Here are some of the benefits of roof coatings:

No dumping in landfills: One of the major environmental concerns today is the growing amount of garbage disposed in landfills. With roof restoration, you do not need to be concerned about the remains of your roofing system going to landfills. You also save money as transporting the waste materials to landfills is quite expensive and you also do not need to pay for labor.

Little upkeep and maintenance required: Traditional roofing systems require maintenance and upkeep to avoid costly repairs in the future. Opting for a Conklin roof coating means that you get a roofing restoration solution that will require little maintenance or upkeep for optimal performance. That will save you time and energy in the long run.

Savings on maintenance and repairs: With their maintenance and upkeep requirements reduced, re-covered roofs give you savings in maintenance and cost repairs. That is money you can reinvest in your business or put aside for other building improvements that you have been waiting to upgrade.

Greater environmental responsibility: Yet another advantage of a coating an existing roof is the environmental stewardship you will espouse. As the roof is restored, the Conklin coating that is installed over it has tremendous reflectivity properties, meaning it will bounce back almost 90 percent of the sun’s energy. That will be less taxing on your air-conditioner, so that it emits less carbon dioxide into the air.

Longer roof lifecycle: When restoring your roof, you get a layer of protection that is leakproof, stays resistant against hurricane-strong winds and harsh inclement weather, and performs well year-round. It has been tested and confirmed to last for 40+ years or longer, whereas a traditional roof might be at greater risk for needing expensive repairs in the future.

Easily repairable: Should your reinforced roofing system require any repairs, they are easily applied and in a short time frame, cutting down on disruptions to your business. In addition, you will enjoy the benefits listed above and more with the reapplication, while adding even more years of life to your roofing protection.

How can you go wrong when a Conklin roofing system has so many advantages? Take a cue from the many property owners who have opted for roof restoration rather than replacement and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.

Your objective is to get a clear picture of the condition of the building and existing roof so that the bid you submit accurately reflects the costs involved. If extensive repair and construction work appears necessary, you will need to figure in the extra time, labor and materials. You may need to obtain estimates if subcontractors will be providing reconstruction or repair work.

Taking Photos or Video

During this physical inspection stage, using a camera or video camera is strongly recommended. Useful in putting together your bid, the photos or video you take during inspection also serve to document preexisting problems and conditions. In the event that a building owner later discovers damage to the building or property, your pre-inspection pictures are evidence that damage was in existence prior to the presence of you or your crew. Photographs or video protect you and your reputation.

Interior Inspection

When inspecting the inside of a building, begin by looking at the ceiling. Is there evidence of leakage? Look for sagging suspended roofing, water stains, and wet tiles, and make a note of their location. Later, in the actual roof inspection stage, you will check to see if they corresponded to flaws visible from the exterior. With metal ceilings, rust stains from condensation can be your clue. Up-close investigation will determine if the deck is still sound enough to roof over, or will require complete tear-off.

Take note of the building’s ventilation provisions. While this is important in any case, it is of particular concern in buildings with metal roof decks. Voids or seams in the deck may currently be serving as building ventilation. Continuous roof membranes such as Conklin roofing systems tend to seal off these voids, preventing vapor and moisture escape. Serious condensation problems (which owners may interpret as a leaking roof) could result if new ventilation provisions are not made. This factor must be considered in your bid.

Exterior Inspection

Once you have assessed the building’s interior, an exterior investigation is in order. Follow the same procedure as before, taking pictures of the building grounds and exterior, noting any structural problems such as cracks in the walls or foundation, or evidence of settling or erosion. If such problems exist, bring them to the owner’s attention and request an engineer’s inspection to determine the building’s stability.

Grounds

You may want to go beyond the building itself and take a look at the parking facilities, sidewalks and landscaping surrounding the structure. It is an unfortunate fact that in the past, roofing contractors have been held liable for damaged sidewalks and shrubbery, which were, in fact, preexisting conditions. With documentation in the form of photographs, video and dated notes, you can help protect yourself against such claims.

Inspecting the Roof

In looking at the roof itself, there are several factors, which will affect your bid. First and foremost, consider the general condition of the actual roof. Evaluate its appearance both in the center and around the perimeter.

On a built-up roof, look for signs of:

• Checking, splitting, blistering, gravel turnover
• Ply separation, ridging, bare felts

In areas of the roof display severe blistering, splitting, or alligatoring, the substrate must be repaired or replaced before any coating can be applied. Failure to do so could result in later complications with the roof and coating, requiring you to make repairs at your own expense.

Be sure to check the exterior parapet walls for deterioration. This can be the result of either flashing problems or structural instability. Also, check all roof protrusions such as skylights, vents and air conditioning units for signs of leakage. If the flashing or seals around any of these are defective, they will need to be replaced.

On a roof of plain galvanized metal, look for evidence of rust and check out the method or attachment to the structure below. Examine the condition of the screws and nails holding the metal panels in place. Are they still secure, or have they worked loose? Any loose screws or nails will have to be retightened or replaced.

Drainage

Besides the general condition of the roof, one of the most important things to note is the drainage provided. Minimum industry standards call for slope of at least ¼” per foot. However, even with this degree of slope a roof can settle and weather into depressions, which collect water.

This commonly occurring problem, known as “ponding,” is a result of ineffective drainage. Ponding is defined as thirty-six or more square feet of water at least ¼” deep forty-eight hours after a rain. A ponding problem can threaten the life of the roof and the building underneath. This problem cannot account for more than 5% of the entire roof surface.

Any roof you work on should shed water completely. If it does not, you must remedy the problem. This means either the addition of a new drain wherever ponding occurs of the installation of crickets, tapered boardstock or polyurethane foam to build up the low areas and guide water toward existing drains.

