Certainly, relationships, industry references, quality and reliability percolate to the top of the selection criteria, but in the commercial arena where risks are often measured in 7 figures, the prequalification process for a roofing contractor or service provider should be more purposeful and deliberate.

So what are the criteria for selecting a qualified roofing contractor?

The first step is to identify reputable roofing contractors that service your area. Roofing system manufacturers and industry related organizations are able to provide recommendations that you may find useful.

The next step is to prequalify roofing contractor candidates by evaluating their history, practices and capabilities using criteria that meet YOUR specific needs and risk profile.

You can prequalify contractors on a project-by-project basis or, to be certain that you get the best service experience when the need arises, you can prequalify service providers on an annual basis.

You may find the following links to websites that should be helpful in your prequalification process:

1.  Identifying a Roofing Contractor:

• Carlisle Syntec Systems Local Representative or Distributor
• Firestone Building Products Sales Representative
• Building Owners and Managers Association
• Austin Association of Facility Maintenance and Engineers
• San Antonio Association of Building Engineers

2.  Criteria for prequalifying a Roofing Contractor:

Guidelines for Selecting a Commercial (Low-Slope) Roofing Contractor from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).  The information included in this article is valuable and worth a read. Particularly, the article includes a link to a proof of insurance explaining the content of an insurance certificate.

3.  Tools You May Want to Use:

• A downloadable Prequalification Data Sheet based on the criteria specified by the NRCA for your use.
• An Excel downloadable version of a completed Prequalification Data Sheet with information for Texas Fifth Wall Roofing Systems.

These industry stakeholders are unified in recommending rooftop PV system installation always involve a professional roofing contractor and, when necessary, a licensed electrician. The involvement of a licensed electrician is necessary to oversee the proper installation of a PV system’s electrical components, and, in most jurisdictions, there are requirements for licensed electricians to perform that function.

Rooftop PV system installation only can be undertaken with the involvement of a professional roofing contractor employing skilled roofing workers for a number of reasons, including:

• The roofing contractor will assess the roof’s condition. Installing an expensive PV system over an aged or faulty roof system will lead to unintended results.
• The roofing contractor knows how to install new roof systems properly and safely to best accommodate rooftop PV systems.
• The roofing contractor is aware of local building code requirements that pertain to the installation of the rooftop PV system. These requirements typically include provisions for wind resistance and fire resistance; simply installing a rooftop PV system over an existing roof system can lead to building code violations if not done properly.
• The roofing contractor knows how to organize a roofing job site, properly load materials on the roof, and keep building occupants and passersby free from risk.
• The roofing contractor is trained—and insured—for safety on the rooftop. Falls remain one of the primary sources of injury in the roofing industry. Workers who are not aware of best safety practices or Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements not only put themselves in danger but also may be putting the building owner at risk.
• Skilled roofing workers, including highly trained journeymen and apprentices, are proficient in the application of all roof systems. They understand PV technology and the types of PV applications used in roofing, have received extensive safety training and recognize the unique safety hazards associated with PV roof systems.
• In addition, roofing workers are insured for worker’s compensation at a rate appropriate for work on rooftops. That is not likely to be the case for other tradesmen, and disputes easily can arise in the event of a claim.
• Often, rooftop PV installations require penetration through the roof system. Roofing contractors understand how to properly secure equipment on rooftops, know how to apply flashing materials, and understand how attaching equipment to a roof system may affect its long-term watertightness.
• Transporting material and equipment across a rooftop can damage the roof system. The roofing contractor understands proper methods to move material and equipment across the rooftop without causing damage.
• Many roof systems carry warranties that are issued by the roofing contractor or the roof membrane or system manufacturer. All these warranties include provisions that make them void if alterations are made to the system (including any attachments) without the manufacturer’s prior approval.

Are Thicker Membranes Worth the Investment?

The installation cost of the next available thicker membrane will usually be limited to the incremental cost of materials. While some short term savings can be achieved with a thinner membrane, it is important to consider the cost of the roof over its entire lifecycle.

