Sunday, 29 September 2013

How to Fix Leaky Skylights for Good


If you are faced with a problem of leaking skylights it is wise to identify the source. Quite often the leak might have nothing to do with skylight, but be due to problems in the structure. In such instances replacing or clearing up the debris or carrying out repairs to the damaged flashing on the skylight will not fix the problem. The damage is often worse than you might think. It is therefore vital to detect the concealed probable causes as quickly as possible.


Identifying a Skylight Leak


The first step would be to hire a reputable contractor who can conduct a methodical inspection of the skylight to establish the actual source of leak. Here is a look at the most probable causes that result in leaks:


• Faulty weather seals: Water entering through the roofing upslope of the skylight and trickling in through the framing is the most common reasons for leaks. To ensure this is not the cause, have the skylight inspected to see if it is properly sealed. This includes checking that the weather seals are in place.


• Debris collected on the roofing: Does the leaking have a pattern? Does it occur during a particular season; such in the winter or fall? Or does the leaking get excessive after snowfall? If you have answered yes to any of these then the problem may be with the debris that has gathered around the skylight and disrupting the descending flow of water.


• Damaged insulation and flashing: Another reason for the leak could be poorly fitted, damaged or corroded insulation or flashing.


• Excessive condensation: Excessive condensation can also collect and begin to drip along the inside of the skylight. The main reason this occurs when the insulation is poorly installed.


How to get rid of the Problem of a Leaky Skylight


• A roofing contractor with a good reputation should be able to carry out checks and repairs on the skyline.


• Installation of new flashing: Before mounting new metal flashing, the contractor will need to clean up and strip away the existing roofing tar that might have caked and dried. The next step would be to peel away the roof shingles from the sides and top of the skylight. The old metal flashing will then be replaced with new flashing.


o There are different types of flashing available, but using step flashing on each side creates a tight interlocking seal with the roof shingles. When using Head flashing remember to use it at the top and ensure it is continuous and overlaps with the topmost step flashing row. Finally, the head flashing will need to be overlapped by the shingles. This creates reinforced flashing that will prevent any leaking during precipitation.


• Repair of Poor Insulation: Poor insulation may possibly be the cause of the leak. If that is so, the contractor will cut back into the drywall around the leaky area. Leaks typically take place if the region flanked by the skylight and the framing is not properly insulated. To secure it, the contractor will fill the gap by spraying minimal expanding foam.


If you are still cannot identify the source of the leaks or if you need assistance with your local municipal code, contact your local professional roofer.


Reference: Tom Silva. Leaky Skylights – Sometimes a drip is not really a leak at all. This Old House.


Schulte Roofing is a bryan roofer company with over 100 years of combined experience. Schulte Roofing originally began in Alvin, TX just outside of Houston, TX and has grown a reputation for delivering the best roof for your budget. If you have any questions about white roofing system for your home, business, or child’s school, contact Schulte Roofing today.



























Friday, 27 September 2013

Hail Resistance Of Fiberglass Shingles


Fiberglass shingles have become popular among items to use when it comes to decorating all sorts of buildings. However, they have also been known to struggle to stay intact when hail storms occur. This can cause expenses to homeowners and insurance companies, thus forcing many insurance companies to look into what is causing this problem to occur.


Fiberglass shingles have been used on properties for nearly forty years. A study from the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues found not long afterwards that UL 2218 Class 4-rated shingles can resist damages from hail. Class 4-rated shingles are highly rated as they can simulate impacts from 2-inch-thick bits of hail.


A 2011 study was performed to determine how fiberglass shingles can wear out. It was found upon reviewing fiberglass shingles with Class 4 ratings were able to resist hail damages at a better rate. This was observed after a hail event occurred in Texas and impacted surfaces with these shingles on them.


How are Damages Measured?


It is unclear as to how damages can be measured because everyone has different ideas of what constitutes as hail damage. Hail damage can entail visible damages to shingles for the most part including cases where granules will fall off. Sometimes the loss of the ability of shingles to handle water or the ability of shingles to stay intact can constitute as damages to the area.


