By Emma Peterson. 

The AskARoofer Minisode series is perfect for home and business owners looking for bite-sized insights into their roof.  

For many home and business owners, their roof is a bit of mystery. We all know that we want one above our head, but the details can be a little murky at times. Solving this and demystifying the roofing process is a huge goal of the AskARoofer team, but we’re well aware not everyone has time for a masterclass in roofs. That’s why we created the AskARoofer (AAR) Minisode series! 

This series is designed to be an accessible way for home and building owners to learn more about their roofs! It brings roofing experts on to share key roof knowledge, like what maintenance can save you from costly repairs and what to do to avoid leaks post-storm. The best part? Each episode is ten minutes or shorter so it can easily be the soundtrack to your daily commute, workout or coffee break!  

To give you a sneak peek into the type of content you can expect from our Minisodes, here’s a quick recap of our recent episodes.  

1 – Solar system warranties 

In this Minisode, Kyle Nurminen of Total Roofing Systems and Mark Swift of Solar Energy Systems share key information for homeowners about solar systems. Not only do they discuss the challenges and opportunities that solar present, but they also dive into the specifics of what they should know about warranties related to solar systems.  

2 – Slate roof structure  

We also recently had a Minisode that dove into the details of slate roofing. This is a key topic as slate roofing has many different requirements than other roofing materials. As John Chan, owner of The Durable Slate Company explained, “[Slate definitely has unique structural needs] because it’s a very heavy material. Standard slates, which are a quarter to three-eighths inch, are generally 850 pounds per square (a 10’x10’ area). And there are even denser stones that can be up to 950-1,000 pounds per square.”  

3 – Benefits of roof coatings 

Another recent episode featured Sara Jonas, vice president of marketing at ICP Group, in a discussion about the benefits of roof coatings, both on commercial buildings and residential homes. Sara really summed it up best when she said, “When it comes to benefits of coatings, energy efficiency and comfort of an interior space are really the big ones. But there’s also benefits for a roof’s lifespan because of the restoration aspect.”  

4 – Fire prevention and roofing  

And last but not least, we had a Minisode all about how fire-resistant roofing products are key to protecting your home from the risk of fire. The expert featured on it was Robin Anderson from Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions, who shared insight into what fire-resistant roof solutions look like in action, saying, “In a wildfire situation, the embers are a huge concern. You want to prevent even the smallest ember or the heat transfer from getting into a roofing system to catch things on fire. It’s really a matter of thinking about the whole system.” 

Want to learn more? You can listen to the AskARoofer Minisodes on AskARoofer.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and any other streaming service you use for podcasts.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how tax credits and incentives have made energy-efficient roofing more accessible than ever before. 

Roofing contractors have been at the forefront of using cool roofs and walls to reduce energy consumption and decrease the commonality of urban heat islands (UHI). 2022 saw one of the big shifts in this area, with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act making sustainable and cool options more available to homeowners, building managers and contractors to make more efficient roofs. This bill, which is the biggest U.S. bill to address combatting climate change, makes cool roofs and walls more accessible through expanded tax incentives.  

In a report from the ICP Building Solutions Group, there is a summary of what this act has done. Overall, in the two years since the Inflation Reduction Act, we have seen over $300 billion invested in energy and climate reform. This money came in the form of “energy tax incentives, investment in the production of clean energy and tax credits aimed at reducing carbon emissions.” Check out the graph to see some of the incentives that were created:  

• Homes: This is a program directed to homeowners (including multi-family homes). It offers up to $8,000 based on the household’s income level and total energy reduction. 
• HEERA: With a focus on low-income households, this program incorporates general electric improvements and provides opportunities for spray foam and air sealing improvements. 
• 25C: This program increases the tax credit amount up to $1,200 for qualified energy efficiency improvement during the year (this includes things such as air sealing and better insulation).  
• 45L: This gives credits to new residential construction builders that adhere to ENERGY STAR or Zero Energy (DOE) requirements. 
• 179D: This is a tax deduction for architects, owners or tenants of commercial buildings that make energy efficiency improvements. This can be new buildings or renovations of existing buildings. 

Making these cool roof and wall options more accessible is a key part of making a more sustainable and healthier built environment. By reflecting solar energy on the roof or more efficiently emitting heat through the walls, prioritizing the installation of these products keeps buildings cooler and at a more consistent temperature. The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), which has been a leader in this sector of the industry since 1998, reports that not only do cool roofs and walls create a healthier environment inside and around the building, but they also create a more energy-efficient system that saves building owners, homeowners and property managers money. 

Overall, these tax incentives have made it more accessible than ever to invest in energy-efficiency improvements and has made it a profitable space for contractors to focus on. To learn more, read the full report. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how the right coating can save you energy and money on the roof and on the ground! 

