Author: Ashton Palmer

Commercial Roofers

Ashton Palmer

Commercial roofers install, repair, and maintain the roofs of commercial buildings. They work with various tools and must be comfortable working at heights.

Roofing

They also use glazing, cement, or caulking to prevent water leakage and rusting. They also work with various roofing materials, including PVC, EPDM, and TPO. Contact Roofers In Lafayette Louisiana for professional help.

Commercial roofers work on the roofing systems of large buildings. Their responsibilities include inspecting roofs, making repairs and installing new roofs. They also repair and maintain gutters, drains, and flashing. They use different materials and methods to install roofs, including EPDM rubber, PVC, hot tapered systems, torch down, standing seam, and shingles. They also work as part of a team to meet safety standards. They also install finishing metal, such as drip edge and gutters, and apply coatings, sealants, and insulation to protect the structure from water leakage or rust.

The most important thing that a commercial roofer should have is experience. It is a very demanding job that requires attention to detail and good problem-solving skills. It is also a dangerous profession that involves climbing on top of high buildings. To avoid serious injuries, it is important to find a well-trained and experienced roofer.

A professional commercial roofer should have extensive experience working with different types of roofs. They should also have knowledge of building design and construction, roof-related mathematics, and customer service. They should also be able to decode blueprints and work with tools, such as ladders and scaffolding. The best way to get this experience is through an apprenticeship, which can last up to four years.

Experienced commercial roofers understand the importance of using quality roofing materials. They will only work with reputable manufacturers and follow the latest industry guidelines. This ensures that the roof will last long and that it will be installed properly. They will also keep up with any changes in the city’s rules and regulations.

A well-maintained roof is important for a business’s reputation and profitability. It protects inventory and employees from the elements, and it can also improve a business’s image. A commercial roofer will help businesses keep their building in excellent condition and prevent damage to the property. They will make sure the roof is secure, free from leaks, and that it can support the business’s operations. They will also help the business save money by preventing unnecessary repairs. They will be able to identify the cause of any problems and recommend solutions.

Licenses

Many states require roofers to hold a license, certificate, or registration before they can work. These requirements vary from state to state and may include passing an exam, gaining experience, or providing proof of insurance. They may also be required to register their business at the county or city level and obtain a permit from the local building department before starting work on a job.

In Iowa, for example, any construction contractor working with asbestos must have a state license from the Iowa Division of Labor. To get this, roofers must pass a trade, business, and law exam, demonstrate that they have workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance coverage for employees, and provide proof of general liability insurance. Other states, such as Nevada, require roofers to be licensed through the State Contractors Board. To qualify, roofers must complete at least four years of experience and pass a business and law exam.

Roofing professionals can also take steps to improve their business by becoming members of a professional organization. These organizations help roofers meet and exchange ideas with other contractors in their area. Some even provide training and education for new roofers and contractors who are just beginning their careers. Skujins, for example, has found that membership in his local roofing association helps him build trust with his clients.

Commercial roofers should have a portfolio of past projects that showcase their skills and workmanship. This is especially important for larger projects, where the roofers are taking on more risks and will need to be able to prove that they have adequate experience and insurance coverage.

Another thing that commercial roofers should have is a list of references. This will allow potential customers to contact some of the roofers’ old clients and ask about their experiences with them. It is also a good idea to check whether the roofers have liability insurance in case something goes wrong during a project.

Lastly, it is important to have insurance for both the workers and equipment. This will cover any injuries that may occur on the job as well as damage to property. In addition to the standard worker’s compensation and general liability insurance, roofers should also have a policy that covers any changes in material prices. This is particularly important for large projects, where the roofer is likely to use more expensive materials than on smaller jobs.

Insurance

In addition to the general liability insurance every small business should have, roofers can purchase several other types of policies that will help them stay protected. For example, workers’ compensation insurance will cover treatment costs, injury lawsuits, and missed wages in case an employee is injured on the job. Cyber liability insurance is also essential for contractors that use computers to process customer information, as this policy will pay for data breaches and hacks that damage your customers’ personal information.

