Reasons Contractors Stay Loyal to Conklin

conklin logoFrom the very beginning, Conklin has been the preferred manufacturer of our group. Top reasons we prefer Conklin Roofing Systems include 40+ year track record, non-prorated warranties, billions of sq. ft. covered, proven performance in all U.S. climates, and they have been chosen to protect roofs of major franchises.

Recently, Lester Yutzy hosted a call featuring long-time product users. Each one shared why they have never wavered in their commitment to these industry-leading roofing systems. A summary of call is outlined below.

Quality

The main reason people tend to stay loyal to Conklin is the quality of the system, and consistency of the product. Contractors have peace of mind knowing they are applying the best coating system on the market with warranties spanning as long as 18 years.

“I know that if I put the Conklin product on right, and do the project right, I can go home at night and I never have to worry that three or four years down the road it’s going to go bad or it’s going to start peeling.” –Andrew, Loyal to Conklin for 25 years.

Proven Longevity

Conklin products are proven to last. Conklin was one of the pioneers of white roofs, offering premium acrylic roofing coatings since 1977. When contractors are asked why they haven’t switched to a newer company in the reflective coatings market, the answer is simple: Conklin has a 40-year track record behind its products, and contractors have seen the quality for themselves.

 “I know that Conklin has 40+ years of experience. We’ve been there, we’ve done that. We’ve been here long before any of these other guys have.” – Andrew

“We’ve been around for years, it’s not just lab testing. This is something the company has been doing out in the field for 40+ years.”- Rudy, Loyal to Conklin for 40+ years.

American Made

Conklin products are made in America with a good track record, once again assuring a quality product. The company also is not owned by a corporation like many other coating providers, and has no intent to ever sell. Having a consistent company, with the same leaders and core values year after year, ensures a consistent product.

“I’d pay more money just to be able to buy American made, and knowing that the product is good and has a track record.” – Rudy

“We’ve never had a bad batch. Every barrel, every bucket that we ever bought was consistent. It was top quality.” – David, Loyal to Conklin for 28 years.

Client Relations

Although profit is important to contractors, knowing they are providing their clients with the best possible roof is more important for long-term success. After all, the contractor’s reputation is at stake with each roof they work on. Contractors know that when it comes to choosing a system, Conklin provides the building owner with the best product for their money, and they can feel comfortable knowing they are providing their customers with a product that will last.

“I always like for the building owner to get the best deal in the end.” –David

Easy Application

The Conklin System is easy to implement. Acrylic roof coatings from Conklin are much easier to apply than other products currently on the market. Contractors know what to expect, and don’t run the risk of damaging expensive equipment in the process. 

“Really nice coating to work with, you never have to worry about it setting up and messing up your equipment.” –Rudy

Getting More Information

If you’re a building owner, learn more about this well-respected manufacturer at the Conklin Roofing Systems page.

If you’re a contractor, learn about the various warranty training programs available at the Training Information & Schedule page.

Commercial Metal Roof Repair Company

metal roof repair company exampleSpring is upon us and this is the season when many businesses are beginning to think about repairing and upgrading their buildings.  A building’s roof is the most important aspect of its construction and keeping it in good shape is a high priority.  Metal roofing is often found on commercial buildings because of its low cost and reliability.  For building owners looking to repair their metal roofs, finding a reliable contractor can be difficult.

Contractors can vary widely in their skill and reliability.  Many are reliable, with good quality workmanship, but there are also many that make things harder for everyone.  For a building owner with a metal roof that needs repair, it is essential to find not only a reliable, skilled contractor, but one who has the unique skills needed for metal roofs.