Structural Load

Due to the weight of roofing felts and bitumen, the maximum allowable layering is two built-up roofs. Frequently, you may encounter situations where more than two complete built-up roofs have been layered in an effort to solve chronic leakage problems. This places a tremendous load on the supporting deck. Also, roofs exceeding the two-roof limit tend to be unstable and should be removed to two built-up roofs or less. Some local building codes may also prohibit more than two roof layers due to weight loads.

If the owner wishes you to put down new material, it is important to know the present roof load. If it is already near the building’s structural limits, the old roof must be completely removed and a new one installed. Tear-off and reconstruction involve a tremendous amount of time and labor, so it is important to determine this before you submit our bid.

Taking Core Samples

Use core samples to determine the type of insulation in place and its thickness. This can help you decide whether additional insulation needs to be added, and at what rate. The sample will also reveal the moisture content of the roofing material. Even if the surface layers of the roof appear to be dry, moisture in the bottom layers can badly blister your new system. Knowing this moisture factor is essential. No Conklin Roofing System may be applied over a damp roof.

Pay special attention to gravel built-up roofs, which can appear on the surface to be dry and level, but may be masking severe ponding problems. Always dig down through gravel or other loose aggregate and make certain the roof is not wet underneath. Core samples provide the best security.

A core sample can also help you assess what the roof deck itself is comprised of. From the interior of a building, looking up, the deck may appear to be metal, but a roof sample may reveal it to be metal topped with wood or concrete.

If the deck is made of wood, you need to determine its moisture content and assess the possibility of rot, mold or insect infestation. With concrete, important clues to look for are cracking, mildew and decomposition. These conditions often call for a complete roof tear-off, so an early diagnosis is critical.

One final benefit of taking roof samples is the discovery of how the substrate was adhered to the roof deck. Since there are a handful of right ways and hundreds of wrong ways to fasten a roofing system to a deck, it is important to know how each substrate is adhered to the deck before you start. Was it mechanically fastened or simply “glued down” with a layer of hot asphalt? If an inadequate method of adhering was initially used, the whole substrate could eventually work itself loose, delaminating Conklin coating.

Assessing a roof’s condition and getting a handle on the costs and risks involved can be somewhat difficult. No two situations are ever exactly the same. If there is ever a question in your mind about the integrity of a roof deck or substrate, or how to go about testing them, do not hesitate to call Conklin’s Building Products Department. These specialists can answer your roofing questions and offer tried and true suggestions.

Nondestructive Moisture Detection

One of the most important reasons for obtaining core samples is the need to identify and replace any areas of trapped moisture. However, should the owner object to your cutting into the roof for core samples, there are alternative, nondestructive methods for locating roof moisture. As the name implies, nondestructive methods provide this information without damage to the roof membrane.

Nuclear Moisture Detection

Nuclear moisture detectors work by identifying the hydrogen atoms in water by means of a radioactive source. The source contains about one milligram of radioactive radium or americium and a small about of beryllium. Neutrons are generated in the detection unit and travel outward until they encounter atoms in the roof system. The neutrons then slow down, and some are bounced back toward the unit. A counter on the nuclear detector records the number of returning neutrons, which translates into the number of hydrogen atoms, i.e. water, in the roof.

These figures are plotted on a grid of approximately four square feet and take from one to five minutes per measurement. The hand-held detector itself is about the size of a lunch box and weighs approximately twenty pounds.

Capacitance Methods

Capacitance methods of moisture detection are based on the fact that most materials have dielectric constants. The capacitance unit has two metal pads, which sit on the roof while an electrical current is passed between them. The curve of the resulting electrical arc determines the dielectric constant present. While the dielectric constant reading of most dry, solid roofing materials is in the one to four range, a constant of nearly eighty is expected for water. Thus, elevated readings indicate both the presence and severity of the moisture problem.

The capacitance equipment can take these readings within two minutes, but the roof surface must be completely dry for accuracy. Measurements are made on a grid, just as in nuclear detection.

Infrared Imagery or “Thermography”

Infrared imagery, or thermography, detects the loss of heat through the roof. When a roof becomes wet, its insulation properties are reduced. The most areas of the roof conduct more heat through the roof than the dry areas. This is revealed through light and dark areas on the film or video.

This form of thermography is most often accomplished by flying over a roof at night while taking aerial infrared pictures. A lack of detail, however, often occurs when the images are recorded from such altitudes.

Greater accuracy is actually achieved when hand-held equipment is used while the roof is walked. The wet areas are documented on film or video, then marked off on the roof with spray paint. With this type of close-range thermography, the entire roof is scanned, generating data on every square foot. Best results are achieved at dawn or dusk, when the temperature differential is greatest.

To follow up any nondestructive test method, areas which indicate moisture should be core sampled as previously described to verify the degree of wetness. The results of the core sample will show if any material replacement is necessary.

Evaluating the Job: Some Cost Considerations

In addition to all typical major costs, such as the product and labor required, other factors will need to be considered before you submit our bid. One is “bucket loss,” the five to fifteen percent of the product, which remains on the sides of the product container. From a five-gallon container, therefore, you can expect to fully utilize only 4.25 to 4.75 gallons. Also, when using the spray application method, count on a wind loss of anywhere from 5-15%. The surface texture of the area to be coated also factors very strongly in the amount of product needed for adequate coverage.

Equipment costs vary from job to job, depending on the Conklin system used, the condition of the existing roof and the specific substrate preparation required.

Other costs, which are sometimes overlooked include:

• Transportation of crew and equipment to and from the job site, with allowance for fuel and vehicle wear.
• Wear and tear on rollers, brushes, ladders, and spray equipment. Also, figure in any fuel costs of operating your equipment.
• Special insurance costs, which may apply when working around or above expensive equipment.
• Costs to further inspections and repairs if a warranty agreement or maintenance contract is sold.

These are just some of the “hidden costs” of the roofing business. As you gain more and more experience in a greater variety of roofing jobs, you will no doubt develop lists of such expenses and develop a greater ability to accurately estimate each job. Accepting small jobs and working with your sponsor initially will help you gain this experience while minimizing your financial risk.

