Skylight, Hatch, and Vent Fall Hazards: How to Improve Commercial Roof Safety
The Dangers of Commercial Roofs A facility’s roof is a dangerous place to be. The most common cause of injuries and deaths are fall-related incidents, which are also the most cited violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While there are countless ways to prevent falls, one area to focus on is skylights [...]
Self-Storage Roof Maintenance: Preventing Leaks & Costly Repairs
Prevent self-storage roof leaks with maintenance, repair, and waterproofing tips for metal and flat roofs.
Spending smartly on commercial roofing in 2025
Learn how to spend smarter on commercial roofing in 2025. Discover red flags to watch for on roofing estimates and invoices, tips for choosing trusted contractors, and strategies for preventive maintenance to protect your roof and budget.
Safely Accessing Your Facility’s Roof
Learn essential best practices for safely accessing your facility’s roof, from proper ladder setup and climbing techniques to rooftop safety tips. Ensure secure access and avoid hazards with these OSHA-compliant guidelines.
Winter Weather Effects on a Commercial Roof
Learn how winter weather conditions like freeze-thaw cycles, condensation, and heavy snow can impact commercial roofs and steps to protect your facility this season.
An Ounce of Prevention
Learn how preventive maintenance, routine inspections, and best practices can stop roof leaks before they start, saving costs and extending your roof’s lifespan.
How to Handle Commercial Roof Damage After a Hurricane
With the devastation some areas have experienced from Helene, storm damage is likely top-of-mind for most facility managers. You can learn more about preparing your roof prior to severe weather here but what can you do after the storm to protect your facility? First Step: Temporary Roof Repairs to Reduce Damage After a storm hits, […]
Preparing a Commercial Roof for a Hurricane
Is your roof ready to withstand severe weather? Preparation is critical when it comes to protecting your roof from the high winds this season can bring along the coasts. A summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA's update to the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. (Image credit: NOAA) [...]
Protecting Vertical and Horizontal Seams on a Metal Roof
Ensure long-term leak protection for your metal roof by safeguarding its vertical and horizontal seams, where panels meet and fasteners can loosen over time. Simon Roofing’s advanced, cost-effective multi-course reinforced application provides durable, weatherproof results for both seam types, preventing wind-blown rain and other elements from causing damage.
Why Use a Reinforcement Sheet in Roof Repairs and Restorations
Discover the importance of using a reinforcement sheet in commercial roof repairs and restorations. Learn how this technique enhances tensile strength, dimensional stability, and ponding water protection, ensuring long-term durability and superior performance for your roofing projects.
Top 10 Commercial Roofing Acronyms Deciphered
In a world of LOL, SMH, WFH and more, getting lost in letters is easy. We can’t help you translate your teen’s texts, but we can shed some light on the top roofing acronyms. Get ready to geek out on some roofing knowledge…. BUR - Built Up Roofing - A roof system comprised of layers [...]
Commercial Roof System Testing: Wind Uplift, Fire Resistance, and More
The roof is arguably the most important piece of any building. It protects the facility, the equipment, the inventory, and most importantly, the people operating beneath it. That’s why proper testing is so important when it comes to selecting the right roof for a facility. Commercial roof test methods vary from wind uplift to fire […]
Freeze-Thaw Damage on Flat or Low-Slope Roofs
In several parts of the U.S., spring’s repeated cycle of freezing and thawing contributes to the wear and tear of facilities, especially the roof.
How Does Freeze-Thaw Affect a Roof?
Temperature swings can freeze, thaw, and refreeze water on the roof multiple times. Water can find its way within the roof membrane and this water will expand as it freezes. This creates a bigger opening in the membrane and allows even more water in during the next thaw. This cycle repeats over and over again until the damage becomes apparent.
Commercial Roof Types: Not All Flat Roofs Are Alike
When it comes to flat or low-slope roofs, there are several varieties of membranes out there. The roof type can be dictated by several factors including budget, building function, local codes, climate, and more. Let’s explore the common commercial roof types used on facilities across the United States. Built-Up Roof Systems Built-up Roofs often referred [...]
UV Rays and Color Fade for Roofs
The hottest colors this season are the ones that don’t fade, especially for visible roofs. The sun’s UV rays will likely fade color, especially on painted surfaces. However, there are methods to resist fade and select the right colors for different applications. Why Does Color Fade? Color fades over time due to photodegradation. Ultraviolet rays [...]