In this episode of the AskARoofer Podcast, Megan Ellsworth and Lauren White sat down with Sara Jonas, the vice president of the ICP Building Solutions Group. Within ICP, there are many different coatings brands, including APOC, which was the focus of their conversation. Overall, coatings are rising in popularity due to a variety of benefits, including efficient maintenance and a longer lifespan for the roof. Sara explained, “Coatings extend the life of the roof and also protect the membranes that are underneath it. So doing coating maintenance gives you more longevity for the life of that roof preventing a full tear off and all those materials going in the landfill sooner than maybe they need to.” 

But the benefits to roof coatings are not limited to the exterior barrier of the home. A good coating also can make an entire house system more energy efficient. Sara explained, “There are obviously a lot of advantages to this. Just to your average monthly energy bill, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has a study that says the average savings is about 20% of your annual cooling costs in certain types of climates.”  

In addition to their roof coatings, APOC also carries a line of driveway seals. These coatings, the Black Jack® Drive-Maxx™ driveway sealers, help protect aging asphalt. Sara elaborated, “If they have an asphalt driveway oftentimes those will start to discolor, they'll start to crack, they'll start to kind of dry out. And to protect that asphalt and keep it from getting further damage and then really some of it is just curb appeal, one of these coatings can be applied. A lot of people really like a very sharp, crisp, black driveway, which a coating can achieve” Whether it’s making sure your roof lasts as long as possible, keeping your current bills down or making sure your house retains its value, ICP and APOC have a coating for the job! 

Read the transcript or Listen to the entire episode for more about these coatings and how they are best applied. 

By Cayden Wemple. 

For winter weather protection on commercial roofs, follow these three steps for preventive maintenance! 

It’s always a good idea to prepare your roof for extreme winter weather. When the cold months hit, it's necessary to install a preventative weatherization process. Doing this can save you thousands of dollars on future repairs. We can break down the process in three easy steps courtesy of ICP Building Solutions: 

1. Perform a deep cleaning of the roof.  

To maintain a waterproof roof, it is essential to keep all water channels free from any kind of debris. These channels are responsible for draining rain and snowmelt from the roof, and if they are obstructed, it can result in an accumulation of water, causing dangerous roof load conditions and even damaging roof leaks.  

Gutters: It is important to remove any plant debris that may have accumulated in the gutters, which can block water flow. 

Downspouts: Checking the downspouts is crucial to ensure that there are no obstructions hindering the flow of water. A simple way to confirm this is by using a hose to verify that the water is flowing freely through the downspouts. 

Scuppers: Just like the gutters, it is essential to remove any plant or windblown debris that may have collected in the scuppers. This will prevent the water from flowing off the roof. 

Field drains: Field drains should be cleaned and their screens should be replaced regularly. 

2. Conduct an inspection 

After cleaning the roof, the next step is to conduct a comprehensive inspection to check for any signs of deterioration, storm damage, splits, cracks, pulling, tenting or fish mouthing. It is essential to inspect several key areas to ensure the roof is in good condition. These areas include scuppers, drains, curbs, base flashings, penetrations, field seams, coping caps, gutters and downspouts. By inspecting each of these areas, you can identify any potential problems that may cause damage to the roof and address them promptly to prevent any further damage. 

3. Make sure to use a high-quality roofing material 

Once you have located the areas that need repair, it is essential to ensure that high-quality roofing materials are used, and that they are compatible with the roofing membrane. It is crucial to use the 4 Ps method to achieve a long-lasting result. 

Prep: Ensure that the repair area is both clean and dry before proceeding with the repair. 

Prime: If necessary, apply the suitable primer to ensure a strong bond. 

Patch: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to complete the repair properly.  

Protect: In case the repair materials need extra protection against UV rays. 

Identify potential roof issues before winter hits to avoid emergency repairs during extreme weather conditions. 

Have a question? AskARoofer. 

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

About Cayden   

Cayden is a reporter for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When he isn’t writing about roofs, he’s usually playing guitar or writing songs for his musical endeavors.

By Dani Sheehan. 

See how roof coatings serve as another resource for increasing the life of your roof and other ways it can save you money. 

With the recent launch of CoatingsCoffeeShop™, the topic of roof coatings is buzzing. In a recent AskARoofer Podcast episode, Megan Ellsworth and Lauren White sat down with Sara Jonas, vice president of marketing at ICP Building Solutions Group, to learn more about roof coatings and see how they are expanding to the residential market. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see if coatings are the next big thing for your home or building’s roof. 

Roof coatings typically work best in low-slope roofing. In areas like the southwest, where low-slope roofs are popular, and temperatures are extremely hot, Sara says the biggest benefit of coatings is improving energy efficiency. She breaks it down rather simply, “If you go step on an asphalt road and it’s this hot sunny day, it’s going to be hot. Right? It’s going to feel hot on your feet because that black surface is absorbing the heat from the sun.” She continues, “If you coat that road with a white coating, it’s actually going to reflect that. So the surface temperature is going to be much cooler than it would be if it were blacktop.” According to a study from Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory, using a roof coating can save a homeowner or building owner about 20% in annual cooling costs. 

