RoofersCoffeeShop https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/ Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More! en-us The Best of for the IIBEC 2022 International Convention and Trade Show https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/the-best-of-for-the-iibec-2022-international-convention-and-trade-show the-best-of-for-the-iibec-2022-international-convention-and-trade-show Thu, 17 Mar 2022 12:00:00 PDT

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS President. 

Attendees will experience networking, educational opportunities, fun events and great speakers. 

Those who are attending the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show will experience some of the best networking, education and hospitality in the roofing industry. The conference will welcome building enclosure professionals from across North America to the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida March 17 – 22, 2022. 

“Our 2021 convention, which took place in September, was a success, but we’re pleased to be holding our 2022 convention at the normal time in the spring,” said Brian Pallasch, executive vice president and chief executive officer at IIBEC. “IIBEC members are looking forward to the networking, educational opportunities and great speakers that make our international convention and trade show the premier event for building enclosure consultants and industry professionals.” 

“Exhibitors are excited to be returning to in-person events like the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show,” said Karen McElroy, vice president of events at IIBEC. “We know the strong interest we’re seeing among exhibitors will be matched by the interest in their products and services among the building enclosure professionals who will attend the trade show.” 

Several RoofersCoffeeShop partners will be at the show including: 

  1. Duro-Last 819 

  1. SOPREMA 713 

  1. EVERROOF 417 

  1. FlashCo 908 

  1. Metal-Era 332 

  1. S-5! 626 

  1. Sika 600, 601 

  1. Western Colloid 514 

  1. Leister 110 

  1. ATAS International 411 

  1. CertainTeed  821 

  1. IB Roof Systems 229 

  1. Johns Manville  201 

  1. Master Builders Solutions  518 

  1. ROCKWOOL  501 

  1. Roof Hugger 415 

  1. National Women in Roofing (NWiR)  113 

  1. Nations Roof 106 

  1. National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) 316 

  1. Single Ply Roofing Institute (SPRI) 215 

In addition, Johns Manville will be hosting a hospitality event to celebrate their 50th Bursi Anniversary on March 18, 2022, from 7:15 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Conway Room, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. There will be cocktails and appetizers served during the reception. They are excited to celebrate their 50th Anniversary for the BURSI Program and would love to hear any stories attendees may have to share from attending past BURSI events. Be sure to RSVP here. 

According to IIBEC, the education will be off the charts, “Those looking to boost their continuing education hours (CEHs) at the show will earn 2.0 CEHs for spending up to four hours on the trade show floor and 3.0 CEHs for spending more than four hours at the trade show. The convention also includes more than 17 hours of live, in-person educational seminars. Kicking off the educational content on Friday, March 18 is an auxiliary seminar, “Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Product-Approval Process,” presented in three sections: the history of the Florida Building Code’s HVHZ section; Miami-Dade product-control requirements for fenestration and cladding components and systems; and Miami-Dade product-control requirements for roofing components and systems.” 

The opening general session will feature Duncan Wardle, founder of iD8 & innov8, who will share how he created magical consumer experiences while head of innovation and creativity at Disney, and how his unique Design Thinking process can help embed a culture of innovation into today’s workforce. 

Whether you are already attending or still thinking about attending, there is time to register and make a great plan for the 2022 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show. Simply visit their website for full event details. 

Learn more about IIBEC in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit iibec.org

]]> Get the Most Accurate Metal Roof Retrofit Framing Estimate https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/get-the-most-accurate-metal-roof-retrofit-framing-estimate get-the-most-accurate-metal-roof-retrofit-framing-estimate Sat, 12 Mar 2022 06:00:00 PST

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Understand more of what goes into a metal-over-metal retrofit estimation with this handy video! 

When an older metal roof needs replacing, Roof Hugger’s metal-over-metal retrofit systems are a great option. These sustainable sub-purlins make it so that the existing metal roof can stay put and any manufacturer’s new metal roof can be installed right on top of it. Your clients can save time and money by using the Roof Hugger, but just how much can they save? 

Roof Hugger now has this useful video where Founder Dale Nelson breaks down exactly what goes into getting an estimate and how to get the most accurate pricing possible. This 10-minute presentation gives you all the information you need to understand their estimation process.  

