Reindeer on the Roof Top?

Here are a few considerations for this time of year.

1. Make sure that there isn’t too much weight up on your roof.  Consider snow loads, the weight of the sleigh, all of the reindeer, a jolly fat guy, and of course the sack full of toys (if you have been good).
2. Reindeer can do an awful lot of damage to a roof ( not to mention the jolly fat guy tromping around).  Be sure to get your roof checked by a professional roofing contractor after Christmas to repair any damage that may have been done.  Of course the damage may just be from the snow and ice, temperature changes or just the ravages of time.
3. If you have a garden roof, make sure that the reindeer didn’t destroy your vegetation.  They get awfully hungry flying around the world, and sometimes those cookies just don’t cut it.

Peace of Mind

Last night I was awakened by howling winds and driving rain around 3:30 in the morning.  Not really a great way to start the day.  It really made me think of how nice it is to be dry in a nice warm bed.   It also caused me to worry about all of the people out there who are in desperate need of roof work.  Lately my office has seen scores of potential customers whose roofs have been neglected for too long.  What might have only needed a small repair has become a major issue due to time and the ravages of the weather.

If you are among the many people out there that are worried about what might be damaged during the next storm due to a faulty roof, I urge you to take the following steps…

1. Call a professional roofing contractor for a roof evaluation.
2. Ask for pictures of problem areas and recommendations.
3. Move any valuable equipment or inventory from underneath suspect areas or protect those areas with tarps or water diverters.
4. If an area needs to be replaced, negotiate to have any emergency temporary repairs done right away.

By taking these steps, I hope that you can have the peace of mind that I have as I lay in bed and hear the wind beginning to howl as the next winter storm approaches.

Beautiful Church Roofs

Here are some pictures of some of the beautiful church roofs we have worked on, in and around Lancaster.   Holy Trinity Lutheran Church has a beautiful natural slate roof.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint James Episcopal Church has an example of our fine  copper craftsmanship.

Copper Craftsmanship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These were shingle roof replacement projects.  Each of them had unique decking considerations that needed to be taken into account.   It is very important during these projects to keep the

Shingle Replacement

grounds clean and well kept.

Shingle Replacement with special decking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have also installed roof on some wonderful additions, built by some of the areas finest contractors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Addition for Wohlsen Construction

Addition for Hogg Construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some Church roofs really create a challenge due to steep slopes. Safety is always the number one concern.

Steep Slope Shingle Replacement

We are the preferred roofer for Church roofs in our area and I think that I know why.  We always take just a little more pride in what we do on churches.  The entire company feels the history of the church and knows that people may be looking upwards for inspiration and there will be our work.   It means a lot to us.

Church Roofs – A Little Bit Closer to GOD

I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but be inspired as I walk around downtown Lancaster and look at the majestic churches. If you would like to see more pictures of Churches that we have worked on, I invite you to visit <a href="“>
As we work on church roofs, I know that we always take just a little more pride inwhat we do. The entire company feels the history of the church and knows that people may be looking upwards for inspiration and there will be our work.

WILL THERE EVER BE A BETTER TIME THAN NOW?

This year we have looked at hundreds and hundreds of roof problems.  Hopefully none of them are on your facilities, but if you do have some issues here are a few things to think about…

1. Companies are HUNGRY.  Not just contractors, but manufacturers and suppliers as well.  There haven’t been prices this competitive on projects for a long, long time.
2. INFLATION is coming.  The government has poured so much money into the system that prices for raw materials are bound to increase by huge percentages.  You can buy a lot more with your money right now than you will be able to in the near future.
3. NOW is the time to show your employees, your customers, your owners that you are preparing for the future.  Things are getting better.  Business is going to pick up.  I hope that it has already started for you.   Make sure that you are ahead of the curve and not behind.

What to do with a Leaking Metal Building

NEEDS HELP

Did you ever walk through your building one day and notice a wet spot on the floor, maybe have a big wet drop hit you right on your head?  Immediately the thoughts go to how do we catch the water.  Then you may start to think, what am I going to do about this new problem.  If the source of your concerns is a leaking metal roof, here a few options for consideration.

