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Corporate Roof Consultants Newsletter
Pre-Storm Roof Benchmark
June 2005
In this issue:
- Why Do a Pre-Storm Roof Survey?
- The Benchmark Survey
- Alert! Serious PVC Membrane Failure
Greetings!
Last year we saw the real impact of tropical storms along the southeast US. In many areas, repairs are still in progress or even worse, some building owners are still waiting for repairs, as contractors are still backed up and settlements of insurance claims have been slower then expected. In Florida alone, over 250,000 roofs were damaged or destroyed.
Roof designs and roof system performance in storms have improved over the last few years. But as we have seen, large tropical storms can wreak havoc over a wide area and cause much damage. In this issue we discuss a pro-active step that can help reduce wind and water damage, and speed the recovery process if your building's roof is damaged in a windstorm or hurricane.
Why Do a Pre-Storm Roof Survey?
Now that the 2005 Hurricane season has started and is active, it is time to think about a pre-storm roof survey. Why do a storm roof survey? A survey sets a benchmark of your roof's current condition. The pre-storm survey is a valuable settlement tool if your building is damaged in a windstorm. The survey establishes the condition of your roof prior to any storm damage and is necessary to help receive the maximum settlement from your insurance company in the event you must file a claim.
The benchmark survey presents a clear picture of the condition of the roof, its estimated value and expected performance life. The survey provides a negotiating tool when you have to discuss "actual cash value policies" vs "new material & labor cost". With actual cash value policies, the insurance company will normally want to deduct the "depreciated cost" or "wear & tear" value vs the "actual cost" to replace or repair the roof. A pre- storm benchmark inspection report with a detail survey and photos can prove the value of the roof is more then the insurance company claims it might be. Even if your roof was recently replaced it is still important to set a benchmark for this year's storm season.The pre-storm survey in conjunction with a post storm survey can speed up the claim and recovery process. We will discuss the post storm damage survey and disaster assistance programs in our next issue.
The Benchmark Survey
How do you benchmark a roof? Have an experienced roof consultant or roofing contractor do a full visual inspection of the roof. A roof plan should be drawn up, and photos taken of the roof and any roof top equipment. The condition of the roof and it's components are inspected. If any existing problems are discovered and repair neded, these will be noted in the written pre-storm survey report.
The inspector should look at key elements on the roof such as roof drains being cleared; that gutters, conductor heads and downspouts are clear and freely draining. Perimeter metals such as coping and gravel guards should be checked for securement and condition. Loose access covers on HVAC equipment should be closed and secured. Any loose objects and equipment will be noted in the survey report and the owner should remove or secure them. Landscaping around the building should be inspected, trees may have to be trimmed. A visual inspection of the building's grounds and surrounding buildings should be made to identify any objects that may blow onto your roof and damage it. Perimeter component failure and impact damage from blowing debris are the leading causes of roof top damage and failure. The type of roofing material and the roof system manufacturer should be identified, and any warranties on the roof should be located and stored with any product repair instructions in a safe and dry place.
Request a Survey
Alert! Serious PVC Membrane Failure
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Over the past three years CRC has seen a number of PVC roofs installed between 1995 to 2001 with extenstive star and crescent shaped fracturing. These small fractures begin appearing a few years after the roof is installed, and at first may be mistakenly identified as mechanical impact or hail damage.
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These factures can be something far more serious, the PVC membrane may be failing. If you have a PVC roof and see small fractures like these, call CRC and schedule a roof assessment survey. CRC will examine the roof. If the PVC roof is failing, CRC will help you make a valid warranty claim and get the defective roof replaced by the manufacturer.
PVC Membrane Failure Case Study
Contact Information
Email info@corporateroof.com Here
phone: 727-518-9564
Website: www.CorporateRoof.Com
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