Tag: roof maintenance (Page 3 of 3)
CEI’s veteran roofers have truly seen it all and when the winter months roll around they know that they will be facing bigger and more extreme issues with there roofs. This winter has been filled with snow, wind and cold temps. All of these factors can have an effect on the roof of your building. The winter season can lead to extraordinary circumstances to deal with. The roofs across Michigan are no exception.
From a roofing standpoint, the most familiar scenarios are 3-4 inches of ice directly on the roof, buried under 6-8 inches of snow. Based on wind conditions and the layout of the buildings, snow is accumulating and creating 5-6 foot drifts. Adding to all of this, below freezing temperatures are taking their toll on roof systems. Besides the snow loads, splits, cracks and frozen drain pipes are the main culprits contributing to roof leaks.
Here is what you can do to prevent large roof issues from happening this winter:
#1- Have Inspections: Getting your roof inspected can help identify problems early. The objectives of a professional inspection it to make sure that the roof and equipment are performing as intended, to notice any weaknesses ahead of time, identify repairs and then develop a plan to improving the roof condition. These visual inspections should happen at least twice a year (spring and fall); yet are ideal more frequently. During winter where there is a major freeze/thaw cycle then roof should be checked to make sure that the freezing has not caused any new damage.
#2- Get Repairs Done ASAP: Getting even the smallest of leaks repaired early can extend the life of your existing roof. Letting issues sit and go un-touched might lead to larger problems when snow and ice becomes a factor.
CEI’s service department’s goal is to serve in a timely, efficient manner- regardless of the elements. As service is requested, however, it is essential that we know if the leak is
1) contained
2) an emergency or a nuisance?
3) creating hazardous conditions for your workers or tenants.
If conditions do not allow for permanent repairs, temporary measures can be taken to stop the leaks, or in emergency situations, re-direct them. We will work with you to help solve your problems. Upon completion of our visit, we will leave the site in a condition that is acceptable to all parties involved. It will be discussed with service personnel to determine a course of action to repair permanently. As of late, and in an effort to keep costs down, most of these returns will not be completed until weather conditions allow.
#3- Develop a regular maintenance program: When snow comes we all plan on what were are going to do about the roads, our sidewalks and the parking lot…what about your roof? Having a regular maintenance plan in place is great for planning ahead and making sure that you are worry free all year long. Proper maintenance can increase the life expectancy of your roof, save you the high cost of roof replacement, protect your assets from costly damage, and allow you to plan and budget for future costs.
Learn More About Roof Guardian Maintenance Program
At CEI, safety is built into everything we do. When most of your projects are in challenging working conditions, safety becomes an integral part of your business process. Not only are CEI workers trained and certified in best safety practices, but we discuss the unique safety challenges before every project, have monthly safety meetings with all roofing teams, and even reward our roofers with financial incentives for safe work performance.
We incorporate safety into every job site. Every CEI roofing project has a site-specific safety plan that takes the unique challenges into consideration. On each job site, teams gather every day for a safety briefing and review of the plan to assure safe working practices.
IBHS does not recommend chipping or breaking ice dams due to the damage that can be inflicted on the roof. If you are not physically capable of going onto the roof or are unable to easily reach the roof, consult a roofing professional.
For low slope roofs or flat roofs:
- Removing the snow will remove the source of a potential ice dam.
- Use a heavy-duty push broom with stiff bristles to brush off the snow on a low slope or flat roofs.
- A shovel or snow blower should not be used since they may tear up the roof cover system.
For steep slope roofs:
- Removing the snow will remove the source of a potential ice dam.
- A roof rake may be used for most single story buildings while remaining on the ground to pull snow down the roof slope.
- Do not pull snow back against the slope or sideways since the snow may get underneath the cover and can break shingles.
- Monday, November 20th – Wednesday, November 22nd: Open 8am- 4:30pm
- Thursday, November 23rd (Thanksgiving Day): Office Closed
- Friday, November 24th: Office Closed
We are moving our way into the holiday season with Thanksgiving just a week away. The upcoming season means that more time is going to be spent with family and vacations than in this past summer and fall months. It also means that there is going to be some drastic changes in our weather (at least in Michigan).
It could be likely that an unfortunate event could happen with the roof of your building. This can be a stressful event, especially if it’s over the holidays!
CEI is here to help!
We want to make sure that you are covered over the holidays with any emergency you might have. We have an emergency line that our customers can call anytime or day during our holiday hours! Yet, we also want to service you in the best way possible. That’s why we have a couple reminders for you when you give us a call…
Make sure that you mention to our service rep these 4 things over the phone so that we can best serve you in your emergency.
- Caller name and phone number
- Location address
- On-site contact and phone number
- Leak Location
As always, have a Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season!
- Debris-filled or blocked gutters/downspouts/storm drains
- Damaged or cracked gutters/downspouts/storm drains
- Standing water or evidence of past standing water on roof deck
- Accumulation of excessive debris on roof deck
- Suspected microbial growth or other water damage on roof deck
- Evidence of bird, rodent, or insect infestation
- Cracked, damaged, or missing roof deck material
- Cracked or broken roof deck seals that are creating openings for water intrusion
- Improperly sealed flashing systems with evidence of water intrusion
- Cracks, gaps, or other damage to walls
- Suspected microbial growth on HVAC system components
- Presence of contaminant sources (fumes, exhaust) near air intake vents
- Blocked, obstructed, or broken outside air intakes
- Broken or missing air intake screens on air handling units
- Excessive noise generated by HVAC system components
- Open or uncontrolled access to roof
- Organic Growth
- Mechanical Equipment Left Behind
- Leaves
- Sticks
- Trash and Other Like-Matter
What is it? With storms and falling leaves, debris can collect on the roof and blow around.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM CEI!
TRICK OR TREAT! Don’t be tricked by thinking you can neglect your roof! Treat it to a fall inspection!
Roof Top Assessment is important to add the list of items to do this Fall. An assessment keeps your roof is proper condition preventing larger deficiencies in the future. Giving you the confidence in knowing that your roof will be ready for anything!
The roof is a commercial building’s first line of defense from natural hazards
such as wind, rain, fire, hail, ice, snow, and extreme heat. It is also the most
vulnerable part of your building. Every day, your roof is exposed to weather and
other elements that may contribute to decay and deterioration, increasing the
risk of damage to the roof itself and the contents below it. click
here.