Things to Look for in a Commercial Metal Roof Repair Contractor

metal roof damage

  • Reliability – The need to find a reliable contractor is paramount in completing a successful metal roof repair. A contractor that can be depended on to show up on a timely basis and follow safe working techniques is essential to a satisfactory job experience.
  • Local vs. National – The question of whether to go with a local contractor or with a national metal roof contractor is an important one. The answer is not necessarily easy.  Local firms often have more at stake as far as reputation is concerned, because they work and live in the same area.  They are able to maintain personal relationships with their customers and experience all the trust benefits that come with those relationships.  On the other hand, a national firm has access to materials at a steep discount and benefits from other economies of scale to drive cost down.
  • Accountability – Everyone wants their job to go perfectly, but in the real-world issues can arise. Who the roof repair contractor is accountable to, and deciding how potential conflicts will be resolved, is very important to ensuring that things go smoothly on the job-site.
  • Quality of materials – Not all metal roof repair supplies are of the same quality. It is essential that the contractor’s suppliers are reliable sources and that the materials that they use are of high quality.

Finding a Good Contractor

Need an Expert?

Our group works together to provide:

  • Larger Base of Knowledge
  • Group-Wide Accountability
  • One Source for All Projects
  • Set Standards for Service
  • More Peace of Mind
Free Local Quote Enter Zip CodeGo
Sometimes a commercial metal roof repair contractor can be hard to find.  National firms are well known, but their references can vary greatly in positive/negative experiences since the technicians performing the work are often not the same, making it difficult for an individual to do more than take the local salesman at his/her word.  Local contractors often do not advertise, getting their customers from word of mouth sources. Sorting through advertisements in the local paper or scrolling through an internet search can be very intimidating for a building owner who simply needs his roof fixed.

At the Choice Roof Contractor Group, we have tried to clear some of these hurdles.  By putting together a national network of local contractors, we offer the best of both worlds.  Local contractors, who personally know their customers, combined with a national network of experience, accountability and product support.  The Group is essentially a network of roofing contractors with diverse backgrounds and skills that come together to provide a knowledge base and product support, as well as holding each other accountable to high standards of quality and business practices.

Benefits of the Choice Roof Contractor Group

metal roofing association

  • National Knowledge Base – The variety of members in the network gives each individual member access to a large knowledge base. If one member is having difficulties with an installation or repair issue, other members with more experience in that area can be called in to help.  Also, if an improvement or a better technique is discovered, it can quickly spread throughout the group to benefit customers of the members nationwide.
  • Group-wide Accountability – Each contractor in the group helps to hold the other members accountable, ensuring that the quality standards of the entire group are maintained in each individual contractor’s work.
  • Access to Quality Materials – The nationally recognized Conklin® brand of roofing products is the preferred manufacturer for the Choice Roof Contractor Group. Conklin® is one of the leading innovators in the field with a 40-year track record.  Their products are installed on over 2 billion square feet of roof and are suited to all U.S. Climates. 
  • Up-To-Date Training – Choice Roof Contractor Group sponsors hands-on training seminars for all its member contractors, giving them the latest information and techniques.

Have Questions?800-670-5583
For more information, please call one of our knowledgeable members today at (800) 670-5583. We look forward to speaking with you!

Silicone Roof Coating Problems


As time goes on, we’ve seen more and more roof coating solutions enter the market.  One variety of these are silicone-based roof coatings.  There is a lot of positive things said about silicone coatings, with some calling them the Cadillac of roof coatings.  Others advertisers are touting their ability to handle ponding water.  While silicone roof coatings can certainly be useful in some applications, they are not without their drawbacks.

Here are several common problems of silicone roof coatings:

