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Tag Archive: roof leaks

  1. 3 Tips to Keep Your Commercial Roof in Shape this Winter

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    With the winter season closing in on the construction and roofing industries, commercial businesses should prepare to take a look at their current roofing systems’ longevity. Harsh weather conditions like the sleet, intense cold, and freezing drafts are here to expose all of your weaknesses. Instead of playing the waiting game take initiative on your roof and prevent situations that can lead to roof and ceiling leaks or obstructed damage to drain systems. Your deterioration is beyond a simple inconvenience.

    Here are a few forward-thinking tips to ensure your commercial roof is in tip-top shape throughout the menace of winter.

    Action is better than reaction:

    Going through roof construction in the chaos of winter’s worst elements leads to one big headache. Bottom line, your business (building and employees included) will respond better to pre-emptive measures before the cold strikes. So what can you do?

    1. Book an inspection. Certified professionals go over every square inch of the roof and check for known deficiencies that may be exacerbated by the forces of winter. Common problems that are identified include possible leaks, poor joint integrity, sheet metal flashing degradation, random punctures and unsealed pitch pans.
    2. Budget ahead of time. A report, complete with images and a prioritization of the proposed repairs, is compiled based on the findings of this inspection. This allows you to tackle the areas that can quickly escalate into an emergency. Use your available funds for current and necessary improvements and make sure to allocate your budget for future modifications or complete reconstruction.
    3. Always upkeep. Thorough roof upkeep typically includes cleaning of all drain components and tightening of bolts, disposal of small debris, repair of deficiencies found on the flashing around roof penetrations and the field membrane and the inspection of all mechanical equipment on the roof. Special attention should be paid to the overall flexibility of the roof so that it can withstand contractions and expansions.

    Knickerbocker services:

    Knickerbocker Roofing offers inspection and commercial roof maintenance services. Our trained professionals know how to properly wield the tools of repair for your damaged roof. We are also certified with all major roofing manufacturers for contracting.

    If emergency services are required, we can accommodate.

    Please contact us today for your custom quotes.

    You can also follow us on Twitter & LinkedIn throughout the holiday season to stay on top of the latest in the commercial roofing industry.

    We wish all of you a very happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to reconnecting in 2018!

    3 Tips to Keep Your Commercial Roof in Shape this Winter

  2. Common Myths About Roofing & The Facts That Dispel Them

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    President Abraham Lincoln once said, “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon… The great point is to bring them the real facts.” Lincoln’s theory holds true in regards to most circumstances, including roofs and roofing services. Facts can help to dispel common myths and concrete facts (no pun intended) will help you when it comes time to make the right decisions about your roof. Over the years, a lot has been said about roofing; both commercial and industrial roofing, and residential too. Because there is so much information out there, a lot of roofing myths tend to circulate. To clear up some of these common misconceptions, we’re presenting the roofing facts! Read on:

    Myth: You will save money by taking care of repairs after the damage is already done.
    Fact: You will save money by taking care of repairs before the roof leaks.
    What the experts say: A roof is the building’s first level of protection against the elements – rain, wind, sun, and snow. An article from the Chicago Tribune quoted an executive from the National Roofing Contractors Association stating, “No one thinks anything of the roof, until it leaks.” We recommend staying on top of your roof before it leaks because it can prevent further and larger damages that often times go unattended. By being proactive you can save money on some of those major repairs and expenses.

    Myth: Your roof does not need annual repair reviews.
    Fact: It is wise to survey the state of your roof (commercial, home, industrial, or institutional) regularly.
    What the experts say: At Knickerbocker, we recommend annual, or biannual, inspections to our customers. Why? Frequent examinations with written guidance reports and photos allow you to examine concern areas that should be addressed sooner than later. The per-project agreements that we offer grant ongoing roof inspections to ensure your roofs longevity and that it is properly maintained. Again, this will save you money on the inevitably big repairs you will need if you wait on inspections.

    Myth: Damaged shingled roofs have a quick fix. Simply cover the existing layer with new shingles.
    FACT: The above will NOT fix the problem, it will only create further damages in the future.
    What the experts say: Instead, old shingles should be entirely removed and replaced. Some building codes might say that the above myth is acceptable, but it is not a good idea! Head back to the article referenced above, “Think of shingles as the skin of an apple. Ever bite into that bright red skin only to get a mouthful of a soft, bruised, mushy interior? Underneath shingles is a layer of wood sheathing, usually plywood. Sheathing can rot because of leaks, inadequate attic ventilation or just age. The best way to inspect this critical layer is to strip away the old shingles.”

    Myth: Green roofs are a pricey rip off.
    FACT: Green roofs offer many advantages when properly installed.
    What the experts say: A recent blog from the Huffington Post commented, “Green building isn’t as difficult as you might think…” and we would agree with this statement, adding, when it’s done right. Just one of the huge advantages of a properly installed green roofing system is the prevention of leaks. At Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving, we apply our 125+ years of experience in the roofing and sheet metal industry to every green roofing installation we do. In recent years, we’ve completed many successful green roofing installations. Through our relationships with roofing manufacturers and sub-contractors, we’ve become a leader in constructing watertight green roof systems.

    As industrial leaders in the roofing industry, we remind you that these are only a few of the many myths that can lead to further damages or poorly functioning roofing systems. We would be happy to tell you more! For further information on the above, other myths, or general questions and information, give us a call at 708-339-7260 or email us at: sales@knickroof.com. We hope that you take the above information with you on your future roofing endeavors!