Many new construction and renovation projects run over-budget. Unfortunately, this roofing portion of the project is a common scapegoat for cost overrun. Because the roof is less noticeable, it is often the first area to suffer in a budget pinch. As you bid, bid specific work for a specific price. If either price or service change in the middle of a job, do not accept verbal changes. To protect yourself contractually and financially, keep every agreement exclusively in writing.

Whether your project involves reroofing, retrofit or new construction, insist on a pre-job conference with all interested parties. Get a clear picture of what you are expected to provide and at what price, which area of the project your proposal addresses, and what materials and labor are covered in the proposal. This coordination between parties will help ensure a high-quality, timely project with fewer disputes over costs and areas of responsibility.

Bidding on New Construction

In this case, the project architect is responsible for specifying the roofing portion of the project. If a job interests you, it is up to you to demonstrate to the general contractor or project architect that Conklin’s systems match or surpass the specified product. The long-range goal, of course, is for a Conklin coating to become the specified product.

The architect’s specifications will sometimes list one of more manufacturers, with a qualifier such as “Product X or approved equal.” “Approved equal” generally means that in order to bid a different product, you need approval from the architect. If the wording “or equal” is used without “approved,” you must simply show that the material submitted equals or exceeds the specified product. Even when Product X is specified without the qualifiers, “equal” or “approved equal,” it is still common to submit voluntary alternatives. Architects and owners will usually consider these alternates if they are presented in a professional manner and promise cost-savings for the project through less expensive materials and/or labor.

In the case of the General Contract award, as mentioned previously, subcontractors submit roofing proposals to the general contractors bidding on the job. The general contractors each evaluate their numerous subcontractor bids and submit a comprehensive bid to the owner. The winning contractor then awards the individual subcontracts for each different part of the job. Thus, a roofing subcontractor is contracted with, and employed by, the general contractor for the roofing portion of the project.

These contracts can involve much interaction with architects and owners, and legal language, which binds the subcontractor to certain regulations and conditions, including possible union labor stipulations.

Bidding on Retrofit

While the bidding documents for new construction may sometimes be intimidating to a new roofer, in retrofit they usually take the form of a more straightforward proposal, submitted by the roofer directly to the owner of a commercial building. While your responsibility in retrofit is certainly no less than in new construction, the contracts and legal language are likely to be less complex. And, you will probably be dealing with the building owner unless your roofing project is part of a large-scale, overall building renovation. In this case, the job may more closely resemble a typical new construction project with more complex legal documents and regulations.

Importance of Accuracy

While consulting a lawyer to interpret contracts is not usually necessary, it is imperative that you fully understand all the requirements in the documents, and feel confident you can meet them. Carelessness in reviewing specs and contracts can lead to your liability for failing to follow stipulations. Your reputation and future job prospects depend greatly on this professional attitude toward your work.

Since a majority of Conklin roofing projects involve retrofit treatment, the remainder of this blog post focuses on the steps and procedures in inspecting and bidding retrofit work.

Consulting with the Building Owner

When you have learned of a retrofit roofing job that interests you, the next step is to meet with the owner to discuss his or her needs and gain a more complete understanding of the job.

To this initial consultation, you should bring a notebook or clipboard for jotting down information, as well as brochures and spec sheets on Conklin’s products. Also helpful are any professional references earned from past jobs. These factors will help maintain our image as a professional contractor network.

Building a Roof History

The building owner should have blueprints and specifications describing the roof’s structure and composition. However, be aware that these plans may have been created before such additions as new wings, penthouse suites, air conditioning, solar units, and other alterations. The city may also have building plans on file.

Check to see if the ownership has been constant. If the building has changed hands, ask if the blueprints and documents are up to date. Do not proceed until you are satisfied that the information given to you is accurate and current. Once your bid is accepted and the actual work has begun, you may have little recourse if “surprises” occur concerning the roof’s structure.

The owner or manager should be able to tell you what, if any, repair work has been done and when it was completed. Knowing how the building was constructed, where supports are located, and what roof deck materials were used can be invaluable, if, for instance, it becomes necessary to install a new drain of lay down boardstock prior to roofing treatment. Different materials, time and labor are required for different roof decks. Knowing all the facts ahead of time can help you make a quick and accurate assessment of the situation.

Intended Use of Building

Another important fact to establish with the owner is the actual and intended usage of the building. For instance, is it used for manufacturing, storage or shipping? Are high levels of humidity present? Are hazardous fumes generated that require special ventilation? Is the interior of the building subject to sudden or extreme temperature changes? All these factors are valuable background information, which can make accurate evaluations during the subsequent on-site inspection.

Samuel Hostetler, Chief Strategist and Senior Mentor at Choice Roof Contractor Group, made note of the marketing firm’s steadfast commitment to ensuring roofing contractors’ success and extensive track record for getting quality results. “As Top Roof Marketing is the only marketing firm focused exclusively on serving commercial roof contractors, no other company matches its specialized expertise in this complex and constantly changing industry,” he stated. “In fact, the owner himself completed Conklin’s roof systems training program in order to best serve the firm’s growing list of clients who use Conklin products. This high level of commitment to quality service really stands out!”

Keim’s background includes supporting more than 200 publically traded companies with their marketing strategies as the Communications Director of three investor relations companies. Over the course of his career, he has collectively added more than 2.5 million social media followers to client accounts, developed more than 30 individual brands from conception, executed hundreds of awareness campaigns, overseen countless email marketing initiatives, and helped numerous business owners increase their success.

“Choice Roof Contractor Group’s business model offers a win-win across the board,” commented Jonathan Keim. “Not only are commercial building owners able to find a qualified, fully trained commercial roof contractor in their local area, but roof contractors and roofing companies who join the network are given a long list of tremendous advantages to jumpstart or accelerate their growth in this very profitable industry.”

Both organizations look forward to developing this partnership and giving network members even more opportunities for success.