According to a report prepared by Carlisle Syntec, the leader in single-ply roofing, entitled The Thick and Thin of TPO Roofing, a thicker membrane will reduce maintenance and repair costs during the lifespan of the roof. Technically speaking, according to Puncture Tests using Federal Test Method FTM 101-C, a 60-mil membrane requires 350 foot pounds of force to puncture, compared to only 300 foot pounds of force for a 45-mil membrane, and this 12% increase can make a difference on a roof with heavy foot traffic.

In addition, according to Carlisle Syntec, a TPO membrane is enhanced with a weathering package that helps protect the integrity of the membrane and prolong its service life. The thicker the membrane, the more weathering package per unit of surface and the longer the membrane will retain its smooth, glossy finish.

Carlisle Syntec concludes that the combined effect of reduced damage and increased weather resistance leads to a 33% increase in the lifespan of a 60-mil roof compared to a 45-mil roof. Besides increased resistance to damage, the manufacturer claims it is like switching your sunscreen from SPF-15 to SPF-50.

With competing objectives for every capital dollar, return on investment must be weighed in the context of other business objectives. From the viewpoint of maximizing the return on investment of the roof asset, installing a thicker membrane makes sound economic sense and can lead to a greater return on investment.

Imagine this . . .

It has been a helluva week. It’s 4pm rolling on 5 and you’ve been stuck in the office the last few days in meetings, making calls and pushing buttons to get your capital improvements and repair & maintenance budgets for each of your facilities done by the deadline. You’ve finally nailed the paving, HVAC, and other budgets – ready to call it a day, you’ll finish with the roofing budget tomorrow with plenty of time for the budget meeting.

You stop at Starbucks on your way to the office the next morning, grab your iPad and login to fifthwallroofing.com to see the budget matrix for each of your properties. Each property is separated by roof section (office, clean room, warehouse, etc.), with each repair deficiency broken down by emergency and non-emergency repairs, and a roof replacement estimate for the building. You choose which repairs to do this year. A review of the repair history for the Clean Room on ABC Campus, you see that repair costs are escalating and the replacement cost is within your capital spending parameters so you decide it’s time to replace the roof – after all, a leak there could be costly! Tap here, tap there, and bingo! You have your roofing budget.

While you are logged in to your client portal, you check to confirm that repairs on Building 1 were done but then you remember that you have been meaning to have that troublesome spot over the office complex repaired – you hit the Service Dispatch button, tap, slide, slide, tap, tap, look at the photo – yes, that’s it. Tap, tap. Fifth Wall Service is on it – you will get email notices keeping you up-to-date on our progress. Time to get the budget meeting….

That’s the power of our ProVigil Roof Protection Program™. You’re confident the minor stuff is taken care of so you can focus on the major stuff. And, it keeps the major stuff at your fingertips so you can make informed business decisions.

Our ProVigil Roof Protection Program

None of this is happenstance – you contracted with us a few years ago to perform routine inspections, fix minor repairs, and submit detailed reports and cost estimates for other repairs. The history is all online and it’s all wrapped up into a budget matrix using technology that puts it all at your fingertips as if you were standing on the roof. Yes, it is impressive.

The ProVigil Inspection: The key is finding the issues before they become an issue! Qualified Fifth Wall Service Technicians will inspect the roof twice a year. Our technicians have at least 20 years roofing experience, with at least 10 years performing rooftop diagnostics and repairs. Based on the results of our 2012 Roof Matters Benchmark Report, the most frequent occurrence of rooftop issues is drain clogging debris, puncture or tears caused by other trades, and improper repairs performed by unqualified roof service technicians. We will take care of such minor repairs during our inspection and perform other routine maintenance – caulking those joints and such.

The ProVigil Condition Report:   It is really quite the misnomer to call this a report, it is actually a powerful online tool available to ProVigil Program participants. This online information will provide a satellite view of the property with all deficiencies indicated; a rooftop video overview; for deficiencies other than minor ones repaired during the ProVigil Inspection, a photo, description, repair explanation, and cost estimate; and a budget matrix summarizing the findings by emergency and non-emergency status. The property’s repair history is always a few clicks away as deficiencies are corrected, and an estimated replacement cost is provided as a measuring stick for your budget and planning purposes.