silicone roof coatings

  • Lack of abrasion and tear resistance –  While it does have some advantages, silicone is not a particularly durable surface.  Not only can it get very slippery when wet, it’s also easy to tear.  Roofs that have some foot traffic on them are often not kind to a silicone coating.  However, most roofs often need to have maintenance personnel on them for various reasons.  Electricians, HVAC repairmen, and even something as simple as tracking back and forth to clean leaves out of a drain can damage a silicone roof coating.
  • A tendency to attract dirt – Silicone coated roofs can be a magnet for air-borne dust and dirt.  In more arid climates, these particles collect on the surface of a silicone coated roof and darken it.  This can decrease the energy reflective nature of the coating, making the building underneath more susceptible to excess solar heating which then increases your A/C bill. 
  • Silicone coatings are typically more expensive – Although not as expensive as a complete tear-off, silicone coatings are usually more expensive than their acrylic counterparts.  They also require solvent clean up and more specialized equipment than other types of roof coatings, such as Conklin Roof Coatings.
  • They can only be re-coated with compatible silicone –  The initial high cost of silicone roof coatings extends to the re-coating process.  The only thing that will adhere to a silicone coating is a similar silicone coating.  Although some claim this does not need to be done as often as other coating systems, once a silicone-based coating is applied, the roof system is committed to staying within those types of systems.
  • Silicone coatings are difficult to remove – Even though the adhesion characteristics of silicone normally act in its favor, they can pose a problem if the coating must be removed. It can be a very costly and labor-intensive process.

But what about the ponding water advantage?

ponding water roof
Silicone coated roofs have one notable advantage, their ability to deal with ponding water for quite a while.  Because silicone is not water-based, it can contain water for quite a long time without breaking down. This creates the temptation to use them as a “quick fix” when more in-depth work needs to be done, but this is not necessarily the best way to address roofs with ponding water.

Ponding water is a bigger problem than just a potential leak where the water accumulates.  All roofs should be positively drained within 48 hrs, and when this does not occur structural issues will likely need to be addressed in the future.  For instance, insulation materials and roof boards can sag under wet conditions.  Over time, this deterioration as a result of prolonged water exposure will make the ponding problem even more severe.

Because silicone coatings can handle the prolonged exposure to ponded water, there can be a temptation to use them as a stop-gap measure when the real issue is structural.  If the structural issues are not repaired, other long-term damage can result.  As the water continues to accumulate, the excess weight can continue to stretch the roofing material, bow the support structures, and unbalance the roof even if the water leakage is stopped.

Pros & Cons of Various Roofing Systems

Learn More
This added pressure can pull the roof material away from the edges of the roof encouraging new leaks to form.  If silicone coatings are used in this way, their much renowned ability to deal with ponded water becomes a liability instead of a benefit.

The variety and characteristics of roof coatings can be bewildering at times.  As a building owner, you can contact a member of the Choice Roof Contractor Group for assistance with all of your commercial roofing needs.  Not only can our network of qualified commercial roofing contractors answer any of your questions pertaining to roof coatings, they can also perform on-site surveys.  This network of local roofing contractors can personally help you determine what type of coating will suit your needs.

Need an Expert?

Our group works together to provide:

  • Larger Base of Knowledge
  • Group-Wide Accountability
  • One Source for All Projects
  • Set Standards for Service
  • More Peace of Mind
Free Local Quote Enter Zip CodeGo
Choice Roof Contractors offer many benefits:

  • Members are part of a network that pools their knowledge and expertise to provide the best solutions to their clients
  • All members use coating products that have a 40 year reputation for performance and durability, and have received warranty training on all the systems offered by the manufacturer
  • Our members have a high standard and we hold each other accountable to meet that standard

For more information, please call us at (800) 670-5883 and we’ll connect you with a member.  We would love to hear from you!

 

 

2017 is Off to an Exciting Start!

The enthusiasm that built up throughout the final months of 2016 has transferred over into the new year! The contractors in our group are fired up for 2017!

In a kick-off call, we reflected over the prior year and discussed how to make 2017 the best year yet for each of our individual businesses. It was a great call where contractors openly discussed what worked best and what should be avoided next year.

It is truly a blessing to have such a dedicated, passion-filled, and supportive team that makes up the Choice Roof Contractor Group. With all that being said, here a few of the highlights throughout the first group call of 2017.