To learn more about Top Roof Marketing, visit their website at http://www.toproofmarketing.com

Steel Decks

• Narrow rib (maximum 1”)
• Intermediate rib (1¾”)
• Wide rib (maximum 2 ½”)

The rib is considered the width of the channel between the flat upper sections of the metal sheet. Steel decks are typically installed onto steel framing and fastened by means of welding or mechanical fasteners. Corrugating allows greater spans and amount of load per square inch (psi). Rib style and type are determined by a structural engineer and are given in specifications details. Another type of deck or roof is standing seam metal roofs. These roofs are classified as either structural panels of architectural panels. For specific details on stand seam roofs, contact the Conklin Building Products Department.

Wood and Plywood Decks

The panels are also assigned span ratings indicating the maximum distance allowable between supporting rafters. To ensure that plywood meets Conklin specifications, an APA rated board, rather than a mill-certified board, is needed. Mill-certified boards are not tested as thoroughly as APA-rated boards and may be more subject to buckling or delamination.

Plywood Under Special Coatings

Chemical coatings for roofs have increased the range of design possibilities, particularly in larger commercial structures where contoured or steel-pitched roof surfaces are exposed to view.

Exterior plywood is recommended for use under special coatings for roofs. When the coating requires a very smooth base, use APA A-C Exterior or APA B-C Exterior plywood. When maximum smoothness is not essential, use APA C-C PLUGGED Exterior. Tongue-and-groove plywood (½” or thicker)or lumber blocking at panel edges is recommended. A 1/8” space is recommended at all edge and end joints unless otherwise indicated by panel manufacturer. If high-performance coatings are to be used for finish, check coating manufacturer’s recommendations for panel joint treatment.

Grades should also be specified when the structural wood deck is to be overlaid with a separate plywood layer to serve as substrate for special roof coatings. A 1/8” space is recommended at all edge and end joints unless otherwise indicated by panel manufacturer. Although minimum ¼” plywood may be used over structural decks, 15/32” or thicker panels should be considered for best performance over uneven surfaces or when rain or high humidity is anticipated prior to application of roof coating.

APA – The Engineered Wood Association has several publications available containing extensive information on plywood and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and its uses.

They can be obtained at the following location:

APA – The Engineered Wood Association
P.O. Box 11700
Tacoma, WA 98411-0700
(206) 565-6608
www.apawood.org

Precast Concrete Deck Systems

Typically, precast concrete deck systems are concrete slabs, most commonly found with metal edges or tongue and groove edges. The slabs are reinforced with wire fabrics or preformed steel bars and are either slipped to the steel frame members or welded to concrete frames by means of metal plates. Depending on the design of the slab, they span anywhere from four to twelve feet. The joints between the slabs are sealed with flexible grouts or other seals.

Gypsum Concrete

Gypsum concrete is a poured system composed of a mixture of gypsum, wood chips, and shavings combined with water. After mixing at the job site, the substance is poured over a wire mesh, which is supported on form boards of either fiberglass, gypsum board, or other material. The minimum acceptable thickness of a gypsum concrete deck is 2”. One advantage of this system if the feasibility of varying the thickness to provide slope for good drainage.

One cautionary note: Because the material is applied in a wet state, it is very important to allow sufficient drying time before installing a roofing system over a new gypsum.

Further, gypsum concrete is not suitable for direct application for Conklin coatings because its chalky surface prevents proper adhesion. Before roofing over this system, some method of moisture detection must be used to ensure that the deck is dry, followed by a recommended “divorcing material” to act as a buffer between the concrete and coating.

Cement-Wood Fiber Panel Roof Deck (Tectum)

Cement-wood fiber roof deck panels are composed of treated wood fibers that are bounded together with Portland cement or other binder and compressed or molded into flat panels. The panels provide both acoustical and thermal insulation. They are furnished either as tongue-and-groove planks suitable for application directly to joists or with rooted edges, which must be secured with bulb-tees.

Reinforced Concrete Roof Decks

Reinforced concrete is produced by mixing aggregate (usually stone or crushed gravel and sand) with Portland cement, water, and in some cases, chemical additive. Steel bars, welded steel mesh or both are used to reinforce the concrete. Then, the surface should be finished to a texture equivalent to either a light power-trowel finish or a firm wood-trowel finish. The density of these decks is from 100 to 150 pounds per cubic foot. Reinforced concrete should not be confused with either lightweight structural concrete or lightweight insulating concrete.

Lightweight Insulating Concrete

Lightweight insulating concrete is usually made of perlite or vermiculite and Portland cement. Occasionally, a foaming agent is also added to create bubbles within the concrete, lessening its density. Minimum standard density is twenty-two pounds per cubic foot. This is a poured system, which is installed over wire mesh or form boards much like the gypsum deck. The material used in making these units can also be used as a fill over pre-cast and pre-stressed deck systems at a minimum thickness of 2”.

Note: Lightweight insulating concrete is not suitable for direct applications of Conklin coatings due to its high water absorption properties. Before roofing over this system, use some method of moisture detection to ensure that the deck is dry. Then, use a recommended “divorcing material” to act as a buffer between the concrete and coating. Conklin Building products Department will provide specific recommendations for this procedure.

Do not apply Benchmark or Rapid Roof III where temperatures exceed an ambient of 100o F and a surface temperature of 120o F. Do not apply at temperatures below 40o F, during inclement weather, when temperatures may drop below 40o F within forty-eight hours of when the temperature is not at least 5o above the dewpoint.

