Commercial Roofing Systems and Solutions

Commercial roof maintenance programs are a great way to expand your business and build long-term relationships with school facility managers. You may already be offering commercial roof maintenance services, or perhaps you're interested in branching out. Providing roof maintenance to K-12 schools and universities can be a good source of reliable, ongoing work. But you'll need to consider these facilities' nuances.Schools' Current Roof Maintenance ChallengesIn an educational environment, students' safety and comfort come first. Buildings must be secure and functional, and they must provide an atmosphere conducive to learning. Creating this environment starts with the roof, but this can easily be put off or forgotten about as many school facility managers focus on day-to-day maintenance issues. If students and teachers complain about a lack of hot water or classroom temperatures that are too hot or cold, facility managers swiftly address these issues.However, facility managers should prioritize regular roof maintenance in addition to addressing the most immediate facility concerns. Even something like a small leak from deferred roof maintenance can lead to much larger, and more costly repairs, creating headaches for everyone involved, that could have been avoided.The Value of Commercial Roof Maintenance ProgramsThe roof protects everything inside the school—from books and computers to shop equipment and musical instruments. If a roof leaks, many items could suffer damage. At the end of the day, ensuring a quality roof through regular maintenance not only protects everything inside the building, it can also help extend the life of the roof. Moreover, some roofing system manufacturers may require regular roof inspections to maintain warranties or guarantees. A roof maintenance program can meet this requirement, providing inspection records and evidence that any issues were addressed.How to Develop a Maintenance Program for SchoolsA commercial roof maintenance program for schools isn't much different from what you already do for other commercial buildings. And while regular maintenance inspections can be completed anytime, a neglected roof can often end up requiring repairs that need to align with the school's calendar to plan for minimal disruptions to the students. This can cause inconvenient delays, or date changes that could be avoided with regular inspections and maintenance.GAF Senior Product Manager Benjamin Runyan says that it's important to identify the manufacturer of the existing roofing system to ensure you are using compatible products that won't void the warranty or guarantee. "You want to be looking at this from a maintenance standpoint," says Runyan. "What does the roof look like? How was it built? How have they been maintaining it?"To start, Runyan recommends that you inspect the entire roof system and document its condition with photos and notes. Pay particular attention to the more vulnerable areas, such as seams, fasteners, flashings, edge metal, drains, and gutters. Look for cracks, missing roofing materials, evidence of ponding water, or of birds or other animals, and signs of moss or algae. An infrared scan of the roof can determine if any moisture is present and help pinpoint areas that need immediate attention.Your program should include basic tasks such as clearing debris from drains and gutters, removing leaves or branches, and making minor repairs where existing sealants are losing pliability or are showing signs of deterioration. If you identify larger concerns, you can document that with photos and provide an estimate for the repairs. Also, note how long the repairs should take and what products you'll use.Getting Started with SchoolsPreventative maintenance programs aren't just a benefit to the schools, they can also lead to other school roofing work including re-roofing opportunities. If you're ready to add school commercial maintenance programs to your business plan, GAF has the resources you need to get started. Runyan explains, "Your first step should be talking with your GAF Territory Manager as they will likely already have established relationships with school districts, colleges, roof consultants and architects in your service area."From commercial roofing system specifications to WellRoof® Guarantee Extensions, plus roof restoration options, GAF meets all your needs for stepping into the world of educational buildings.

