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Roof Coating vs Replacement

There is in fact a difference between a roof coating and a roof replacement. When replacing a roof, contractors will typically need to strip the entire roofing structure down to the decking. They then go through to repair any structural damage, then replace the roofing material. With a roof coating, there are several differences that make a huge impact.

When working with a roof coating, contractors will first determine the condition of the existing roof. If it is in good condition but needs a few minor repairs, they will go through to do that. Once the repairs are completed, a fresh coating is applied over top and the entire process is done.

Types of Roof Coatings

Most building owners want to know which roof coating is best for their building. That is often hard to answer because the best coating will be dependent on your needs and specifically where your building is located. Not all roof coatings are made the same, so you need to be sure that you are picking a coating that will be reliable and lasting on your building. 

• Acrylic Coatings: Acrylic is by far one of the most inexpensive coating options on the market. It comes in a variety of formulas from a liquid, paint-like consistency to large flexible sheets.
• Rubberized Coatings: This coating is a type of bitumen roofing that has been modified with polymer additions. With this combination, the polymer-modified coating, or rubberized coating, is more flexible and more durable than other options. 
• Elastomeric Coatings: Elastomeric coatings have a sort of elastic quality to them that allows the material to expand and shrink comfortably with temperature changes. This option is great for buildings in areas that experience regular weather changes.
• Bitumen Coatings: What sets bitumen apart from other coatings is the fact that this material uses asphalt or tar as the main waterproofing element. The material is often darker than others but does provide incredible waterproofing protection.

Roof coatings are a great investment that will provide property owners with a great deal of protection and longevity without breaking the bank. While structures like a rubber roof coating might seem easy enough to install yourself, it is highly recommended to rely on professionals. Otherwise, you run the risk of improperly applying the material, which can create more and more problems in the future. Additionally, you might accidentally get the material somewhere it doesn’t belong, like the hood of a car. If that happens, it will be very difficult to remove without damaging the vehicle!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do roof coatings work?
  • Yes, roof coatings do work. They are designed to reflect light away preventing a build-up of heat inside spaces. Additionally, coatings are designed to be durable and long-lasting under constant exposure to sun, smoke, grease and more and they do hold up very well.
• How often should I coat my roof?
  • That is dependent on several factors, primarily the quality of the roof coating used. Cheaply made roof coatings will require you to coat your roof more often than one that is made from quality materials. 
• Does roof coating stop leaks?
  • A roof coating can help prevent future leaks, but it will not stop an existing leak. That needs to be found, repaired, and dried before a coating application takes place. Otherwise, you will just be compounding the issue.
• What does roof coating do?
  • Roof coatings provide a reflective, waterproof protective layer for flat or low-sloping roofing systems. These coatings are designed to be used in areas of high exposure, so they will not crack, break, or damage under these conditions. 
• Which is the best roof sealant?
  • In terms of the type of roof sealant, options like EPDM have shown to be some of the best for sealing and protecting roofs. Really anything that is rubberized or rubber-based will provide the protection, durability, and longevity you are looking for.

How long does a commercial roof last?

A commercial roof typically lasts 15-20 years. The age range of your commercial roof may depend on such factors as the age of your roof, the region you live in, maintenance, weather and more.

What is spray foam roofing?

Spray foam roofing is a roofing material that is often used for commercial roofs that involve polyurethane foam or other compositions that are sprayed onto a roof as a liquid that then expands to foam which eventually creates a solid layer across an existing roof.

How long does spray foam roofing last?

Spray foam roofing can be expected to last anywhere from 20-35 years yet factors that can influence this range can be climate, traffic, weather, maintenance and exposure to the elements. It’s important to keep up to date with your roof to know when a recoat is necessary as these, in turn, can last 10-15 years.

Does spray foam stop leaks?

Spray foam roofing is advantageous in that it can be used as a repair option for minor leaks. Essentially the foam is applied as a liquid which is able to fill in the gaps, cracks, and seams of the roof. Consider the other benefits of spray foam roofing that can be advantageous for your roof.