Dale does suggest familiarizing yourself with the Roof Hugger system before requesting a quote. Knowing how a Roof Hugger works and how to install it on a metal roof can help you get a more thorough estimate. Information about how their products are designed and installed can be found here. 

In the presentation, Dale gives a comprehensive breakdown of how they price their retrofitting systems and what factors affect the overall estimate. For example, he highlights how Roof Huggers are sold by the lineal foot, not the square foot.  

Dale also teaches you about the two ways Roof Hugger produces their estimates: Component parts pricing, using the job information form and preliminary load design pricing, using the project questionnaire. More details on these types of quotes, where to find the proper forms and how to fill them out correctly can be found in the video. 

You can also learn about what not to do when requesting an estimate. You don’t want to make the mistake of guessing your roof measurements. Errors like these and others outlined in the video can lead to a less accurate estimate. 

Learn more about Roof Hugger in their RoofersCoffeeShop® directory or visit roofhugger.com.

]]> LIVE From IRE With Roof Hugger! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/live-from-ire-with-roof-hugger live-from-ire-with-roof-hugger Wed, 09 Mar 2022 18:00:00 PST

Dale Nelson and DJ Highnote talk about what is new with Roof Hugger and the beauty of always moving forward.   

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of an interview with President of Roof Hugger Dale Nelson and Vice President DJ Highnote. You can read the interview below or watch the recorded livestream. 

Karen Edwards: Hello and welcome back to the Roofers Coffee Shop sound stage at the 2022 International Roofing Expo here in New Orleans. I'm Karen Edwards, your host for the day, and I'm so excited to welcome my friends from Roof Hugger, Dale and DJ. Welcome. 

Dale Nelson: Thank you. Thanks for having us. 

DJ Highnote: Yep.  Good to be here. 

Karen Edwards: Yeah. I'm so glad that they're here because if you know, you follow along on YouTube, Heidi was in Phoenix last week at- 

Dale Nelson: Ah, Scottsdale. 

Karen Edwards: Scottsdale. Somewhere in Arizona, that was close. For the Metal Construction Association's annual meeting. And they gave out an award, the highest award that is such an honor to receive the Larry Ace Sweeney... 

Dale Nelson: Award. 

Karen Edwards: Award. For... 

Dale Nelson: Contribution to the metal industry- 

Karen Edwards: To the metal industry. And it was awarded to Dale. 

Dale Nelson: Thank you! It was quite the honor to receive that award. It kind of represents lifetime achievement for me and my contribution to the Metal Construction Association. Their charge is to promote the use of metal in our industry. And I've been a member with the MCA since '95. And then of course, in the construction industry, since the early seventies, back when I had bangs. And well, I do miss them though I have to tell you. And so anyway, it was a very high honor and a wonderful evening for me anyway, and I hope everybody else too. 

Karen Edwards: Congratulations. We're just proud. The roofing industry is very proud to have that representation from you. 

DJ Highnote: I can tell you as a member of Roof Hugger, I was proud to watch him go up and get it. He certainly deserved it. 

Dale Nelson: Thank you, DJ. 

Karen Edwards: Nice. So for those who don't know, I don't know how you could possibly not know, can you give us an overview of what Roof Hugger does? 

Dale Nelson: Absolutely. My partner, Red McConaughey, and I started Roof Hugger back in 1991. And it was unique at the time. There wasn't a real graceful way to regroup an existing metal building. So Red had the idea to create a Z purlin that had notches in it that fit over the corrugations of the existing roof. So we went ahead and created a company to market and sell that product, and had a whopping first year, 1991, I think we sold $7,500 worth of product. 

Karen Edwards: Got to start somewhere. 

DJ Highnote: Yeah. 

Dale Nelson: And we did. And soon enough we were at a quarter million, and then a half a million, and then over a million, and on, and on, and on it went. And he passed away in 2011 and we are really honored to have his grandson, DJ Highnote sort of take over the reins now. I am moving toward retirement. I'm going to be maybe doing some stuff for the company, but DJ has a responsibility running this thing and getting the word out that yes, if you have an old metal roof, you do not have to tear it off, you can put a new roof over the old one. And in addition to that, you can bring it up to the current code, and you have a new roof that can live as long as 60 years. 

Karen Edwards: That's wonderful. Because then it keeps that old metal roof out of the landfill. 

