Performing winter roofing work can boost your business and minimize the negative effects of the winter weather. However, you should not put work before personal safety. Nothing is worth risking your life for, and you should respect the limits of Mother Nature, too. Below are some tips to keep you and your crew safe. Read on to learn more about how to complete your winter roof work safely. After reading this, you will be ready to get started! Roofing in the winter months is a challenging undertaking, but it is possible to do the job safely and efficiently.
Warm roofs are less expensive to keep warm
Unlike cold roofs, warm roofs are thermally efficient and therefore cost less to heat. Warm roofs are also less susceptible to condensation since warm air is held below the solid surface of the roof. These qualities contribute to lower energy bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Warm roofs may contribute to LEED certification for existing commercial structures. Although warm roofs are more expensive to install than cold roofs, their long-term benefits far outweigh their initial expense.
When considering a new roof, consider the cost of ventilation. Warm roofs are not as expensive to maintain as cool roofs. They may also be lighter and cheaper. Concrete tile is also an option. While concrete tile is relatively expensive compared to shingles, it is durable and can withstand the heat. Poured concrete slab roofing is a low-cost option for developing countries and is highly effective in protecting against bad weather and pests. It also acts as a barrier layer beneath cosmetic roof treatments.
They prevent condensation from forming
If you live in a place with a warm interior, condensation on your roof may be a big problem. You can easily spot it if you observe drips on the roof during midday, when the temperature of the membrane is rising. You can also check for the presence of moisture by detecting the temperature of the membrane using thermographic imaging or by cutting into the roof. But this won’t do much good if you don’t know exactly where to look for moisture.
When condensation forms, it means that warm air from inside the building is meeting with a colder one. This causes excess moisture to condense on the roof, which can lead to corrosion and compromise the whole roofing system. Fortunately, it’s possible to prevent condensation if you know what to look for. It’s all about temperature differences and air moisture content, so knowing how to stop moisture buildup is essential.
They reduce energy costs
Investing in energy-efficient roofing is an excellent way to save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Cool roofs reflect solar rays, reducing indoor temperatures and preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths. They can also help to keep other parts of the building cooler, such as garages or storage rooms. Roofing with cool material can also reduce the amount of power needed for air conditioning and other energy-consuming services. Cold roofing is also durable, lasting many years longer than conventional roofs.
A cool roof can help you save money on energy costs as well as your comfort. According to a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, raising SRI from 25 to 40 can cut the surface temperature by 13 degrees. That translates to savings of up to 20 percent on energy bills. Light colors reflect heat better than dark colors and certain coatings can increase reflectivity even more. Cool roofs also help your home keep cool during hot summer days, meaning less air conditioning is needed.
They extend the life of an existing roof
Routine roofing maintenance is critical to extending the life of an existing roof. If left untreated, small problems can grow over time and require larger repairs. Routine maintenance prevents such problems from happening in the first place. Also, prompt repairs will minimize the risk of costly leaks, leaky roofing, or roof failure. Using a professional roofing company for regular roof cleaning can help extend the life of an existing roof and maximize the investment.
Cold roofing membranes are applied with a spray-on technique. They offer unmatched protection and can extend the life of a roof by a decade or more. Because these liquid membranes are flexible, they can be applied to almost any type of roofing material. The cost of applying these coatings depends on the number of square feet. Depending on the material, the application process may require only a single coat, reducing the overall cost per square foot by as much as 60%.
They prevent snow from melting
Ice dams on a roof are a common problem in the Midwest. They form when the snow melts and freezes, but is unable to drain off the roof. Water then backs up behind the ice dam, which can damage the home. Fortunately, ice dams are preventable with proper ventilation and insulation. Contact a cold roofing contractor to help you protect your home from ice damage. Listed below are a few ways that cold roofing contractors prevent snow from melting on your roof.
De-icing cables can be installed across a roof. These cables melt the snow and ice patches on your roof, allowing water to flow into your gutters. This type of snow management strategy doesn’t prevent the formation of ice dams, but does help prevent new snow from building up behind the ice. If you’re wondering how de-icing cables work, you can contact cold roofing contractors to find out how they keep ice off your roof.