Coatings also play an important role in roof maintenance. Regardless of the roofing material, it’s good practice to have a contractor inspect your home or building’s roof quarterly to ensure there are no leaks or potential issues. Roof coatings “protect the membranes that are underneath it... It gives you more longevity for the life of that roof preventing a full tear off and all those materials going in the landfill sooner than maybe they need to.”  

Not every roof is a good candidate for restoration, but in many cases, coatings can save money through a decreased energy bill and an increased life of the roof. Finding a contractor who is a certified applicator can help assess your roof for problem areas and determine if a coating is the right fit. 

Listen to the full podcast episode or read the transcript to continue learning about roof coatings and how they can potentially benefit you as a home or building owner.

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of a live interview with Sara Jones from ICP Group. You can read the interview below or listen to the podcast.

Megan Ellsworth: Hello everyone, my name is Megan Ellsworth.

Lauren White: And I'm Lauren White.

Megan Ellsworth: This is the AskARoofer Podcast, we are back again. I'm really excited to be chatting with Sara Jonas today. Hi Sara.

Sara Jonas: Hey guys, how are you?

Megan Ellsworth: Doing good. We have lots of exciting things to chat with you about and let's just dive right in and have you introduce yourself.

Sara Jonas: Great. Well, like you said my name is Sara Jonas and I'm the vice president of marketing for ICP Group. Now ICP has all kinds of different brands, but I think today we're here to talk about the APOC brand which is where our roof coatings and roof maintenance products, among other things lie. All things roofing, well for the most part. Always some acceptance. Let's say roofing and water roofing, so that's the brand.

Megan Ellsworth: Awesome.

Sara Jonas: Yeah. Sorry, I got kind of mixed up. ICP has a lot to offer so I had to switch my mind frame to go okay, wait, we're talking about APOC right now. Okay.

Megan Ellsworth: Yes, we love that.

Sara Jonas: Yeah. Well I do too, it makes for interesting days for sure.

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah, I bet.

Sara Jonas: One day we're talking driveway sealers and the next day we're talking panes and then we're over talking foam and insulation and today we get to talk roofing.

Lauren White: You guys have it all going on.

Sara Jonas: We really do, we do have a lot in the portfolio for sure.

Lauren White: That's awesome. Well, speaking of APOC we recently with the coffee shops launched CoatingsCoffeeShop in partnership with APOC. So can you tell us what it was like finally putting it out there into the world? It's live, so you can go check it out. So tell us more about that?

Sara Jonas: Yeah. We're very excited about CoatingsCoffeeShop, this came from an idea and a conversation maybe a little over a year ago. Where we were obviously participating in RoofersCoffeeShop and then we were seeing the success and the involvement particularly from the industry in MetalCoffeeShop and we were like, "Why don't we have a CoatingsCoffeeShop? We really should do this." So it actually came together very, very quickly. Super impressed with the team in building this because it went very fast, at least from where I'm sitting. So it came together, we recently launched it at FRSA and there's been a lot of really great feedback, a lot of excitement. We had an opportunity to talk about it at the recent RCMA meeting in Cleveland and again lots of excitement there, lots of opportunity. I think a lot of things going on in the coatings industry that we'll be able to hone in on and focus on on CoatingsCoffeeShop that you don't always get the granularity of those details when you talk just roofing in general because it's such a massive space.

So we're very excited about it, we've been sharing a lot with our stakeholders and look forward to see it grow so that it can be a real resource to contractors either involved in coatings today or looking to get involved in the future.

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah, that's great. I'm really excited to talk about all the things that coatings can do for homeowners. So what can a home or building owner get out of CoatingsCoffeeShop? What can they find there?

Sara Jonas: Yeah. Well CoatingsCoffeeShop is really directed to the contractor, right? So it would be a good place to get in touch with a contractor.

Megan Ellsworth: Exactly.

Sara Jonas: But you can see some of the benefits of coatings, which I would say probably the biggest one for a homeowner and in this case we're talking primarily low slope roofing. So think of areas... Not that it's limited to this. But think of areas for a homeowner out in Arizona or maybe it's a multi-home family where you've got a low slope roof and you're looking for energy efficiency. So for us, like I said out in the Southwest that's where we reach more of the homeowners because you see more of that type of construction and it's really hot. So energy efficiency and just comfort of the home are kind of the biggest components. But there's also a spot for... Again, for the building owners it would be the same thing for the energy efficiency. But there's also a lot that can be done with roof coatings in terms of restoration. So when we look at the lifespan of a roof, you will absolutely be required to maintain your roof.