If your commercial building needs a new roof or repair, it might be time to call in a professional roofer. You might have a few contractors in your area, so knowing what questions to ask a roofer can help you find the right one for the job. In addition to requesting examples of their past work, here are eight questions to ask a roofing contractor before hiring them.1. Are You Licensed and Insured?Not all states require licensing but many do, and you'll want to see proof that the contractor is licensed in the state they'll be performing work for you.In many cases, roofing contractors who advertise their services are required to include their license number in the advertisement. Most states that require licensing have online portals where you can verify that the contractor's license is in good standing.Insurance is also important, as sometimes not all jobs go smoothly. The contractor should be covered in case an unfortunate incident occurs.2. Does Your Company Hold Manufacturer Certifications?Roofing manufacturers may offer several certification levels, helping you know what level of service and experience to expect. For instance, GAF Master Select contractors are required to complete ongoing training and be properly licensed and insured. Additionally, they must have at least $1 million in general liability insurance coverage and a satisfactory Better Business Bureau rating, among other requirements.Not every contractor can achieve certification. In fact, only 1% of roofing contractors in the US achieve the GAF Master Select status. This status means the contractor has been vetted by the manufacturer, meets strict requirements for quality control and can potentially offer enhanced warranties on roofing systems.3. Are Your Workers Certified?Many training programs and certifications are available for roofing installers, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association ProCertification® training program and the GAF CARE Contractor Training Center.You want to be sure the people working on your roof understand the proper repair and installation methods for your roofing system. Seeing what certifications they hold can confirm their roofing knowledge and familiarity with the products you're looking to install.4. Is Your Company a Member of Any Industry Associations?Membership in an industry association can demonstrate a roofing contractor's professionalism and commitment to their industry. In addition to regional, state, or national roofing associations, some commercial roofing contractors belong to associations designed for building owners and facility managers, such as the Building Owners and Managers Association or the International Facility Managers Association.If you're a member of either of these organizations, your membership list could be a good place to start your search for a commercial roofer.5. What Is Your Project Timeline and Process?The contractor should consider all aspects of your project when planning it. Ensure they'll install quality roofing systems and solutions, and share any concerns you may have—before work begins. For instance, you may be concerned about how construction may affect building occupants, including noise levels and parking. Your contractor should be able to review a plan with you that addresses these concerns.They should also give you a project timeline from start to completion and be able to explain their process, which can include:Initial site inspectionRepair or replacement recommendationsEstimate developmentProject timelinePlans to minimize disruptionsHow they'll handle and communicate unexpected issuesWarranty options6. How Do I Prepare for the Roofing Project?Determine if you need to take any steps to prepare for the project. For example, your contractor should suggest how to inform building occupants about the upcoming work and how long it will last. Also, if you have neighbors close by or share parking lots, they'll need to be notified too.Every project and building is different, so other preparations may need to happen before the project begins. Your contractor can identify any additional needs as part of their inspection and planning process. In most cases, the contractor will handle precautions—like roping off parking areas or protecting landscaping—and they should communicate that to you before your project begins.7. How Much Will the Project Cost? Are There Contingencies?Most commercial roofing contractors include the project cost in their bid package, but you should also ask about contingencies. A contingency is typically a small percentage of the total project cost that may be included to cover surprises during a roofing project, such as mold or rot. Making unexpected repairs will increase the project's cost. So, understand whether a contingency is included in your estimate so you can financially prepare.8. Do You Have a Maintenance Program for Repair Work?Once your roof has been installed, it's important to take care of it. Ask the contractor if they offer a maintenance program that includes an annual inspection of your roof. This is a great way to assess the health of your roof after a year's worth of weather. Any issues can be addressed before they turn into larger problems.By having a maintenance program in place, you can build a lasting relationship with your commercial roofing contractor and may even be able to extend your roof's warranty. If your contractor participates as a GAF Certified Maintenance Professional® you could be eligible for a 25% warranty extension with the completion of required inspections and proper documentation.Signing with a Commercial Roofing ContractorKnowing what to look for when hiring a roofer is the first step toward a successful project. Now that you know some of the questions to ask a roofer, interviewing them should be more straightforward. Their answers can help you decide if they're the right fit for your project. Keep in mind that it's wise to meet with and interview multiple commercial roofing contractors before signing a contract.Ready to take the next step? Find roofing contractors certified by GAF* in your area and schedule a time to talk about the commercial work you need completed.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

