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Tag Archive: extend the life of your roof

  1. Prevent This Year’s Roofing Leaks from Rain and Snow

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    October is here and we’re on the brink of some hefty wet weather this fall in the Midwest. The last thing we all want to talk about is the rain, sleet, and snow that will be forecasted as we’ve spent precious moments in the beautiful summer weather these past several months. Still, the roofing industry is here to help you prepare for the leaks and repairs you could run into this upcoming season.

    The first step is being responsible by taking action. Make sure you are prepared to manage and maintain both commercial and industrial buildings, because the harsh weather is bound to affect those who think there is time to waste. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the snowfall in the Chicago area this coming winter “will be above normal in most of the region, with the snowiest periods in mid-December, early [to] mid-January, and early February.”

    Also, always keep in mind that knowledge is power. Know the common causes of roof leaks such as: puncture wounds to various portions of the roof, rotting materials, cracked flashings, broken shingles, poor roof and gutter drainage and installation. Now is the right time to fix existing problems and take preventive measures by making sure your roof is in good condition to handle the up-and-coming unpredictable weather.

    With proper maintenance, you can avoid leaks and further extend the life of your roof in return. You can seek proper precaution and prevent roof leaks at your facilities every season of the year by reaching out to the roofing experts!

    If your industrial and commercial facilities are within 100 miles of Chicago, Illinois, you’ll want to equip yourself for “above normal” snowfall and other precipitation this year. Prevent roof leaks with Knickerbocker Roofing! You can learn more about the roof repair services we offer by contacting our service staff directly at 708-339-7260, or by visiting our website today. For information on emergency roof and leak repairs click here.

  2. Look Up! You’ll Find Examples of Our Work All Around the Chicago Area

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    It would take us hours, days, weeks, to tell you about all of the projects Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving has completed over the past 125+ years. So, for today’s blog we decided to save you the time and carefully selected a few of our favorite projects from recent years. Mind that if you’re ever in the Chicago area, you can simply “look up” and find examples of our work! Here’s a preview of what you’ll see:

    Steep Slope Roofing at the Historic Monroe Building in Chicago
    Make sure to sneak a peek of the roof at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street in Chicago! Knickerbocker completed the roofing and gutter fabrication and installation job at this historic site, located at 104 S. Michigan Avenue. According to the building’s historical website, the Monroe Building “set a new benchmark for Chicago office space” when it was built more than a century ago. Specializing in projects such as steep slope roofing allowed us to complete the complex project. With Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street filled with local congestion, we used a cantilevered scaffold system that was erected 200 feet above the intersection. The project demanded capabilities beyond any standard roofing installation to meet the historic requirements for the job. This included removal of the existing roof and installation of a custom-manufactured, two-tone, green glazed Ludowici tile with 20oz copper gutters and flashings. The end results were, and still are, stunning. The Illinois Landmark Association awarded the Monroe Building project “Renovation of the Year.” You can take a look at all of the details of this project by visiting our website.

    Architectural Sheet Metal at the Museum of Science and Industry
    At Knickerbocker, we offer roof and gutter fabrication and installation. You can see an in-person example of our architectural sheet metal fabrication at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago). The museum is a “hands-on” educational center with engineering exhibits and more. Before completing this project, MSI was in desperate need of a new roof. We shared the museum’s “hands-on” approach to work day-in and day-out on the installation. Replacements included a new in-laid gutter system that had to be coordinated with another contractor’s masonry repairs. Daily adjustments had to be made for precision and accuracy. Different size radius panels were required, and intricate soldering helped to secure water tightness on every seam of the roof. It was an intricate job, but everyone was happy with the end results! Read about this project on our website.

    Low Slope Roofing at the River City Condominiums
    Located on the Chicago River in the “South Loop” neighborhood, the River City Condominiums were designed by Bertrand Goldberg as a “city within a city.” The distinctive “S” shaped building called for installation of new insulation, coverboard and Sarnafil’s EnergySmart PVC roof membrane and flashings. And it wasn’t just one, but 19 different and odd-shaped roofs belonging to the condominium community. This was a complex job, with material needing to be, at times, double-, triple- and even quadruple-handled with cranes, hoists and extra manpower to reach the different roof areas of the serpentine-shaped, multi-level building. Knickerbocker safely managed the complexity of the project, from start to finish. Learn more about this unique effort by reading further details on our website.

    Green Roofing at the University of Chicago Medical Center
    We installed photovoltaic panels at the University of Chicago Medical Center, bringing the Medical Center all of the advantages of a green roofing installation. This project was a large, land-locked roof replacement with multiple levels, and was also logistically challenging. We staged the area with 7-story scaffolding, taking into consideration that the area also housed MRI equipment and other sensitive testing materials. After replacing the roof at the Medical Center, we installed 59 photovoltaic panels. You can find more details about our proud accomplishment here.

    Roof Maintenance Services Throughout the Area
    We believe the best way to extend the life of your roof is to maintain it. Here at Knickerbocker we offer customized maintenance and service plans to fit our customers’ needs and budgets. The roofs we maintain are all over the area; Chicago, and other areas of Illinois, not to mention Northwest Indiana and Southeast Wisconsin. See examples of our work near and far!

    Find these stories, and many more, on the Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving website. Or simply “look up” the next time you’re in the area.