DJ Highnote: Absolutely. 

Dale Nelson: Absolutely does. Yeah. 

Karen Edwards: Wow. And I think that's just such a cool story that you are coming, following your grandfather into the business. He would be so proud. 

DJ Highnote: Oh yeah. Yeah, it's been an honor. So it was nine years ago in April that I started with Roof Hugger. So I got the call, Dale said, "Hey, do you want to come over?" At the time I had a contracting company. I says, "Yeah, let's do this." And it's been a family operation anyway from day one, we've all been family. So we were talking about it at dinner, it's been quite the nine years. You never quit learning in this industry, for sure. And with Roof Hugger, the beauty is we're constantly moving forward with something new. 

Dale Nelson: Innovating, testing... 

DJ Highnote: You have to. You have to, to stay ahead of it. So it's a lot of fun. 

Karen Edwards: Right. 

Dale Nelson: It seemed like such a simple product when we started and it worked so well. And when we started getting into the science of it, and the more we learned from the engineering people we were dealing with and the test line we're dealing with it, the more refined the product became. And there have been dozens of minor tweaks to it over the years to enhance it, and make it stronger, and make it more user friendly, so it installs quickly. And it's really been a lot of fun because you really out there on the cutting edge in the design world. And that is fun stuff for some people. 

Karen Edwards: I mean you brought a product to market that changed the way we do things. 

Dale Nelson: Exactly right. 

DJ Highnote: And it's nice to have customers come to our booth and say, "Man, this stuff is great. We love it. I wish we had known about it 20 years ago." So when you make a good product, it's nice to hear the feedback. 

Karen Edwards: The feedback, for sure. So now we are at the International Roofing Expo. You guys have a booth here. What's your booth number? 

Dale Nelson: 1343. 

DJ Highnote: Yep. 

Karen Edwards: 1343. So if you are at the show or planning to come to the show, please go by the booth. Say hi, say congratulations. 

DJ Highnote: Yeah. 

Dale Nelson: I'll be doing my Vanna White thing here. 

Karen Edwards: See what's new. And if you can't make it to the show, we know there's some folks that couldn't, you can visit their directory on Roofer's Coffee Shop that will have tons of information, links to their website. Learn all you can about them there. So thank you guys for coming by. 

DJ Highnote: No problem. Yep. 

Karen Edwards: We're going to be here all day talking to our friends and bringing the show to you. So be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and ring that bell so you know when we go live. And we'll see you soon. Bye-bye. 

DJ Highnote: Thank you. 

Dale Nelson: Thanks again. 

Karen Edwards: Thank you. 

Dale Nelson: Bye-bye. 

Learn more about Roof Hugger in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.roofhugger.com.

]]> Metal Construction Association Winter Meetings Deliver https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/metal-construction-association-winter-meetings-deliver metal-construction-association-winter-meetings-deliver Tue, 22 Feb 2022 18:00:00 PST

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS president. 

Dale Nelson of Roof Hugger awarded Larry A. Swaney Award  

RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS) is proud to be a partner with the Metal Construction Association (MCA). During their 2022 winter meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, I was able to attend the meetings and learn more about the important initiatives of this association. 

The mission of the Metal Construction Association is to promote the use of metal in the building envelope through marketing, education and action on public policies that affect metal's use. Under the leadership of current Chair James Bush of ATAS International, the association continues to work to not only promote the use of metal in building architecture but also strive to generate important technical information for the ongoing improvement of installation practices. 

A highlight of the meeting was the awards program where several distinguished metal construction professionals were recognized. For the Larry A. Swaney Award it was incredibly exciting to see Dale Nelson of Roof Hugger receive this distinction. The award is entrusted to an individual who has worked unselfishly for the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry as a whole. The recipient is recognized for reflecting the spirit of Larry A. Swaney, the founding president of the association and an individual committed to promoting communication, cooperation, sharing and unity, as well as fostering growth and enhancing the betterment of metal construction. 

Also recognized was Miguel Pena of GSSI for the Patrick R. Bush Service Award.  This award recognizes one individual from an MCA member company who has recently made significant volunteer contributions to the Metal Construction Association. Pena is the chair of the METALCON Liaison Committee, and worked endlessly with PSMJ, MCA’s partner for METALCON, to host a successful METALCON event last October. He was instrumental in executing the new METALCON Live monthly webinars. These webinars give people in the construction industry an opportunity to stay current with metal initiatives and to learn new techniques to ensure proper installation, and so much more. 