With the labor pool stretched thin, finding time-saving products is high on many contractors' to-do lists. Saving time doesn't mean jeopardizing quality as manufacturers continually work to deliver solutions that help increase efficiency while still delivering a first-class installation.To help contractors save time while still producing high-quality work, GAF offers several products that can help a commercial roofing business do more in less time.1. How Long Does Spray Adhesive Take to Dry?EverGuard® TPO Quick Spray Adhesive has a flash time of five minutes or less and can be applied 50% faster than traditional bucket and roller adhesive. When used properly, a single canister can cover the installation of approximately 10 squares, compared to the approximately three squares of installation a bucket can cover. (As with all adhesives, the substrate's porosity can impact coverage rates.)Because it's a solvent-based adhesive, it's sprayable, allowing installers to quickly bond thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membrane to a variety of approved substrates. Simply spray it uniformly onto the substrate and the back of the membrane. Then, apply pressure with a broom or weighted roller to ensure adhesion and heat-weld the seams.2. How Do TPO Accessories Save Time?It can take a significant amount of time, experience, and know-how to properly measure, cut, and hand-weld details. GAF TPO accessories are available for most details of a rooftop, offering a full line of vent and pipe boots, tube wraps, pourable sealer pockets, and universal corners that can be cut to accommodate either an inside or outside corner.When the accessory is ready to install with no field fabrication, you'll find that installers not only save time but also achieve consistent quality in all the flashings while boosting their productivity.3. How Does Fabricated Edge Metal Save Time?Fabricating edge metal in the field requires time and experience, not to mention the additional equipment needed to form the metal. GAF Perimeter Edge Metal saves hours of time in the field, and the coping, drip edges, fascia, and accessories are easy to install with features like prepunched holes to ensure the secure termination of the membrane.Because all GAF edge metal is tested and compliant with the ANSI/SPRI ES-1, FM, Miami Dade, and Florida Building Code for IBC, you can have confidence in knowing that the most critical point on the roof—the perimeter—has the highest protection.4. What Is a Self-Adhered Roofing System?A self-adhered roofing system is up to 60% faster to install than a roof that is traditionally adhered. Self-adhered TPO eliminates the need to apply adhesive altogether. EverGuard® SA TPO Self-Adhered Roof Membrane comes with the adhesive already applied on the back of the membrane. Once positioned, the crew just folds the membrane sheet back, removes the release liner to expose the factory-applied adhesive, lays the membrane in place, and brooms in the sheet. The crew then uses a weighted roller and heat-welds the seams.You not only save time during the installation, but you also save time cleaning up the jobsite as there are no buckets, rollers, or containers to dispose of.5. How Does a Self-Adhered Vapor Barrier Work?GAF SA Vapor Retarder XL relies on an advanced, high-tack butyl rubber adhesive and is self-sealing, resulting in three times the peel strength of modified bitumen self-adhered vapor barriers.It also saves time right off the bat by eliminating the need for primer prior to installation. The large, six-square rolls reduce the number of rolls needed per job, resulting in fewer seams. Its extreme durability allows it to be left exposed to the elements for up to six months when properly installed, plus it provides a slip-resistant walking surface for added safety.6. Can Using PVC Save Time?Time studies have proven that EverGuard® PVC can be installed up to 50% faster than traditional adhered systems when using EverGuard® PVC Quick-Lay Adhesive. PVC is extremely versatile when it comes to installation methods as it can be adhered, mechanically attached, or induction welded. Available accessories and adhesives also speed up the installation.7. How Can Wider Membrane Rolls Save Time?When self-adhered TPO isn't an option, roofers can make their installation time more efficient by using rolls of membrane that are wider than the standard 10 feet, known as extra-wide roll roofing. GAF offers 12-foot-wide rolls of membrane that are ideal for jobs with large, open rooftop areas. As well as providing more coverage in less time, these 20%-wider rolls mean fewer seams to weld.Learn from the Highly Trained Professionals at GAFGAF offers a robust video library featuring roofing veterans Dave Scott and Wally Brown. Their Roofing It Right series features how-to videos, including a self-adhered membrane product overview. These videos cover topics as diverse as roof inspections, core cuts, tear-offs, and installations.The GAF Commercial team offers step-by-step support with highly trained, regionally based professionals who can understand your unique challenges in tapered design, product installation, energy efficiency, sustainability, and more. Find your local team and save time.