Measurements in the Study


A new study was created to analyze hail resistance on these shingles. Sixteen shingles were acquired with six being laminates and five being three-tab modified fiberglass shingles while five aged shingles were also used. Five of these shingles met UL 2218 Class 4 standards as mentioned earlier. The following were used as measurement standards for all these shingles:


Net mass was measured based on how much weight they contained. These included weights from 73.5 to 128.3 pounds for every 100 feet.


Desaturated mat weight, or the weight after asphalt and granules are removed with a solvent and then oven dried, was also used to see how the base acts. The weights were from 1.62 to 2.21 pounds per 100 feet.


Granule adhesion was measured as a means of seeing how much granule loss is accepted for every gram of weight. The granule losses were estimated at levels of 0.55 to 0.67 grams but two that were aged or exposed were at 1.84 grams and did not comply with the requirement for the study.


Tear resistance was reviewed to see how strong the tiles are and if it would take a while for them to tear. Most of the new shingles met the 1,700 gram requirement but the five aged and exposed shingles did not.


Tensile strength or the ability of the shingles to stay intact over time was also measured. The modified asphalt shingles had an average tensile strength of 110.9 pounds per inch while the aged ones came in at 87.66 pounds per inch.


Test Observations


Ice spheres ranging from 1 to 2 inches in diameter were shot out at speeds of up to 72 mph at these shingles to simulate hail. It was found that more granules are lost when larger sphere come about but modified shingles with adjusted asphalt surfaces ended up being easier to use. However, UL Class 4-rated shingles with fiberglass materials lost only a third of the granules than what nonrated shingles had on average.


The angle that the shingles were situated at did not make much of an impact at all. Shingles that were at a 45-degree angle responded in the same was as shingles at a 9-degree angle for the most part.


In addition, tile fractures were uncommon in these Class 4-rqated shingles. They didn't even fracture from the 2-inch ice pellets.


What the Results Mean


There are many things that can be found from this study:



Modified shingles with some fiberglass materials will be more resistant to some problems. UL-rated shingles will lose fewer granulates and won't tear easily. A shingle roof with a better tensile strength will last longer. Older shingles are weaker and more likely to wear out and should be replaced.


Conclusion


The best thing for companies that make fiberglass shingles to do is to test their products to see if they can meet UL standards while creating warranties for their products based on how much damage they can handle. Shingles must be appropriately modified to reduce their damages in hailstorms.


Reference


Koontz, J. D., & White, T. L. (2013). A Study with Impact: Determining the hail resistance of fiberglass shingles. 2013 International Roofing Expo Reports.


Schulte Roofing is a conroe roof company with over 100 years of combined experience. Schulte Roofing originally began in Alvin, TX just outside of Houston, TX and has grown a reputation for delivering the best roof for your budget. If you have any questions about white roofing system for your home, business, or child’s school, contact Schulte Roofing today.













































Drip Edge Installation is Easy to Handle

A drip edge, or a material used at the end of a roof near its gutters, is a critical piece of material to use on your home for a number of reasons. It is known to make your gutters look a little slimmer and more appealing but it's especially necessary for protecting your property. It can keep the space between your fascia boards and your deck from being infested by insects and other outside materials. It can even keep your deck from being hurt by rain that blows in through the wind.


A drip edge will move water from your building to make sure the wood around it will not wear out. It can also make an asphalt-shingled roof look a little more appealing as you create a good finish for it.

A drip edge will certainly be great but there's a need to make sure you know how to install it the right way. The installation process is not too complicated once you see how it works.

You must make sure your drip edge meets the four main requirements for it to work right.


1. First, if you are going to apply it along the eaves then it has to be designed to where it can go directly onto the deck along the eaves. The underlayment must then be placed over the drip edge to complete the look.


2. Second, it should be taken with care along the rakes. A drip edge can go on top of the underlayment when you are applying it along the rake. This is to make sure that rain does not get on the deck as a result of strong wind gusts. A sense of protection is needed in this case to keep it fully functional and ready to work.


3. Third, it must also be able to resist corrosion. It cannot wear itself out over time and keep from working properly. Corrosion can easily cause this to die out and stop working as well as it is supposed to.