Prerequisite Qualifications:

• Personal purchase and shipment of a minimum of $125,000 (Qualifying Volume), $160,000 (Gold Level) in Building Products during the Qualifying Period.
  • 3-year average can be considered if personal volume for the Qualifying Period is greater than $93,750.
  • Foam and/or boardstock purchases may account for up to 25% of the Qualifying Volume.
• Conklin credit account is in good standing.
• No active warranty issues.
• Personally completed Roof Systems Training in the last five years.
• Ownership or legal business partnership (with a minimum of 33% ownership) in a roofing business. Proof of business ownership must be submitted with application.
• Agreement to roof evaluations conducted by Conklin Building Products staff.
  • Preferred Contractor applicants must agree to an evaluation of a minimum of three roofs.
  • Previous Master Contractors may also be subject to evaluations at the discretion of Conklin’s Building Products staff in order to maintain the Master Contractor title and benefits.
  • Evaluations must be completed between September 1 and October 14, 2013.
• A formal review process will be held by Conklin’s Executive team to determine program eligibility. Conklin reserves the right to withhold the Master or Preferred Contractor title at its discretion.
  • Notification e-mails will be sent to contractors meeting all requirements. Current e-mail address is required on application.

Master & Preferred Contractor Benefits:

• 2% discount on acrylic products during the Benefits Period.
• Conklin Master Contractor Logo for use on vehicles, trailers, websites, letterheads and business cards during the Benefits Period only.
• Priority to receive roof quote requests from Conklin’s website.
• Master Contractor Destinations trip for the qualifying Independent Business Owners and spouse, or Independent Business Owner and legal business partner (proof of 33% ownership required).
• Invitation to participate in the business meeting during the Master Contractor Destinations trip and provide input into the future direction of Conklin’s Building Products Division.
• Preference for field-testing privileges on new Conklin building products.
• A press release from the Conklin Company, announcing your Master Contractor status.
• One year free VoiceLink service or $149 credit towards a Conklin Business website upon yearly application, effective January 1, 2014.
• $100 transferred to Independent Business Owner’s deposit account for the purchase of sales literature, effective January 1, 2014
• Anniversary awards:
  1^st year qualifying :         Jacket with the Preferred Contractor logo
  2^nd year qualifying :        Jacket with the Master Contractor logo
  5^th year qualifying :        Choice of a gold ring or watch with Master Contractor logo
  7^th year qualifying :        Diamond insert for ring/watch
  10^th year qualifying :      Diamond insert for ring/watch
  12^th year qualifying :      Diamond insert for ring/watch
  15^th year qualifying :      Diamond insert for ring/watch
  20^th year qualifying :      Carhartt jacket with the twenty-Year Master Contractor logo

Advanced Level Master Contractor Titles

Honorary & Emeritus Master Contractor Titles

For information please contact:

*Conklin reserves the right to alter this document at any time.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

Underwriters Laboratories was founded in 1894 as a nonprofit independent organization testing for public safety. Specifically, the test method for Conklin roof systems is called “Tests for Fire Resistance of Roof Covering Materials” and is referenced as UL-790. This test is also utilized by the American Society for Testing and Materials and identified as ASTM E108.

Three classifications that define the fire resistance performance of a roof covering are Class A, B and C. These designations are derived from tests that measure the effect an externally-caused fire has on the roofing system. Class distinctions cover different levels of effectiveness against fires in roof-top equipment, sparks and flying embers from nearby burning buildings.

Class A roof coverings are effective against severe fire exposure. Under such exposures, roof coverings of this class are not readily flammable, afford a fairly high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position and do not produce flying bands.

Class B roof coverings are effective against moderate fire exposures. Under such exposures, roof coverings of this class are not readily flammable, afford a moderate degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position and are not expected to produce fling brands.

Class C roof coverings are effective against light fire exposure and afford a measurable degree of fire protection to the roof deck.

Three separate tests are conducted in the ratings:

The burning brand test measures the resistance of the roof coverings to penetration by flame. For each rating class, the brand size, the numbers of brands placed on the roof covering and the number of tests conducted differ.

The intermittent flame test subjects the samples to a cycling flame exposure. The test measures the roof covering’s ability to resist flame penetration and the reduction of this ability due to charring and cracking caused by the repeated application of flames. For each rating class, the flame temperature, duration and number of flame cycles varies.

The spread-of-flames test measures the surface burning characteristics of the roof covering. Samples are subjected to a flame and airflow test similar to the intermittent flame test, except that the flame is applied continuously.

Underwriters Laboratories published a book entitled “Roofing Materials and Systems Directory” containing descriptions of roof covering materials that comply with the various requirements of each class.

Another Underwriters Laboratories book is entitled “Fire Resistance Directory.” Internal fire resistance is the resistance or containment performance of roof-ceiling assemblies to the upward passage of heat and flame. Also measured is their resistance to collapse from the elevated temperatures of an internal fire. The test method used is ASTM E119, also known as UL 263. The Fire Resistance Directory contains the details of assemblies with their corresponding ratings.

Both the Building Materials Directory and the Fire Resistance Directory are recommended purchases for all contractors and should be consulted for exact method of application prior to applying any Conklin roof coating or roof system assembly. Copies can be obtained by directing your request to:

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062-2096
Phone: (847) 272-8800
Fax: (847) 272-8129

Factory Mutual

One of the most profound influences on roofing was a disastrous event which occurred in 1953. A massive fire broke out at a General Motors plant in Michigan, causing six deaths and more than $50 million in property damage. The 34-acre GM plant had a steel roof deck covered with a layered built-up roof (BUR) topped with an aggregate material. An under-deck fire heated the steel deck and melted down the bituminous materials of the BUR. The release of combustible liquids and vapors from the bitumen was a strong contributing factor to the spread of the fire. The magnitude of the blaze prompted much fire research, leading to the formation of the Factory Mutual system.

Over the years, Factory Mutual has established four major tests for roof coverings. There include fire, wind, hail, and weather resistance. Of these four areas of research, Factory Mutual is best known for wind uplift tests, which examine the likelihood of a roof to blow off under certain conditions. Two common classifications pertain to these tests. One is the I-60 rating, and the second is the I-90 rating. Factory Manual Publication I-28, I-29 discusses specific information on heights of building, terrain and geography, and their effects on wind uplift.

