Q: How many otters does it take to install a new roof?
A: We currently do not have any otters on our installation crew, nor are
there any otters that are harmed during the manufacturing process or
installation of our roofs!
Q: How do I find a qualified contractor to work on my flat roof?
A: First, try asking around. A good flat roof contractor can be a challenge to
find. If you know someone with a flat roof, ask them who takes care of it
for them -- and if they are 100% confident in them. A dependable,
reputable flat roof contractor will have installed more than a handful of
flat roofs and should be one that focuses on flat roof installations.
Once you've found a contractor, you'll want to ask if they are an
authorized contractor of the roof system they install. Some flat roof
systems can be purchased at any local hardware or roofing supply
store. As such, some very good shingle contractors may dabble with flat
roofs and fall on their face. An authorized contractor receives specific
and in-depth training on how to install a particular system.
Additionally, most authorized contractors then have the roof
manufacturer inspect their roofs when complete. Remember, a roof
system is only as good as the contractor installing it!
Another good idea is to be sure that the contractor is fully insured. This
can be accomplished by requesting a copy of their current insurance
certificate.
Q: Do you install rubber roofs?
A: Many people refer to flat roofs as "rubber roofs" which, in the flat roof
industry, can be a generic term of reference. It is kind of like calling a hot
tub a "Jacuzzi" or a facial tissue a "Kleenex." We do not install an
actual "rubber" membrane (known as EPDM in the industry). Rather, we
install a vinyl (PVC) roof membrane that has many benefits over the
EPDM roof system.
Q: What are the benefits of vinyl over rubber?
A: The biggest difference is the manner in which two pieces of material are
held together. With rubber, the pieces are glued together. Over time, this
glue will break down and cause the seam to open up and leak. With
vinyl, the two pieces are welded together. Once the weld is in place,
since there isn't a glue used, there is nothing that can break down and
cause the weld to fail.
Another benefit of the vinyl is it doesn't shrink like rubber can. A second
way rubber roofs can fail is due to the rubber membrane shrinking and
pulling away from the edges and penetrations. Vinyl = no shrink = no
failure!!
Q: What roof system do you install then?
A: We are authorized contractors of the Duro-Last Roofing System. It is a
single-ply, vinyl membrane that is mechanically fastened and hot-air
welded together. It comes in pre-fabricated deck sheets up to 2,500
square feet each. This eliminates up to 85% of the field seams resulting
in lower labor costs. As such, we feel this system provides that best
protection at the best value.
Q: Are your roofs energy efficient?
A: This answer is a resounding YES!! The white vinyl membrane reflects
nearly 90% of the sun's rays and releases most of the heat that does get
absorbed. These benefits can lead to significant energy savings for your
facility. Conversely the black EPDM and tar built-up roofs reflect as little
as 7% of the sun's rays and retain most of the heat that is absorbed. It
has been our experience that black rubber and tar roofs run over 50%
hotter than the white vinyl membrane that is installed.
Q: Do you have to remove the existing roof before installing the
new one?
A: The two primary reasons for removing a roof system are existing weight
and saturation. To determine if a roof needs to be removed we take a
series of core samples that will show how many roofs are currently
installed as well as the level of saturation that the roof contains.
If it is determined that the existing roof does not need to be removed
(which is the case most of the time), we can typically install directly over
the existing roof system.
Q: What kind of warranty do you offer?
A: The standard commercial warranty is 15-years on material and labor.
There is also a 20-year No Dollar Limit warranty available as well. There
is no additional charge for the standard warranty and there is no
maintenance or re-inspection program required for the warranty to
remain valid.
Q: How does your roof system stand up against ponding water?
A: The Duro-Last vinyl membrane is not affected by ponding water. So
much so that they do not have exclusions in the warranty that voids it
under ponding water conditions.
Q: How much of my facility is covered under the warranty?
A: The Duro-Last warranty not only covers the repair/replacement of the
roof system if it fails, but it also covers the contents of your facility as
well. With this coverage, you do not have to worry about coming up with
cash or financing to replace items like furniture, computers, inventory,
etc as you would with other systems if they failed.
Q: What happens if my roof does get a leak?
A: The Duro-Last membrane is very durable and stands up very well
under most traffic and weather conditions. Although it is very difficult to
tear or puncture the membrane, it is very easy to repair in the event that
an accident happens. Because the membrane maintains its weldability,
a repair patch can be welded over the damaged area making it good as
new.
Q: Can I walk on my new roof?
A: Absolutely! The Duro-Last membrane is a very durable system and can
easily withstand normal foot traffic. For additional protection, especially
around furnaces and other serviceable units, walk pads are available to
protect those higher risk areas.
Q: Am I going to have to close my business while the roof is
being installed?
A: Absolutely NOT! In fact, most business owners do not even realize we
are there throughout the day. Additionally, there are no loud machines,
no odors and no mess that will disturb your customers either.
Q: I own a restaurant. Is this system good for me?
A: The Duro-Last system actually is one of a few roof systems that are
ideal for restaurants as it is very resistant to the grease and chemicals
that are exhausted on restaurant roofs.
Q: Do you provide free estimates?
A: Yes. At your request, we will come to your facility and do a thorough
inspection of your roof and provide you with our recommendations for
repair or replacement. Additionally, you will receive a detailed Scope of
Work along with the estimate for the job. Often times, there may be a
few different options that can take care of your roofing concerns -- both
long-term and short-term. If that is the case with your roof, we will also
detail the different options along with the estimated cost for each.