign anything without first reading the entire document. Some contractors can often misrepresent themselves and will have you sign a roofing contract unknowingly, which could include a heft cancellation fee. Always read through any document thoroughly, to ensure this predatory practice is not taking place against you.

In the wake of weather damage, be patient

Understandably, one of the first things a business owner will want to do is fix their roof as soon as humanly possible to ensure their commercial operation doesn’t suffer as a result. This is not always the best course of action, as the most qualified contractors can be extremely busy after big storms hit.

The last thing you want is to have your roof improperly installed by a less qualified contractor, creating more headaches for you in the process. If a roof isn’t leaking, it isn’t as pressing of a priority, as you won’t be concerned about water damaging the interior of your business.

Speak with your insurance company

In regards to any damage that has occurred to your place of business, an insurance adjuster will ultimately be the person who assesses the damage. As a business owner, you will be responsible for choosing a qualified contractor to complete the work.

Prior to any storm occurring, it is extremely helpful to be well-versed on your commercial insurance policy, so you aren’t caught like a deer in the headlights when something unexpected happens. It is also important that you keep the deductible portion of your policy between you and your insurer, as it is illegal for any roofing contractor to offer to pay for your deductible in the State of Colorado. Contractors also do not need to see the initial insurance quote prior to giving you an estimate, and it is your right to refuse to show them any such information.

Check and verify contractors

When making any final decision regarding a roofing contractor, it is absolutely imperative that you select a contractor who is qualified and have a competent business history. Call references and other clients who have used their services. Seek out advice from organizations like the Better Business Bureau to gather the adequate amount of information regarding a contractor’s reliability and trustworthiness.

Confirm their permanent address and phone number to avoid any potential situation where a contractor will try to avoid you and their responsibility with any project. You will also want to confirm their license, which can be done by contacting your local code enforcement agencies. Your state and local city governments are there to ensure you are not the victim of fraudulent activity, and it is best to advocate for your business by utilizing the services of the government.

As with any matter, it is important to use common sense when dealing with contractors. If a contractor is giving you an abnormally low estimate, this may be a red flag that they are cutting corners in order to get the job. Cost, while an important factor, should not be the only thing you consider when hiring someone to fix your roof. A long-lasting roof installed by competent contractors should be your primary outcome.

If you are in need of roofing work, whether it be repairs or replacements, Rhino Roofing is your reliable and trustworthy source. We are qualified and licensed contractors who are happy to serve you. Contact us today!

If you are a business owner, you have plenty of responsibilities—many of which can keep you up at night. There are concerns about sales, employees, customers, inventory and much more. But with trustworthy commercial roofers, the roof on your commercial building does not have to be something you need to worry about. Getting your commercial roof repaired or replaced doesn’t have to be stressful if you have the right roofer doing the job.

If you ask any roofing professional about roof inspections, you’ll probably hear the twice-each-year recommendation. Believe it or not, this is not about the commercial roofing company’s bottom line. They know that with regular roofing maintenance and inspection, your roof will actually last longer. If your roof has a warranty, an inspection twice a year might even be necessary if the warranty is to remain valid.

You can conduct your own roofing inspection, or you can call the roofing company to come and inspect it for you. Doing it yourself will save you some money, and it will also be a good educational experience that might help you make good decisions down the road.
Regardless of who does your roof inspection, it helps to know more about it.

The Best Time of Year for Roof Inspections

Because weather can have an impact on your roof, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof before and after severe weather seasons. Our severe weather can happen during the spring and summer because of heavy snow or hail, as well as the cold of winter. So keep that in mind when planning your roof inspection.

Your Roof Maintenance Checklist

If you decide to do your own roofing inspection, make sure you have a checklist. Without one, you are likely to overlook some of the elements that should be part of your inspection. A written and completed checklist should be part of your permanent business records. They will be helpful if you ever need to file an insurance or warranty claim.

Use a system to prioritize issues the come up as a result of your inspection. Items that are in good shape can be noted as such. Fair items might still be satisfactory, but they may need fixing next time. Anything you mark as poor needs to be attended to immediately. Decide whether repairs will be handled in-house or if you will call a professional. Keep in mind that although it might be cost-effective to do the repairs yourself, a compromised roof can mean a big problem for your business.

Exactly what to include on your particular checklist will depend on the type of roof you have. We recommend starting with the items listed below, adding or deleting to your own checklist as appropriate. (This article has more advice on commercial roof inspections.)

Recommended items to include on your commercial roof inspection checklist:

Inside your building. Before you head outside, take a look at the inside of your roof. Keep an eye out for any sign of water damage, such as mold or mildew. If you see any water stains or peeling paint, this could be a sign of a leak. If you note anything, you’ll want to be careful about checking for water damage on the outside of the roof as well. Because we can get heavy snow here, you’ll also want to take a look at trusses and beams to note any signs of stress, including cracks or rust.

Cleanliness. Once you’ve completed your indoor inspection, head up to the outside of the roof and take a look for dirt and debris that might have collected. These can cause drains to clog and can contribute to rot or decay on the roof. If you see any fallen branches on the roof, it’s a good idea to schedule tree maintenance for surrounding trees.

Flashing. If you have skylights on the roof and flashing was required, keep an eye on these areas to make sure there are no gaps. If you see that they are pulling away from the roof, you might have some serious damage.

Drains. Look for signs of clogged drains, such as water that has backed up, moss that has formed, or other signs like watermarks and damaged flashings and seals.

Exterior structures. Each chimney, vent, pipe, skylight, and other equipment on your roof should have its own line on your checklist to look at separately. Look for signs of cleanliness and aging. Check for structural damage such as bent elements or missing parts.

Expansion joints. If you have any expansion joints on your roof, look at them closely, noting any cuts, gaps, or tears you might see.
Pipe and equipment supports. Make sure these elements are not sagging, cracked, or digging into the roof membrane. If you see any signs of failure, you will have to repair or replace these soon.

Safety signs. If you have safety signage, such as for electrical, harmful chemicals, or hot pipes or equipment, make sure these are intact and visible. If they have worn out or become ruined, be sure to replace them. Without proper signage, repairmen or others who have a reason to go on the roof could get hurt.

Stairs and railings. Check for structural soundness and damage, including loose parts and surface deterioration. This is another area where something that is overlooked can mean bodily harm to someone who needs to be out on your roof.

Past repairs. Check the soundness of items that have been repaired in the past to make sure the fix is still holding and working properly. Note the repairs on your inspection list separately.

Roof surface. This is where you’ll want to watch for signs of weathering and damage. For instance, if you have a flat roof, a low spot that has standing water can be a red flag. Check the roof membrane for blistering, abrasions, tears, and scratches. If your roof has gravel, make sure the gravel is uniform and that there are no bare spots. Metal roofs should be checked for loose or damaged panels. Check for loose or missing pieces on your shingle or tile roof.

For more information on commercial roofing, talk to our team of experts. Rhino Roofing is the premier commercial roofing company in the greater area. We work with each client to customize the roofing process so we do not bother your customers or affect your ability to conduct business. To learn more about our roofing services, contact Rhino Roofing today.