Roofing contractors may also want to consider getting professional liability insurance, which is often referred to as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance or contractor E&O insurance. This type of coverage protects you from liability if a client sues your company for providing faulty advice or doing shoddy work, even if the claim is unfounded. It also pays for legal fees, settlements, and judgments.

Builder’s risk insurance is another important policy for roofers, as it will cover the construction equipment and materials in the event of theft, natural disasters, or fire. It’s a good idea to get this type of protection, as it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Commercial auto insurance is a must for roofing contractors that have employees who drive company vehicles. It can provide higher limits than personal auto insurance, and it covers injuries that occur during work-related incidents. Additionally, it can include tools and equipment coverage, which will reimburse you if your gear is stolen or damaged while in transit.

Lastly, a roofing contractor should consider getting commercial property insurance, which will protect the business’ buildings and assets from weather and other events. It’s recommended that you get both an occurrence-based and claims-based policy, as this will offer more flexibility. You should also try to keep your policies consistent, as a gap in coverage can leave you open to liability. A good way to keep your costs down is by shopping around for quotes and bundling your policies. In addition, you can save by implementing safety measures and keeping your vehicles in good condition.

Qualifications

Commercial roofers repair, replace, and install roofs on commercial establishments. They also inspect these structures to determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed. Their main responsibility is to ensure that the roofs of these buildings are sturdy enough for people to enter and use them. Without a well-maintained roof, an establishment can suffer from a variety of problems that can affect the safety and security of those who are inside.

One of the most important qualifications that commercial roofers need is experience. Experienced roofers will be able to spot and fix problems that may not be visible to others, which can save customers time and money. In addition, experienced roofers will be able to complete projects in a much quicker manner than their less-qualified counterparts.

Another qualification that commercial roofers should have is a strong knowledge of the different types of roofing materials. This will help them choose the right material for each project and ensure that their work is done correctly. In addition, they should know how to read blueprints and other plans that are used in the construction of roofs. This can be especially useful when working with engineers, roofing consultants, or property managers, who often require that roofers comply with specific specifications and warranty requirements.

Other qualifications that commercial roofers should have include a valid driver’s license and adequate insurance coverage. They should also be able to communicate well and maintain a high level of professionalism. Because they frequently deal with people who are unfamiliar with their work, they should be able to explain the details of each job in a way that is easy for clients to understand.

In addition to these basic qualifications, commercial roofers should also be certified by the manufacturers of the roofing products they use. This certification will verify their knowledge of the products and best installation practices, and it will also help them build a positive reputation in the industry. In some cases, this can even help them secure a contract for a new project even if they are not the lowest bidder.

The Importance Of Proper Roof Ventilation

Ashton Palmer

If you have noticed warped shingles, a high energy bill, or other signs of poor ventilation, it is time to call for a roofing inspection. Proper roof ventilation allows hot air from your living spaces to escape and prevents the overheating of attics that causes ice dams in the winter. Roofers Corpus Christi can do the job for you.

roofing

Extends The Life Of Your Roof

The longevity of a roof depends on a wide variety of factors, including construction quality, climate, and even the wildlife around your home. However, one often overlooked aspect of a healthy, long-lasting roof is proper ventilation. By regulating temperature and limiting moisture, a well-ventilated roof extends the lifespan of your roofing materials and protects your home from expensive damage and repair costs down the road.

Insufficient roof ventilation can cause your attic to become a hotbed of humidity and extreme temperatures, resulting in a host of problems like ice dams, mold growth, high energy bills, and more. In addition, a humid attic can encourage the growth of unhealthy indoor plants and lead to poor air quality in your home. To avoid these issues, it’s important to ensure that your attic has adequate ventilation and that the vents are not blocked by debris or insulation.