For specific information on products carrying these ratings, Factory Mutual publishes the “Approval Guide.” Copies can be obtained by directing your request to:

FM Approvals
1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike
P.O. Box 9102
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: (781) 762-4300
Fax: (781) 762-9375

International Code Council (ICC-ES)

ICC-ES came into being on February 1, 2003, when America’s four building product evaluation services officially combined their operations. The four “legacy” evaluation services that came together to form ICC-ES were the National Evaluation Service, Inc.; BOCAI Evaluation Services; ICBO Evaluation Service, Inc.; and SBCCI Public Service Testing and Evaluation Services, Inc. Through the legacy evaluation services, ICC-ES has a history that goes back more than seventy years.

ICC-ES is a nonprofit, public-benefit corporation that does technical evaluations of building products, components, methods, and materials. The evaluation process culminates with the issuance of technical reports that, because they directly address the issue of code compliance, are extremely useful to both regulatory agencies and building-product manufacturers. Agencies use evaluation reports to help determine code compliance and enforce building regulations; manufacturers use reports as evidence that their products (and this is especially important if the products are new and innovative) meet code requirements and warrant regulatory approval. ICC-ES evaluation reports are public documents, available free of charge on the Web, not only to building regulators and manufacturers, but also to contractors, specifiers, architects, engineers, and anyone else with an interest in the building industry. All of these people look to ICC-ES evaluation reports for evidence that products and systems are code-compliant.

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy in helping us all save money and protect the environment thought energy efficient products and practices. In 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency introduced ENERGY STAR as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Computers and monitors were the first labeled products. Through 1995, EPA expanded the label to additional office equipment products and residential heating and cooling equipment. In 1996, EPA partnered with the US Department of Energy for particular product categories. The ENERGY STAR label is now on major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics and more. EPA has also extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

Through its partnerships with more than 9,000 private and public sector organizations, ENERGY STAR delivers the technical information and tools that organizations and consumers need to choose energy-efficient solutions and best management practices. ENERGY STAR has successfully delivered energy and cost savings across the country, saving businesses, organizations, and consumers about $14 billion in 2006 alone. Over the past decade, ENERGY STAR has been a driving force behind the more widespread use of such technological innovations as LED traffic lights, efficient fluorescent lighting, power management systems for office equipment, and low standby energy use.

Recently, energy prices have become a hot news topic and a major concern for consumers. ENERGY STAR provides solutions. ENERGY STAR provides a trustworthy label on over fifty product categories (and thousands of models) for the home and office. These products deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy and saving money. ENERGY STAR also provides easy-to-use home and building assessment tools so that homeowners and building managers can start down the path to greater efficiency and cost savings.

Cool Roof Rating Council

Add Decades of New Life

Cut A/C Costs up to 50%

Free On-Site Inspections

Leak-Proof Your Roof

Warrantied Up to 20 Years

The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) was created in 1998 to develop accurate and credible methods for evaluating and labeling the solar reflectance and thermal emittance (radiative properties) of roofing products and to disseminate the information to all interested parties.

The CRRC is incorporated as a non-profit educational organization for the following purposes:

• Implement and communicate fair, accurate, and credible radiative energy performance rating systems for roof surfaces.
• Support research into energy related radiative properties of roofing surfaces, including durability of those properties.
• Provide education and objective support to parties interested in understanding and comparing various roofing options

Product Rating Program

At the core of the CRRC is its Product Rating Program, in which roofing manufacturers can label various roof surface products with radiative property values rated under a strict program administered by the CRRC. Code bodies, architects, building owners, and specifiers can rely on the rating information provided in the CRRC Rated Products Directory. Which lists Conklin Company, Inc products Benchmark, Rapid Roof III, HyCrown, and Flexion. Contact Information:

Cool Roof Rating Council
1738 Excelsior Avenue
Oakland, CA 94602
Phone: (866) 465-2523 ( toll free in US ) | or (510) 485-7175
Fax: (510) 482-4421
Email: info@coolroofs.org

Florida Building Commission

Florida Building Codes and Standards staff the Florida Building Commission, which is responsible for the Florida Building Code.

The Florida Building Code became effective on October 1, 2005 and incorporates building, electric, plumbing, mechanical, and administrative codes – accessibility, energy, coastal, manufactured, and state agency codes.

When Hurricane Andrew tore apart South Florida, it exposed more than the interiors of thousands of homes and businesses. The storm also revealed a serious statewide problem: our antiquated system of locally-administered building codes and building code compliance and enforcement.

Thousands of homes and other structures simply did not stand up to the storm as well as they should have, and the effects quickly rippled out from South Florida to the rest of the state.

Andrew broke all records for insurance losses, and was the direct cause of Florida’s worst insurance crisis in history. Insurers suddenly realized that all of their worst case predictions were grossly understated – Florida was seriously underinsured and overexposed.

In the aftermath, many insurers simply pulled out of Florida and those that stayed felt it necessary to raise rates to staggering new levels in order to avoid the very real risk of sudden bankruptcy following another huge storm. Homeowners all over Florida were affected as they saw their rates rise drastically and found a lack of available new insurance threatening to pull the plug on development in every part of the state.

The secret was out. Building codes and their administration and enforcement was a statewide issue, with statewide implications. Poor compliance or enforcement in a single county could (and did) wreak havoc with homeowners, developers and commercial interests in every corner of the state.

Miami Dade County

Building components, including roofing systems and those which protect the envelop of the building from being breached, must be approved by the BCCO Product Control Division prior to their use in building construction or rehabilitation.

The Miami-Dade Country Product Control Approval System was established to allow new and innovated ideas to be developed into useful, practical, lasting and safe products.

The Product Control Division receives applications, processes, reviews, and recommends to the Board of Rules and Appeals approval or denial of building construction materials, products or systems used for the protection of the building envelope. Basically limited to windows, exterior glazing, wall cladding, roofing, exterior doors, skylights, glass block, siding and shutters require approval though the issuance a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from the Product Control Division. The high standards set by the Product Control Division is the foundation upon which they have gained a national reputation as creating the benchmark for code related approval of building systems and components.