Resolve to Improve Your Roof’s Health
This time of year has many of us resolving to be healthier and take better care of ourselves. But it can also be a time to take stock of our facilities and the key areas that affect performance and budget, especially the roof. Commercial Roof Stats Whether you’re new to the facility or you just […]
The Simon Roofing Difference Series: Part 4 Streamlined Communication
With employees and customers across the country, Simon Roofing understands the value of streamlined communications. Our ease of doing business makes it quick and efficient for our customers to request service, view reports and more. Collaborative Customer Service Simon Roofing’s state-of-the-art customer relationship management technology enables us to have one source for our customers’ preferences, […]
The Simon Roofing Difference Series: Part 3 Trained Roof Technicians
As a family-owned business, our name means a lot. And we don’t trust our name with just anyone. You can rest assured that when you hire Simon Roofing, you’re getting trained Simon Roofing technicians – not a sub-contractor who happened to be available that day. Employing our own workforce means we have complete control over […]
The Simon Roofing Difference Series: Part 2 Roof Materials, Made by Simon
Simon Roofing manufactures the roof materials it uses. That means we have complete control of the supply chain to deliver the best possible solution for our customers’ roofs – whether that be a simple repair, a restoration or even a complete replacement. Our products are made in our ISO-certified Simon Products plant and are furnished […]
The Simon Roofing Difference Series: Part 1 Tablet Technology
Simon Roofing has been a family-owned and operated business for more than 120 years. Throughout that time, our company has constantly evolved in looking for innovative ways of offering our customers the very best possible products and service. Over the next several months, we’ll offer a series of blogs that take a deep dive into […]
Is A Re-Roof Alternative an Option for Your Commercial Roof?
There can be many benefits to a commercial roof restoration, including: Stops leaks and brings roof back to watertight condition Extends the life and warranty of a roof Provides cost savings up to 50% vs. a typical commercial roof replacement Seamless, fully adhered roof surface Liquid-applied and field-fabricated Offers reflective and customized color selections depending […]
9 Ways to Save Money on Your Roof
The roof on your building wasn’t cheap. And a new one will very likely be more expensive than the one that’s on it. It makes sense to follow these 9 best practices in roof maintenance, so you can save your business expense — and save yourself the frustration. Get to know your roof warranty’s coverage terms, […]
5 Safety Guidelines for Anyone Accessing your Roof
When it comes to rooftop safety, roofers are held to the most stringent guidelines. But, there are also some important rules to follow for vendors and employees who are on the roof. Working vs. not working. A common misstep to fall protection regulations is the mindset that the rules don’t apply when you’re just cleaning […]
Commercial Roof Design 101
Roof Design is naturally an essential component in new building construction, but did you know it is extremely important for commercial roof repairs, restorations and replacements as well? A commercial roof that is well-designed and properly installed should provide many years of protection from weather elements, as well as provide appropriate insulation and coloring to lower energy costs..
Bench your roof leak worries and save this month’s madness for basketball
Basketball is all about stats – whether it’s points, rebounds, fouls or assists. Commercial roofing isn’t much different, especially when it comes to roof repairs and service.
Save March Madness for basketball
Basketball is all about stats – whether it’s points, rebounds, fouls or assists. Commercial roofing isn’t much different, especially when it comes to roof repairs and service. For repairs made within our specifications, we offer a 2-year warranty on both labor and materials – that’s double the duration of many other repair warranties. Plus, our warranty covers the repair made on top of the roof AND ensures you won’t see the leak in the same location within the building.
The Love-Hate Relationship with Commercial Roofs
You love your roof when it’s doing its job of protecting your building. But when it starts to leak and give you problems, you hate the thought of a complete tear-off and replacement. We get it. Afterall, why should companies endure the cost and disruption of replacing a roof when there are years of useful life still remaining in it? Simply put, they shouldn’t.
Manufacturing facility restores roof without replacing
The manufacturing facility was experiencing leaks over an area of high production. This was impacting operations and could potentially cause damage.
Are Metal Roofs Indestructible?
Simply stated, no. Metal roofs are definitely known for their durability and longevity. They have unique characteristics, however, that can still cause leaks and widespread damage. Unlike a traditional flat BUR or modified roof, metal roofs are NOT designed to be waterproof. They are designed for proper water flow, meaning there should never be any ponding or standing water on the roof for an extended period of time.
Select A Smarter Single-Ply Solution
Adhesion failure, erosion, weathering and seam failure are problems associated with common single-ply roofs. CLP™ Roofing Systems can typically be restored again and again following each warranty period, making them also a sustainable solution. That means a CLP™ roof may be the last roofing system you ever need to install!
Top 5 Coaching Tips for Facility Managers
There are a lot of similarities between a coach and a facility manager – both have a LOT of responsibility, need to be great multi-taskers and must be strategic to achieve success. Here are a few reminders any coach or facility manager could use.
Tackling Ponding Water On The Roof
If not addressed, ponding water can do significant damage to your roof and building. Ponding water is defined as any water remaining on a roof 48 hours after a rain. Any building with a flat roof has a potential for ponding water, but it usually occurs on low-slope commercial roofs. It is typically the result […]
Don’t Replace When You Can Restore Your Aging Roof
Roof restorations can stop widespread leaks without the price tag of a full replacement. While some roofing contractors jump to a new roof recommendation at the mention of multiple roof leaks, Simon Roofing’s bias is always to repair, restore and then replace – in that order. Our expertise is in finding the most cost-effective way […]
Manufacturing facility receives roof restoration
A refrigerator building at this beverage manufacturing facility had a deteriorating roof causing leaks to occur throughout the entire roof. The building has to be kept at 40 degrees so there is additional insulation above the ceiling that needs to stay dry.
