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Tag Archive: roof maintenance services Chicago

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

   December 19, 2017 9:39 am Leave a Comment

   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!

   

2. What Roofing System Suits Your Needs?

   September 5, 2017 10:43 am Leave a Comment

   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.