Category Archives: Roofing 101

Metal Roof Panels

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Metal roof panels are typically constructed out of the following material.

Copper

An expensive metal that is malleable. Typically used for high end residential roofs, for copings, gutters, and flashings.

Lead

A versatile metal that is typically used for flashings.

Aluminum

A lightweight, inexpensive metal that expands and contracts twice as much as galvanized metal.

Stainless Steel

A strong corrosion resistant metal that is usually only found on roofs that deal with harsh industrial conditions. Stainless steel is an expensive option, but for some the only effective option.

Galvanized Steel

The most common metal used for commercial metal roofing. Features a sacrificial coating of zinc to protect it from the elements.

Hot Weather Tips on the Roof

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As most of us know it can get extremely hot on a roof. Precautions must be taken to prevent heat related injuries to workers. Workers should drink plenty of liquids, to prevent dehydration. Heat exhaustion and fatigue is also factors in hot weather.

Drink plenty of fluids

Another disadvantage of hot weather is curing times. They are rapid in hot weather. Adhesives may cure faster in hot weather making them difficult to work with.

Windy Weather and Roofing

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Windy weather can cause safety concerns with material handling.

  • Windy weather can make installing insulation difficult.
  • Windy weather can cause hot asphalt to splash (possibly burn roofers)
  • Roofers can lose their balance, and in some rare cases actually be blown off of a roof.
  • Debris picked up by the wind is capable on injuring those on the roof.

Threatening weather can develop quickly, causing work sites to be unsafe. What to do when faced in this situation?

  1. Cover materials – to avoid damage
  2. Limit production areas – limit the roof area being installed to only what can be completed prior to the threatening weather.
  3. Plan for temporary tie-offs wherever the roof insulation will be discontinued.

Cold Weather Work Practices – Roofing 101

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Now that the winter is upon us this should be an excellent topic to discuss.

Cold Weather can Create Hazardous Working Conditions 

  • Concentration levels in workers can diminish
  • Ice can form on the roof, causing the surface of the roof to become slippery.

Cold Weather can Create Quality Issues

  • Cold weather can reduce production by making it difficult to use certain roofing materials, such as hot asphalt and caulkings.
  • Cold temperatures may require that asphalt be handled differently since asphalt cools quickly.
  • Cold weather can reduce the adhesion between components.
  • Material may not lay flat or conform properly to the roof substrate

Some areas are not affected by extreme cold weather.

 Warm weather roofing areas

 

States like Florida, especially South Florida will likely never experience some of these quality issues due to extreme cold weather.