Up for a challenge?
Let’s get started. Below is a drag and drop game of how old Simon Roofing actually is. At the top, there are words of items that are older or younger than Simon Roofing, drag them to the OLDER THAN or YOUNGER THAN space. When you’re finished, hit CHECK to see if you know your stuff! […]
Not all roof inspections are created equal
When it comes to evaluating your commercial roof, not all inspections are created equal. A conventional roof inspection typically includes both a visual inspection and an infrared scan to identify wet insulation. It’s a great start but scientific roof assessments go much deeper – both literally and figuratively speaking. What makes scientific roof assessments like […]
3 Reasons why Simon Roofing’s Repair Warranty is better than the rest
Watch the video below to find out how Simon Roofing’s Repair Warranty is second to none! 3 Reasons Why Simon Roofing’s Repair Warranty is Better Than the Rest It covers both the repair made on the roof and leak coming through the ceiling. Roof leaks often travel so it’s important to identify and stop the […]
Supply chain issues’ impact on roofing materials
Check out this new article in BUILDINGS about the supply chain squeeze on the commercial roofing industry. Read more about the factors contributing to the overall supply shortage, the impact on roofing and what’s to blame. The article also covers what can be done to make the most of the situation so many building owners […]
Supply Chain Strain: The Roofing Industry
According to a recent NRCA Town Hall, “The current supply shortage squeezing the roofing industry is the culmination of several factors, and not likely to end anytime soon.” There are a number of speculative reasons for the global supply chain issues. While the causes might differ slightly from one list to another, the following are […]
Manufacturing facility restores roof without replacing
This resin and polymer manufacturing facility was experiencing multiple leaks, which was having a negative impact on operations. A long-term, waterproof solution was required, especially due to the technical and intricate operations within the facility.
Financial Institution Three-Course Roof Repair
This bank was experiencing a leak in the employee break room with the water entry being visible through the ceiling tiles. Simon Roofing was dispatched to the location to resolve the leak.
Resolve to Improve Your Commercial Roof’s Performance in 2022
It’s a new year. A new beginning. A time to set new goals. Why not consider a roofing-related resolution this year?
The Naughty or Nice List: How well do you know the best practices for roof maintenance?
Test your knowledge with our interactive quiz about maintenance that either puts you on Santa’s naughty or nice list.
Mind Over Materials
According to a recent NRCA industry issue update, “The U.S. roofing industry is experiencing unprecedented shortages of roofing materials and products and significant price volatility.” Not so at Simon Roofing. As a 120+ year old national commercial roofing manufacturer and installer, we’ve learned a lot. For instance, we’ve learned the key to maintaining quality is to control the supply chain. That’s why we produce most of our own products for the job and we use our own employees on the job.
4 Scary Things We See During Bi-Annual Roof Inspections
Failing to have routine inspections on your roof can lead to some chilling discoveries. Check out some of the scary things we see during routine maintenance!
Insects – wet insulation attracts bugs and insects to gather on your roof, which can cause roof leaks
Debris – leaves, trash, branches, etc. can cause trip and fall hazards
Mold – wet insulation can create mold and bacteria, which opens many more cans of worms
Water – ponding water on your roof can cause a compromised membrane and resulting roof leaks
Following a routine maintenance schedule for your commercial roof can help you avoid frightening problems down the road. Schedule an inspection today – you’ll increase the lifespan of your roof and save both time and money.
Commercial Roof Leaks are No Cause for Punting
At some point, just about every commercial roof will encounter a leak. It’s inevitable. It’s no time to sit on the sidelines because the quicker you deal with it, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
7 Questions to Help Determine if a Restoration is Possible for your Commercial Roof
By now, you’ve certainly heard that commercial roof restorations can be viable options for bringing failing roofs back to watertight condition and back under warranty. And they do so with much less cost and disruption than a complete tear off and replacement.
Seems like a no brainer, right? Well unfortunately, not all roofs qualify. There are many factors that go into determining if a restoration is possible.
Ponding Water on Commercial Rooftops
Ponding water on commercial rooftops can lead to leaks and infestation of insects, rodents and birds – Learn how to avoid it!
When it comes to commercial roof quotes, size matters. But so do a lot of other things.
When it comes time to budget for a new commercial roof, there is more to consider than just the square footage of your roof. One of the biggest factors is building location. The area or region in which the building is located comes into play for a variety of reasons.