Disadvantages of Spray Foam Roofing

Spray foam roofing doesn’t have many disadvantages yet there are certain preliminary conditions that need to met before you schedule an appoint when you’re getting ready to add it to your roofing system. Firstly, it’s important to know that not all commercial roofing contractors will offer this roofing service as it’s a system that requires precision and technical prowess. As a matter of fact, an exam must be passed in order to meet the criteria of a spray foam roofing application. If applied incorrectly a spray foam roofing can be detrimental to the roof and its underlying substrates so be sure applications are done correctly the first time with a qualified roofing expert. Another disadvantage is that this roofing material must be applied during certain weather conditions as they can’t be applied on any surface that has moisture or dampness on it as seen with, rain, ice or frost. If you have any other questions regarding this or other roofing conditions for spray foam roofing then be sure to get in touch with your local roofing contractor.

How do you repair a flat foam roof?

Spray foam roofing will require some maintenance in order to prevent any problems from aggravating the roofing system. With any roofing system, you won’t just be able to install it and call it quits like with a simple window blind installation. Maintenance is recommended as there are outside elements that are unpreventable that can influence your roofing system. Spray foam roofing should be inspected at least twice a year and especially in cases of inclement weather such as with stormes, hurricanes, hail, and tornados. Minor issues such as punctures, cracks, and gouges can be simply be repaired with elastomeric roof sealant that’s compatible with your specific spray foam roofing system. With any other roofing damages be sure to have your roof inspected with a local roofing company in order to assess if other courses of action should be taken to ensure your commercial roof’s longevity and durability!

If you’re interested in spray foam roofing in Pittsburgh, PA call 412-256-8050 with Great Lakes Commercial Roofing!

• Purer air. In a green roof, plants filter particulate matter from the air and convert CO2 into oxygen. The varieties of plants found in a green roof contribute to air purification.
• Reduction of ambient temperature. Plants absorb sunlight – fifty percent of sunlight is absorbed, and thirty percent of sunlight is reflected.
• Extension of overall roof life. Green roofs protect the roofing material underneath from external influences such as the sun, wind, and rain. This can extend the overall life of your roof for sixty years or longer.

How Long Does a Green Roof Last?

A green roof option can last for up to sixty years with proper maintenance and care. In Europe, many green roofs were installed in the 1960’s. Based upon the available statistics, thirty to sixty years is not an unusual lifespan for green roofs. Every residence should experience great functionality from top to bottom, ranging from one’s roof, to one’s underground pipes. Commercial plumbing needs for residents in Pittsburgh, PA should be streamlined and professional.

Do Green Roofs Need Drainage?

All roofing systems require excellent drainage in order to ensure the longevity of the roofing structure. This is especially true for green roofs. Series of layers of roofing material are engineered to thoroughly drain the rainwater properly. These layers are comprised of substrate, a drainage layer, and into the drains for stormwater or rainwater collection. The growing substrate layer must be kept separate from the drainage layer with a filter sheet.

Green Roof Issues

While green roofs boast a huge number of advantages, particularly for the environment, it’s important to consider some of the disadvantages. To begin, green roofs are more expensive than traditional roofs. Another thing to keep in mind is that green roofs are heavy. This translates to increased weight on your overall structure. Make sure that your current structure is strong enough to withstand a heavier roof. Green roofs also require extra maintenance. This is because you will need to provide a little oversight to ensure that your green roof remains a thriving miniature landscape. Treat it like a garden, and you will see it grow.

Why are Green Roofs Important?

Green roofs reduce energy costs by absorbing heat instead of attracting it. The natural consequence of this dynamic is that it provides natural insulation for buildings. This means that during hot summers, when air-conditioning bills tend to run high, a green roof can cut your energy costs by seventy-five percent or more. Green roofs present the ultimate roofing option for decreasing the production of greenhouse gas emissions, and purifying the air in your immediate atmosphere.

