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Tag Archive: commercial roofing

  1. What Roofing System Suits Your Needs?

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    There are five main types of steep roof systems: asphalt shingles, metal, slate, tile, and wood shake. The most common are asphalt shingles, which are found on many homes.   We would like to take a look at the other four today.

    Standing seam metal roofs are utilized on commercial, industrial and institutional structures as the entire roof structure.  They also provide eye-catching accents as part of a smaller roof on a larger structure.  A corrugated metal roof can provide a rustic feel to a structure.  Either way, these roofs need to have proper slope to shed the water and, if necessary, should have snow guards to protect from snow accumulations cascading down.

    Slate is rock that is split into smooth flat pieces for roofing.  There are several benefits of a slate roof, including its long lifespan of about 75 years, its fire resistance and that it is a natural resource.  The natural colors tend to blend in well with the surrounding environment, such as those on Lake Michigan. The cons can be the weight of the system and the initial cost which can be higher in comparison to other systems. You tend to see slate roofing systems on high-end residential, institutional, and ecclesiastical buildings where longevity is of the utmost importance.

    Clay tile roofing systems are commonly found in Southern climates, but provide a long-lasting natural solution anywhere in the U.S. An example of our clay tile installation can be seen at the Erman Biology Building at the University of Chicago. Tile options come in a variety of colors, have long term durability, are hail and fire resistant, and are built to withstand high winds. Based on their life cycle, they are more sustainable than other roofing systems. Maintenance and repair are similar in cost to slate, as is installation.

    Shake systems look wonderful in natural settings such as wooded and coastal areas and surrounding lakes. These systems do require more maintenance and have had general concerns in relation to fire hazards. While fire retardant systems are available, the chemicals used to defend the roof from fire can shorten the lifespan of the system. Still, with proper installation and maintenance, shake systems deliver as a beautiful system option.

    Depending on which commercial roofing system is right for you, Knickerbocker can install an optimal new roof for your building. Along with installations, Knickerbocker also works on emergency roof and leaking repair systems, provides low slope and steep slope roofing services, green roofing services, architectural sheet metal fabrication services, and roof maintenance services.

    To learn more about Knickerbocker Roofing, don’t forget to read our blog, follow us on Twitter, and connect with us on LinkedIn. To discuss your roofing needs, contact Knickerbocker today.

    Knickerbocker Roofing has been in business for over 130 years, specializing in commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing services. Based out of Chicago, our mission is to be the leader in the roofing, sheet metal, and waterproofing industries. In our years of experience, we have come to understand the need for various roofing systems based on location and have worked on a wide range of systems based on specific needs.

    What Roofing System Suits Your Needs?

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  2. Common Myths About Roofing & The Facts That Dispel Them

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    President Abraham Lincoln once said, “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon… The great point is to bring them the real facts.” Lincoln’s theory holds true in regards to most circumstances, including roofs and roofing services. Facts can help to dispel common myths and concrete facts (no pun intended) will help you when it comes time to make the right decisions about your roof. Over the years, a lot has been said about roofing; both commercial and industrial roofing, and residential too. Because there is so much information out there, a lot of roofing myths tend to circulate. To clear up some of these common misconceptions, we’re presenting the roofing facts! Read on:

    Myth: You will save money by taking care of repairs after the damage is already done.
    Fact: You will save money by taking care of repairs before the roof leaks.
    What the experts say: A roof is the building’s first level of protection against the elements – rain, wind, sun, and snow. An article from the Chicago Tribune quoted an executive from the National Roofing Contractors Association stating, “No one thinks anything of the roof, until it leaks.” We recommend staying on top of your roof before it leaks because it can prevent further and larger damages that often times go unattended. By being proactive you can save money on some of those major repairs and expenses.

    Myth: Your roof does not need annual repair reviews.
    Fact: It is wise to survey the state of your roof (commercial, home, industrial, or institutional) regularly.
    What the experts say: At Knickerbocker, we recommend annual, or biannual, inspections to our customers. Why? Frequent examinations with written guidance reports and photos allow you to examine concern areas that should be addressed sooner than later. The per-project agreements that we offer grant ongoing roof inspections to ensure your roofs longevity and that it is properly maintained. Again, this will save you money on the inevitably big repairs you will need if you wait on inspections.

    Myth: Damaged shingled roofs have a quick fix. Simply cover the existing layer with new shingles.
    FACT: The above will NOT fix the problem, it will only create further damages in the future.
    What the experts say: Instead, old shingles should be entirely removed and replaced. Some building codes might say that the above myth is acceptable, but it is not a good idea! Head back to the article referenced above, “Think of shingles as the skin of an apple. Ever bite into that bright red skin only to get a mouthful of a soft, bruised, mushy interior? Underneath shingles is a layer of wood sheathing, usually plywood. Sheathing can rot because of leaks, inadequate attic ventilation or just age. The best way to inspect this critical layer is to strip away the old shingles.”

    Myth: Green roofs are a pricey rip off.
    FACT: Green roofs offer many advantages when properly installed.
    What the experts say: A recent blog from the Huffington Post commented, “Green building isn’t as difficult as you might think…” and we would agree with this statement, adding, when it’s done right. Just one of the huge advantages of a properly installed green roofing system is the prevention of leaks. At Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving, we apply our 125+ years of experience in the roofing and sheet metal industry to every green roofing installation we do. In recent years, we’ve completed many successful green roofing installations. Through our relationships with roofing manufacturers and sub-contractors, we’ve become a leader in constructing watertight green roof systems.

    As industrial leaders in the roofing industry, we remind you that these are only a few of the many myths that can lead to further damages or poorly functioning roofing systems. We would be happy to tell you more! For further information on the above, other myths, or general questions and information, give us a call at 708-339-7260 or email us at: sales@knickroof.com. We hope that you take the above information with you on your future roofing endeavors!