Thankfully, professional roofers can help you install a system that promotes air circulation throughout your attic and helps keep your roof and home in optimal condition. We offer a variety of solutions, including solar-powered attic fans and increased attic insulation, to improve airflow, regulate temperature, and prevent condensation and moisture problems.

Your shingles act as your home’s superhero cape, protecting it from the rain, wind, and sun, but without proper ventilation, they may begin to wear down faster than expected. A well-ventilated roof allows excess heat and moisture to escape, extending the life of your shingles and keeping your home protected for longer.

During summer, the sun’s heat can cause an attic to overheat, which puts a strain on your AC system and drives up energy costs. A well-ventilated attic keeps the air cooler, reducing the load on your AC system and lowering energy bills.

Throughout the year, household activities such as cooking, showering, and washing clothes add up to a lot of moisture that can rise through your attic and condense in an inadequately ventilated space. This moisture can rot wood framing, rust metal components, and lead to a host of other issues. In addition, if left unchecked, moist attic air can encourage the growth of unhealthy mold and mildew, affecting your family’s health and the appearance of your home.

Prevents Moisture Damage

Moisture is a serious threat to your roof, leading to mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and structural damage. When it comes to preserving the health of your roof, proper ventilation is critical. Insufficient ventilation creates an environment conducive to moisture buildup, especially in the summer.

Without ventilation, heat from your living spaces seeps into the attic space and heats the rafters and insulation. This excess heat and moisture create the perfect conditions for condensation to form on cold surfaces in the attic, such as shingles or the underside of the roof deck. This moisture, in turn, can lead to mold and mildew issues, rot of wooden structures and ceilings, and insulation damage.

With adequate roof venting, this warm moist air is vented out of the attic space through ridge vents, gable vents, power vents, or other exhaust vents. Fresh cool air enters the attic from the eaves and soffits to replace it, ensuring the temperature of your attic is evenly maintained and moisture is not building up.

Proper ventilation also helps prevent moss growth on your roof by removing the extra moisture that would otherwise find its way into your home through leaks in the attic or from poor air barrier practices. This is because moss thrives in humid environments. Ventilation also ensures that any water that does get into your attic from leaks or other sources is properly removed to protect the integrity of your roof and prevent rot and mold.

Prevents Ice Dams

Ice dams are one of the most common causes of roof leaks that damage home structures, including drywall and plaster. They can also cause damage to trim, soffit, fascia, and deck. While there are several solutions for repairing and fixing ice dams once they form, proper roof ventilation will help prevent them from forming in the first place.

When ice dams form along the eaves, they trap water behind them that eventually seeps into the attic and walls of the house. The trapped moisture can lead to mold and rot, and it can also damage insulation. In addition, ice dams can cause other damage to the structure of the roof, such as dislodged shingles and sagging gutters.

Keeping the roof attic space well-ventilated and properly insulated is the best way to prevent the formation of ice dams. Insufficient roof ventilation leads to elevated attic and roof temperatures that initiate the ice dam process by melting snow on the roof surface. This is compounded by warm indoor air leaking into the attic through ceiling penetrations (light fixtures, plumbing pipes, chimneys, access hatches, and more), inefficient or leaky heating equipment and ductwork in the attic, or a combination of these factors.

Proper roof ventilation is accomplished through the use of ridge and soffit vents that create a continuous flow of air across the attic floor. This allows the hot air to escape the attic and the cooler outdoor air to enter and replace it.

A properly installed and balanced system of ridge vents and soffit vents will optimize air circulation, preventing the buildup of excess heat in the attic and eliminating the conditions that lead to ice dams.

It is important to regularly inspect your roof and attic to look for signs of potential problems, especially in winter when ice dams often form. Pay special attention to the area near skylights, which are known for causing ice dams. Be sure to check inside your attic as well, looking for water stains on the ceiling and drywall, damp insulation, and other signs of leaks or improper ventilation.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Whether you live in the middle of nowhere or the heart of the city, having a roof that is properly ventilated will improve your home’s indoor air quality. The reason is simple: without ventilation, hot air trapped in the attic will be forced down into living spaces, resulting in uncomfortable temperatures and higher energy costs. Proper ventilation prevents this from happening by allowing warm, humid air to escape the attic in summer and colder air to enter in winter.