Are Green Roofs Sustainable?

If sustainability is the question, green roofs are the answer. A green roof significantly reduces the need for air conditioning in summer and provides insulation in the winter. Naturally, in the winter, the amount of moisture present in the drainage layers will impact the insulation of the building. Insulation is greatest in the summer, because the layers are dry, and reflect heat most effectively. Due to the reduced need for air-conditioning, a green roof significantly reduces energy consumption.

Green Roof Cost

Many experts claim that green roofs can not only save money, they can help alleviate the effects of global warming. Specifically centering upon the monetary cost of a green roof, there is a larger initial investment in a green roof. However, in areas that have extremely hot summers, there is the added benefit of the lower energy cost in the summertime, which can be one of the biggest energy bill drains. An exposed roof can get as hot as 158 degrees on a sunny day, while a green, shady roof can heat to just 77 degrees. The comparison is clear.

Green Roof Facts

There are a number of green roof facts to keep in mind whilst browsing for a green roof option.

• Stormwater management. In urban and suburban areas, large swathes of paved surfaces prevent stormwater from being absorbed into the ground. This excess runoff damages the prevailing water quality by sweeping pollutants into water bodies. Green roofs reduce the flow of stormwater from a roof by up to 65% and delay the flow rate by up to three hours.
• Biodiversity and habitat. A green roof can provide an excellent habitat for plants and animals, like birds and insects, and thereby increase biodiversity.
• Heat Island effect. Cities are warmer than rural areas due to the fact that concrete and asphalt absorb solar radiation. Green roofs are proven to reduce this effect.

Contact Great Lakes Commercial Roofing now at 412-256-8050 to discover more about green roof installation in Pittsburgh, PAand the surrounding areas.

It’s exciting to see the strides being made to improve buildings in a way that will help reduce costs while also benefiting the betterment of the environment! Building efficiency has a variety of categories that can improve energy usage and increase sustainability. If you’re in the process of a new construction or renovating an existing one, it’s important to consider the factors surrounding building efficiency improvements so both your business and environment can continue a symbiosis of green culture and practices.

What is building energy efficiency?

Building energy efficiency involves constructing new or renovating existing buildings in a way that significantly reduces the energy needed for various systems such as lighting, heating and cooling, water heating and other systems independently from the energy used or the equipment chosen for the building.

Why is sustainability important in construction?

Sustainability in construction means that resources are being used efficiently or in a way that considers the environmental impact and implications of the resources or process of construction used in a building. When constructing a building, there are already stakeholders of the client, firm and local government that can have a hand in a given project. However, it must be emphasized that the community and people in it can directly be affected by the decisions made and should be considered as additional stakeholders into the equation. Toxic waste could be generated from buildings as well as non-renewable energy sources which can produce a considerable amount of waste. It’s important to realize that it is very possible, and often cost-effective, to offset the harm we can potentially create in building by replacing them with beneficial paths that give more both immediately and in the long run.

How can buildings be more sustainable?

Buildings can be more sustainable in a variety of different methods, the possibilities are numerous! One can implement green commercial building materials, construction methods, techniques or even comply to building efficiency ratings!

Building Efficiency Ratings

There are certain building efficiency organizations available that provide guidelines for producing green or energy efficient buildings. They provide ratings in accordance to how far a building can go to achieve green methods. Here a few well known ones:

• LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is an organization that offers rating levels that range from Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
• The Living Building Challenge: uses seven performance categories known as Petals, which branch off into 20 Imperatives. Petals in turn hold categories of Place, Water, Energy, Health, Happiness, Materials, Equity and Beauty.
• WELL, also known as The WELL Building Standard, is a third-party certified by Green Business Certification INC or GBCI.

How can you improve buildings?

Here are a few areas that can be improved for building efficiency, some even offer a few examples that can be taken into consideration.