 

With several councils and committees reporting during the meetings, it was obvious that there is an emphasis on sharing the benefits of sustainability, durability, performance and safety. There were reports from the Codes and Standards committee chaired by Andy Williams of Panel Cladding Solutions and Bob Zabcik of Z-tech Consulting, the Technical Committee chaired by David Stermer of Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation, the Market Development committee chaired by Lee Ann Slattery of ATAS and many more. All the committees are focused on providing information for the metal construction community around changing standards and ongoing metal success stories. 

The MCA also hosts several councils and alliances during their meetings. Renee Ramsey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance presented the market growth of residential metal roofing and the growth of roofing contractors. The current chair of the MRA is Dick Bus of ATAS and according to him, “The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) is the leading voice for companies and professionals involved in the residential metal roofing industry. Since its inception in 1998, we have shown millions of people just how beautiful, durable and economical metal roofing can be.” With yearly studies and market analysis the MRA is showing that the growth of metal continues in double digits yearly. 

Additional councils including the Accessories Council, Insulated Metal Panel (IMP) and Metal Composite Materials (MCM), Retrofit, Roofing Council and Single Skin Metal Wall Panel Councils and Alliances reported to the membership. Reports included technical updates, market development initiatives along with a variety of new projects underway that will continue to provide great value to those in the metal construction industry. 

The MCA Winter and Summer Meetings are open to members and non-members. Attendance offers tremendous insights into everything about metal in construction. Save the date for the 2022 Summer Meeting is June 13-15, at the Hilton Rosemont/Chicago, 10 minutes from O’Hare International Airport. RoofersCoffeeShop will be there. 

Learn more about the Metal Construction Association by visiting their RoofersCoffeeShop directory or visit www.metalconstruction.org.

]]> The 3-step Process of Installing a Roof Hugger https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/the-3-step-process-of-installing-a-roof-hugger the-3-step-process-of-installing-a-roof-hugger Sun, 06 Feb 2022 06:00:00 PST

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

Installing this metal-over-metal retrofit system is as easy as 1-2-3.  

Roof Hugger’s metal-over-metal retrofit systems are the ideal application when an old outdated metal roof needs to be replaced. This environmentally friendly option allows the existing metal roof to remain, with the new metal roof installed directly over the old roof providing a safe and labor-saving installation. 

The process starts with fabrication of custom Hugger sub-purlins that are made using sophisticated punching, shearing and press-braking equipment to allow the system to match virtually any existing metal roof profile/configuration, regardless whether thru-fastened or standing seam. 

If the new roof can meet all the loads on the existing purlin spacing installing the Hugger is easy and fast: 

1 – Safely load the Roof Huggers on the roof. 

2 – Lay out the Roof Huggers on each purlin. 

3 – Attach them to the purlin, typically with 2-1/4”x14x1.5” Tek-3 fasteners / L.F. 

Then the roof is ready for a new metal roof panel! You can see this process in action in this quick, 30-second Roof Hugger video! It really is that quick and easy to start retrofitting your roof. 

Choosing a metal-over-metal retrofit to replace an aging metal roof can help reduce overall project costs. Since the original metal roof stays on the building, there is less disruption, allowing the building occupants to normally continue working while the project is being completed. These roof systems have faster construction times and less required labor, making them an efficient way to extend the lifetime of a metal roof.  

Learn more about Roof Huggers in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.roofhugger.com.

About Roof Hugger 

Roof Hugger, LLC, headquartered in Lutz, Florida, is the creator of the Roof Hugger sub-purlin system that provides the industry’s most effective way of installing a new metal roof over an existing metal roof. The system is structurally correct, non-disruptive and cost effective. It adds strength, is environmentally friendly, and conserves energy. For more information visit www.roofhugger.com.

]]> RoofersCoffeeShop® Will Be at IRE 2022, Will You? https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/rooferscoffeeshop-will-be-at-ire-2022-will-you rooferscoffeeshop-will-be-at-ire-2022-will-you Mon, 17 Jan 2022 18:00:00 PST

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

IRE promises to be one of the biggest events of the year, check out who will be at the expo! 