Ventilation also helps control the temperature in the attic and throughout the house. During the summer, hot, stagnant air can build up in an unventilated attic space, driving up temperatures in the living spaces and forcing the air conditioning to work harder. The proper use of ridge vents or other rooftop solutions will allow the hot air to escape the attic, and cool, dry air to enter the living spaces below, keeping the room temperature more even and reducing the strain on the cooling system.

In the winter, an inadequately ventilated attic space can cause uneven melting and refreezing of snow on the roof — this is the source of the pesky ice dams that can damage your shingles. Having the right number of vents – as well as properly installed soffit and gable vents — will ensure that the attic space stays warm enough to melt the snow, instead of causing it to refreeze.

A good venting solution will also promote a constant flow of fresh air into the attic space, keeping moisture and pollutants from accumulating inside the attic and causing problems like mold growth and odors. In addition to preventing these issues, this continuous air circulation will help keep the insulation in the attic in good condition and improve the overall comfort of your home. Contact us today to learn more about our range of roofing services, including installation and maintenance of roof ventilation systems! Our skilled technicians are ready to provide you with a free consultation and estimate. We proudly serve homeowners across the nation. Call us or fill out our online form to schedule yours!

The Dangers of Not Inspecting a Home Before You Buy

Ashton Palmer

Buying a home is one of the largest purchases you will ever make. Researching neighborhoods is essential to ensure they are safe for your family.

Axios Home Inspection is a valuable tool for determining if a house has any major issues that should give you pause. Many of these problems can be easily fixed.

home inspection

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber once considered a “miracle material” for its strength, sound dampening, and resistance to fire and heat. It was added to a wide variety of building materials including insulation, flooring tile, and drywall. Unfortunately, we now know that asbestos can cause a number of serious health problems, and exposure to it has been linked to certain types of cancer.

Although asbestos has been banned in the many homes built before 1980 still contain materials that may include it. During an inspection, a professional home inspector will typically indicate whether or not a house contains such materials. However, home inspectors are not legally obligated to test for the presence of asbestos.

A standard home inspection is a general evaluation of the structure and major systems of a home. A qualified home inspector will look for signs of asbestos in the attic insulation, near pipes in the bathroom and kitchen, and around the furnace in the basement. They will also look for evidence of a past asbestos abatement project.

Asbestos sampling is a destructive process that requires cutting into walls, floors, and ceilings to collect samples. Because of this, it is generally not done during a standard home inspection. However, if you suspect that an area in your home might contain asbestos, you can ask to have an EPA-certified inspector conduct a separate testing and abatement process.

If the inspector discovers that a material in your home does indeed contain asbestos, they will recommend that a certified removal professional be contacted to take action. It is highly recommended that all asbestos be removed before doing any kind of remodeling work to prevent the fibers from becoming airborne.

If the asbestos-containing materials in your home are undamaged and left undisturbed, they do not pose a health risk to you or your family. If, however, the inspector discovers that these materials are damaged or deteriorating, they will recommend that the asbestos be removed by a certified abatement company. It is important to remember that concealing the existence of asbestos in a home will likely result in legal liability when it comes time for you to sell.

Lead paint was used in houses and apartments before it was banned in 1978, so it can still be found in many older homes. It’s especially dangerous for children under 6 years old, who may ingest lead paint chips or dust from deteriorating surfaces. Exposure to lead can cause damage to the nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as behavioral issues.

An inspector will inventory all painted surfaces inside and outside the house, including porches and garages. They’ll pay particular attention to areas where paint flakes are more likely to appear, such as near doorways or windowsills where friction can chip the finish. Bathrooms and basement walls are also more prone to deterioration from steam and condensation.