• Site Selection: have the building be placed in an area with already existing infrastructure to save on resources and money.
• Design: have the building meet LEED or other building efficiency organisational standards.
• Electronics, Computers, and Office Equipment: there are many Smart options out there as well as appliance brands such as Energy Star which offer energy efficient standards.
• Lighting
• Appliances
• Landscaping
• Renewable Energy Sources: grid tied solar photovoltaic panels can power lighting, appliances, hot water and heating and cooling systems. A small wind grid can be connected to your power provider or even off grid which can lower your electric bill by 50-90%. Micro hydropower can transform the energy of flowing water to rotational energy and finally electricity.
• High Efficiency Water Heaters
• Heating & Cooling Systems
• Ventilation: natural ventilation is the lowest cost option for energy efficient cooling of a building. Energy recovery ventilation in turn minimizes energy costs while providing controlled ventilation.
• Wall Assembly: s continuous layer of insulation (CI) around a building increases the R-value of the structure and rids itself of condensation. Structural insulated panels can save 50% of energy costs.
• Roof: metal roofs, cool roof coatings or even a Foam Roof (among other various options) can provide UV protection and resistance to leaks all while have life expectancy of at least 50 years!
• Water Efficient Plumbing: pex pipes don’t collect sediment build up and are more durable than copper pipes yet last just as long.

What are the advantages of green building?

• Health & Work Performance: Improvements in air quality can increase performance by 8%, employees in a green and well ventilated building show 101% increase in cognitive abilities and offices with windows can allow for an average of 46 minutes more of sleep.
• Reduced Costs:
  • Per business level: utility bills are significantly lowered, there are lower construction costs and higher property values for building developers.
  • Global level: energy spending can be reduced from €280-€410 billion ($313.6-$459.2)
• Increased Property Value: owners of green buildings have a 7% increase of asset value over traditional counterparts.
• Environmental: reduces greenhouse gases, energy and water consumption.

 

To increase building efficiency in Pittsburgh, PA call 412-256-8050 with Great Lakes Commercial Roofing! We offer swift and cost-effective roofing for your commercial or residential property!

The fast majority of office buildings in the United States employ a flat roofing system, and for good reason. This durable roof structure allows businesses to save space and simplifies the process of making repairs (to a point). However, flat roofing systems also come with inherent challenges that can cost your company thousands of dollars if not addressed in a timely manner. This oh-so-important program of continued maintenance and repair can be difficult to manage, which is where a flat roof coating comes into use…

What are Roof Coatings?

Simply put, roof coatings form a small protective layer over your existing rooftop. The installation process is about as complex as spreading a couple coats of paint on your roof. Once spread over your roof, these coatings also work to mend small tears and punctures in the roofing material. On average, commercial-grade GAF flat roof coatings (or whatever brand you select) will last for approximately ten years. 

Which Roof Coating is Best?

There are a wide variety of coating products available on the market, but most commercial consumers prefer an elastomeric roof coating. Sometimes called a cool roof coating, elastic coatings provide a number of cost-saving benefits for your commercial roofing system. There’s the restorative properties we mentioned that can repair minor degradation in your rooftop. More importantly, these roof coatings prevent additional damage from occurring, such as:

• Impact damage from debris and hail
• Moisture degradation from leaks
• Natural corrosion from sunlight, water, and rusting
• Weakened material strength from UV radiation

The rubberized nature of elastomeric coatings enable your roof to absorb much of the impact force of hail without taking any serious damage. If you’re looking for maximum impact absorption, an EPDM rubber roof coating might be ideal for your business. Just make sure to ask your local roofer if your current roofing system will require a special primer before having your flat roof coating installed.

When it comes to stronger waterproofing protection, silicone coatings act as a flat roof sealant for your building. If you’ve ever suffered a roof leak at home or at the office, you know how frustrating the resulting damage and expenses can be. Ponding (pooling) water is one of the biggest difficulties that flat roofs have to contend with. When you install a silicone coating however, you’ll notice a marked improvement in protection against leaks. Unlike many other coating materials, silicone doesn’t chalk after prolonged UV radiation exposure.