This year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE) promises many exciting events, products, classes and more. The expo will take place February 1-3 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be on the beat, sharing information and broadcasting live on YouTube. Additionally, you will find President Heidi J. Ellsworth moderating a panel on how to work with young people who are interested in roofing. The session takes place Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. CT 

The Coffee Shop will join many great manufacturers, distributors and associations as they share new ideas with roofing contractors. Make sure you stop by our booth, number 249, and visit our RoofersCoffeeShop partners too:  

Don’t miss out, register today for IRE 2022!

]]> Combat Unprecedented Market Swings by Diversifying Your Business https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/combat-unprecedented-market-swings-by-diversifying-your-business combat-unprecedented-market-swings-by-diversifying-your-business Sat, 01 Jan 2022 06:00:00 PST

By Dale Nelson, Roof Hugger. 

How retrofit and metal-over-metal roofing can help you survive sudden market changes. 

Working in the construction industry has its highs and lows. Even with business booming, something like COVID-19 can come in and change the game entirely. Last year, as the result of the pandemic, we have seen construction projects slowed down, delayed and cancelled due to uncertainty and supply chain shortages. This year our business jumped dramatically because many contractors shifted to the steady and profitable metal over metal sector. Diversifying your business is crucial in dealing with unprecedented market changes. That is why you should consider adding retrofit and metal over metal to your business. 

First, let’s take a quick look at the market size of existing metal roof tops and why it is worth your time to consider adding retrofits to your business. Almost 19 billion square feet of existing roofs between 20 and 50 years old make this a huge market that is continually growing each and every year. Next time you are driving around town or in an industrial area, check it out. I guarantee you can spot older metal roofs needing to be repaired or replaced. 

What makes the retrofit unique? 

The retrofit market is a pretty steady business. The simple truth is that no roof lasts forever, not even metal. This means when there is an economic downturn, the retrofit will still be chugging along. If you can’t build new, you will fix the roof you have. 

When an old roof has reached the end of its useful life, despite the economic climate, it will be replaced. There are not a lot of contractors and installers that focus on this market. This means there is less competition on any given project. The jobs are frequently negotiated, with owners getting pricing from three or fewer contractors, making your success rate much higher than it might be for new construction. Since the buildings are existing, the permitting process is much simpler. In Florida, there are also several Florida Product Approved assemblies, further speeding up the permit process. Four facts to keep in mind: 

1 - The projects are shorter in duration which translates to good cash flow, getting your money more quickly than you would in new construction and typically with no long-term retainage. 

2 - Installation is much faster and easier than new construction. Your installers are not working over open framing which requires more equipment while exposing them to increased fall hazard, they are working on top of the existing roof. This makes stacking of material, equipment, tools, etc. much faster and easier. 

3 - The framing to support the new roof is installed on top of the old roof, making it unnecessary to add structure from underneath. The framing systems can be designed to meet current codes and fit most existing roof panels. 

4- Design and engineering can be provided by the retrofit framing system supplier. 

What makes retrofit appealing to the building owner? 

The single most important benefit to the owner is that the retrofitting of an existing metal roof does not disrupt building operations. They can continue to conduct business normally, typically with little or no interruption to operations. 

Cost is always a consideration and metal over metal retrofit is very cost efficient compared to other competing products. One of the major reasons is the exceptionally long life of metal roofs. The expected service life of a new 55 percent-aluminum-zinc alloy-coated (Galvalume or equivalent) Standing Seam roof is demonstrated to be over 60 years. Non-metal roof systems from coating systems to single-ply products, typically have a service life from 5 to 24 years. 

Many older roofs are the screwdown type metal roofs that were installed long before standing seam was readily available. The good news is these older screw-down roofs are easily upgraded to standing seam, eliminating most, if not all of the exposed fasteners and many of the problems that were associated with the older roof. Additional insulation is easily added to add energy efficiency to the old building. 

New standing seam roofing is the single best platform for photovoltaic (PV) panels for two reasons. First, it is the only roof system that has a service life beyond that of the PV panels. Second, the PV panels can be installed without penetrating the new roof. 

