Low-slope roof system replacement can improve a building’s energy efficiency

When you think about an energy-efficient building, you may picture a newly constructed building that meets or exceeds LEED® standards and features many energy-saving bells and whistles. However, there is a great opportunity to save energy by rehabilitating an existing building instead of constructing a new building. In fact, the real savings—in energy and dollars—lie with existing roofs in the U.S., which encompass 50 billion square feet, according to the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and other policymaking organizations have established efficiency targets for buildings with the ultimate objective of net-zero energy and emissions. As a result, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Inc. is developing standard 90.1-2010, “Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings,” with the intention that when a typical newly constructed commercial building is designed to comply with the standard, it will consume 30 percent less energy than buildings complying with ASHRAE 90.1-2004.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a typical commercial building would consume more than 70,000 British thermal units (Btu) per square foot (floor area) per year under ASHRAE 90.1-2004, in which case a potential 21,000 Btu per square foot per year reduction could be achieved with an ASHRAE 90.1-2010-compliant building.
This new standard will provide substantial progress toward these reduction targets when promptly adopted and effectively enforced. However, the proposed standard language does not adequately address energy-efficient improvements to existing buildings.

Read More

Investing in preventive roof system maintenance is worth the cost

To maintain profitability in an economy of sluggish markets and corporate downsizing, many companies are cutting costs in various areas. All too often, one of the first areas to be reduced is maintenance.

Maintenance is a tempting target for budget slashing because, in a sense, maintenance means paying for things that aren’t broken—so the true costs of skimping on maintenance are hidden. But when they come due, it can mean big trouble. This is especially true of one particularly high-impact area of preventive maintenance in which many companies fall short: roof asset upkeep.

By de-emphasizing, postponing or curtailing preventive roof system maintenance, organizations are realizing short-term savings but creating situations that can have long-term and seriously negative consequences. The fact is properly functioning roof systems are vital to an organization’s success, and they’re under assault 24 hours per day. Extreme heat and cold, ultraviolet rays, heavy rains and winds, contaminants and rooftop traffic are some common elements roof systems must withstand regularly.

Once a roof system begins to deteriorate, as it inevitably will without maintenance, resulting leaks and other problems can affect an organization’s bottom line in many ways.

Read More



Whitco Roofing can perform infrared scans. Infrared thermography technology is used to identify and record moisture penetration, heat-loss areas, and related building envelope deficiencies.

Read More

If you’re reading this: chances are you have a roof leak. Our roofing specialist can easily find the right solution to your roofing problems. We will stop all of your roof leaks, and make sure you are 100 percent satisfied with our work. Whitco Roofing takes pride in our professionalism, reliability, and workmanship. We do not simply sell services, but solutions to problems. We want to help you solve your roofing problems. Call us today! 1.888.399.2221

My roof doesn’t have any problems/leaks?
That’s a really great position to be in. I don’t know, necessarily, how old your roof is, but we have an excellent preventive maintenance program that might be of interest to you. That will minimize repairs and keep your roof in excellent condition. Our preventive maintenance program will increase the expected service life of your roof by as much as 50%.

Many business/property owners do not realize they have any roofing problems until it’s too late. The roof, for the most part, is out of sight and out of mind. So, unless you have a roofing professional inspecting your roof semi-annually and after major storms it’s difficult to know. Go to our Roof Management Page to learn more about our long-term roof asset management programs. Our unique programs include roof inventory, record keeping, and preventive maintenance.

Already have a warranty on your roof? Well, that’s a great position to be in. Almost all manufacturers’ warranties call for a regular maintenance plan to keep the warranty effective and up-to-date. Unfortunately: If your roof is not properly maintained a manufacturer can actually void your roofing warranty.

www.whitcoroofing.com

1.888.399.2221