Which Roof Coatings Provide the Best Energy Efficiency?

Generally, the most reflective coatings will generate the best energy savings. This light reflection also protects your rooftop from ultraviolet radiation, which naturally degrades almost all forms of roofing. If you’re wondering which roof coatings do this best, you’ll have a few options to choose from:

• Acrylics
• Urethane-Modified Acrylic
• Polyurethane
• Silicone

Acrylics provide excellent sunlight reflection and UV ray protection for a very affordable cost. While basic acrylic products don’t always perform well in circumstances with pooling water, they can be modified for stronger water-resistance. That’s where urethane-modified acrylics come in handy, as they feature stronger water and impact protection.

Polyurethane flat roof coatings are best known for their durability. They form a strong protective barrier against hail and other forms of impact trauma. Unlike other forms of coatings, polyurethanes endure foot traffic very well. White polyurethane products supply the best energy efficiency with increased sunlight reflection.

We’ve already talked about the benefits of silicone, so we’ll skip to a couple of frequently asked questions that relate to energy efficiency.

Does a White Roof Reflect Heat?

Yes! In the majority of cases, white roofing will reflect a higher percentage of sunlight. As a result, less heat penetrates the rooftop to impact the conditioned air in the building interior. By extension, rooms cool in shorter times, HVAC units can turn off sooner, and less energy is spent cooling the building. Of course, a fully functional cooling and heating system will also conserve energy and save you money. Don’t use a roof coating as an excuse to put off your American Standard gas furnace repair (or whatever hardware maintenance your building needs).

Can Elastomeric Roof Coatings Be Tinted?

Yes! In fact, many businesses like to have their roof coating tinted to another color besides white (for style purposes). This is great for rooftops whose color has faded from prolonged UV ray exposure. If you choose to have your flat roof coating tinted, it’s generally recommended to stick with a lighter color and retain your energy-saving benefits.

Schedule Your Flat Roof Coating Today!

If your company’s rooftop is in need of a restorative coating, talk with one of our courteous roofers at Great Lakes Commercial Roofing! We’d be happy to provide you with more information about selecting a coating product and how long installation may take for your roof. Give us a call today at 412-256-8050.

Ponding water is a problem that thousands of businesses face every year. It’s a treat that may lead to expensive roof repairs and even early roof replacement. As a business owner, defending your roof is an essential part of getting the most out of your investment. To help you, here is a quick guide on ponding water and how to prevent it!

What is Ponding Water?

Many, if not the majority of companies in the U.S. rely on a flat roofing system for protection. This style of roofing provides alluring space saving features and fast installation. However, flat roofing is particularly vulnerable to ponding water. As rain falls on flat roofing systems, those with poor drainage have a tendency to gather standing water. Unless this water is manually drained from the rooftop, it could stay there for days.

Just as putting off water line repair leads to major plumbing problems, ignoring water ponding on your roof can lead to dangerous consequences for your building. These consequences include:

• Damaged Paint
• Pests in the Stagnate Water
• Corroded Roofing Material
• Internal Leaks Beneath Your Roof

How to Fix Water Ponding on the Roof

So how do you prevent water from pooling on your rooftop in the future? First off, you need to ensure that your roof can drain properly. In easy circumstances, this may simple mean installing a drain pipe or two to allow rain to flow down from the roof. You might however, need a professional to adjust the gradient of your rooftop so that rain water doesn’t get stuck anymore.

Next, you might also consider installing a protective coating over your roof system. This is especially helpful for aging rooftops with a few cracks here and there, as the right coating will mend cracks and guard the roofing material from future corrosion. There are countless restorative coatings available on the market now; just make sure you choose one that’s waterproof!

Schedule Your Flat Roof Coating Today!

