How Insulation Can Help Your Workplace Reduce Energy Costs

An HVAC system can only run efficiently if its components are well-maintained. Improperly insulated walls, roofs, and windows can be a problem. If energy freely flows between the internal and external environments, you’ll be paying more to maintain the indoor temperature.

Companies are increasingly turning to the use of insulating materials for increasing the energy efficiency of their buildings. The cost of insulating your workplace is relatively small as compared with the benefit it yields.

What should be insulated?

Your workplace needs to be properly insulated from all sides to prevent unnecessary energy loss. Be sure to insulate every portion of your workplace that is in contact with the external environment.

Windows, doors, walls, ducts, floors, attics and roofs provide convenient paths for heat transfer. Therefore, it is necessary to insulate them to prevent the loss of energy.

How is the insulation done?

Commonly used materials for insulation include fiberglass, mineral wool, and cellulose. Here are a few important details about them:

· Fiberglass is not very expensive and is resistant to fire and water damage. Fiberglass insulation is available as batts or loose fill. Batts are usually preferred because their installation is easier.

· Cellulose insulation consists of recycled paper material. It is also available in loose form. However, its effectiveness decreases when it becomes wet.

· Mineral wool is a more expensive option.  It is very effective as an insulation material, but its insulating capacity diminishes when it becomes wet.

Bottom of Form

Why is mostly neglected?

It is true that you should try to insulate every part of your workplace. However, many people mostly focus only on insulating walls, windows, ducts, and floors, but they do not pay much attention to their roofs. This is a big mistake. Roofing can prevent a huge amount of energy wastage and save you a significant amount every month.

A professional roofing service will be able to use the best insulating materials in the most effective way to minimize energy wastages through your roof. The cost of getting your workplace’s roof insulated will be a lot lesser than the money you’ll be saving due to lower energy bills.

Haralson Roofing uses advanced roofing methods and products to provide quality roofing services at an affordable cost. We are a well-known commercial roofing company with a wealth of experience behind us. To know more about our commercial roof maintenance services call us at 330-784-4000.

  

The Latest Designs In Roofing

There are a number of different designs in roofing that fall under two categories; sloped roofs and flat roofs.

Roofing designs are linked to either a certain style of housing or a particular region.

Here are 6 of the most popular ones out there.

1. Shed Roof

This is a simple option; a flat roof that is sloped. An upper floor can be added depending on the architectural elements and how sloped the roof is.

2. Pyramid Hip Roof

All four sides of the roof meet at the center point. This is commonly used in ranch style homes which do not have an upper floor. Dormer windows can be added but they aren’t necessary.

3. Gable Roof

This is one of the most popular designs in roofing. This allows room for creativity; dormer windows can be added to make it look even more extraordinary.

4. Mansard Roof

Mansard roofs have steep sides which give it a cap effect. This is a French inspired roof that allows additional space and light in the upper floors.

There are a number of variations within this design; such as the pyramid mansard roof in which the corners meet at the center creating a pyramid at the top, and the mansard roof that flares out at the bottom.

5. Bonnet Roof

There is an extended ledge around the base of the roof. At the top, it can be any roof design but the extended ledge makes it a bonnet variation.

The ledge can be held up with pillars for extra support. These are a good option for areas with strong winds and hurricanes as these are less likely to get torn off due to the extra support. The sides are sloped and so they protect the house from the sun, so that the porch is far cooler.

6. Flat Roof

This might appear a simple and plain design, but if you want a modern and mid century-look for your home, then this is the ideal choice.

These are mostly common in arid climates; the roof space can be used as a living space. They are usually found in commercial buildings all around the world. The material depends upon the region and preference. In warmer climates, concrete is a good option as it keeps the heat out. Wood is another popular option, but cannot be used where rainfall is common.

Haralson Roofing is a reliable and experienced roofing company. If you need repairs for your flat roof or want a new roof installed, they take care of the job. 

Common Places You Can Find A Roof Leak

Roof leaks can be such a nuisance. You’re lounging around your house and all of a sudden, you hear the telltale tip tap.

While you can see roof leaks most of the times, it can be difficult to trace the precise location. If you’re working with a small leak, it can be pesky to find the spot.

You will have to inspect the roof to begin your investigation. If you’re uncomfortable doing that, call our residential roof repair technician to find and fix the roof leak. Here are the places you’re likely to find a leak:

1. Roof Shingles

If your house’s roof is old, the leak can possibly be in the roof field. This includes the expanse of slate, shingles, shakes etc. On an asphalt shingle roof, you can easily walk around. If you have other roofing materials, make sure you don’t end up cracking it.

Look at the vertical knockouts for missing colored granules. Also, see if you can find cracks. See if a nail or two has backed out of the roof sheathing. Note everything and inform the roofer for repairs.

2. Valleys

It is the line where the two planes of the roof intersect. Valleys may be made of shingles, metal flashing or other material.

With shingles, you need to trim them properly. Otherwise, water will travel along the top of it to find its way in your house. If you are unable to determine whether the shingles have been properly trimmed, ask our expert roofers.

3. Head wall and wall step flashings

Metal flashings when placed for roofs ending at a vertical wall, must extend at least three inches over the shingles. Roofing cement or other such material should never be used for this. If you see a cement patch, it is probably there to hide a leak.

Step flashings may also show signs of rusting or holes. This indicates the presence of a leak.

4. Chimneys

Does your house sport a chimney? They can be a source of several leaks…

Chimneys have four different types of flashings. If any of these fail, you will have a roof leak to deal with!

Hairline cracks above the flashings allow huge amounts of water to run behind them. Search for soldered corners that might be broken or have holes. Don’t use caulk; call up our roofer to find a permanent solution for this problem.

5. Ice dam leaks

These leaks can happen even if your roof is technically fine! Ice dams created on the roof can block water drainage. This water will start to back up under shingles, flashings and other roofing material.

You can choose to get a preventative membrane installed. This will avoid the water to pool up and your roof will not leak.

Are you tired of the roof leaks? Then let our Barberton roofing contractors know; they’ll come right away and fix it for you!