Today’s metal over metal systems can easily meet the new International (IBC) and Florida Building Codes (FBC) requirements. As we know all too well, windspeed design pressures in Florida have jumped dramatically over the past 15 years. They have moved from 100 mph to 130 mph and 120 mph to 174 mph in some areas. These are huge jumps in design pressures on buildings that were not originally designed for them. Modern retrofit metal framing systems and panels can meet required load demands and do so on top of the existing roof, eliminating the need to get inside the building to try to weave new structural components into the existing purlin and frame system. 

What are the competing products? 

Within the retrofit market there are, like all businesses, competing products. The most common competitors to metal over metal include: roof coatings. There are two basic types of roof coatings. The first and most commonly used is the simple “surface coating” designed to “protect and extend the life of the existing roof.” These materials are commonly spray applied acrylic formulations, applied 15-30 mils in thickness. These products are not intended to be used as a water barrier but rather as a protective coat to extend the life of the underlying material and to be UV reflective. They are installed on all types of roofing: shingles, tile, EPDM, TPO and metal. 

The key to their successful usage is achieving even coverage and good adhesion. However, getting proper coverage and adhesion on a metal roof is extremely difficult. Blisters, pinholes, fish eyes, craters and other imperfections are common. The result is an investment by the client of something that does nothing for leak issues, has a very short life requiring annual or bi-annual maintenance, and when an imperfection occurs and traps moisture between the metal roof and the coating, corrosion of the metal panel will occur very quickly, actually reducing its remaining life. Coatings are normally considered short term solutions having a three-to-five-year life. 

They have some appeal because they are at the low end of the cost spectrum.  They are often inaccurately sold as a waterproofing solution, they are not. I believe they represent a poor investment for the typical metal roof client’s money. 

The second coating product is “liquid applied roofing.” These materials are commonly poured and spread onto the existing roof and applied from 45-60 mils in thickness. Many have an additional reinforcement fabric pressed into the liquid as it is being installed. Like coatings, they are applied over any number of existing roofing materials. Surface prep and adhesion are still the key to a successful application. 

Once again, metal is a difficult surface to properly prepare for full adhesion. There are panel end-laps, side laps, end dams, closures, roof curbs, roof penetrations and many other details to waterproof, keeping in mind that metal roofing is constantly expanding and contracting, pushing, pulling and stretching this material. The cost of this system is significantly more than a simple coating and when completed, a newly liquid applied roof still will not meet today’s building code. 

No coating improves the capacity of the existing roof and they may actually hide some serious structural shortcomings. Failed roof fasteners in older metal roofs are common and it is the roof fasteners that transfer the uplift strength and the diaphragm strength from the roof panels to the building structure. Small fabric caps are frequently placed over failed fasteners and the coating material is then applied, hiding these serious structural issues without repairing them, inviting a total roof failure. 

Once again, for the client, the cost is significant yet the gain is questionable. The quoted material life ranges from 10-to-18 years with proper maintenance but, like regular coatings, if water becomes trapped between the coating and panel, the panels will corrode quickly and may become unrepairable. 

TPO over metal 

The final and most significant competition to a metal over metal retrofit is “TPO over metal.” This system places a flute filler of rigid insulation between the major ribs of the existing panels and then an additional layer of rigid insulation over the filler pieces (or a recovery board) and finally installs a 45-60 mil TPO layer over the top of this upper insulation layer. 

The TPO material must be attached to all the existing purlins in a very specific pattern. These systems can be demonstrated to meet the new wind load requirements but never the new snow load requirements because they rely on the existing panels.  Careful consideration by the owner or competitor is needed. There are over 50 different TPO assemblies and choosing the correct code compliant one for metal is a challenge. 

Metal roofs panels are not the same as structural metal decking. Roofs that have facades or parapets need to be particularly handled with caution, since contractors frequently fill existing valley gutters and cut scuppers into the facade or parapet, allowing water to stack on the roof and risking a structural overload and failure. TPO over metal systems cost from 80-110 percent of a metal over metal system and provides less than half the life of the metal-over-metal system. 

Conclusion 

The metal-over-metal retrofit business can add a steady volume of sales to your company and is not as susceptible to the cycles of new construction activity. It is a great value for your client, providing them a long term, strong and code-compliant roofing solution. It will allow for the installation of more insulation and will be ready for a photovoltaic upgrade when your clients are. Also, it will not interrupt their ongoing business operations. Metal roofing is the best performing roofing material in the market with the lowest lifecycle cost. Use these strengths to support your clients and your business: everybody wins. 