Once the inspector has identified all painted surfaces, they’ll test for lead content. This can be done with a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine, which is able to determine the presence of lead in painted surfaces without damaging them. Or, a sample of one- to four-square inches will be removed and sent to a laboratory recognized by the EPA for analysis.

The inspector will then report the results of their testing. If the paint is found to contain lead, the inspector will recommend either a risk assessment or a risk mitigation plan. A risk assessment is a more in-depth inspection that determines the severity, type, and specific locations of lead hazards. It includes a thorough inspection of household dust as well as soil from outside play areas and around the foundation of the home.

Because of the strict rules, regulations and guidelines that are imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, to protect the public from the harmful effects of lead, it’s usually best to have a professional conduct the testing and inspection process. They’ll have the certifications and training necessary to ensure safe practices and thorough work. They’ll be able to provide you with a complete and detailed report that you can then take to your landlord. The EPA has a list of accredited inspectors that you can contact for assistance. You can also try a DIY test kit from most hardware stores, but the information provided by a trained and certified inspector will be more comprehensive and accurate.

A home inspector checks a lot of things when they visit a property. They make sure everything works properly, look for potential issues and hazards, and fill out a report to determine whether or not the property passes or fails. But there are certain toxins that even the most skilled home inspector may not detect.

Lead paint was commonly used in homes before it was banned due to its negative health effects. However, it can still be present in the house if the previous owners did not remove it properly or correctly dispose of it. Home inspectors check for this toxic element by using tools to identify it or sending samples away for testing.

Another hazard that can be difficult to spot is carbon monoxide, which often comes from faulty appliances or cracks in the foundation. High levels of this gas can be fatal, but a home inspector will often check for things like working carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that all occupants of the home are safe.

Mold is also a common issue that can be very dangerous to the health of those living in the home. This fungus grows in areas with a lot of moisture, and several varieties exist that cause adverse health effects through repeated exposure. A home inspector will look for signs of this, including black spots and discoloration with a slimy texture.

Water testing is also a must if a property draws its drinking water from a well system, as it can be contaminated with various chemicals, heavy metals, and other impurities. In addition, a test for radon is important because of its links to lung cancer.

The home inspection process can be a long and complicated one, but it is worth it to find out any potential pitfalls that could derail your plans to buy a new home. In addition to the above hazards, it is important to get an inspection for a variety of other potential issues, such as termite damage and plumbing problems. Having these problems fixed before you move into your home will save you a lot of money and hassle down the road.

Home inspectors write up a report of the findings and include pictures as a visual aid. They can also make recommendations for repairs, but are not required to do so. A buyer can use the information from the inspection to renegotiate the sales contract or cancel the sale completely, depending on how serious the problems are. Buyers can ask for a re-inspection by the same inspector to verify that the problems have been remedied. Some inspectors also offer specialized inspections for problems such as asbestos, mold or mildew, termites, pests, radon and lead. These specialized inspections generally cost extra.

The inspector will evaluate the plumbing; air conditioning, ventilation and heating systems; electrical system; roof, attic, visible insulation and walls; the foundation and basement; and structural components. In addition, the inspector will look at the condition of the exterior, including the roof and visible siding. If there are parts of the property that are inaccessible, the inspector will note this in the report and may recommend a specialist in that area.

It is a good idea for buyers to accompany the inspector on his rounds. This is a chance for the buyers to learn more about the structure, systems, and maintenance of the property and ask questions. It is also a time for the inspector to explain how things work, such as electrical panels, air-conditioning and ventilation switches and shut-off water valves. It is a chance for the buyer to get a feel for how the home operates and to find out what areas of the home are a particular problem.

While there is no law that requires a home inspection prior to selling or buying, it is in the best interest of everyone involved. The inspection can reveal safety issues, maintenance concerns, and other facts that will affect the financial investment in a property. Buyers who are able to negotiate repairs or adjustments in the sale price of a property have more buying power and may be able to save themselves significant expense. In the long run, a thorough and complete inspection of a property is more cost effective than dealing with expensive surprises later on.