REPAIR

Almost everyone goes to this option first, because it is the least expensive and it gives you time to evaluate the situation.  Almost always the problem stems from a poor seal at a penetration or a fastener head.  A good high grade caulking will probably take care of the problem(for a little while).

Metal Wall Flashing

COATING

There are many manufacturers that have coating systems for metal roofs.   These may be appropriate if the metal is in sound condition.  Preparation is the key to a successful project.  Generally the fasteners are checked for tightness and possibly re-caulked or replaced.   The roof surface may be powerwashed to remove anything from the metal surface.  Seams and flashings are checked and stripped in with membrane.  A primer and one or two coats of the coating may be applied to the roof surface with either a roller or spray equipment.  Warranties are available from many of these manufacturers.

SINGLE PLY

Several manufacturers have systems for the installation of a single ply membrane over existing metal roofs.  Usually a filler piece of insulation is installed to make a level surface.  Then a suitable substrate to receive the single ply is mechanically fastened to the existing roof.  This may be an insulation board, plywood, or Dens Deck.  Thicknesses can vary and cause the need for wood blocking for securement at the roof edges.  The single ply membrane is then fully adhered to the new substrate.  Weather tight warranties are available.  Note: You should make sure that the structure can withstand the added weight of the system.

REPLACEMENT

Probably the most expensive option is removal of the existing metal panels and installation of new panels.  This is generally only considered when the existing panels are too deteriorated for any of the above options.  Make sure that the replacement panel is designed for the intended application.

Above all, make sure that you use a professional roofing contractor.  They can help you evaluate the various options.  Consider engaging them before the first drop hits the floor.  They may be able to provide preventive maintenance, thus allowing you to budget for the future and possibly prevent any costly damages or down time.

How we can make you look good (FOR FREE).

Lately free has become one of my favorite things.  It probably has something to do with the media and the economy.  There is an amazing service that I believe most major roofing companies offer.  It is something that, I think, really should be done on all roofs at least twice a year.

In the Lancaster, York  and Harrisburg areas we have been surveying roofs for Property Managers, Facilities Directors and building owners.  I have been horrified by some of the things that we have found.  Things like this

Blow Off

Worn Out Membrane

Loose Flashings

They are just asking for trouble if they don’t do something about this soon.

I know that it is easy to forget the roof until there is a problem, but with a little preventive maintenance, and some loving care from someone who knows what they are doing, you could greatly prolong the life of your investment.  Don’t wait too long like some of these people did.

It didn’t cost anything for these people to find out that they had these problems.  If we would have gotten there sooner, most of them would have been minor repairs.  Now some of them are in need of replacements costing potentially hundreds of thousands.

The initial roof inspections, complete with pictures and reports were free.  Minor repairs should be done on a Time and Materials basis.  Major work, including replacements should be estimated and a detailed proposal provided.

Please don’t be surprised.  Have your roof looked at on a regular basis, and if you are from the Central Pennsylvania area, feel free to give us a call.

J. V. Heidler Co., Inc.

What Did you Expect? Part 2

Where is that odor coming from and will it make me sick?  Why are the roofers set up right in front of the main entrance to the office?  In my last post I wrote about the issues of dirt and noise that come with most construction projects.  Today I’m going to write about odors and access.

• Odors There are a variety of smells which can come from a re-roofing project.  They depend mostly on the type of materials being used.  Hot asphalt is one of the most notable odors.  This can be used for  a built-up roof , a modified system or adhesion of insulation to the deck.  It can be controlled to an extent by the type and location of the equipment.  Here is a link to some facts about roofing asphalt  facts about asphalt.   But the traditional asphalt is not the only roofing material with an odor.

More recently some people have come to object to the fumes coming from the application of solvents or adhesives.  Here is a link to a Technical Information Sheet by Firestone Building Products  Firestone Recommended Guidelines.  Several companies have begun to address this issue with the introduction of low VOC (volatile organic compound) adhesives.  These are more expensive and still have an odor to them.  Some areas of the country are beginning to legislate the use of these materials.

The location of air intakes into the building should be noted.  Occasionally certain air intakes may be able to be blocked while that area of the roof is being worked on.  It may also be possible to utilize a fan to direct the fumes away from the air intakes.