4. Fourth, it must be capable of being nailed to the decking surface. This has to be done so it can stay in place and will not fall off. This should be done regardless of the standard that must be utilized when getting the drip edge installed properly. Local building codes might even say that a drip edge has to be installed over the underlayment and then cemented to the eaves. You should make sure that you do whatever your local building codes say that you should be doing before doing anything else. This is to make your property suitable with local regulations in mind.


Finally, the drip edge has to be designed with a strong body. A drip edge that is at least 36 gauge or heavier will be suitable as it will keep the space ready. It can work well with an aluminum body but a galvanized material may also be used if you prefer to go in that route. It's still a necessity to see that the body is made to meet your local regulations before you actually use it.


Resource GAF.(2013). Drip Edge Installation Tutorial.GAF Video Library.


Schulte Roofing is a houston tx roof with over 100 years of combined experience. Schulte Roofing originally began in Alvin, TX just outside of Houston, TX and has grown a reputation for delivering the best roof for your budget. If you have any questions about white roofing system for your home, business, or child’s school, contact Schulte Roofing today.




















Saturday, 21 September 2013

Commercial Firewalls

 Firewalls are fireproof barriers used to prevent fire from spreading between buildings, electrical substations, aircrafts, vehicles and transformers. The characteristics of traditional commercial firewalls include:


• Design loads: commercial firewalls should be able to withstand at least 5lb/sq.ft and should also be able to withstand seismic loads.
 • They extend through buildings and terminate at a height that is determined using a code. They are finished off using sheet metal caps.
 • They are usually made form concrete reinforced concrete or concrete blocks.
 • Commercial fire walls are made of drywall partitions.
 • Penetrations through the firewalls should be protected using fire stops.


Firewall Design


The design of commercial firewalls varies depending on the applications of the firewall. Having upfront knowledge of the potential; causes of a fire are imperative in the selections as well as installation of firewalls.


Fire Barrier Products


Fire barrier products offer a wide array of solutions to fire protection. They include systems that go through penetration, grease as well as air duct protection and finally solutions for critical circuitry and structural needs. These products are designed to help to reduce the spread of fire toxic gases and smoke.


• Fire barrier sealants: this includes various sealants that prevent the spread of toxic gases, moisture and fire. Sealants are important for both through-penetration and joint applications. They are repairable moisture cure and available in non-slump.
• Fire barrier devices: this include various fire stop devices for electrical, data, mechanical as well as plumbing applications. They include cast-in devices pass-through devices for walls and sleeve kits that help to firestop economically.
• Fire barrier mortar, composite sheets and pillows: composite sheets offer enterable fire stop facilities. The features of the mortars provide great adhesive bonds to metal, wood plastic and cable jacketing. Finally, the pillows expand and lock into place in order to completely surround the substances that penetrate and toxic has from spreading. They cover complex and large penetrations.
• Fire barrier grease and air duct products: These consist of duct plenum wrap and duct wrap all of them are foil-encapsulated. The duct wrap is mainly used for commercial kitchen exhaust pipes, air ventilation ducts, and in stair pressurization ducts. The platinum warp products have high temperature insulation which is mainly used to make an enclosure with low smoke and flame ratings.

An Example of the Difference Between Two Leading Fire Barriers


While both products demonstrate easy dispensation, cost-effective, high fire resistance and moisture-free features, the two barriers have the following difference:


• FireOut fire barrier has a Coating system that uses water which gives it an exceptional spread as well as protection from roof decks that are highly flammable it also has a lower VOC.
• Versashield fire barrier on the other and helps I protecting the roof from moisture and implements roof deck protection through improvements made on its fire resistance capabilities by the UL class A.


Applications of Commercial Firewalls


• Can be used to divide a building into various fire areas.
• They can be used to differentiate high value transformers in case of ruptures or ignitions.
• Used in fire prevention at home.
• Fire barriers can be used as standalone fire prevention materials in high occupancy residential and non-combustible building applications. To learn more about the best fire barrier products, contact your local and professional roofing contractor.