Our roofing professionals would love to help you protect your roofing investment! With one of our Great Lakes Commercial Roofing flat roof coatings, you will enjoy up to ten additional years of functionality from your roofing system. Call us today at 412-256-8050 and ask for an estimate on your restorative coating.

Our commercial roofing systems are one of the best important parts of our building. Not only do they protect us against outside elements, they also keep our buildings warm or cool depending on the season. Because of how important they are, it’s essential to keep them in the best condition. The best way to achieve this is with a professional roof inspection by a certified commercial roofer. We recommend that our clients get a roof inspection twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. However, if a big storm has passed through Pittsburgh, we suggest that an inspection is completed to make sure the roof doesn’t have any damages. Find out what our commercial roof inspections entail!

What a Commercial Roof Inspection Entails

• Building Envelope Inspection: We always think its a good idea to evaluate the building’s envelope. This is to ensure that the building as a whole doesn’t have any defects, as this could be a sign that there are damages to the roof.
• Roof Interior Inspection: This is to see if there are any structural issues with the roof and roof deck.
• Rooftop Inspection: This is where we can see if there are any defects to your roof. An infrared roof leak inspection is one of the many techniques we use during an inspection.
• Roof Exterior Inspection: We will inspect areas like your roof flashing and joints to determine if they are in good shape.

If commercial roof inspections in Pittsburgh, PA are something that you need! Call Great Lakes Commercial Roofing at 412-256-8050! We can also provide roof repair and roof installation using Conklin roofing products.

In many cases, people believe that when something pretty serious is going on with their roof, that they should just replace the entire thing and deal with the cost. The idea that repairs will keep needing to be done if anything else is done like a restoration is actually a myth or just a fear. When you choose a company that does a restoration right the first time, a roof restoration is a much better option than having a roof replacement. Companies may try to convince you that you need a replacement, to take your money, but you should always ask around and make sure a roofing company has your best interest at heart. A restoration is not only cheaper for you, but it also will be quicker to finish and take less material. A replacement can be very expensive because in many cases the old roof has to be taken off and then a new one will need to be put on after.

Is Roof Restoration Worth It?

A roof restoration is absolutely worth it. With good workmanship from a solid company, a restored roof can last you around 15 years. If you need a roof to last longer than that and you can spend the money to get a new one, we urge you to take that into consideration, but if you don’t 15 years is a long time. This will also buy you many years to save for a brand new roof when that time comes down the road.

A Green, Energy Efficient Solution

A great way to save money and the environment is to get a roof restoration done. This will use less material and create less waste that ends up in landfills. Overall the material you use for the restoration may or may not be energy efficient depending on what you choose, but the lower usage of material is definitely better for the environment than a replacement.

Call Us Today

Overall the choice is up to you when you need a roof restoration or replacement, but if you have the option, a restoration is a great choice that will keep your roof looking and working great for potentially up to 15 years longer and for much less of the price tag. If you have questions about getting a roof restoration in Pittsburgh, PA, call us at 412-256-8050.

When deciding on your commercial roof, there are a lot of factors that you should take into consideration. Your commercial roof is something that is a major investment, so you likely have questions about many things. It is good to have questions, you never want to go into anything without questions and without having done research. Below, we will give you a few ideas of what you should be looking for and what you should think about before buying a new roof or even just choosing a restoration product or coating.

What To Do First

Budget – With a roof that is so big, you will want to go into it knowing what your budget is. Not only will this be smart for your wallet, but it will also narrow down, what you can and cannot get as far as roofing systems go. You will want to factor in the price of the material, labor, and then any coating that you may or may not get.

Types – This going to be the hardest part. There are so many different materials out there that you have to pay attention to each one and see what will work best for you. Look at the area you live in and the storms that happen there. You will also want to consider how long you want this roof to last.

If you need a commercial roofing team that cares about you and has a great reputation, call Great Lakes Commercial Roofing at 412-256-8050 and we will do whatever we can to make this process easier on you.