LOCATION FACTORS
What are the R-value requirements? The greater the number, the more insulation that’s needed. The more insulation that’s needed, the greater the cost.
What are the wind uplift requirements? In areas prone to high wind weather events, there will most likely be strict requirements for roofing systems. Higher wind ratings typically result in higher costs. Are there Code requirements? If so, bringing a roof back to code can be costly.
A Look into Skylights – Commercial Roof Safety and Leak Prevention
Skylights can offer many benefits to a commercial building, like natural light and lower electric costs. Did you know, however, that 10% of all fatalities within the roofing trade are a result of falling through a skylight? If your facility has skylights, there are steps you can take to protect anyone accessing your roof, including employees and external vendors.
April Showers Bring May Flowers. And Roof Leaks.
Water intrusion can quickly lead to damaged insulation, equipment and inventory inside a building. Roof leaks any time of the year can be frustrating, damaging, unsafe and costly to any facility. This is especially so in the springtime when rain showers are a common occurrence. Knowing what causes leaks can help you identify the problem and determine the best solution.
Winter Effects Lead to Spring Defects
Springtime cannot come soon enough for many parts of the country. Along with the warmer temperatures and nature’s awakening, however, late winter/early spring is also a time when many commercial roofs incur thermal shock from dramatic temperature fluctuations. Temperature swings can actually cause the roof to move in and out from contraction and expansion. It should […]
February is a great time for a new coat – on your roof
Commercial roof restoration coating products have come a long way in the past several years. They now offer excellent tensile strength and elongation properties, and some even include a polyester layer for added durability. These solutions bring your problem roof back to watertight condition and often times back under full warranty. All this while avoiding […]
First 3 steps to take when you see a roof leak at your facility
If you or someone at your facility suspects a roof leak, the first three steps you should take include: Risk assessment: It’s important to quickly identify any potential damage or safety hazards that might result from the leak. Move inventory and equipment to avoid water damage. Put up cones and signage in high-traffic areas to […]
Winter Forecast for Your Roof: Freeze. Thaw. Repeat.
In a year full of uncertainties, one thing is for certain – winter is coming. Many people enjoy the beauty of the winter season, but the bad news is it typically brings extreme cold temperatures, increased precipitation and high winds. Those weather elements are tough enough on us, but they can be even tougher on roofs.
Think you know roofing defects?
Test your knowledge of roofing defects and damage. Let’s say you’re walking the roof doing a quick inspection, which we recommend following any major weather event, and you spot one or more of the following types of damage. How would you describe to your roofing contractor what you saw? Let’s see how many you can […]
The 4 do’s and don’ts of a commercial roof self-inspection
We all know the importance of roof inspections, but we all like to save money whenever and wherever we can. Many of today’s facility managers are very experienced and have “seen it all” when it comes to building exterior maintenance, so it may naturally beg the question. Can I just do the roof inspections myself? […]
Commercial Roofing System Pros and Cons for your Building, Business and Budget
Advances in commercial re-roofing systems give building owners and facility managers many viable options. They also now have access to a lot more data to make smart, calculated decisions.
Choosing the right roof system means it’s the best fit not only for your budget, but for your building and everything housed within it as well.
Connex: The Daily Grind / Disaster Management Webinar with Anthony Vross
The Daily Grind – addressing the FM issues that matter most. Where you find new solutions, answers to important questions and the connections you need to excel.
Raise the Roof
Roofs may seem like an afterthought (every building has one, right?), but roof maintenance is critical to protecting not just customers and employees but also merchandise and other contents inside your facility. Roofs also maintain facility integrity, which is why investments in new roofs and roof maintenance are a major factor in all FM budgets.
7 Reasons for Choosing a Local-National Roofer
You want the resources and experience of a large-scale, national roofing company as well as the responsiveness and local commitment of one nearby. That’s why a local-national roofing company may be the formula for success for facility managers.
“Commercial Roofing: The New Norm” Podcast
Anthony Vross, co-owner of Simon Roofing, was recently featured in the “Commercial Roofing: The New Norm” podcast as part of the Facility Focus Forum series. Anthony joins host Rob Vaughn to discuss how to save on roofing expenses and how the commercial roofing industry is evolving. He also covers how to identify a roof leak, what to look for in a commercial roof warranty and navigating roof asset management in 2020.
Managing Commercial Roofing Costs the REIT Way
Roofing costs can make up the majority of a building’s exterior maintenance budget. For investors in REITs or property management companies, the “roof maintenance expense” line item can make or break an annual budget.
Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips When Reopening for Business
Many facility managers are getting back on a roof maintenance schedule after having recently been closed or open with skeleton crews. Even with so much these days being described as “the new normal”, some things haven’t changed a bit. For instance, proactive roof maintenance still offers many benefits. Top Recommendations for Safe, Proactive Roof Maintenance If you’re looking for ways to extend the watertight life of your commercial roof: Inspect from the inside-out. First […]
Roof Leaks in Medical Buildings Require Urgent Care
The actions a facility manager takes before a roof leak is spotted are arguably just as important as what they do after one occurs. In medical buildings, hospitals and clinics, timing and preparation are key to minimizing damage and jeopardizing patient safety. An ideal scenario involves being proactive with roofing maintenance and inspections, and being […]
Roof Leaks Still Spring in Times of Crisis
Roof leaks don’t heed stay-at-home orders. Even during these uncertain times, it’s important to stay on top of building maintenance issues to avoid larger problems – and expenses – when the doors open again. Simon Roofing is deemed to be an essential business so while most of our office personnel is working remotely, our commercial […]
6 ways that roofing materials can play a role in addressing ponding water
When properly designed, most roofs – even flat roofs – have enough slope to drain water after a rain or snow event. Add to that the fact that evaporation helps to dry up roofs as well. So, if you have water that remains on a roof 48 hours after a rain, you can be pretty sure you’ve got “ponding water” and all that comes with it.
Water Damage: Addressing ponding water on a heavily penetrated low slope roof
There are essentially two ways water leaves a roof: positive drainage or evaporation. When neither can occur quickly enough, the result is ponding water. Ponding water is defined as any water remaining on a roof 48 hours after a rain. Most commonly occurring on low-slope commercial roofs, ponding water can result from poor building/roof design, […]
5 beyond obvious consequences of ponding water on your commercial roof
When properly designed, most roofs – even flat roofs – have enough slope to drain water after a rain or snow event. Add to that the fact that evaporation helps to dry up roofs as well. So, if you have water that remains on a roof 48 hours after a rain, you can be pretty sure you’ve got “ponding water” and all that comes with it.
Winter best practices for your commercial roof: “These are a few of our favorite things…”
As we prepare for the holidays and embark on the snowy and icy conditions that winter brings for many of us, let’s review some cold weather roof maintenance best practices… by framing them up in familiar holiday song lyrics. You can do the job when you’re in town … How do you ensure a successful […]
Find & Seek! Roofing Style
Find out how many commercial roofing words you can find in our word scramble!
It’s about time we talk about time … or lack thereof for facility managers
Today’s technology allows for building systems to become more integrated with each other, so facility managers know all too well how one decision can affect two or three other systems. As a roofing manufacturer and installer,– we strive to always deliver products and services that are easier to maintain, longer-lasting and less taxing on facility managers’ time. Here are a few examples of how we’re doing this …
A word on sustainability. A roof is a terrible thing to waste.
Decisions made by facility managers many times come down to dollars and cents. But what if the most financially sound decision also made sense for the environment? Win-win, right?
The EPA estimates that 548 million tons of debris from construction and demolition materials was created in 2015; much of it undoubtedly from waste created during roof tear-offs and replacements.
Therefore, it stands to reason that preventing roof replacements would minimize the amount of roofing material waste shipped to landfills. But, how do you best prevent roof replacements and still resolve a problem roof?
In what year will your commercial roof fail?
If you knew the exact year your commercial roof would fail, what – if anything – would you do to prevent it from happening?
Looking for ways to fix and address problems BEFORE they occur is the most cost-effective mindset to employ. Simply speaking it’s called managing your roof assets – or asset management.
What parts of a roof inspection can I do myself?
Facility managers can benefit from knowing what a professional roofing contractor is going to be looking at – and looking for – when they’re on your roof performing an inspection. Over time, you can learn to detect problem areas starting to form. And maybe even what to do about them.
Most evaluations start with CAD drawings based on aerial photographs. This streamlines field inspection since the technician will then only need to verify the information.
Consequential Damage
We can sum up the importance of timely action on roof leaks in two words – consequential damage.
Water entering your building does way more than deteriorate the external components of the roof system. It even does more than shorten the lifespan of the roof itself. It can wreak havoc on your building’s interior, adding exponential costs and losses.
Test your knowledge
Test your knowledge: Do this, not that for cold weather commercial roof success Don’t believe the groundhog hype. Those of us in cold weather climates know the drill. We’re likely to see snow well into March and April.
With that in mind, it’s not too late for an interactive quiz to test your cold weather roof maintenance knowledge.
Resolve to improve your commercial roof’s performance in 2019
It’s a new year. A new beginning. A time to set new goals. Why not consider a roofing-related resolution this year? Here are a few suggestions to help facility managers stay on top of things in 2019 relative to commercial roofing assets.
7 Inspirational Quotes to get in the Spirit of Thanksgiving!
Check out our favorite quotes on thankfulness to get you inspired for Thanksgiving and the holiday season! [Sassy_Social_Share]
4 Frightening Consequences
When it comes to maintaining your commercial roof, don’t be afraid. Just by routinely inspecting it and proactively repairing it, you can avoid these scary outcomes:
Metal Roof Restoration
METAL ROOF RESTORATION CASE STUDY:
The Situation: Diversicare Healthcare Services, Inc. was experiencing roof issues on its corporate headquarters and they were looking into roof replacement options. A major concern with a traditional metal roof replacement was the noise from invasive fasteners being punched into the roof, which could cause disruption to both everyday work and executive meetings held within the building.