Does our ProVigil Program make good business sense?

Historically speaking, it was not uncommon for us to complete a roof installation, deliver the warranty – then wait. If it doesn’t leak, it must be okay. If it leaks a lot, it must need to be replaced.

Not anymore. Current economic needs to get more from less have forced leaders in facility management to take a fresh look at managing all critical elements of facility operation. A faucet leak or a light bulb failure is obvious when it occurs and somewhat inexpensive to repair with little impact on the tenant. But a roof leak can seriously interrupt a tenant’s business (20 years of medical records soaked!), or can cause damage that is expensive to repair if gone undetected for a time.

Our ProVigil Roof Protection Program is designed to reduce the total cost of building ownership by instituting roof lifecycle management principles to those that manage the physical and financial needs of a facility. Of course, the first step is to choose the right system and we have experts in new construction and roof replacements to accommodate those needs.

But what about optimizing the service life of an existing roofing system? There are a couple of key matters to consider.

Maintenance Costs – is it worth it?   The fact is, it is difficult to provide broad estimates of the cost of roof maintenance. So much depends on the type of roof, the environment, maintenance practices, traffic, equipment density, and so many other factors. We have heard on occasion that 2% of replacement cost is a reasonable annual repair and maintenance guestimate.

Using this metric as an example in a simple analysis, if you spend 2% of the cost of a 15 year roof, (said another way, a total of 30% of replacement cost over the 15 year period) will it extend its service life by 30%? Probably not – but it will extend it for a time and near break-even money is not at all bad when other benefits of a well maintained roof are considered.

Will it improve performance in key metrics – Budget Performance and Return on Investment (ROI)?   One of the most common concerns expressed by our customers is the predictability of repair costs. It is impossible for a facility manager to guess at the cost of a necessary repair in month 10 of a 12 month budget, but you are expected to do just that.

With respect to ROI, a well maintained building makes for a happier tenant. As a bonus, prevention of water intrusion is one less avenue for tenant complaint or worry and higher client retention. On another front, water intrusion into the building envelope is seldom a good thing. Mold, structure deterioration, increased energy consumption are each unattractive outcomes of an undetected leak or delayed repair. More consistent or increased revenue, lower costs = higher ROI!

ProVigil Roof Protection Program from Texas Fifth Wall. It’s The Fifth Wall Way.

As the economy changes, many enterprises are under pressure to streamline their operations. Budget constraints and downsizing lead to greater responsibility placed on fewer people: where only a few years ago a facilities manager for a large retail chain might have been in charge of 50 stores, now he may be responsible for 150.

Running with a thinner staff presents several challenges to an enterprise and its stewardship of complex, high-dollar assets such as a roofing system; namely:

• Thin staffing results in less time in the office and a need for greater mobility
• More responsibility on staff with less experience can impact wise decision making
• Turnover can hurt continuity

Fortunately, asset management technology is advancing rapidly to meet these challenges, even in an industry as seemingly low tech as commercial roofing. Roofing companies can now work with software that makes it easier and more convenient for you to understand the condition and needs of your roof. Often these are complete mobile technology solutions for managing all roof repair needs.

Accurate, real time reporting is one of the best benefits of modern roof management technology. The ProVigil Condition Report (a feature in the technology we use in our ProVigil Roof Protection Program), for example, leverages sophisticated technology to document roof conditions and repairs. It generates a consultant-grade report that itemizes each deficiency, the required remedy, photos with a detailed explanation of the damage, and a quote that conveniently summarizes budgeted costs all in one place for planning and budget purposes. The report can be viewed online anytime as a printable PDF from your desktop or your mobile device.

If turnover factors into your roadmap like many companies today, unfortunately you also sacrifice experience and institutional memory. This again is something the industry’s latest cloud-based technology is beginning to offset as it becomes more affordable and comprehensive. Some of today’s leading roofing technologies allow you to view a complete history of your roofing system—every service call, every inspection, every alert—in one complete, very accessible location, functioning as a complete database for your roofing system. As far as data intelligence is concerned, turnover is nearly seamless, as anyone new can access the history of the properties you manage from one client portal.

