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Tag Archive: green roofing services

  1. Looking Forward to the Year Ahead

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    The 2015 season is officially over, and now that the first of the year has passed we’re gearing up for what will develop in 2016. Our industry has been rebounding nicely from the recession and 2016 is expected to continue this trend with growth in both commercial and residential construction.

    According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) forecast, the roofing and construction industry should expect to see nonresidential construction spending grow 7.5% this year. Contractor confidence has increased and backlog indicators also signal strong demand. The Dodge Outlook Report predicts that new construction starts will rise 6% overall. By sector, the new construction breakdown is expected as:

    • A 20% rise in dollars for single family housing corresponding to a 17% increase in units.
    • A 7% rise in dollars for multifamily housing corresponding to 5% increase in units.
    • An 11% rise in commercial building.
    • A 9% rise in educational buildings including schools and hospitals.

    This positive picture of the industry is indicative of rebounding markets, improvements in the economy, and increases in job growth. As an election year, 2016 should also see an increase in capital improvement projects as state budgets have allocated more spending for infrastructure. The collaboration with private industry has led to more public-private partnerships (P3) which enable government agencies to better afford large capital construction projects. P3 offers a broad array of options and are a viable option for financing and managing construction projects.

    Experts are also predicating a banner year ahead for the remodeling sector, with the strongest growth in the luxury market and an increase in adoption of green building. Residential remodeling and green building are in demand as consumers want higher quality results and ways to reduce living costs. Residential construction is catching up to the commercial sector in green principles.

    The predictions for the coming year are very promising and align with what we have been experiencing. Knickerbocker is seeing growth in the market, and general improvements in the industry, as residential and commercial projects seek the highest quality roofing and construction capabilities. We are a leader in architectural sheet metal fabrications, steep slope roofinglow slope roofing, and green roofing services. Our specialty roofing capabilities set us apart from others in the industry.

    The Knickerbocker team wishes all of you a Happy New Year and look forward to the new challenges of 2016. Contact us today to learn how our capabilities can set you apart from the others in the new year!

  2. Celebrating 129 Years of History in the Roofing Industry

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    Today we are taking a look at history, going back 129 years to 1886*. What was happening in both the U.S. and roofing industry in Chicago? Knickerbocker is here to tell all:

    • The Statue of Liberty, “a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States,” was dedicated here in the U.S.

    • Grover Cleveland was President of the United States

    • Chicago became the center of a national labor movement, pushing for an eight-hour workday

    • What many might not know is that Bernard Kelly bought Knickerbocker Roofing &

    • Paving Co. Inc. and founded what has now grown into one of the largest roofing contractors in the Midwest

    Some of the earlier Knickerbocker projects included: the Public Library, now known as the Cultural Center and the paving of Michigan Avenue! In the early to mid-1900’s, Mark A. Cronin, Sr., Kelly’s son-in-law, helped expand Knickerbocker into a largely successful sector: railroads. Railroad structures, worn down by the steam and fumes of burning coal, needed continuous deck and roof replacements. Knickerbocker was there to “pick up steam!” and worked for many major rail lines cross-country.

    Fast-forward through five generations, 129 years later, and Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving celebrates its history as a successful family-run business. Four great-grandsons, and one great-great grandson, of the Bernard Kelly lineage are among the latest generation leading the Knickerbocker team of employees. At Knickerbocker, we are a team of trained professionals, remaining as courteous, customer-oriented and friendly as we were 129 years ago.

    Today, we specialize in providing commercial and industrial roofing services to our customers located throughout the Chicago area and Midwest region. Among the range of services we offer are low slope roofing services, steep slope roofing services, sheet metal fabrication, green roofing services, roof maintenance services, plus emergency roof and leak repair services. Additionally, we’re recognized throughout the communities and industries we serve as experienced and reliable roofing specialists. We believe it’s those essential qualities – experience and reliability – that have helped us build a 129-year tradition of trust with our customers!

    Topping things off, it’s not just our customers who know they can rely on us: roofing system manufacturers know us for those same qualities of trust, experience and reliability. In fact, we are proud to say that Knickerbocker is certified by all of the major roofing system manufacturers, as a trusted source to furnish and install their roofing systems as well.

    Here at Knickerbocker, we plan on continuing to provide commercial and industrial roofing services for many more years to come. After all is said and done, if you’re looking for reliable roofing specialists in the Chicago area we will be here, and ready to serve you, just as we were for our first customers in 1886. In the meantime, you can visit our website to learn more about our company and its 129-year history, or just give us a call at 708-339-7260 if you have further questions for us.

    *Sources: HistoryOrb.com, History.com and Encyclopedia of Chicago