Over time roof maintenance is really, really important and a building owner or a homeowner should be inspecting or having a contractor inspect their roof at least quarterly. To go up there and just make sure that there are no spots where you could potentially have a leak or where you unfortunately already have a leak. Or areas where you have ponding water issues or just I guess improper drainage, all those types of issues and those can be repaired and the whole roof when it gets to a certain point can be restored. So it extends the life of the roof, coatings also protect the membranes that are underneath it. So again, it gives you more longevity for the life of that roof preventing a full tear off and all those materials going in the landfill sooner than maybe they need to. So a lot of different advantages in terms of coatings and restorations and that's one of the components or facets to CoatingsCoffeeShop because you can see all those different benefits and learn about it.

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah.

Lauren White: Okay. So can we dive more into the energy efficiency, because that's such a big topic for home and building owners and just people in general anymore and APOC we were just talking about that. How APOC and coatings offer ways to cut down on energy costs through these reflective coatings that kind of help cool the house and improve the energy efficiency of the house. Can you dive into that a little bit more?

Sara Jonas: Yeah. I mean from a scientific standpoint I'm sure you could get a lot more detail but it's really pretty simple. If you go step on an asphalt road and it's this hot sunny day, it's going to be hot. Right? It's going to feel hot on your feet because that black surface is absorbing the heat from the sun. Right? If you coat that road with a white coating, it's actually going to reflect that. So the surface temperature is going to be much cooler than it would be if it were blacktop. Now, put that on a roof and that's literally what it means. Well there are obviously a lot of advantage just to your average monthly energy bill, there are a lot of studies out there. I think there's one that we've cited from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, that'll say kind of the average savings is about 20% of your annual cooling costs in those types of climates.

Lauren White: Oh, wow.

Sara Jonas: So now that's an average, but that's what they're touting so a lot of benefits there. When you get into the commercial space and you're a building owner, there are some tax advantages as well. So even the new Inflation Reduction Act, and I'm not an accountant here. But even in that new act, I believe it's 179D that you're going to want to look at for the details. But there are some increased benefits to the owners for all kinds of different energy efficient practices, but reflective roofing or cool roofing is one of those components. So there are a lot of advantages, all cost reduction related or some a little bit more sustainability wise when we talk about again extending the life of the roof so that you don't have to tear it off too soon. Right? But yeah, I mean the reflective pieces it's pretty simple to explain because it's something that we see every day if you live anywhere that gets sun.

Lauren White: It makes sense.

Megan Ellsworth: Which is a lot of places.

Sara Jonas: It's a lot of places. Yes, it's a lot of places.

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. You were mentioning Arizona and how you have a lot of people that use APOC coatings in the Southwest. No wonder because A, they get so much sun and so much heat. But a lot of those adobe-style houses have flat roofs where the coatings can really come in handy, especially when you're trying to restore and not just completely tear off and replace. So that's something that a homeowner and a building owner should really be looking at is trying to restore. How does APOC... You guys have a roof restoration system for people? What does that system look like?

Sara Jonas: Well, it really depends.

Megan Ellsworth: Okay.

Sara Jonas: So the system would be based on the state of the roof, right? So it's almost like a consultative or prescriptive program, but we have all kinds of... Yeah. So I mean, it just depends on what that roof needs and depending on the substrate that's currently sitting on that roof. Depending on the state of the roof, depending on are there a bunch of fasteners in this roof? Or how many penetrations do you have? What does it look like? What was done in the past that would all determine what's needed for the restoration and in this instance, for sure... Really for all of these instances. A homeowner and building owner needs to be working with a contractor who is... In our opinion, it should be a certified applicator. Somebody who's gone through the training program, somebody who really knows how to walk the roof and look for all those problem areas. But also who can say, "This roof is a good candidate for restoration." Or, "This roof is not a good candidate for restoration."

Because there are instances where it should not be restored or parts of it should not be restored, it needs to be replaced and a good contractor will be able to walk you through that. Training is a really, really important part of this industry, so if I'm a homeowner or a building owner that's a question that I'm going to be asking and then we of course have people on our team. Johnny Walker is a name that comes up very often, where Johnny is available to help those contractors in some sticky situations which happens more often than not. Where another expert opinion I guess might be needed or warranted and we can go up on the roof or send one of our technical sales team members up on a roof to figure out is this a good candidate or what would be required for the restoration? So to answer your original question, it completely varies on the roof. But we have all kinds of products available for those restorations and then we'll also walk away when it's not a good fit.

Megan Ellsworth: That's awesome. That's what I love to see in a really great company is... That's how you can tell they're a great company is if they say, "Hey. This is actually maybe not a great fit for what you need and I'm going to refer you to someone that can do a better job." Or whatever, and for all you home and building owners out there listening. You can find all the products that Sara is talking about for restoration on CoatingsCoffeeShop and then you can also find a contractor that is certified and has great reviews on AskARoofer. So there you go.