Schulte Roofing is a roofing contractors houston with over 100 years of combined experience. Schulte Roofing originally began in Alvin, TX just outside of Houston, TX and has grown a reputation for delivering the best roof for your budget. If you have any questions about white roofing system for your home, business, or child’s school, contact Schulte Roofing today.






















Wednesday, 18 September 2013

The Way The Sunray DAMAGES YOUR ROOF

The sun damages rooftops by a process named photo-degradation. During this process ultraviolet photographs with high energy articles disrupt chemical bonds in polymers (long chains of similar subunits). The absorption in the UV rays causes either breakage or crosslinking of polymer chain, altering both chemical and physical properties of assorted roofing materials. After UV rays have disrupted your polymers’ baseline chemical qualities, polymers react with oxygen and also water in the air.


Wood Shake/Shingles and the Sun


Wood can be classified as a healthy polymer that is made up of cellulose; a matrix of fabric that provides overall power and adhesive components to wood’s structure. Exposure to ultraviolet rays may cause light wood to show up darker and some darkish woods to appear lighter. The color change is a result of UV damage to lignin, any binding polymer within cellulose. A professional Bryan roof structure company lays timber shingles according to the made slope of the roofing. Slow slope roofs possess shingles laid an almost horizontal while sharp slope roofs tend to be closer to vertical degree.


Asphalt Shingles in the Sun


Asphalt is one the important thing binding agents of the granules in asphalt asphalt shingles. The shingle itself normally contains a felt cloth or fiberglass content, saturated in preservatives and binding materials, and layered with granules. The asphalt serves as a binding agent of the granules in addition to being a hydrophobic (dislikes or perhaps fear of water) barrier to water.


Asphalt is derived from refinement regarding crude oil, which contains hydrocarbon organizations (C=O). In the similar 2008 review, experts Akbari, Berdal, and Levinson discovered that quick wavelength Ultra violet rays triggered more injury than long wave length rays. As C=O groups continue to build, the oxidation process also produces SO4 (sulfate groups). The presence of these extra groups causes the particular shingle to become each hardened and fragile.


Many shingle companies design shingles to make use of special granules that behave as an absorber of UV rays.


Discolored Spots


Ultra violet rays are well known to cause discoloration of roof covering materials, but contact with pollutants like SO2 and NO accelerate the process. Organic colors and coloring are apt to have great color or even intensity. However, the power in the sun’s rays are very damaging that number of pigments on the market maintain well against lasting sun exposure.


One apparent color that was specifically susceptible to exposure will be ultramarine blue (Berdal, 2008). Cadmium sulfide and also cadmium selenide both react with o2 upon contact. Nonetheless, manufacturers help separate roofing materials through environmental conditions through the use of certain pigment kinds.


One organic pigment that a Bryan, TX roofer can use to shield tiles from UV rays is termed phthalocyanine or “phthalo” (Berdal, 2008). When combined with a chromium oxide green color, the resulting shade is brighter. Wear on the color from the sun's rays still occurs, nonetheless, instead of chalking from the corrosion, the roofing coloring becomes muted instead of as vibrant throughout 25 years.


Schulte Roofing is really a college station roofing company that has been supplying Bryan, TX roofing which holds color along with resists sun damage over conventional roofing systems. Your local roofing contractor must routinely go beyond the conventional manufacturer’s build guidelines as a way to design and build the roof for your price range. Schulte Roofing backs most Bryan, TX roofs with all the Bulletproof Roof™ Guarantee.





















Saturday, 14 September 2013

Rooftop Rainwater Collection System

Texas experiences dry weather every summer with very high temperatures, and faced one of the worst droughts ever a few years back. Since the unfavorable weather conditions in Texas resulted in many farmers losing their crops that year, those who wanted to avoid such a disaster in the future opted for rooftop rainwater collection systems. These offer optimum storage capacity, so that the property has no dearth of water when weather conditions take a turn for the worse.


Importance of size and capacity of Rooftop Rainwater Collection System


When choosing a Rooftop Rainwater Collection System, the size and capacity must be chosen carefully, keeping in mind that the sole aim of installing this system is to be able to weather out dry conditions comfortably. The intended usage will decide what size is best, and a local roofer can help derive the right figures and also suggest the appropriate location.