The online client portal we use as part of our ProVigil program, for instance, is much more than a snapshot of the roof’s history. Service history and cost trends can be retained for insight into emerging issues. Budgets are developed from your specific site conditions with multi-year forward visibility. Key documents such as warranties and service agreements are easily available electronically.

Mobile-enabled technology alleviates pressures many facilities managers face in managing multiple properties, as you no longer need to be at the desk to access any of the features. It also streamlines and enhances communication. For example, electronic correspondence through the system allows proposals to be generated and delivered whenever and wherever needed. It makes it possible for repairs to be requested anytime, from anywhere and for updates and acknowledgements to be automatically generated, eliminating paperwork delays.

A well-managed, routinely tended roof reduces maintenance costs and extends service life, and the technology to manage it has advanced light years in the past decade. Talented engineers are continually responding to customer needs and industry changes, putting powerful tools in the hands of our technicians for better response time, more budget awareness, and greater attention to detail. At Fifth Wall, our goal is to use technology to offer new awareness and insight to owners and facilities managers, leading to longer roof lifespan and significant cost savings. To our customers, who are busy facilities managers and owners, this means an easier job and a more cost effective investment in roofing overall.

When racecar enthusiasts think of Formula 1 (F1™), they think of Mario Andretti, the only driver to win both Indy Car and F1 World Championships. It was Andretti who cut the ribbon for the First Lap Ceremony at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA™) racetrack in Austin, Texas, before taking to the track in a Lotus 70 F1 car, the very car in which he won the World Championship. “It’s everything I expected and more,” Andretti said after his practice laps.

So, how does a new F1 racetrack fit in a construction magazine? It’s all about the buildings that support the track. …continue reading Architectural West, Nov/Dec 2012, or Western Roofing, Nov/Dec 2012

Tony Zahtila, Fifth Wall; Ryan Kirkland, Southern Sustainability; Todd Hewitt, Fifth Wall; Steve Schwar, Carlisle SynTec; Joe Martin, Fifth Wall; Joe Stassi, Carlisle SynTec; Jody Delino, Fifth Wall

AUSTIN—Texas Fifth Wall Roofing Systems, one of the region’s largest industrial roofing contractors, has been honored with the prestigious Carlisle 1,000 Hall of Fame Award. The award, presented by Carlisle SynTec Systems, is based upon completed roofing system inspections performed by Carlisle technical representatives who rateeach project on a scale of 1-10, 10 being a flawless application. Fifth Wall has attained more than a 1,000 of these perfect ratings.

“Quality is a pillar of the way we do business,” said Todd Hewitt, Fifth Wall President. “We have earned a reputation with our clients for this standard, and the award is an achievement we are extremely proud to receive. The Carlisle Hall of Fame Award is a testament to our field teams that execute on our high quality standards everyday.”

Joe Stassi, Carlisle SynTec; Joe Martin, Fifth Wall; Todd Hewitt, Fifth Wall; Ryan Kirkland, Southern Sustainability

Carlisle SynTec Systems, with more than 2,600 authorized applicators, recognizes Hall of Fame award recipients as a most elite group of roofing contractors. Currently, there are only 21 applicators nationwide who have received the 1,000 Hall of Fame award, and Fifth Wall is the only applicator in Texas to have reached this milestone.

“This is a significant accomplishment for Texas Fifth Wall Roofing Systems,” said Nick Shears, Carlisle Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Their achievement proves their dedication to providing quality service, and we look forward to continuing a successful partnership with Fifth Wall in the future.”

Fifth Wall Leadership Team from atop the Pit Building overlooking the backside of the track.

AUSTIN—As the world prepares to descend upon Austin for the city’s inaugural Formula 1 event, one of the leading U.S. industrial roofing contractors has the facilities covered. Texas Fifth Wall Roofing Systems roofed 175,000 square feet of facilities at the new Circuit of The Americas site, the nation’s first purpose-built Grand Prix facility that will host the United States Grand Prix™ from Nov. 16-18.

