Day: October 15, 2018

Floridians know hurricanes are not to be trifled with. Commercial property owners know the stakes are too high: better to prepare for the worst, contact your Tampa commercial roofer early, and enjoy the relief when, like Hurricane Matthew, the storm’s force is less than anticipated. Seven basic precautions can protect your business property before a hurricane.

Let It Flow

Ensure scuppers, drains and downspouts are free of all obstructions. Even the smallest blockage can amplify the force of hurricane-strength rain, leading to roof collapse and an emergency call to a reliable Tampa commercial roofer.

Keep It Ready

For immediate use after the hurricane, rooftop tarps can help prevent some water leakage. Try to use as few tarps as possible, but avoid a single tarp that is too heavy or large to work with quickly under adverse conditions. Even if the hurricane has passed, you may face some wind gusts or rain.

Clamp it Down

Any accessories on your roof should be securely clamped or cabled down. Consider:

• Signs
• Satellite dishes
• HVAC units
• Splash blocks
• Blowers and vents
• Weather stations, radio antennae, or loudspeakers

If the items are lightweight and portable, bring them inside.

Cut It Back

Inspect the roof from the ground, by looking up along your commercial property’s walls. Any branches that overhang the roof must come down. These can fall during a hurricane, shattering skylights, puncturing single-ply membrane, and damaging roof insulation.

Glue It Again

You may need to contact your Tampa commercial roofer to have your flashings and pitch pans reattached. Adhesives and mechanical fasteners should be checked. These can uplift in high winds, causing water infiltration.

Clean It Off

Clean off your building’s roof. Any debris, from a forgotten glass bottle to a discarded pallet from delivery of an HVAC unit, can become an airborne missile. This can hit your roof, other properties around you or even people on the ground.

Tie It Up

Check the roof for recently added cables, lines, wires or conduit. Anything that is not firmly anchored should be tied using cable ties or similar. A single loose wire whipping around in hurricane winds can wreak havoc on your roof.

For a knowledgeable Tampa commercial roofer, turn to Aderhold Roofing. Contact us today to hear our professional tips for reducing risk before, during and after a hurricane. If your roof does get damaged, we are ready and able to answer your call.

Tampa lies within a 140 mph wind speed zone and wind borne debris region, so the roof on your commercial building can suffer serious damage when a storm hits. High winds can tear off the roof cover, flying debris can puncture the material, and wind-driven rain can enter the structure though the damaged areas.

When the time comes to replace your roof, having hurricane resistant roofing installed is a smart choice to lessen the likelihood that wind-related damage will occur. Keeping the roof intact during a storm also helps you:

• Limit lost revenue and downtime: If a significant amount of rain gets into the building through a storm-damaged roof, equipment and inventory may get ruined. You can face a temporary closure, production stoppage, or tenants may need to relocate.
• Minimize interior and structural damage: Water infiltrations can damage wood and corrode metal framing, ruin drywall and ceiling tiles, and harm electrical and HVAC system components. Moisture that’s trapped in the structure can also lead to mold growth that requires costly remediation.
• Preserve energy efficiency: Rain that infiltrates the roofing system can saturate the insulation and erode its R-value. Without effective insulation, your HVAC equipment has to work harder to cool the building’s interior, making your energy costs increase.

Hurricane Resistant Roofing Options for Commercial Properties

It’s wise to have an experienced commercial roofing company inspect your roof and advise you on materials that best match your needs and budget. There are different materials available for pitched and low-slope roofs that meet the Florida and Tampa building code requirements for wind resistance, including:

• Pitched roofs: Asphalt shingles with a high wind rating are the most budget-friendly roofing material for a property with a high-slope roof. Metal roofing is a more costly alternative, but its construction and how it’s installed make it both extremely durable and wind resistant.
• Flat/low-slope roofs: Modified bitumen, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and EPDM membranes are material options for low-slope roofs that can provide good wind resistance if they’re fully adhered.

Material choice is just one of the factors that affect the performance of a roofing system during a hurricane. To protect the building as intended, the decking, underlayment, flashing, and all the other roof system components need to be installed properly and to code, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

To learn about hurricane resistant roofing options for your Tampa-area commercial property, contact us today at Aderhold Roofing.