• Access It is of great benefit to both the person handling the project for the owner and the contractor to go over all of these items in advance.  They should definitely be addressed before the start of the project and hopefully before the proposal in made.
  • Set Up: What area is the contractor going to use to stage his materials?  Will there be cranes or lifts needed?  How large of an area do they need?    Will there be any items stored on the ground?  Will they need to block any doors or cover any windows?
  • Electricity: Will the contractor be using electricity on site or will they be bringing their own generators?
  • Water: Will the contractor need water from the site to control dust or flood test any areas?
  • Path: What path will the workers take to get to the roof?  Will they need entry to the building to utilize a roof hatch or will they go up an outside ladder?
  • Facilities: Will the roofers be providing a portable toilet?  If so where will it be located?

I hope that you find these items helpful as you prepare for your next roofing project.  I have thought of a few other issues and will be adding a Part 3 soon.

What Did You Expect? Part 1

Did you really not know that people tearing off your existing roof would be noisy?  I would like to help people who manage facilities and properties  know what to expect when they get a new roofing system.  Hopefully your contractor will go over these issues with you well before the project begins.

There are several areas of concern that should be addressed.

• Noise There will be noise from any construction project.  The amount of noise will depend on many factors, including the type of roof deck, insulation, ceiling, air plenum, etc.  A big item to go over is what time will it start.  Many people are surprised at what time a roofing crew starts their day.  Some cities have regulations on how early work can begin.  Our employees usually like to start working at first light, especially in the Summer as it can get brutally hot up on the roof in the afternoons.  Often times it is beneficial for a commercial or industrial project to get as much work done as early as possible before people begin showing up for their day.  On most projects there is more noise early in the day as possibly existing roofing is removed or fasteners run into the roof deck.  Later in the day the noise level may die down as detail work is done along with cleanup.

• Dirt Especially if your existing roof is being removed there will be dirt and dust generated by a roofing project.  Even if the roof is not being removed, there is a possibility of dust or debris being knocked loose from on top of existing beams or rafters.  If you have sensitive equipment below the area being re-roofed, it should be determined who’s responsibility it is to protect this equipment.  Also if dust and small particles of debris fall to the shop floor, who is going to sweep this up and dispose of it?  Generally for the outside of the building the roofing contractor will provide dumpsters or dump trucks to remove large debris and dirt that is removed from the roof surface.  How clean do you need your site to be every evening?  Must it be broom swept every day and every last bit of dust removed or will you wait for one finally cleaning at the end of the project?  I strongly recommend that if shingles are removed a rolling magnet be run over the area to pick up any nails.

In my next post I’ll be talking about access and fumes.  There really are a lot of issues that you need to think about if you want your project to go smoothly.

Lancaster County Roofers

Lancaster Roofers

In my last post, I wrote about all of the wonderful people that surround me in the office.  As  I reflected on it, I felt really bad about what I had written, or more accurately, what I didn’t write.  Don’t get me wrong, they are the best group of people that I have ever worked with.   But as I thought about it, our customers don’t pay us for what they do.  What our customers pay us for is having “the best roofers anywhere” and using those individuals to keep them and their possessions dry and safe from the elements.

It’s not easy having “the best roofers anywhere”.  Being here in Lancaster County, PA makes the task a whole lot easier though.  There is a work ethic here in this region that is hard to match anywhere in the world.  I’ve had offices in othe states before, but it never worked out.  I was just never able to find a group of people that could produce the way that the people from Lancaster could.  That is probably why The Lancaster area fares so much better than other areas in this economy.

The people that we have working out on the roofs are a unique group of individuals.  They are roofers.  They get up before the sun and put in an amazing day of work out in the elements.  Keep in mind that it is a lot hotter up on the roof than it is in front of your computer screen (or mine).  Often times they are filthy and dirty from removing an existing roof.  This is not a job for people afraid of dirt or hard work.

I’m not going to name names for fear that I would miss someone, because roofers have feelings too.  The important thing here is that these are the people that do the real work!  They are the ones that keep our customers coming back to us.