As the primary roofing contractor for the world-class venue, Fifth Wall President Todd Hewitt couldn’t be more ready to celebrate. “Fifth Wall was trusted to be the official roofer of Circuit of The Americas because of our stellar reputation in Central Texas for doing what is needed to get a job done right with quality, safety and innovation. We are proud to play a role in constructing yet another Austin landmark,” said Hewitt.

Fifth Wall Crews work on the Pit Building.

Fifth Wall was responsible for roofing 13 Circuit of The Americas buildings, including the signature observation tower that sits at the head of the Grand Plaza and will serve as the iconic symbol for the facility. Among many other structures, Fifth Wall also covered the media center, pit and team buildings, medical center, multiple concessions, ticket booth, Grand Plaza Turn 3 and 6, and the storefront. And beyond its unrivaled racing-focused capabilities, these world-class facilities allow Circuit of The Americas to serve as a performance, education and business center featuring public spaces for private events, visitor attractions and other research and training opportunities.

Two of the more focal buildings of the track are showpieces for Fifth Wall. The Pit Building spans nearly a quarter of a mile. The iconic observation tower is more than 20 stories high and can be seen from all areas of the track. The Fifth Wall team hand carried all materials and equipment up the structure to roof the tower because the elevator was not yet complete at the time of installation.

Understandably, the project didn’t happen without its fair share of hurdles, Hewitt admitted. “We usually do a project or two of this magnitude and complexity every year, each with its own unique set of challenges. A common issue, a compressed schedule was the most challenging one,” he continued. “That caused a lot of the trades to occupy the same space simultaneously, and there were always several cranes vying for the limited hoisting locations. But with every project, seeing the end result is spectacular.”

Teaming up with Austin Commercial as the project manager, Fifth Wall worked with subcontractors Workman Commercial and Solis Constructors on several buildings to construct the roofing needs for Circuit of The Americas.

With only five years of service at Texas Fifth Wall, I am a relative newcomer. I’ve invested a significant effort over these years to understand the culture of the company, how to exert leadership, and how to manage change within my realm of influence. Frankly, when the idea of “Innovation” landed in our tag line and as the third leg in our concept of The Fifth Wall Way, I had to step back and really consider: what is innovation?

“Change; novelty; newfangled idea” is how Webster’s describes “innovation.” But does that accurately describe Texas Fifth Wall, a nearly 40-year-old company that often seems so slow to change?

Granted, Fifth Wall pioneered single-ply roofing in the region; our equipment boneyard is full of well-worn equipment that, in the beginning, was considered innovative in roofing applications. Our history is littered with awards from suppliers, service providers, and industry groups such as our recent second annual Top 100 Safety Award amongst Texas Mutual’s 53,000 insured.

Do such things make us innovative? In a world where innovation is set by a rapid schedule of featureless product releases geared more toward encouraging another purchase than delivering value, I guess we fail the test. But let’s talk about innovation done The Fifth Wall Way:

•  Delivering energy efficient roofing systems to Central Texas in the 1970s—before energy efficiency was cool. That’s innovation.
  

• Watching our guys working in the warehouse creating a new “something” that increases their efficiency or enhances safety. That’s innovation.

• Seeing equipment manufacturers eagerly working with our V.P. of Operations to fine tune their products, then readily deploying those tools or methods to increase productive capacity and efficiency. That’s innovation.

• Hearing a new employee with over 15 years of roofing experience with a competitor marvel at the new methods he learned one day while observing one of our crews and using words like “quicker,” “easier,” “better,” and “amazing.” That’s innovation.

• Having contractors in the roofing industry talk about how much easier and pleasant it is to work with us than with others, and for them to recognize the process and discipline by which we execute from the field through the office. For well respected general contractors to say they trust us—that our quality, safety, and production programs are unmatched. That’s innovation.

• Realizing the investment of human and financial capital in technology and programs by helping the customer better manage the roof lifecycle. To be recognized for our new construction capabilities, to offer experienced service technicians and our ProVigil Roof Protection Program to help facility managers extend the life of their roof, then to be there for them when a reroof is necessary. That’s innovation.

