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Q1 2017 Construction Industry Performance
Employment in the construction industry for the first two months in 2017 was up over the same months in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report. New hires in January was up 92,000, and in February they were up 22,000 over last year’s numbers. The construction industry added a total of 756,000 new hires in the first two months. March numbers are also looking great. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) reports a 2.6% increase in construction employment in March from a year ago, and noted that construction employment is at the highest level since 2008! And, it looks to continue. Manpower’s Employment Outlook Survey for Q2 2017 reports an expected...
read moreSpring Roof Inspection
April showers bring…roof leaks? Not how you remember it? Well it is true, and it is especially possible if you don’t perform your spring roof inspection. Winter takes its toll on a roof. Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, hail, and ice can really cause damage. Even if you live in a warm climate where cold-weather damage is not a worry, spring is a good time to have your roof inspected so you are ready for the stormy season ahead. If you plan to inspect the roof yourself, here are some things to know, what to look for and when to call an authorized contractor: Clear the rooftop of any debris. For best results, use a stiff bristle broom and apply positive downward pressure when clearing accumulated dirt and leaf deposits...
read moreGenFlex Classroom and Hands-on Training Programs
GenFlex believes that providing valuable training at no cost to its contractors is an investment worth making. GenFlex has a great team with the knowledge and expertise to explain and demonstrate the proper installation methods for its products. Training is usually conducted with the support of our many distributors throughout North America, all of whom understand that the contractor’s success is our success. While training will vary from location to location, we would like to highlight one of our training programs that is getting a lot of praise from the participants. Zoe Bayley, a GenFlex representative in Atlanta, GA, has developed a training program with the local distributor, Roofing Supply Group (RSG). Zoe has...
read moreRoof Moisture
Roof moisture or leaks often go unnoticed until a problem presents itself that requires immediate action. However, leading up to that point there is often other hidden and not so hidden damage occurring. Insulation Damage Moisture entering a roof system can be absorbed by the insulation layer first, and then shows up as an interior leak. By this time, the moisture collection breaks down the roof insulation so it no longer offers the same R-value to the building. That is why it is important to use moisture-resistant insulation such as GenFlex’s Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso). Other insulating materials such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS or Bead Board) can absorb water. Roof Blistering Moisture trapped inside a roof system can...
read moreProtect Your Roof This Winter
It’s January and whether we like it or not winter is here! If you live in a cold climate, GenFlex’s Ben George, Technical Building Solutions Manager, has some tips to help protect your roof this winter. He recommends inspections and maintenance, removal of excessive snow, and proper removal of ice accumulations. Inspection and Maintenance Establishing a regular inspection and maintenance program with a GenFlex contractor is highly recommended. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) suggests at least two visits annually, usually one before winter and another in the spring. Work with your GenFlex contractor to identify and repair areas of concern and perform routine maintenance to prevent leaks and preserve existing...
read more2016 Commercial Roofing Review and 2017 Forecast
Industry Growth Eighty-eight percent of the Roofing Contractor’s 2016 Commercial Roofing Trends study respondents reported steady or positive growth in 2016! That’s great news for the commercial roofing industry. Furthermore, the U.S. Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce announced on January 3 that during the first 11 months of 2016 (December numbers are not in as of yet), construction spending amounted to $1,070.9 billion, 4.4 percent (±1.0%) above the $1,025.5 billion for the same period in 2015. In fact, the November construction spending reached its highest level in 10 years according to U.S. News and World Report. It looks like 2016 will go down in the books as a decent year for the construction industry as a...
read moreWinter Safety Tips for Roofing Contractors
It’s December and for those of us in cold climates, it is time to be thinking again about winter safety. Here are some things to keep in mind. Winter Fall Safety Falls are always a concern for roofers, but when you add ice and snow to the mix, your crew must be prepared. In addition to all of your normal fall prevention procedures, make sure to warn your crew that a layer of snow can be covering a dangerous ice layer. Make them aware that deep snow can cover trip hazards such as conduits and pipes. Drifting snow can also cover skylights, so have the building management point out their locations to your crew prior to them getting onto the roof. Set up safety guard rails on the parameters of the roofs for added protection. Remember...
read morePreparing for Winter Weather
Winter begins this year on December 21, at 5:44 a.m. EST. Are you ready? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting wetter, cooler conditions in the northern U.S. for this winter. It is important to be prepared for the snow, ice and wind that can impact your rooftop. Snow If you are located in an area where snow fall is likely, it is a good idea to have a plan in place. In the winter of 2014–15, Boston received a record 110.6 inches of snow! Roofs in that area weren’t designed to handle that type of snow load, and there were many roofs that collapsed. In fact, Boston Magazine called the collapsing roofs an epidemic. It is a good idea to learn about snow loads and how they impact your...
read moreRoofing Insulation Overview
If you want an energy-efficient roof, the first place to start is insulation. Proper insulation is one of the most important contributors to a building’s energy efficiency. Having a high R-value for your roof, the common measurement of thermal resistance, can also aid in achieving LEED® v4 and RoofPoint(TM) certifications. What’s Recommended The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends using two layers of insulation. This can be comprised of two layers of insulation boards or a single layer of insulation and a cover board. Always follow your local building codes when choosing the materials for a roof. Comparison of Three Types of Foam Insulation Type Advantages Caveats Polyisocyanurate...
read moreWalkway Pads: Protection for Your Roofing Investment
It is sometimes assumed that since workers aren’t on a roof every day that worrying about how your roof handles foot traffic is not important. However, today more than ever, roofs are experiencing more foot traffic than you may realize. The typical building rooftop is becoming a crowded place. Technology such as Wi-Fi antennas, satellite and microwave dishes, cell phone communication equipment and solar panels have joined HVAC systems, pipes, ducts, conduits, skylights, elevator equipment and more, all requiring access and maintenance. Green roofs are also becoming more popular and definitely require accommodations for the additional foot traffic. Not to mention the roof itself needs to inspected and maintained on a regular basis....
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