A new commercial roof is a sizable investment, so property owners often postpone a replacement in an effort to get every last bit of value from the existing asset. Rather than waiting until your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, is leaking badly or about to fail and leave you dealing with costly water damage, it’s more fiscally responsible to plan your roof replacement in advance. Planning ahead can also help make the project more successful and less stressful by allowing you ample time to:

• Thoroughly investigate and compare different roofing options. Rather than simply replicating the existing roof system, you can seek the advice of a knowledgeable professional about the pros and cons of different materials and installation methods. Factors to consider when you’re looking at each option include its suitability for our Tampa climate, durability and expected service life, ease of installation and ongoing maintenance requirements.
• Choose the best roofing company to complete the installation. Your choice of roofer plays a large role in how well your new roof performs and its longevity, so it’s beneficial to have the time necessary to thoroughly vet different companies. The best choice is a fully licensed and insured manufacturer-certified roofer with a track record of quality installation work who can also make skilled repairs and offers inspection, maintenance and emergency services.
• Research the cost of replacement and budget for the expense. In addition to comparing the benefits of different roof materials and systems, you’ll have an opportunity to compare costs and use that information as one of the criteria in your decision making. Once you’ve chosen a type of roofing, your contractor can give you a detailed cost estimate for the replacement so you can budget for the expense, and/or look at your available financing options.
• Develop an action plan for your replacement project. A re-roofing project can be messy, noisy, disruptive and even potentially dangerous to your tenants, employees or the public. Having ample time in advance of the project gives you a chance to work with your roofing contractor to put measures in place to mitigate the negative aspects of a roof installation that might disturb or endanger your customers, staff or tenants.

If you’d like to start planning ahead for a roof replacement on your Tampa-area commercial property and you’re in need of expert advice from a reputable, experienced commercial roofer, contact us at Aderhold Roofing.

Has the roof on your commercial property accumulated a layer of dirt and debris? This is unavoidable because over time, air-borne pollutants, mold, mildew, algae, moss and numerous other organisms and contaminants are bound to collect on a roof. Not only is a dirt buildup unsightly, it can cause deterioration and premature aging of your roofing material. The solution: scheduling annual professional roof cleaning.

What’s Involved in Commercial Roof Cleaning?

Cleaning a commercial roof is a task best left to an experienced professional who knows how to use the most effective cleaning solutions and equipment without harming your roof. The procedures a pro uses also differ depending on your type of roof:

• Asphalt shingles need to be sprayed with an oxygen-based cleaner, followed by a “soft” rinse. Asphalt should not be pressure-washed at the risk of stripping off the granules and leaving the substrate vulnerable to deterioration.
• Membrane roofs should have an eco-friendly, high-pH cleaning solution sprayed on to break down the layer of accumulated debris. Then, a pressure washer is used to remove the loosened material and restore the surface.
• Standing seam metal needs a mild, biodegradable cleaning solution applied first, followed by low-pressure washing so there’s no danger of denting the metal.

Advantages of Having Your Commercial Roof Cleaned

Making cleaning a part of your roof maintenance plan offers some appreciable benefits:

• Prolonged lifespan. It’s easier to identify degradation, wear and damage on a clean roof. This allows you to have needed roof repairs addressed promptly, which extends the roof’s expected lifespan and boosts your ROI on the asset.
• Improved aesthetics. If your property has a steep slope roof that’s quite visible, you’ll make a much better first impression by presenting a clean, attractive roof to potential tenants or customers.
• Warranty compliance. Manufacturers typically have a requirement for reasonable roof care and upkeep that must be met before they’ll honor a warranty claim.
• Energy savings. If your commercial building has a membrane roof, having it cleaned can help lower the surface temperature. If you’ve had a reflective roof coating applied to limit heat transfer and reduce your cooling costs, keeping the membrane clean is essential to maximize its reflective qualities and maximize your savings.

To learn more about the benefits of our expert, professional cleaning services for your low or steep slope roof, or to schedule service for your Tampa-area property, contact us at Aderhold Roofing.

In Hollywood, a particular niche of stunt actor performs high falls. These talented players train hard, work carefully ,and use all the right safety equipment, like air bags, decelerator wires, and body harnesses to make 100-foot falls look routine. You, as an owner or manager of a commercial property, are not a stunt player.

You need to consider what risks you take in walking the roof of your building and what roof repair challenges are better left to the professionals.

Safe Sight

You can safely assess your building’s need for roof repair from the walkways and access points of your roof. No need to put yourself at risk of a high fall (with no air bag below!) when you want to know if your roof needs repair work. Some roof signs that may make you suspicious are:

• Clogged drains
• Visible vegetation, like trees and grasses, growing on your roof
• Granules, gravel, and debris at the bottoms of downspouts
• Flashing found on the ground
• Ponding
• Black streaks, tears, raised laps, or open seams

Can-Do

Some roof repair preliminaries and maintenance are easily within your skill set. You should be maintaining accurate records to know:

Warranty status on the original roof and subsequent repairs Who has been on the roof, when, and for what purpose Repairs made in previous years The date of your last roof inspection by a professional commercial roofing contractor

In addition to recordkeeping, you have a role to play during an inspection, so that the roofer’s time on your property is well spent. Make a list of roofing concerns you have, areas that have given your company trouble, and spots where you have seen evidence of water infiltration.