While I recall a time not long ago when I thought innovation occurred when the declining revenue of an end-of-life product was met with yet another new product launch, I can now say that I have a much deeper respect for innovation that delivers value. Innovation like that delivered through The Fifth Wall Way.

AUSTIN—Texas Fifth Wall Roofing Systems, one of the region’s largest industrial roofing contractors, has released the first Rooftop Matters Benchmark Report to help provide insights for building owners and facility managers to better manage the lifecycle cost of their roofs.

Fifth Wall is monitoring the current state of roofing technology and maintenance by examining inspection results and service calls to compile an annual Benchmark Report of findings. These results help determine key concern factors in proper roof system management. In the initial Benchmark Report, covering a six-month period, inspections covered more than 5 million square feet of commercial facilities with built-up roof, modified bitumen, EPDM, metal and single-ply roofs.

Ranking highest on the list of critical factors that cause the most notable roof deterioration, improper installation or repair, rooftop activity, neglect and aging made up 86 percent of all defects found through inspections. Rounding out the list with the remaining 14 percent of all defects, were issues affecting energy efficiency, such as improperly sealed openings.

“With a record year of drought and abnormal temperature swings, we were convinced that weather damage would top the list,” said Todd Hewitt, Texas Fifth Wall Roofing Systems President.  “We were proven wrong, as most roofing systems are performing surprisingly well despite Mother Nature’s mood swings. The majority of our findings reveal that there’s no proven pattern of system failures, which should hopefully be comforting to facility owners, in that regular upkeep has a tremendous, lasting effect for maintaining and maximizing effectiveness.”

Key Findings and Considerations:

• Improper installations or repairs is the highest category of defects, with the survey finding 39 percent of roofs in the report accounted for this category. While the incident rate has a direct correlation to the amount of equipment on a rooftop, poor craftsmanship and shoddy installations are common occurrences, as well as improper flashing, deficient patches and overlooking the use of walk pads.
• Aging is an expected outcome of any roofing system, closely following in second with 35 percent of all defects, as many of the roofs surveyed had preventable issues such as protecting high traffic areas and maintaining caulking and sealants.

• Energy efficiency issues accounted for 14 percent of all defects, with unsealed openings and penetrations identified as the most critical factors. An energy audit, periodical cleanings and close attention to sealants, T-Tops and other penetration are key solutions to preventing uncontrolled air gaps.
• Rooftop activity closely followed, making up 12 percent of all defects, and included lack of protection on high traffic areas and debris resulting in punctures from sharp objects or windblown items that are potential roof hazards.

“By far, the majority of issues observed had little to do with system deficiency in the function or design,” said Hewitt. “Our intention is to update these results annually so that Texas facility owners and managers have meaningful information to use towards minimizing risk and optimize return on real estate investment.”

About Texas Fifth Wall Roofing

Texas Fifth Wall Roofing Systems, Inc. is an award-winning commercial roofing company that is focused on the lifecycle of the roof, providing new construction, reroofing and maintenance with a common thread of relationships and ongoing superior service. As the largest service provider in the Central Texas region, Fifth Wall’s service department offers repair and maintenance services for all types of commercial, industrial and retail properties. In new construction and reroofing installations, Fifth Wall works with single-ply, metal and composite systems. Forward-thinking responsiveness to customer needs and the firm’s commitment to integrity over the bottom line have established Fifth Wall as a leader in the roofing industry.

Founded in 1973, Fifth Wall is headquartered in Austin, Texas with an office in San Antonio. The company is committed to employing innovative roofing technology and is dedicated to building watertight relationships with its clients, suppliers and employees. Fifth Wall is a 15-time recipient of the Carlisle SynTec Excellence in Single-Ply award, and is one of only two companies west of the Mississippi to have completed more than 1,000 perfect installs. Additionally, Fifth Wall has been recognized by Firestone as Master Contractor, attaining Inner Circle of Quality, which is awarded for long-term installation quality. Fifth Wall is a Roofing Contractor Top 100 company and is the only roofing company in Texas to be recognized by Texas Mutual Insurance for safety performance.

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