Sara Jonas: Yeah, [inaudible].

Lauren White: So some of the other offerings that you provide is driveway seals under your Black Jack® brand name. Can you tell us more about what that is and how they work for commercial parking lots and driveways?

Sara Jonas: Yeah, sure. Yeah. Our Black Jack®, Drive-Maxx™ driveway sealers are available kind of all over the place, so I don't want to list out anybody in particular. But really you can find them all over the country and they are products that a homeowner can use to install or apply on their driveway. If they have an asphalt driveway oftentimes those will start to discolor, they'll start to crack, they'll start to kind of dry out and to protect that asphalt and keep it from getting further damage and then really some of it is just curb appeal. Just a lot of people really like a very sharp, crisp, black driveway. Then you can get these products and you coat your driveway with them and it's really pretty easy to apply with a squeegee. We have a variety of different grades with some different performance criteria or characteristics rather, and they can be used in commercial too like you said. But yeah, I mentioned we have quite a breadth of products and these are some of the products that we have out there available as well.

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah, that's really cool. I did not even know that, that was a thing until we were writing the questions. Yeah.

Sara Jonas: Yeah, isn't that funny? So it's really funny, where I'm at I'm in Northeast Ohio and in my neighborhood I don't have any asphalt driveways. So when ICP first acquired Gardner-Gibson® which is where that brand came over from, we were doing some research and I'm like, "There are no asphalt driveways around here." And then I started actually paying attention. They're literally all over where I'm at, it's just not at my particular house. But I will say we ended up applying some at our office not too far from here in the driveway and just kind of playing around with the product and they're just super easy to apply, and for people who do have asphalt driveways this is a really common application. This is something that people do a lot sometimes annually, you don't have to do it annually. But I think like I said there's a curb appeal piece to it too where people just really like that just coated driveway look. So yeah, it's a thing.

Megan Ellsworth: I love that.

Sara Jonas: Yes, this is what I'm told.

Megan Ellsworth: That's funny because I feel like when I started working in the roofing industry, all of a sudden I started noticing roofs and now I'm going to start noticing asphalt driveways.

Sara Jonas: Right? Oh, yeah. I remember I would be on a flight and you're coming into whatever city and all you're doing is looking at the rooftops going, "Okay, that's that. That's that." It's so funny, yeah.

Lauren White: Who has solar, yeah.

Sara Jonas: That's right, yeah. You're going to notice the asphalt driveways now and you will absolutely be able to tell the difference between those that were maintained. Where the cracks are filled and they were coated recently and the ones that are not and there are big chunks of the driveway missing and it's completely discolored. It's starting to look more like a rock driveway than an asphalt driveway. So-

Lauren White: Yeah, and one of those is my driveway.

Sara Jonas: There you go. But yeah, that's another area of our business. It's pretty cool.

Megan Ellsworth: That's pretty cool.

Lauren White: It is very cool.

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah, wow.

Sara Jonas: Yeah.

Megan Ellsworth: It's also interesting to note that when you become a homeowner, or even if you're just renting or if you own a building. It's just another layer of things that you're signing up for, so it's nice to know that APOC has your back and has a product for that.

Sara Jonas: Absolutely, yes.

Megan Ellsworth: So besides CoatingsCoffeeShop and AskARoofer where should home and building owners go now that they're interested in coatings or asphalt driveway sealers?

Sara Jonas: Well, I mean apoc.com.

Megan Ellsworth: Perfect.

Sara Jonas: Yeah. We have all kinds of information for contractors, for owners on our website. We absolutely want them to come check us out. We also post a lot of content and some case studies on social media, so APOC Roofing and Waterproofing. Obviously CoatingsCoffeeShop, but there's also the RCMA where you can go to get some basic information about roof coatings and if you're really, really into it they do have a training program more geared toward contractors. But I would say the very first module of this online course is very general coatings information, so if you were so inclined you could take that course as well.

Megan Ellsworth: Whoa, crazy.

Sara Jonas: Yeah. But I mean some people are really... They might not be the one installing it. But they want to know the right questions to ask and that would be a good way to get familiar enough to where you're asking the right questions.

Lauren White: Definitely.

Megan Ellsworth: That is such a good point.

Lauren White: Yeah. So is there anything else? I mean we've touched on a few things. But is there anything else that home and building owners should know about coatings or asphalt driveway sealers?

Sara Jonas: Yeah. Well more on the coating side I would just go back to the idea that coatings are a great solution for extending the life of the roof, for protecting the membrane below the coating, for energy efficiency. But those roofs need to be maintained, they need to be inspected. So partnering with a quality contractor who can either offer you a maintenance program or who can come out after you've checked out your roof and have spotted some things that are of concern. Those are really, really important components. I also think making sure that you've got certified applicators is really, really important. Training is very important because again, you want to make sure that the contractor knows when the project is a great candidate for a restoration or a coating and when it's not because coatings are not miracle products. They don't do everything, no product out there is a miracle product. So really understanding the limitations of the different products that you install no matter what, whether it's coating or a full membrane or insulation or paint or whatever it is.