Repair, Restore, Replace…in that order!
You’ve probably heard us preach this in the past – but this phrase still holds true today! Not all commercial roofs need to be replaced. In fact, studies* show as many as 85% of roofs are replaced unnecessarily due to poor information. For a persistent, leaky roof that seems to be stuck in the leak-repair-leak-repair […]
8 tips to prevent commercial roof leaks from hanging over your head
Roof leaks can be frustrating, damaging, unsafe and costly to any facility, especially when not resolved in a timely manner. Some common issues that cause commercial roof leaks include membrane failures, drains and gutter issues, ponding water, and flashings. Below are 8 tips to help prevent roof leaks from hanging over your head: Ensure your […]
CLP™ Roofing System Chosen as a Money-Saving Product by BUILDINGS Magazine
Simon Roofing is proud to announce that BUILDINGS has selected CLP™ Roofing System as a 2018 Money-Saving Product winner. This product is a member of an elite group of 67 products showcased in the June 2018 issue of BUILDINGS and online at BUILDINGS.com. Finalists were evaluated by the BUILDINGS editorial staff for the money-saving qualities [...]
Not All Bad Roofs Need Replaced
Many facility managers are told that the only solution for a leaky, problematic commercial roof is a complete tear off and replacement. Therefore, it’s common for companies to have replaced their roof when there are years of useful life still remaining in it. Needless to say, it’s imperative to have all the facts before making [...]
Under Coverage
Breaking down the do’s and don’ts of commercial roofing warranties Building owners and facility managers often think of long-term warranty on a commercial roof as a means of buying peace of mind, but they’re often so riddled with exclusions that they cannot be relied upon for much more than a hedge against catastrophic failure. […]
Wish your roof had a “check engine” light?
If spring rains have you unexpectedly grabbing buckets and “wet floor” signs, rely on SR PreVision to be your roof’s indicator light. It’ll give you a heads up on how your roof is going to perform in the months and years to come so you can be prepared – and be proactive. Why SR PreVision? […]
Spring into Action – Commercial Roofing Stats Proving the Power of Preventative Maintenance
Spring marks the time you start thinking about warmer days, but it’s also the time to start thinking proactively about commercial roof maintenance. Scheduling semi-annual inspections and following a preventative maintenance plan will not only extend the life of your roof, it will save you time and money in the long run too. Proof is […]
Do You Have A Love-Hate Relationship with Your Commercial Roof?
When your roof is doing its job of keeping your employees and/or customers dry, you love your roof. When you get the panic-stricken call saying there’s water dripping from the ceiling and it’s causing a slip-n-fall hazard, you hate your roof. Getting answers to a few simple questions can have you feelin’ the love again […]
Terlecky and Diana Join Simon Roofing at Boardman Headquarters
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Dec. 18, 2017) – Simon Roofing, a national commercial roofing manufacturer and installer, recently hired Kathleen Terlecky as senior roof designer, and Anthony Diana as sales manager. Both positions are based at Simon Roofing’s Boardman headquarters. Terlecky will work with the sales team on commercial roof designing and estimating for restorations and replacements, […]
10 Ways to Brighten Holiday Spirits for Little or No Money
Simon Roofing employees share ideas for spreading holiday joy We believe there’s still magic behind the holiday spirit and there are things we can do to brighten the holidays for others … both for people we know and ones that we’ve never met. So, we asked our employees for their thoughts on how to make […]
Newborns, Slopes and Intricate Floats Highlight our Thanksgiving Memories
What memories spring to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? If you’re like the cross-section of Simon Roofing employees we hit up with this question, it’s likely rooted in special family traditions or perhaps an unusual circumstance that made the holiday far from conventional one year. Lori D. recalls a Thanksgiving involving a new baby. […]
The beauty AND brains alternative for concrete repair
Think about the first thing a customer sees when they step out of their car and approach your building. Do they see cracks in the walkways? Chips of concrete missing from curbs? Unsightly stains on the surface? Tripping hazards? In short, are your businesses’ efforts to attract customers inside neglecting the negative impression you’re making […]
5 scary consequences of water intrusion from your roof
Water is the silent enemy of your roof system, and its consequences can be downright scary. Do you cringe at every heavy rainfall; fearful of the damage that might be occurring to your most expensive asset to maintain? Water can pond on the roof’s surface, intrude through cracks or crevices, or force its way in […]
Roofing Terminology 101 – How well did you retain what you learned in science class?