California Title 24 Compliance

Green Buildings Initiative. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order S-20-04 regarding Green Buildings on December 14, 2004. It established the State of California’s priority for energy and resource-efficient high performance buildings. The Executive Order sets a goal of reducing energy use in state-owned buildings by twenty percent by 2015 (from a 2003 baseline) and encourages the private commercial sector to set the same goal.

The order also directs compliance to the Green Building Action Plan, which details the measures the state will take to meet these goals. The Executive Order and Green Building Action Plan requires the CEC to:

• Develop and propose by July 2005, a simple building efficiency benchmarking system for all commercial buildings in the state.
• Develop commissioning and retro-commissioning guidelines for commercial buildings.
• Further develop and refine (Title 24) building standards applicable to commercial building sector to result in twenty percent savings by 2015 using standards adopted in 2003 as the baseline.
• Consult and collaborate with Department of General Services, Department of Finance and the PUC on a variety of other tasks.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System^TM is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

LEED provides a roadmap for measuring and documenting success for every building type and phase of a building lifecycle. Specific LEED programs include:

• New Commercial construction and major renovation projects
• Existing building operations and maintenance
• Commercial interiors projects
• Core and shell development projects
• Homes
• Neighborhood development
• Guidelines for multiple buildings and on-campus building projects
• LEED for schools
• LEED for retail

To receive more information on each roofing system, visit Conklin Roofing Systems.

Crucial Details to Record

Information about each completed roofing job should include batch numbers of all products used, quantity of materials and work hours required, any subcontractor fees paid, equipment rental, weather conditions during application and any special conditions that require monitoring. It is essential that all contractual agreements also be kept in the job file. This would include copies of your initial bid, contractor’s agreement, documentation of any verbal agreements concerning the job, maintenance provisions or warranties.

Update the job file regularly with notes from annual or biannual follow-up inspections. This gives you a history of the roof, including its longevity and performance, along with a record of any repairs or maintenance, and their cost, etc.

Why Keeping Records is Important

The reason for keeping such extensive records is their potential future value. If at some later point a roof problem develops, information collected in this file can offer valuable clues. Also, keeping records on the time and product used to complete a project helps form a job history, useful in preparing for future bids.

This information can be valuable in demonstrating your products’ performance to customers as well as serving as a reference for bidding new jobs. You may even want to use one of your job files as a portfolio to show potential customers. Your careful record keeping and attention to detail will demonstrate your ability to organize your people and equipment and perform the job in a professional matter.

Software for Data Management and Invoicing

Choice Roof Contractor Group has partnered with Accu-Rix Software to provide our nationwide alliance of commercial roof contractors with a powerful tool to manage their bids, contracts, job cost accounting, P&L statements, reminders, and more. Accu-Rix provides the only customer management software specifically tailored for contractors who use Conklin roofing systems, which we use exclusively. To learn more, visit A.R.S. Contractor Promo Video.

Contact us to receive member discount pricing!

During the energy crisis of the early 1970s and recent energy concerns, the material used in built-up roofs declined in quality. During refining, more of the petroleum-based chemicals used in asphalts were extracted for use in gasoline and other more profitable items. The content of roofing felts also changed. Felts originally contained natural rag for strength and flexibility. But today, felts contain synthetic fabric and fibers, lowering the performance standard.

Changes in Performance Expectations
Today, it has become common practice to increase insulation thickness to reduce heat flow. With substantial insulation as part of most roofing systems, increased thermal stresses due to membrane heat gain, expansion rates and compatibility are placed on the built-up roof.

Emergence of Liquid-Applied and Single Ply Systems
As a result of changes and performance related issues with built-up roofs, new options became prominent in the market. One new option that has drawn considerable attention is the liquid-applied system – like those developed by Conklin. Seamless, lightweight and highly reflective, liquid-applied membranes have gained momentum and are the product of choice among building professionals. Architects, after years of specifying only traditional built-up roofs, are more receptive to new systems and techniques. Single Ply membranes have also become another choice for many commercial projects due to their ease of application, various methods of attachment, durability and relatively low cost.

Ideally, each roof design reflects a team approach with the roofer, architect and general contractor working to develop a viable system. Because of the technology and skills unique to each profession, all three parties have input in the final design.

The History of Drainage Problems
In the early 1920s, American architecture became strongly influenced by the Bauhaus School of Design in Germany. This concept called for sleek, severe lines topped with a flat or minimally-sloped roof. While this concept is still popular among designers today, it is considerably less popular with roofers and contractors.

It is a simple fact that this type of roof invites piled-up snow or standing water, placing a tremendous dead load on the roof. If not corrected, the resulting strain can eventually cause the failure of the roof membrane or even the collapse of the entire structure.

When the roofer’s desire for adequate drainage and the designer’s creative concepts are in conflict, it is vital that the roofer find a way to ensure water is shed quickly and completely from the roof. Some of the many ways roofers can accomplish this are described later in the Surface Preparation section.

Industry Standards
To solve the perennial drainage problem, the Army Corps of Engineers, Building Officials and Code Administrators, the Department of the Navy, the National Roofing Contractors Association and other roofing organizations have recently endorsed several important recommendations:

• A minimum standard of ¼” slope per linear foot of roof.
• The installation of interior drains. Due to the occurrence of ice damming in freezing climates, scuppers (openings in the exterior wall) are no longer advised. By preventing drainage and causing water to pond, they can create unnecessary or even dangerous dead loads.
• The use of expansion joints, when the decking direction changes.

Other industry standards concerning roof drainage are:

• There should be two drains on every section of roof – in case one becomes clogged.
• Drains should be no more than seventy-five feet apart.
• There should be one square inch of drain for every one hundred square feet of roof.