That's really, really important because that's how you can be assured that you're going to have a quality outcome. So that's something that's really important to us. I have heard it said so many times again by Johnny Walker that you've got to know when it's a great candidate for a restoration and this is aside from just coating, a full restoration and when it's not. So again, for an owner partnering with a quality contractor is really important.

Megan Ellsworth: Well said. Well Sara, this has been so fun. Thank you so much for chatting with us, I've learned so much about driveway sealers, coatings, all the things. I hope everyone out there listening has also learned and continues to learn by going to coatingscoffeeshop.com and askaroofer.com. So thank you so much.

Sara Jonas: Thank you guys, it's been fun.

Megan Ellsworth: Yes. It's been a blast and this has been the AskARoofer Podcast. Thank you everyone for listening and we'll catch you next time.

By ICP Group. 

Follow this handy guide for maintaining your roof. 

Fall is coming! And while you might already be doing your semi-annual cleaning, it is possible you are missing a huge spot: your roof. It can’t be stated enough the importance of a properly maintained roof, and fall cleaning to prepare a roof for colder weather is a large part of making sure the roof continues to work in tip-top shape.  

Here is APOC’s guide on what to look for when it comes to spring cleaning. A preventative maintenance inspection consists of a thorough visual inspection and documentation of the roof system. So let’s take a closer look at what you should get inspected and why. During an inspection, a professional will do the following:  

Roof membranes and flashings 

Ensure all flashing membranes are in good condition. Check for signs of stress, cracking, splitting, wrinkles, blisters, etc. Remove any foreign matter such as balls, shoes, tools, branches, oils, chemicals, liquid or other objects. Then, clean the roof membrane and closely inspect for signs of physical damage. 

Gutters, drains and scuppers 

Because these are the main avenues that rainwater travels off a roof surface and is directed away from the building, it is crucial that these areas are inspected and maintained. Clean and remove any debris clogging or obstructing the flow of water. Look for any sights of cracking or splitting of the membrane around your drains and scupper. If anything is noted, they must be repaired immediately by a qualified roofing contractor. 

Penetrations 

Inspect penetrations for signs of wear. Ensure that the base of the penetration remains completely sealed and attached to the roof membrane.  

Pitch pans 

Check all pitch pans for shrinkage. As sealants shrink over time, water may begin to sit on the top of the pitch pan causing rust, leaks and deterioration. 

Metal flashings 

Inspect all metal flashings, counter flashings, copings, seams, joints, gravel stops, edge metal and other areas to ensure they are secure and free of rust or deterioration. Any unsatisfactory conditions should be repaired as soon as possible.  

Rooftop equipment and accessories 

Inspect all rooftop equipment for deterioration and areas that are prone to water penetration. This includes HVAC equipment, duct work, curbs, skylights, etc.   

Expansion joints 

Check all expansion joints for deterioration, wear and defects. Check the metal components to ensure they are fully secured and free of rust. Make sure the expansion joint is still flexible and resilient. Look for any signs of cracking or splitting while manually flexing the joint.  

A good rule of thumb is to have a professional conduct a roof inspection twice a year — once in the spring and again in the fall before the first snow. If your roof is subject to unusual conditions, more frequent inspections should be conducted. 

It’s important to identify the problems areas of a roof and take these steps to ensure your roof lasts throughout the season. After all, properly maintaining a roof in early spring is the number one way to help prevent the stress of costly emergency repairs! 

Have a question? AskARoofer.  

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

Original article source: APOC 

Disclaimer: The information provided on AskARoofer.com or information sent by emails is the opinion of the writers. It is the responsibility of the reader to check for accuracy in one's own jurisdiction, as there are different codes and restrictions for different parts of the country. AskARoofer.com does not accept any liability for the use of information on this website or email. AskARoofer.com has no controls over product failures, installation, or climate conditions that may change the roofing process in your area. Our information is in general to our area and cannot be the same as your local town or state. It is advised to seek the local Building Department, Licensed Contractor, and local Product Representative for proper installation requirements and code enforcement when installing a new roof.

By ICP Group. 

It is official, hurricane season is here! Have you prepared your roof? 

Hurricane season is amping up, with promises to be more unpredictable and intense than ever before. Hurricanes can cause major wind and water damage to the roof, so it is important to know that your roof is in tip top shape for when storm season hits. Read on to learn the top five ways to best prepare your roof for hurricane season: 

1 - Roof evaluation: get to know the condition of the roof with a thorough inspection. 

2 - Trim trees: identify tree limbs, dead trees, and over-hanging branches to minimize risk. 

3 - Routine maintenance: keeping a regular maintenance program is the best way to ensure a roof can stand up to the elements of a storm. 

