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Pick up LEED points without re-roofing
Commercial building owners are getting smart-instead of waiting until their cap sheet roof completely fails before addressing roof maintenance, they are proactively applying reflective white acrylic coatings and seeing big savings. In fact, this strategy presents advantages on several fronts. First, reflective white acrylic coatings qualify roofs for LEED certification and Title 24 compliance, and we all know how great it is to be green. Second, the coatings extend the life of the roof indefinitely, and for a fraction of the cost of re-roofing. Fluid coatings fall under the category of "maintenance," therefore they can be fully expensed in a single year, another plus.
The fluid applied roofs are even more cost effective when you factor in energy savings, because the reflective quality of the coating lowers the temperature of the building significantly in warmer months. The cost of the coating is almost always recouped in energy savings over the life of the coating.
Although not every roof will meet the requirements for these types of applications, Platinum Roofing will perform a roof evaluation at no charge.
prior tips -
Why go with the Single Ply?
If you are considering a single-ply membrane for your re-roofing project, choose LEED approved single plys such as TPO or PVC. These single plys are 100% recyclable and most major manufacturers have programs in place to recycle your old roof when it needs to be replaced. Flame-retardants, light stabilizers, antioxidants, light absorbers and pigments are blended to create a sheet that is "Title 24" compliant. The white TPO or PVC roofing membrane typically has a reflectivity rating in the high 80% range when installed, and after 3 years still maintains a rating in the low 80% range.
Single Ply Membranes are part of a diverse family of rubber-like materials based on polypropylene and EP rubber polymerized together using a state-of-the-art manufacturing technology.
In many commercial roofing applications, the TPO or PVC membrane is installed using mechanical fasteners and plates placed along the leading edge with the next sheet lapped and hot air-welded together. One of the major benefits of these systems is that the welded seams actually become stronger than the sheets themselves, making for an ultra-strong roof. TPO or PVC is suitable either as an overlay or for use in a complete tear-off. Sheet thicknesses range from 45 mils to 135 mils, with the 60 mil or 50 mil sheet being the most popular. Manufacturer material and labor warranties for TPO and PVC roofing range from 10 to 30 years. Cost effective and environmentally sound-we recommend that you go with TPO or PVC.
Why single ply? Single ply roof systems and membrane have been around for over 40+ years. Some single ply systems contain recycled materials in their content which helps add to the LEED credits of your building. The overall life cycle costs of your roof system include not only the cost of roofing, the cost of maintenance, the cost of energy and can include carbon offsets. Platinum Roofing works with you to design the most cost effective roof system available with the lowest overall life cycle costs. Warrantees of up to 30 years can be had if designed into the system up front. Platinum Roofing uses today's leading technologies without sacrificing tried and true roofing experience and design.
Does Your Contractor Have Adequate Insurance?
Before you choose a contractor, make sure that they have adequate Insurance to cover you in case a problem should arise. Ask the contractor to send you a copy of their Liability and Workman's Comp. policies. Then when you go into contract, have them add you to their policy as an Additional Insured before you start the job. Usually there is no charge for this and it ensures that you are not responsible for any insurance-related issues that take place.
Tenant Improvements - Start at the Top
Thinking of adding some office space, new carpets, fresh paint or even changing your old ceiling tiles? How about some nice office furniture or newer computers?
It's going to look great - you can picture it now. But a word of caution: before you do anything, check out your roof. You don't want a leaky roof to wash away all your hard work and money. It's good practice and more cost effective to budget for preventative maintenance, starting at the top - with your roof. Then you can sit back and enjoy all your great new stuff.
Call the experts at Platinum Roofing, Inc. for a FREE roof inspection.
What Does Apples to Apples Really Mean in the Roofing Industry?
If you get three estimates using three different roofing systems, in reality you have only one estimate (one for each roofing type, which are incomparable). Choose the roofing system for your project with a little research. Don't be afraid to ask questions from the bidding contractors. Once you have chosen your roofing system, put it back out to bid. From there, you can properly compare the estimates since they will all represent the same roofing system.
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// Featured Job
909 Montgomery Street
// Platinum Edge
Buildings consume 40% of the world's total energy. Platinum Roofing services can help:
| >> | lower utility costs |
| >> | promote environmentally effective
use of building materials |
| >> | provide long-term economic returns |
| >> | reduce environmental impact |
Green Capabilities, Solar Installation Consultation, Certifications & Inspections, Roof Maintenance Programs.
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