For example, a property in the rural region where farms needs to be irrigated and livestock needs to be cfice establishment, will need a smaller system to< cater to all water needs in dry weather conditions.


How to calculate average rainfall?


Sometimes, the Rooftop Rainwater Collection System in a Montgomery, TX property becomes the primary source of water, rather than being an alternative to water lines. In such a case, the size of the system should be decided keeping in mind the longest time the region experiences without any rainfall, so that there is adequate water for all intended usages during dry spells.


In Montgomery, TX, the annual rainfall is 47.7 inches annually, according to the Almanac data collected from 1980 to 2010, with about 61 days per year receiving this measurable precipitation. Also, there is less than half an inch of snow annually, but those figures come in to play as well. Keep in mind that rather than depending on average rainfall collection numbers, it is better to take in to account the Median rainfall values. This is because 100% water collection rarely ever happens when sudden downpours occur, and while these can cause flash floods, all the water is never actually collected to decide on size and capacity of your system based on them. A good example is that in July 2012, only 1.79 inches of median rainfall was recorded for Montgomery, TX by Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting, which means that a property owner with a Rainwater Collection System installed would have had to depend on water collected during previous months
 for that period since the rainfall experienced was too sparse.


Official sources like the US Department of Agriculture, the State of Texas offer standard data which can be used to estimate median rainfall. However, a roofing company hired for the installation of rainwater collection system must always cross-check the most current data for the final calculations. Otherwise there are chances that as the home owner, you could end up with a tank too small to meet with intended usage, which will waste their time managing run-off water at times, and keep them worried about not having enough water during dry spells.


Schulte Roofing is a roofer bryan companies with over 100 years of combined experience. Schulte Roofing originally began in Alvin, TX just outside of Houston, TX and has grown a reputation for delivering the best roof for your budget. If you have any questions about white roofing system for your home, business, or child’s school, contact Schulte Roofing today.















Thursday, 12 September 2013

Rooftop Rainwater Collection


Add caption
Rooftop Rainwater Collection is done for a number of reasons. They include: reduction in the amount spent on water bills, ensuring self-sufficiency in water supply, provision of quality water with less minerals, and reduction of soil erosion. Whatever the reason, the first step is determining the amount of water that you use. This will be very essential in determining your water collection system. In 1999, research showed that each person in a household used about 49.6 gallons of water daily. This is a large amount of water especially in households with many members.


On average, all the members of a household that conserves water will use between 25 and 50 gallons in total, daily. Old utility bills will help you estimate your water usage. This is probably the easiest way to make a rough estimate. Unfortunately, it does not put other variables into consideration, thus it may not be accurate. When there are more people using the water, for instance when another person comes to stay with you for a while, or when the number of people reduces, like when some of the people in the household leave for college, there will definitely be an alteration in water consumption.


A better way to estimate the amount of water you use in your household would be looking at the occupancy rate. This formula can also be used:


Water Consumption Fixture, x Daily Use, x Number of Household Members Present = Monthly Demand

Different fixtures will have different levels of consumption. Dual flush toilets will use 1 gallon to flush, shower heads 2.2 gallons per minute, baths 50 gallons, and 18 to 25 gallons for a clothes washer that is conservative. To get accurate figures of the amount you use in your household, you will need to add up the amount of water each of the devices use, and what every person uses.


Most rooftop water collection systems drain the water collected into a tank or reservoir, where it will be treated and purified. It then goes to the water heater and consumption fixtures. After estimating your total water consumption, you need to ensure that your rooftop can collect enough water that will remain sustainable through purification and treatment, and when there is massive usage too. This way you will ensure a consistent water supply to your household. You can make further savings on your water heater. Have it powered by a rooftop mounted solar array.


The very last consideration in determining your rooftop water collection is looking for a reliable company to do the job for you. One such company is Schulte Roofing. It has over a century's experience in the field. They have been largely involved in the back up for rainwater collecting systems for over 20 years now. They will also help you in estimating the amount of water you use, how much it will cost you to install a durable, functional system for collecting rainwater, as well as enlighten you on any other issue associated with collecting rain water. This way, you will have achieved your goal of installing your own water system.