As one of the national leaders in applying science to roofing, Simon Roofing has developed proprietary methods for analyzing and determining a roof’s remaining useful life. That way it can make a most-informed recommendation to customers as to whether a roof can be repaired or restored before going the route of a costly replacement. Every […]
Test Your Science Knowledge
If only science were this fun when we were in school. As the “roofing science” experts who have found ways to make commercial roofs last longer and perform better, we thought it’d be fun to test our science trivia knowledge. And yours.
Think Outside the Box.
The standard way of thinking goes: you get a few leaks, your roof is starting to show its age, so it’s time to replace it. Right? That’s what conventional wisdom might suggest. But perhaps it’s time for a new way of thinking. There are viable alternatives to tearing off and replacing a roof that deserve […]
The amount of waste created from roof replacements has gone off the deep end
Did you know the waste created from a complete tear-off and replacement of just a 12,000 SF commercial roof could be enough to fill a six-foot-deep Olympic-sized swimming pool? Or ten, 22-foot dumpsters? We all know roof restoration systems are more cost-effective than replacements, but don’t discount the environmental benefits as well. Waste reduction is [...]
Pop (Culture) Quiz
So how much do you really know about roofing? In our world, every Trivial Pursuit question … every Jeopardy clue … every Wheel of Fortune board would include some type of reference to the roofing industry. But until they do, we’ve created our own version of “roof references in pop culture” trivia covering the worlds […]
Data-driven inspections improve accuracy, delay costly replacement
According to the International Facility Management Association, 85% of commercial roofs are replaced too soon due to bad information. Roof replacements are often the go-to solution when nagging roof leaks continue to disrupt business and rack up unexpected repair expenses but there might be a smarter alternative – restoration. A roof restoration can bring a […]
Employees tell the Simon Roofing story on national TV program
“When it comes to commercial roofing, these guys have you covered.” That’s how the narrator kicked off our recently aired segment on the nationally syndicated, commercial design television show “Office Spaces,” and it couldn’t have been more accurately described. That is, unless he had said “these guys and gals have you covered.” [View the full […]
Lamination vs Saturation in roofing membranes – understanding the difference
On a 45 mil roof membrane, how much waterproofing protection do you think you get? Wait, you mean it’s not 45 mils? Actually, the answer is “it depends.” First it needs to be determined whether the membrane was “laminated” or “saturated.” Common among single-ply systems, a membrane consists of a bottom layer, a polyester matting […]
National Safety Month
How well do you know fall-protection standards? Take our quick roof safety quiz and find out! In honor of National Safety Month, and with safety as Simon Roofing’s most important core value, we’d like to take a moment to emphasize a few safety measures specific to fall protection that our employees are trained to practice […]
Hard Working Spirit Leads to Success for Simon Roofing
Alex Simon came to Youngstown from Lebanon and started Simon Roofing in the 1900s as a way to provide for his family. Alex’s successors, his grandsons, say he would be amazed at the state of the company today. No longer is the focus on residential roofing, but on commercial and manufacturing the products for repair […]
The History of Polymers: Then and Now
Many of the innovations used in commercial roofing today trace their roots to the late 1930s in the early days of World War II. Around that time, the Japanese invaded Indonesia and Southeast Asia, and cut off American supply to the natural latex rubber plants there. Those plants served as valuable feedstock to U.S. rubber […]
Data-driven Roof Inspections Remove Assumptions, Subjectivity
There’s a new standard in commercial roof inspections that’s data-driven and solution-specific, meaning it removes the one-size-fits-all checklists and the subjectivity inherent in the technician’s level of experience. Today’s more sophisticated inspections are detailed and customized to the roof system type and its failure points. For instance, there’s a separate checklist and protocol for built-up […]
Talking the Talk: A Brush Up on Common Roofing Terminology
Successfully managing your roofing assets is heavily dependent on being able to communicate effectively with your roofing company. Following are several common roofing-related terms and definitions to become comfortable with, if you’re not already. Blisters – A common roof defect consisting of an enclosed pocket of air, and perhaps water, trapped between layers of felt […]
4 Consequences of Ignoring Ponding Water on Your Flat Roof
Ponding is the occurrence of water pooling on flat roofs after storms, snow melts, or heavy rains, but do you know about the types of damage that water is causing when left unrepaired? Roof systems are simply not designed to hold water. Even “flat” roofs contain a slight slope to maintain positive drainage. Ponding water […]
5 Commercial Roofing Best Practices to Follow in 2017
It’s a new year so you have a clean slate to begin improving management of one of the most expensive building assets to maintain: your commercial roof. Follow these best practices and watch the savings accumulate while you also free up time to spend on other building priorities. Where better to begin than with safety. […]
Simon Roofing moves up to #11 on national Top 100 list
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Aug. 23, 2016) – Simon Roofing, headquartered in Youngstown and one of the largest national manufacturers/installers of commercial roofing systems , ranked #11 on Roofing Contractor magazine’s annual list of largest roofers in the U.S. The list is based on self-reported revenue, and includes both commercial and residential roofing companies. In the 2015 […]
A Scientific Approach to Commercial Roofing
There’s a science to roofing and we’re at the head of the class. We’ve essentially put our 117 years of “we’ve seen it all” experience into a database, invested in the latest technology, and outfitted our laboratory with state-of-the art equipment and expert scientists. Science is central to each aspect of our business; from the […]
(Part 2 of 2) Time management: Jim Tressel’s 6 Keys for Time Management Success
Football coaches are notorious for the long hours they keep during the season. And despite wearing a different hat now as president of Youngstown State University, former college head football coach Jim Tressel said he sees similarities in the challenges he faces to best manage his time. Tressel, who shares a connection to the Mahoning […]
(Part 1 of 2) Time management: Does your calendar mesh with your values and priorities?