Learn more about Roof Hugger in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.roofhugger.com. 

Original article source: Roof Hugger

]]> To Replace or To Retrofit? https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/to-replace-or-to-retrofit to-replace-or-to-retrofit Sat, 11 Dec 2021 15:00:00 PST

By Dale Nelson, Roof Hugger.

Help your customers choose a proper roof remedy for their metal roof by informing them of the benefits of retrofitting. 

The age-old question for metal roof owners: When should I remove and replace my old metal roof with a new one? Answer this customer question with another question: Have you considered retrofitting? An excellent alternative to roof replacement, retrofitting is a fast and easy way to fix an old metal roof without disrupting daily operations. You simply install structural steel, sub-framing, members over the old roof panels into the structure below and attach the new roof to these members.  The benefits don’t stop there however, read on to learn more about the factors you should consider and benefits of retrofitting a metal roof. 

Upgrade time 

A retrofit provides the perfect opportunity to make key improvements to a metal roof. First, customers will have the chance to upgrade an older screw-down or through-fastened metal roof to the newer standing-seam type that’ll have few if any exposed fasteners. This is an option they won’t have if they are to remove the existing roof without making significant structural modifications to the framing. 

Retrofitting also creates an airspace between the old and new roof structure which is an opportunity to add insulation for energy efficiency. Sub-framing systems can be designed for different heights to reach greater R-values, enabling a non-conditioned space warehouse or storage building to become a climate-controlled structure. Modern heat absorbing, “phase change” materials are also available to accomplish this same goal with a much smaller airspace. 

The airspace between the new and old roof can be used to create a dynamic, convective ventilation system for buildings, commonly called “above sheathing ventilation.” Basically, it takes the heated air beneath the new metal roof and exhausts it through vents at the ridge of the building. The benefit is the roof becomes a radiant barrier that reduces heat transfer through its assembly by as much as 45%. Finally, once the retrofit is complete, customers should consider adding photovoltaic solar panels. 

With the use of specialty attachment clamps, photovoltaic panels can be secured to the new standing seam roof without any penetrations. Solar-panel systems have declined in price to where they’re much more affordable. Plus, there are many incentives to offset the costs. They can supply your building with all or a portion of its electricity needs. An interesting fact is, zinc aluminum, standing seam metal roofing is the only roof system with a longer lifespan than the solar panels themselves! 

Other benefits of retrofitting 

Long lifespan, low lifetime cost. Metal roofs require very little maintenance and will outlast roofs made of all other materials. Because they have the best lifespan, they also have the lowest lifetime cost. Several metal-roof products have paint finish warranties of up to 40 years. New Galvalume, standing-seam roofs have a service life of 60-plus years! This is roughly three times the life of the nearest competitive product. When your customers invest in a retrofit, it’s comforting to know the roof will perform properly for decades to come. It also means that new metal roof will be ready for a solar upgrade years from now and it will still out last the solar panels themselves!

Building code compliance

By using a fully engineered retrofit sub-framing system, the new roof will meet today’s strict wind-uplift and snow-load requirements. It’ll be designed to reinforce to the roof zones most affected by Mother Nature. Weight is normally not a problem since the whole roof retrofit is typically less than the 3 #/S.F. allowed by code.

Federal tax credits

Putting a new roof on a commercial building is a large expense that usually requires planning and budgeting however, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Section 179, may allow business owners to deduct the full costs of a roof replacement up to $1 million in the year it’s completed. If a facility needs a new roof, the one-time deduction might make it very affordable.

Before starting a roof replacement, ask your clients to consider the many benefits a retrofit can provide.

Learn more about Roof Hugger in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.roofhugger.com.

Original article source: Roof Hugger

]]> Accurately Estimating Your Roof Hugger Cost https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/accurately-estimating-your-roof-hugger-cost accurately-estimating-your-roof-hugger-cost Thu, 25 Nov 2021 18:00:00 PST

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Dale Nelson gives an online presentation that walks you through everything you need to know to get the best estimate from Roof Hugger.  