Leave These Roof Repairs to Professionals

For major roof repair, leave these tasks to the professionals:

• Reattaching open laps and seams, whether by adhesive or heat
• Replacing loose or missing flashing
• Rebuilding the roof deck around internal drains, replacing drain strainer,s and clearing clogged scuppers and internal drains
• Repairing single-ply roofing
• Waterproof coatings
• Removing and replacing roof insulation

Aderhold Roofing stands ready to work with you to provide safe, prompt roof repairs to your commercial roof. Whether you have single-ply, built-up roofing, modified bitumen, or another roof type, we can perform the needed roof repair with no risk to you or your building. Our expert crews have the safety equipment, tools and training needed for any type of repair work. Contact Aderhold Roofing today.

Circa at FishHawk Ranch is the newest apartment home community in FishHawk. This apartment community features 13 brand new 3-story and 2-story apartment buildings, 6 garage buildings, one clubhouse, a pool pavilion, and several auxiliary buildings. The modern design of this apartment community utilizes both an upgraded architectural style shingle roofing system and a single-ply TPO roofing system.

Choosing a commercial roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions you can make as a building owner or property manager. We’ve put together a list of key qualities to look for to help you choose wisely:

History and Reputation

The commercial roofer you hire should have a sizable project portfolio in the Tampa area and supply you with a number of references from satisfied customers. When you contact a reference, ask about the roofer’s overall performance, how any warranty issues were, and whether they’d use the company again in the future.

State Licensing

Before you hire a commercial roofing company, verify that they’re properly licensed through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. On the State website, you can also check whether any complaints have been filed against the company or any unlicensed activity has taken place.

Proper Insurance

A reputable roofer carries ample general liability and workers’ compensation insurance in case of property damage or injury claims from employees or the public due to roofers’ negligence. Here at Aderhold Roofing, we have full liability and workers’ compensation in place to protect our customers if an accident occurs.

Industry Certifications

Recognition from leading brand manufacturers tells you that a commercial roofer has demonstrated skill in working with their products and meets or exceeds their standards for installations and repairs. At Aderhold, we stay up to date on the latest products and applications from all the best material manufacturers. Additionally, we’re an Owens Corning Preferred Roofer, a Master Contractor for GAF and Firestone, and certified by our other manufacturing partners, including Gaco, CertainTeed and Carlisle.

Trade Affiliations

A roofer who is focused on providing top-notch workmanship and customers service over the long-term will be affiliated with national and area trade organizations such as Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association and the West Coast Roofing Contractors’ Association.

Installation Expertise

Your commercial roofer should have experience working with the type of material on your property’s roof, whether it’s single-ply, Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membrane, shingles, tile or metal. A roofing company should also have the expertise to assess the condition of the deck during a tear off, check for adequate insulation and identify slope or structural problems that need to be dealt with.

If you need the services of a reputable commercial roofing company in the Tampa area, contact us today at Aderhold Roofing.

Some commercial roofs are generally safe for property managers or facilities crews to work on: high parapets, low slopes, no unexpected changes in slope or commercial roofing materials. Other roofs are simply too treacherous for anyone but qualified roofers with proper safety gear to tread upon. How you assess your commercial roofing maintenance needs begins with safety, but leads to much more.

Safety First

Generally Aderhold Roofing does not recommend to our commercial clients that anyone other than our roofing crews walk on roofs. This is for everyone’s safety. The needs of a business are clearly different from those of our residential neighbors, but often the commercial roofing is similar. A storefront business may have a fiberglass-asphalt shingle roof for a homey look, for example. No matter the roof, your best choice is to ask Aderhold Roofing to do the walking. We have the trained crews and all the right safety harnesses to perform maintenance and inspection correctly.

Prevention

A simple task any facilities manager can perform is to develop a habit of roof awareness. Without venturing into a dangerous position, do a visual scan of the roof after every major weather event. Wind-borne debris, such as loose branches or human-made litter, can tear gashes in single-ply membranes. Wind shear can uplift mechanical fasteners and flashing. Heavy downpours can clog interior drains and scuppers.

Preventing lasting damage, or identifying roof leaks early, comes from active roof management. Aderhold Roofing is your partner in not only repairing minor issues but adding years of useful life to commercial roofing materials. We can come out and clean your roof, inspect it safely and identify problem areas to monitor.