4 - Clean gutters and drains: maintaining a clear pathway for water to travel down to the ground and not sit on the roof to cause potential water damage is essential. 

5 - Make proper repairs: minor cracks and leaks can lead to serious problems during a hurricane. 

Don’t let storm season sneak up on you. Putting a roof preparation plan in place ahead of time is the best way to ensure a roof can stand up to the elements of a tropical storm. Have you prepared your homeowners? 

Have a question? AskARoofer.  

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

About ICP Industrial Solutions Group 

Innovative Chemical Products Group (ICP Group) is a leading formulator and manufacturer of specialty coatings, adhesives, and sealants serving the construction and industrial end markets. ICP Group is organized into two separate business groups, ICP Building Solutions Group and ICP Industrial Solutions Group, comprised of market leading brands known for innovation, quality and performance. Founded in 2015 and supported by a lean corporate team, ICP Group has scaled rapidly through organic and acquisition growth into one of the largest coatings, adhesives, and sealants companies in North America. ICP Group is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts and has manufacturing and distribution sites throughout North America, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit www.icpgroup.com 

Original article source: ICP Group 

By ICP Group. 

Ever wonder how to handle water ponding on a flat roof?   

Water can’t run off of flat roofs the way that it can on slanted roofs, which leads to water puddling on the roof that creates structural damage and leaks. Pooling water on your roof needs to be addressed, so when water starts to pond, it is time to start addressing the problem. Luckily, there are a few easy fixes for ponding that can seriously help your roof’s life expectancy. 

How to fix your ponding 

There is a roofing product that evens out the spots where your roof dips/sags and ponds so that when there are heavy rains you don’t collect water on your roof. It is an easy-to-apply product for DIY people who would like to take care of their ponding issues on their own; and is an auxiliary sloping compound. It dries quickly and only requires one application to correct drainage problems on your flat roof. It has the ability to be matched to the existing roof. You should make sure the product you choose is UV stable. Sitting in direct sunlight for hours, days and years at a time should not reduce the effectiveness of the compound. 

Another option for DIY roofers is to figure out where the low spots on your roof are. Once you understand how the water puddles on your roof, install a drain so that the water naturally comes off of your roof without having to do extensive repair work to your current roof. It just depends on the severity of the issue and how handy you are. 

When to call a professional 

Just because there are some simple and effective roofing solutions to those who wish to do their own repairs does not mean that these solutions are going to be the best for everyone. If you are not comfortable applying a compound or you’re not sure that you are going to be able to adequately fix your ponding issue on your own then do not hesitate to call in a roofing professional. Even those individuals who feel confident in their abilities to do their own repairs may want to consider professional guidance because when your flat roof starts to pond, the problem could be a lot more serious to the structure than what initially meets the eye. 

If you notice water leaking into the structure from the roof, you’ll want to call in a professional roofing contractor even if it is just to assess how bad the damage really is. If you’re lucky the worst you’ll get is stained ceilings. Realistically, when water is leaking in from ponding on the roof you have to seriously worry about damage to your electrical systems, damaged furniture and possessions inside the space in question and serious carpet damage to name a few. Repairing all of these things could cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars if the damage is really bad. 

If ponding is the only issue you are facing, take care of the issue as soon as you possibly can. You have some DIY options but, if the ponding water has breached the roof and is leaking into your space, you will want to seek professional help and advice even if the problem looks manageable. The extent of the problem could be more than you can immediately see. 

Have a question? AskARoofer. 

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

Original article source: Roofslope 

Disclaimer: The information provided on AskARoofer.com or information sent by emails is the opinion of the writers. It is the responsibility of the reader to check for accuracy in one's own jurisdiction, as there are different codes and restrictions for different parts of the country. AskARoofer.com does not accept any liability for the use of information on this website or email. AskARoofer.com has no controls over product failures, installation, or climate conditions that may change the roofing process in your area. Our information is in general to our area and cannot be the same as your local town or state. It is advised to seek the local Building Department, Licensed Contractor, and local Product Representative for proper installation requirements and code enforcement when installing a new roof.

By Dan White and John Walker, APOC. 

Rather than resorting to a complete roof replacement, consider the cost-effective option of restoring a roof instead. 

Although it may seem like a complete roof replacement is the best option for an older roof, it isn’t the only choice out there. Rather than spending more money than necessary, restoring a roof is also a viable alternative. Modern roof restoration methods can offer similar results to a complete replacement and it can also save owners and contractors time and money. 

Today’s bituminous roofs are ideal for repair because original waterproofing bitumen is easily bonded to new modified repair mastics and coating materials. Additionally, standardized repair procedures have been perfected — following established best practices can return an original roof back to peak performance.  However, replacement may be a necessity in certain situations, depending on the overall condition of the roof. 