Considering a Roof Hugger framing system for your upcoming metal over metal retrofit project? Look no further than this video from Roof Hugger, which will teach you how to get a correct estimate. In just 10 minutes you will know everything you need to do in order to get a complete and accurate price on your upcoming project. Follow along with Dale Nelson, one of the founding partners of Roof Hugger, as he walks you through the process of getting an estimate with Roof Hugger.  

Dale tells us that first and most importantly, Roof Hugger’s are sold by the lineal foot and not by the square. The lineal foot is usually the same as the lineal foot of purlins and eave struts in the building. Thus, taller parts cost more than shorter parts. However, as the quantity increases the lineal foot price actually decreases.  

Roof huggers are 10-to-12-foot notch zee's that are installed over and into every existing purlin and eave member to properly transfer the roof loads into the building as it was originally designed. Height, or stretch out, of the Roof Hugger is controlled by three things:  

1 - The height of the existing roof panel needed to get over those ribs. 

2 - The depth of any new insulation system the building is going to have.  

3 - The height of any new corner or edge framing that may be required to reduce the existing purlin spacing and allow the new panels to meet the current code. 

Retrofit projects are subject to the current building code requirements, in some areas engineer drawings and calculations may be required for permitting. As mentioned, it is not uncommon to find that additional corner and/or edge framing is necessary to meet today's higher loads to reduce that existing purlin spacing. As always, the test values of the new panels typically control the spacing of the framing system.  

Roof Hugger has two basic ways that they estimate projects: 

1 - Component pricing:  

Here they use the job information that you provide on the job form. You tell them the lineal foot of sub purlins you need and where to ship them to, and Roof Hugger will provide you with the pricing. It is important to note that Roof Hugger will assume the new roof panel can meet all the required loads on the existing purlin spacing. These quotes typically take a day or two to get back to you. 

2 - Preliminary load design estimate:  

Roof Hugger has proprietary software they use to estimate the wind and snow loads. In order to do this evaluation, they need a project questionnaire form.  

Using this method, they will look up the building code requirements, estimate the wind and snow load requirements to meet the new code, then figure the lineal foot of Roof Huggers and corner edge framing and the additional hat channel framing needed to meet the code. They will estimate the number of fasteners, add the cost of third-party engineering and the freight to get the materials to the job site, then send that proposal to you. To get that quote request form go to www.roofhugger.com and hit the "Get a quote” tab. 

Watch the rest of the video for walkthroughs of the forms and helpful tips.

Learn more about Roof Hugger in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.roofhugger.com.

]]> Come Visit RoofersCoffeeShop® at METALCON https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/come-visit-rooferscoffeeshop-at-metalcon come-visit-rooferscoffeeshop-at-metalcon Mon, 20 Sep 2021 18:00:00 PDT

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter. 

RCS will be “where the industry meets” at 2021 METALCON, booth #841! 

This year’s METALCON promises to deliver a packed itinerary full of timely seminars and events that will enhance how your business operates. The show is October 6-8, 2021 in Tampa, Florida and is a must-attend for all company owners, contractors, architects, project managers and engineers looking to increase their knowledge and set themselves up for success.   

Back and better than ever in 2021, METALCON promises to be the most complete, useful and energizing show ever. METALCON gladly welcomes the entire metal design and construction industry back to a fun and inspiring atmosphere to reunite with friends and industry connections in person. Plus, expect many new programs that reveal the latest trends, advances and opportunities to expand your knowledge and grow your business. 

Stop by the RoofersCoffeeShop booth #841 and be sure to visit our partners too: 

In addition to the 40+ free education sessions for all levels and disciplines offered, Rob Haddock will present "Metal Roofing Systems." This two-day course, taught by Haddock, CEO and founder of S-5!, includes technical and practical “soup-to-nuts” information presented in a common-sense fashion that makes the art and science of metal roofing clear, concise and understandable. 

If you design, install, commission, maintain or repair metal roofing systems, this course will provide you with the tools and techniques to do your job correctly and avoid problems. Upon completing this course, you will be able to identify the best solutions to your metal roofing issues, whether you’re working on new construction, performing maintenance or re-roofing. Register for this class today! 

And don’t forget to register for METALCON to join the fun! 

Learn more about METALCON in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit www.metalcon.com.

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