Maintenance

Prepare for annual or semiannual maintenance visits from Aderhold Roofing’s trained professionals by maintaining accurate records, communicating suspected trouble spots to us, and setting time aside to allow easy access to your business’s roof. This may include clearing a few parking spaces or scheduling the inspections after customer hours.

Our expert crews will verify that your commercial roofing is:

• Code compliant
• Inspected foot by foot
• Thoroughly documented
• Repaired for minor issues immediately
• Scheduled for more extensive repairs

Routine inspections and regular roofing maintenance sets your commercial roof apart from most residential roofs. You have a lot tucked under that roof—your business, your dreams, your employees and valued customers. Turn to Aderhold Roofing today to protect the roof that protects your future.

Tampa is a beautiful city. It is a great city to do business in, as many of our commercial customers know. The robust industries of Tampa need industrial roofing, and this city’s unique demands on industrial roofing, highlight the value of working with a professional, commercial roofer familiar with the area.

Weather

Tampa lies largely in the 140 mph wind-borne debris region as outlined by the City of Tampa. This means industrial roofing and buildings must withstand hurricane-force wind gusts of up to three seconds. You may feel three seconds is not very long, but entire rooftops of industrial roofing can be sheared away in that time.

At Aderhold Roofing we are completely versed in the special conditions Tampa-area industrial roofing must withstand. We can work with you to ensure your commercial property will meet every expectation in high winds, hurricanes and strong tropical storms.

Solar Issues

In many ways Tampa’s glorious sunshine is equally damaging to commercial roofing as wind-borne debris. Ultraviolet radiation from the strong, semi-tropical sun does damage to the chemicals that make up single-ply, built-up and other roofing materials.

Aderhold Roofing can work with you to develop a regular schedule of roof maintenance and preservation. Our annual inspections can pinpoint key areas where degradation of chemicals from strong exposure to sunlight can lead to water leaks.

One way to combat ultraviolet damage is with protective coatings that reflect sunlight. This added layer of protection not only returns heat away from your building, it adds waterproofing as well.

Rules and Regs

Tampa provides detailed rules and regulations for construction, including replacement of existing industrial roofing or installation of entirely new roofing systems. Aderhold Roofing knows both the Florida Building Code and the unique Tampa Building Code. Our firm understands the permitting process. We can perform our work efficiently, leaving you with confidence not only in our work but our code compliance.

Why take a chance with having roofing work done on your business property by an inexperienced roofer whose work cannot pass inspection? The financial and commercial risks are just too great. The old expression, “Better to ask for forgiveness than permission,” definitely does not apply when dealing with city officials and their power to shutter your business for code violations.

When you need to deal with the unique commercial roofing considerations of the Tampa area, turn to Aderhold Roofing for professional, knowledgeable help. Contact us today!

The extreme heat, hurricane-force winds, and high humidity we experience in the Tampa area can cause premature deterioration of the roof on your commercial building if you don’t address needed repairs in a timely manner. In order to maximize the lifespan of this costly asset and safeguard the building’s structure and contents from damage, you need to take a proactive approach to roof repair.

Know the Warning Signs of Necessary Roof Repair

To avert more costly extensive repairs, to prevent a premature roof replacement, and to protect your bottom line, it’s vital to stay aware of the condition of your building’s roof so that any needed repairs can be taken care of as soon as possible. Here are some of the most common signs that your roof needs prompt professional attention:

• Interior evidence of water infiltration. Even a minor roof leak that’s not addressed can cause staining on the ceilings or walls, deterioration of the insulation or drywall, patches of mold growth, musty odors, and a decline in indoor air quality.
• Pooling water on the roof. Areas of “ponding” that don’t drain away quickly after a rainfall can cause rusting of a steel roof or degradation of the roof cover and eventual decay of the underlying decking. The added weight can also weaken the structure over time and lead to a collapse.
• Bubbling of the roof cover. Bubbles are an indication of trapped moisture or gasses from degraded insulation in or below the roof cover. These underlying issues can compromise the roof’s performance in a rain or wind storm and lead to decking damage and/or interior leaks.
• Issues with the flashing. If there are gaps or areas of missing flashing around the perimeter, structural components, or equipment installed on the roof, water can’t be deflected away properly during a rainstorm. This leaves the roof more susceptible to damage from high winds, water intrusions, and mold growth.
• Cracked seams or tears in the roofing material. Whether this type of damage is due to aging, debris like fallen tree branches, or wind and rain, it leaves the roof vulnerable to water infiltration beneath the cover.

The best way to protect your commercial building against premature deterioration is to develop a roof maintenance plan that includes regularly-scheduled inspections and damage assessments after severe weather events. For expert assistance with your commercial roofing maintenance needs in the Tampa area, contact us at Aderhold Roofing.