An adequate slope results in water being directed as quickly and efficiently as possible toward the roof’s drainage system. If a crown or peak is designed into the center of the roof, any scuppers should be spaced evenly around the perimeter to drain the water. Interior drains, incorporating a slope in the central areas of a roof, are also a good way to increase drainage.

One of the best ways to meet all these criteria is for the designer to slop the frame during construction. Other alternatives include spray-in-place polyurethane foam, lightweight insulating concrete and tapered boardstock insulation – all of which can add slope and create a layer of insulation. However, there is a point at which this layering technique ceases to be practical. Due to the multiplier effect of low-density insulating materials, too many layers eventually create an unsound deck.

Professional Associations
There are a number of sources of information that provide the knowledge and training to start you on your way as a roofing contractor. Through seminars, magazines, newsletters and conventions, they promote the exchange of ideas and technology among members with the goal of nurturing a healthy economic climate for roofing and construction, and fair standards for labor, workmanship and pay.

NRCA
The oldest and best known of these organizations is the National Roofing Contractors Associations (NRCA). With a membership of over 2,900 contracting groups, representing all fifty states plus twenty-eight foreign countries, the NRCA is dedicated to the advancement of the roofing industry and serves contractors engaged in the installation of roof decks, coatings, and waterproofing materials. A variety of programs are offered to members, including trade publications, educational seminars, management conferences, safety reports, insurance, technical information and a national convention/tradeshow each February. Membership in the NRCA can be very advantageous to Conklin contractors and is highly recommended.

O’Hare International Center
10255 W. Higgins Rd, Suite 600
Rosemont, IL 60018-5607
Phone: (847) 299-9070
Fax: (847) 299-1193

RIEI
The Roofing Industry Educational Institute (RIEI) provides objective and current technological information about quality roof design, materials and applications.

10255 W. Higgins Rd, Suite 600
Rosemont, IL 60018-5607
Phone: (847) 299-9070
Fax: (847) 299-1183

SPRI
The Single Ply Roofing Institute (SPRI) is another nonprofit organization founded in 1982, comprised of manufacturers and marketers of sheet-applied membrane roofing systems.

77 Rumford Ave, Suite 3B
Waltham, MA 02453-3872
Phone: (781) 647-7026
Fax: (781) 647-7222

Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance
Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) is a national trade organization which focuses on key issues and events in the spray-applied urethane foam industry. The SPFA holds an annual convention in February to keep foam contractors abreast of technology and other matters if interest. Membership is open to all interested parties.

4400 Fair Lakes Court, Suite 105
Arlington, VA 22033-3801
Phone: (800) 523-6154
Fax: (703) 222-5816

Western States Roofing Contractors Association
The Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) has been shaping the western states’ roofing profession since 1974. Their 800 members are educated, professional, roofing contractors and industry related associate members including manufacturers, distributors, architects, consultants, engineers and various other segments of the roofing and waterproofing industry, who are committed to providing the highest quality service to customers.

1098 Foster City Boulevard, Suite 204
Foster City, CA 94404-2300
Phone: (650) 570-5441
Fax: (650) 570-5460

Midwest Roofing Contractors Association
The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) is an association of roofing contractors who have joined together to develop and administer programs and services that help member companies build their business and save them money, while continually working to improve the roofing industry.

4840 Bob Billings Pkwy, Suite 1000
Lawrence, KS 66049
Phone: (800) 497-6722
Fax: (785) 843-7555

Other organizations or importance to new contractors include the local Better Business Bureau and the Small Business Administration, whose purpose is to assist in financing and advertising start-up businesses and to oversee the successful operation of existing small businesses.

We have assembled a nationwide team of experienced roofing contractors, and we have made it super easy for any commercial real estate owner to find and locate these highly trained commercial roofing specialists in their area. We are proud to introduce our easy to use interactive roofing contractor map. It gives commercial building owners a bird’s eye view of the entire United States. From Florida to Washington and from California to Maine, there is an experienced local commercial roofing company within our network.

Commercial property owners can search by city, state or zip. It is as simple as clicking on the contractor closest to you. From there, you can contact the Choice Roof Contractor by either phone or a contact form. Now it is easier than ever to locate an experienced commercial roofing contractor in your area.

What Type of Commercial Roofs Do You Service?

Our nationwide group of contractors perform repairs and restore every single type of commercial roof that exists including:

● Metal roofs
● Flat roofs
● Slate roofs
● Low slope roofs
● Built-up or BUR
● Asphalt both rolled and shingle
● EPDM rubber roofs
● Hot tar and gravel
● Thermoplastic TPO

Every type of commercial roof is covered!

Why Choose a Choice Roof Contractor?

All of our members use Conklin roofing products not because they have to, but because Conklin roofing products are the best within the entire commercial roofing industry. Conklin has been leading the roofing industry for over 40+ years when they introduced their first commercial roofing products way back in 1977. Since then, Conklin roofing products have been applied to over 2 billion square feet of roof.

The Conklin Benefit

Conklin roofing products offer several great benefits that are very difficult to ignore. A Conklin roof coating can extend the life of an existing commercial roof system by as long as 20 years with just one application, and our members back this with up to a 20-year, non-prorated guarantee. There is no need for expensive roof replacement or costly tear-off expenses!

Conklin roofing products are also ENERGY STAR® compliant. This means that Conklin roofing products have met or exceeded the strict standards put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency for energy conservation.

Conklin roofing products are leading the industry in energy efficiency. They have been labeled “cool roof” systems because they reflect as much as 85% of the sun’s heat from the roof. This can reduce the temperature of a roof by as much as 90 degrees. A cooler roof can equate to massive energy savings. In fact, the entire roof can pay for itself in as little as 7 years’ time!

Finding a trusted commercial roofing contractor in your area is no longer a problem. Our new interactive map will help you find the right local roofer for the job in a matter of seconds! To access our map, click “Find a Local Contractor” on the top-right corner of any page, or visit http://www.choiceroofcontractors.com/find-a-commercial-roof-contractor.