Schulte Roofing is a college station roofing companies with over 100 years of combined experience. Schulte Roofing originally began in Alvin, TX just outside of Houston, TX and has grown a reputation for delivering the best roof for your budget. If you have any questions about white roofing system for your home, business, or child’s school, contact Schulte Roofing today.













Wednesday, 11 September 2013

How noisy can metal roofs be?

How noisy can metal roofs be? This is one of the most common questions that dog Bryan homeowners. These homeowners have different opinions on the amount of “roof noise” they can tolerate. Most of them do not have a problem with the typical sound that raindrops make, while others would prefer to minimize sounds. But the tolerable noise from a roof that homeowners can withstand is based on the construction and installation quality of that roof.

Quieter compared to many other materials

The human ear is known to have the ability to register a broad range of volumes. Humans are able to hear a low noise of up to 0dB and a loud noise of up to 175dB (the threshold for pain is about 130dB). General conversations are often about 70dB. Logical conclusions may cause the homeowner to think that the metal roofs are noisier compared to other roofing material types, such as composite shingles. But according to some studies by the Acoustic Group, researchers found out that metal roofs generate rain noise that are a bit softer compared to normal conversation and just slightly louder compared to a soft whisper.

From the studies, a metal roofing and asphalt shingles recorded 52dB and 46dB respectively, from rainfall. Since normal conversation happens at 70dB, the metal roofing doesn’t have a substantial impact on the levels of sound.

Roof Construction details

One reason why the asphalt shingles seem to work better in reduction of noise compared to metal roofing is the system components which happen to be layered together. They serve and act as sound dampeners. Metal roofs which are made on open frames tend to produce louder sound compared to those made on solid decks.

In Bryan roofer regulations permit installation of roof decks beneath metal roofs to act as sound dampeners; just the same way asphalt shingles can dampen sound. Currently, there are only a few cases of metal roofing without sound absorbing underlayment material.

If you have skylights in your home, then you can test the principle on rainy days. When closely listening to that sound, you’ll realize that it is being generated from the skylight and not from the roof. Skylights often open up to the open air, permitting sound waves to freely roam inside the living space. On the other hand, the roof is backed up by material layers which absorb sound waves

What is the ideal sound?

The acceptable sound levels from a roof vary from one homeowner to another. Light sleepers might not prefer much sound from their roof. Conversely, some people like the traditional soft sound of rains. In case a home owner likes a roof that produces more sound, the local roofer must install the roof on a unique framing system which will serve as a minor amplifier, working to transmit more sound to open air inside the living spaces.

When it comes to homeowners who love the appearance of a metal roof, but cannot withstand the sound associated with this roof when it rains, the roof must be created with extra layers to act as sound dampeners.

Schulte Roofing is a bryan roofer with over 100 years of combined experience. Schulte Roofing originally began in Alvin, TX just outside of Houston, TX and has grown a reputation for delivering the best roof for your budget. If you have any questions about white roofing system for your home, business, or child’s school, contact Schulte Roofing today.





















Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Sun Damage on a Roof

The natural elements have always been known to have a destructive effect on buildings and building material but ultraviolet rays have a specially undesirable effect on roofs. The sun emits harsh UV rays which are absorbed by roofing material and over a period of time begin to alter the chemical makeup of the substance used to manufacture the roof. The energy contained in UV rays penetrates polymer chains, leading to breakage and cross-linking, and an inevitable chemical reaction with oxygen and moisture, which gradually
 destroys the roof.


The Sun and Wood Shingles


Wood is basically an organic polymer made up of cellulose. The cellulose composition is in essence small fibers which give it its adhesive property. When exposed to ultra violet rays, dark-shaded wood turns a few shades lighter and light-shaded wood turns darker over time. This change in color is attributed to the effect of UV rays on lignin, which is a polymer in wood used primarily for bonding.