If you really want to know what someone values, check their calendar and their checkbook. So says Jim Tressel, president of Youngstown State University (YSU) and former national champion head football coach at both YSU and The Ohio State University. Tressel, who shares a connection to the Mahoning Valley with Simon Roofing, which is headquartered […]
Oh, the horror of a roof leak
A roof leak can be downright scary. Scarier still, however, is the consequential damage, the downtime, the slip-and-fall hazard, and – gulp – the bill you’ll ultimately get to fix everything if you let an obvious problem with your commercial roof go untreated for too long. Timely intervention with roof matters is always the way […]
Exterior Transformations Can Improve Function as Well as Aesthetics
Beauty and brains, an ideal combination of character traits for your … commercial building.
Advances in engineered building materials for walls and flooring surfaces prove you no longer have to choose between aesthetics and function. Now you can have both.
Savvy facility managers are considering roof asset management
We see it all too often. A commercial roof that’s replaced could have been repaired or restored to watertight condition with a fraction of the expense and business disruption. In fact, 85% of roofs are replaced unnecessarily, due to bad information.* Tearing off and replacing roofs when there’s still useful life to them is an […]
Case Study: Concrete Facelift
Client: Major National Retailer Challenge: Improve the appearance of an aged, worn concrete entryway without impeding access to the building during construction. Objective: Rebuild and extend the life of the existing concrete entryway in a cost-effective, efficient manner. Outcome: The area in need of repair was heavily used and relied on by employees and visitors. […]
Where’s the water coming from if not from a roof leak?
One of the biggest frustrations a facility manger experiences is when he spends money on a major expense like a roof replacement only to see evidence of water entry reoccur a short time later. How could this happen? Well, it’s been our observation after many service calls of this nature that the original “leak” wasn’t […]
Buildings Magazine recognizes money-saving nature of our 3-phase roof restoration
Restoring commercial roofs as an alternative to replacing them prematurely is a common refrain you hear from us. In too many situations we hear of roofs being replaced with considerable useful life still left on them. In these cases, a restoration would have gotten them watertight with much less waste, less disruption and definitely a […]
The myths and realities of hail damage to commercial roofs
As we enter prime time severe weather season across various parts of the U.S., how well do you understand the potential for commercial roofing damage caused by hail? “Compared to the last three years we’re expecting late spring to early summer to be hotter, and with hotter, more humid weather comes an increased chance of […]
A new, engineered solution for restoring concrete islands at gas stations
Metal bands are so 2010. So are the head-banging days of gas station owners regretting their decision to shut pumps down for days-on-end to replace the damaged concrete islands they sit on; only to see deterioration and rusty metal bands return a short time later. The long-accepted solution for repairing damaged concrete pads involves removing […]
If it’s not broke, don’t fix it?
Let’s face it; the process for managing commercial roofing assets is broken. Run-to-failure? Roof replacement as the only option when a roof is problematic? That’s been somewhat common practice for what seems like forever, but it doesn’t have to be the case anymore. Changing the thinking behind the procurement process is step one. The current […]
Baskets of savings! Get proactive with roof maintenance by following these 6 tips.
As we mark “March Madness” season in college basketball it’s relevant to bring up one of the many inspirational quotes by legendary UCCLA coach John Wooden, who might have been talking about roofing maintenance when he famously said, “Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” Plugging leaks on a commercial roof in a reactionary mode […]
Getting Below The Surface On What’s Damaging Your Concrete
Outside of a traumatic event like a heavy object falling on your concrete slab, the cause of the cracks, uneven settling or lifting you’re seeing likely traces back to its installation. Surface damage to concrete is commonly linked to a poor finishing job at the time of pouring, an excess amount of water in the […]
Why do our roofs smell like black cherry?
In the chemicals business, like we are with our commercial roof coatings, it’s inevitable that someone is going to take exception to how your product smells. And it’s human nature to associate certain odors with particular feelings or emotions. The smell of chocolate or a neighbor’s backyard grill, for instance, can make your mouth water […]