So, how to tell if a roof is a good or bad candidate for restoration? Here’s how to uncover whether or not restoration is a good option or if replacement will be necessary: 

Assess the state of your roof 

A thorough assessment of your roof will give you a good idea of where to begin with your repair plan. 

First, visually inspect the roof for flaws. Initially, this will involve clearing off any trash or accumulated debris that might inhibit a complete visual inspection. Fully vacuuming dirt and gravel from the roof’s surface will grant an even clearer picture. From there, some clues may become easily apparent to the naked eye: 

• A soft area underfoot is an indicator of saturated insulation. 

• Rusted, rotted or cracked decking can sometimes be seen from the inside of the building and may help locate the worst areas of deck deterioration. 

• Ponding water could indicate structural sagging in the deck. 

• A splitting membrane may be visible to the naked eye for experienced professionals. 

To gain a more thorough assessment of wet insulation, infrared photography can be deployed to uncover what the naked eye can’t. Small, hand-held infrared cameras are great for smaller roofs. For very large roofs, aerial infrared photography, when possible, can be effective. 

Once your visual inspection is complete, drawing up a detailed roof plan is a good next step. GPS systems can speed up this process, especially if you’re drawing plans for very large facilities or complexes. Instruments commonly used in the surveying industry can be used to pinpoint roof equipment and leaking areas. 

With your visual inspection complete and a roof plan in hand, you can verify your visual findings through a series of testing. A peel adhesion test can help determine the viability of coating solutions. Core cutting, while destructive, can be eye opening, helping to validate the visual moisture survey and helping to confirm how many layers of roofing actually exist. Wind uplift testing can be used to determine the state of the membrane — remember that membranes can become decimated by a storm, but may stay in place. The next big one can finish the job by ripping the membrane completely off the structure. 

Finally, a licensed structural engineer should be retained if there is any evidence of structural failure or additional loading on the roof (condensing units, blowers, metal screens, ballasted antennas, etc.). 

Analyzing your findings 

With your roof inspection complete, it’s time to determine a path forward. Roofs with low to moderate damage and saturation levels are often good candidates for roof restoration rather than a full re-cover, and can be a cost-effective option when the circumstances call for it. Reroofs will be required in more extreme scenarios, with elevated levels of insulation saturation, decking deterioration and more. A good rule of thumb to remember is that any roof that is more than 20% saturated is deemed a full tear-off, per many national building codes and standards. 

In addition to the level of damage uncovered during inspection, there are some additional considerations that should be made when determining the right repair technique for your project. Some of those include: 

What is the anticipated life span of the building?  

Not every structure merits the same level of repair work. A small retail store that sits in the path of a proposed freeway expansion, for example, might not need a repair that ensures 20 years of performance. A major museum in the hub of a cultural district, by contrast, will require a long-term solution. In either case, proven repair solutions are available to best suit the needs of the given situation. 

Are there plans to expand the building in the near future? 

It’s generally more economical to reroof a structure in conjunction with an expansion rather than split the project across multiple years. The need for roof access and impact to building operations can be greatly reduced if both projects can be performed at the same time. 

Where and at what time of year will the work be done?  

A 30-story condo tower in Florida has very different wind, thermal shock, thermal bridging and UV exposure than a single-story industrial plant in the Midwest. These types of conditions should be considered when developing a repair or replacement plan. 

The case for restoration 

Your determination of the right repair method will depend on the specific circumstances of the job at hand. In situations where restoration is appropriate, you’ll find some significant advantages versus reroofing or other alternative repair measures. 

Restoration generally requires far less specialized equipment and does not leave the building interior exposed while the job takes place. A good roof restoration process involves removing any debris and cleaning the roof to prepare for the rest of the project. Next, depending on the condition of the roof, a primer is applied to ensure good adhesion for patching, stain blocking and rust inhibition. Then, patching is performed to make sure all parts of the roof system are watertight. Finally, protective coatings can be applied to ensure long-lasting performance. All the while, regular activity inside the building can continue uninterrupted. 

Restoration jobs can also happen far faster than an entire reroof. For contractors, time is money. If you can successfully bring an existing roof back up to its original performance level with restoration methods, you can move on to your next job more quickly. 

A restoration project can be undertaken with the purchase of just a few high-performance products, a far more cost-effective solution than replacing the roof entirely. Full restorations on average range between $400 to $700 per square while tear-off and replacement starts at $1,000 per square and can go up from there depending on region and project complexity. 

For a restoration project to meet its full potential, you can also work with the trusted supplier of high-performance coatings and mastics to help ensure a job well done. Modern mastic formulations are able to deliver outstanding performance that building owners can rely on for the long term. The right supplier may also be able to help you ensure best practices are followed on your next job, leading to more satisfied customers. 

Interested in learning more about roof restoration? Contact the APOC team.

Have a question? AskARoofer.   

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory.  

Original article source: ICP Group