A study conducted in 2008 by Levinson, Berdal, and Akbari on the effect of UV rays on wood found that placement determined the rate at which the wood eroded. Horizontal hanging resulted in significantly extensive erosion compared to vertically-placed wood. In order to keep the wood in good condition for longer, Bryan roofing company uses a unique process where they position the shingles in a way that keeps UV-related erosion at a minimum.


Asphalt Shingles


Asphalt shingles contain asphalt as one of the main binding agents in the granules. Most shingles come with a fiberglass material which is covered in additives and a number of adhesives then layered with granules. When used to bind the granules, asphalt protects the shingles from the effects of water and moisture in the air.

Asphalt is extracted during the process of refining crude oil and it contains hydrocarbon groups which build up during oxidation, producing sulphate groups as a byproduct. These additional sulphates are what give the shingles rigidity and durability.


Discoloration


Ultra violet rays have been known to change the quality of color on different roofs. But another equally potent element is the effect of the combined compounds; sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide, which accelerate the discoloration. Organic pigments come in different colors and each color reacts differently to the UV rays. Certain colors hold up well against discoloration but others, not so much.

Ultramarine blue is susceptible to discoloration when used on roofing material. Cadmium selenide tends to react with oxygen when exposed, as does Cadmium sulfide; but manufacturers have a way of working around such challenges to ensure the materials used remain impervious.


A modern roofing company uses different processes to create tougher pigments. For instance Bryan roofing company uses an organic pigment called phthalocyanine and combines it with a specially-made green pigment to make a brighter shade. The resulting color does not suffer the same discoloration when exposed to the sun.


Bryan roofing company has been actively providing lasting roofing solutions to Texans by manufacturing sun-resistant roofing materials which retains quality texture for much longer than ordinary roofing material. Regular roofing construction often requires additional service in order to meet a lasting quality.


Reference:
 Berdahl, Paul; Akbari, Hashem; Levinson, Ronnen; & Miller, William A.(2008). Weathering of Roofing Materials-An Overview. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.























Monday, 2 September 2013

White Roofs – A Viable Solution For Reducing Cooling Costs

It is the time of the year to start up new sessions in schools. Schools are one of the largest establishments of an area requiring over 75,000 square feet which demands high end cooling systems to give a comfortable environment to the pupil. This will mean high energy costs to be encountered. However, by using other methods while installing the roof, a part of these energy costs can be saved. Getting a white roof installed in place of the conventional black roof is one such method to reduce cooling requirements.

a Justification for the idea

Studies conducted in this regard have shown that by opting for a white roofing system the cooling requirements of a sturcture reduce considerably. As energy consumption costs are mounting day by day, this can prove to be a viable solution over time. This roofing system is also known to possess hail resistant properties which is an added advantage. Thus, in areas that receive greater amounts of hail during the year, this system can save thousands of dollars otherwise needed to repair the damages. The maintenance requirements of the roofing system are also minimal.


The results obtained After the installation of the white roofing system, the minimum initial solar reflectance of .87 and the thermal emittance that depicts the heat given off of .87 are expected. This indicates that an avearge 30 to 60% of the reduction in the cooling costs is obtained. Also, the maintenance and repair costs for the system also received a cut. A single ply membrane is used in the roofing system which can be repaired by using a hot air welding gun.


Cosmetic reasons keeping home owners away from white roofs While the commercial buildings and public complexes are showing great interests in the white roofing systems, home owners are still left behind. The reason is the curb appeal that a white roof lacks. Unlike the conventional roof colors that are popular among the home owners, a white roof is yet to make a prominent place in this category.
However, the architects and designers of today are working on making them more attractive knowing the benefits these roofs have.


White roofing is a promising solution for residential as well as commercial buildings posing a huge cut on the energy costs, repair costs and maintenance expenses to be encountered in the near future. The saved costs can thus be utilized in the other important matters encompassed under the construction process.


Schulte Roofing is a college station roofer with over 100 years of combined experience. Schulte Roofing originally began in Alvin, TX just outside of Houston, TX and has grown a reputation for delivering the best roof for your budget. If you have any questions about white roofing system for your home, business, or child’s school, contact Schulte Roofing today.