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Tag Archive: inspect your roofing system

  1. 3 Tips to Keep Your Commercial Roof in Shape this Winter

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    With the winter season closing in on the construction and roofing industries, commercial businesses should prepare to take a look at their current roofing systems’ longevity. Harsh weather conditions like the sleet, intense cold, and freezing drafts are here to expose all of your weaknesses. Instead of playing the waiting game take initiative on your roof and prevent situations that can lead to roof and ceiling leaks or obstructed damage to drain systems. Your deterioration is beyond a simple inconvenience.

    Here are a few forward-thinking tips to ensure your commercial roof is in tip-top shape throughout the menace of winter.

    Action is better than reaction:

    Going through roof construction in the chaos of winter’s worst elements leads to one big headache. Bottom line, your business (building and employees included) will respond better to pre-emptive measures before the cold strikes. So what can you do?

    1. Book an inspection. Certified professionals go over every square inch of the roof and check for known deficiencies that may be exacerbated by the forces of winter. Common problems that are identified include possible leaks, poor joint integrity, sheet metal flashing degradation, random punctures and unsealed pitch pans.
    2. Budget ahead of time. A report, complete with images and a prioritization of the proposed repairs, is compiled based on the findings of this inspection. This allows you to tackle the areas that can quickly escalate into an emergency. Use your available funds for current and necessary improvements and make sure to allocate your budget for future modifications or complete reconstruction.
    3. Always upkeep. Thorough roof upkeep typically includes cleaning of all drain components and tightening of bolts, disposal of small debris, repair of deficiencies found on the flashing around roof penetrations and the field membrane and the inspection of all mechanical equipment on the roof. Special attention should be paid to the overall flexibility of the roof so that it can withstand contractions and expansions.

    Knickerbocker services:

    Knickerbocker Roofing offers inspection and commercial roof maintenance services. Our trained professionals know how to properly wield the tools of repair for your damaged roof. We are also certified with all major roofing manufacturers for contracting.

    If emergency services are required, we can accommodate.

    Please contact us today for your custom quotes.

    You can also follow us on Twitter & LinkedIn throughout the holiday season to stay on top of the latest in the commercial roofing industry.

    We wish all of you a very happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to reconnecting in 2018!

    3 Tips to Keep Your Commercial Roof in Shape this Winter

  2. Prevent Leaks Before the End of Fall and Start of Winter

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    When you find water dripping into your kitchen, it’s too late – the leaks have already
    prevent-leaks-image-oct-2016
    started. Here in Chicago, we start seeing heavy rains coming down in September, which of course leads us to the winter months and the snow that comes with it. Your best bet is to be proactive, and take a look at your house or business for potential leaks and necessary roofing repairs before the rain starts falling.

    Our Local Weather

    Chicago has seen plenty of poor weather in the fall and winter over the years, and the worst part is it can be so utterly unpredictable. For instance, last year, we saw one of the wettest Septembers in a while followed by a drier-than-normal October. It’s not just rain, but also snow – November saw a full 10 inches more snow than average, bhttps://www.weather.gov/media/lot/events/2015/climate/2015_Chicago.pdfut December followed with four inches less than usual! You never know what the fall and winter will bring, but one thing we can guarantee is that, as every Chicagoan knows, it will be brutal.

    Common Causes of Roof Leaks

    The best thing you can do is give your business an inspection for the variety of conditions that can cause roof leaks. These can include, but aren’t limited to:

    • Rotting or rusting materials on the roof
    • Punctures in the roof
    • Cracked flashings
    • Poor roof drainage
    • Penetrations that extend through the roof, including chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, and more

    Getting up on your roof and evaluating these factors in August or early September will get you ahead of the game, and can help avoid nasty, wet messes when the rains come. Of course, if you fail to prevent a leak, you can always reach us when you need help ASAP, at our emergency service hotline.

    Here at Knickerbocker, we have an annual roof maintenance program that can help you address your roof, keeping it clean and clear of debris, while maintaining drains, gutters, flashings, and more. Our visits also include inspection of mechanical equipment flashings and inspection and repair of the field membrane. These visits can drastically reduce the likelihood of a leak, and keep water where it belongs – outside. Of course, you can avoid that by getting in contact with us today to see how Knickerbocker Roofing can keep you dry through the coming months!

  3. Befriend Your Roofing Contractor Before the Storms this Season

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    After the rough of winter, spring has finally started to blossom across the Midwest. Although the temperatures are growing nicer, damaging storms are still a relevant concern year round. A new report finds that heavy rainfall from storms are continually causing major flooding and tornado clusters are becoming much more frequent. Peak tornado season ranges from April-June and thunderstorms occur most commonly from June-August.

    So, before we head into that next weather cycle, take the time and make the effort to reach out to your roofing contractor. Developing a relationship early on can lead to a better roofing experience, overall. Customers that remain in steady contact often encounter less damage to the interior and exterior structures because their roofing issues are addressed ahead of time. This means taking the initiative to inspect your roofing system in between the seasons to ensure that last winter’s snow and ice didn’t leave any serious harm behind. Not only can contractors assist in fixing existing problems, but they can help to prevent future problems from occurring.

    Intense summer storms, many a time, blow into town leaving high winds, lightening, pouring rain, and the occasional hail in its path. A roof maintenance program, as mentioned in our November post, is a viable option that can help save time and money. By fixing smaller problems along the way, you might prevent a bigger problem that lies ahead. At Knickerbocker, we work with each of our clients to design a maintenance program that fits your needs and budget.

    We all know summer weather can be inconsistent and turn from a harmless storm into a raging disaster within a matter of minutes. Having a relationship with a trusted roofing contractor means that you know who to call when a serious problem does occur. Even with the best preparation, strong storms can be detrimental. Having a company you know will respond quickly in an emergency is having peace of mind. Knickerbockers 24-hr emergency service hotline is standing by to answer to commercial, industrial, and institutional clients who require help ASAP.

    When you take a moment to step back and think about the essential functions of a roof, it becomes clear that this is the barrier that protects our loved ones and most valued assets from harm’s way. With unpredictable and severe weather affecting us year round, roof repairs are becoming more and more common. Take the next step to prepare and remain in control of your property.

    Are you ready to build a relationship with a roofing contractor? Look no further. The experts at Knickerbocker are standing by, set to make sure we take care of all of your roofing needs. Contact us today by clicking here or calling 708-339-7260.