“New Roofers on Track to Beat Prior Records by Large Margin!”

contractors-helpingWith dozens of up-and-coming contractors across the nation joining Choice Roof Contractor Group for first-rate support, the future has never looked brighter for all of us! Early activity points to a banner year in 2017, with more sq. ft. expected to be serviced in the first two quarters than all of 2016. With much encouragement from the rest of the members on the call, the feeling of camaraderie could be felt between everyone! This just shows that even the younger contractors can achieve great goals with the backing of such a reputable and experienced team.

“We’re Going to Incredible Heights this Year!”

tall commercial buildingFollowing estimate requests from companies as big as Yahoo! (NASDAQ: YHOO) last year, we’re entering big leagues and Sam Hostetler knows that we can dominate.

Sam, an original member of Choice Roof Contractor Group, is passionate and excited to reinvest into this group because he believes in the team’s readiness and ability to hit new levels.

Sam understands reaching loftier goals will take a substantial amount of money in the marketing side of Choice Roof Contractor Group, but he is committed to the cause and committed to investing his personal funds to help us grow!

“I Want To Be More Efficient In Closing Leads, Too!”

commercial roofing contractorsLively chatter and feedback was heard throughout the call as members shared what they wanted to change this year. It’s a beautiful thing to see veteran contractors help each other grow while also assisting newer contractors and encouraging them to take their roofing business to the next level.

When we openly share what works best, everybody wins! This is the biggest key behind our success and why contractors in the group are achieving far greater success.

“You Can’t Lose When Investing In Yourself At These Events!”

investing-in-yourselfChoice Roof Contractor Group is encouraging all members and supported contractors to visit the events being held in this first quarter of 2017. The Annual National Convention put on by our preferred supplier is being held February 2nd-4th, which will host a bunch of seminars and knowledge-filled talks that are there to help bring about motivation, confidence and excitement. We will also be having our Nationwide Workshop and Forum in Cleveland, Ohio, which is being held January 20th-21st, as well as a second one in Tyler, Texas, March 3rd-4th. These comprehensive workshops will help arm members with the tools and methods to succeed in 2017.

“We Are Becoming The BBB Of The Commercial Roofing Industry!”

investing-in-yourselfJonathan Keim, the individual who heads up all our marketing, has some amazing plans and changes for 2017 and was excited to share the good news on the call! Jonathan wants to reinforce the foundation of the Choice Roof Contractor Group by setting the group up with all the tools necessary to dominate the roofing industry. The website has been structurally improved so potential customers will be more willing to stay on the page and learn more about CRCG. We’ve also improved the mobile site for the large amount of mobile users there are these days. Additionally, with the help of a software engineer, we made changes to the quote module so there are more conversions (i.e. more leads per website visit).

As far as projects currently underway, we’re most excited about implementing a membership directory. It will be used by members within the group to build even more trust and unlock more success by enabling contractors to quickly see who has necessary skills to assist them on a job. How does this work? Contractors with “too much work” will be able to take on more projects by offering the extra work to those who may be in a slow season or want to live in a different state for a while. Also, fewer jobs will be turned down due to inadequate experience since a fellow member with the right experience can be easily brought in to assist with a project.

This is Our Year!

group photoChoice Roof Contractor Group has main two objectives this year: better capitalize the resources we already have and reach more business owners. The whole group of contractors on the call was fired up and ready to make 2017 their year, and we believe that stands for all the members of the group.

As with every year prior to starting this group, we will reach higher heights, help more contractors, provide better service to building owners, and service more roofs. The best part is that we have this group of passion-driven contractors who are ready to make that happen. We are excited to see what happens in 2017 and we are privileged to have so many leaders in the group willing to help others succeed in the commercial roofing industry.

To a great year of success, we wish all Choice Roof Contractor Group members and all future members a very productive and positive year.

Single-Ply Roof on Metal vs. A Better Alternative

single-ply-recover-collapseSingle-ply roofing has taken a massive share of the commercial roofing industry. It has a lengthy list of advantages and there are millions of square feet installed across the country every year. The ease and cost of installation are what appeal to building owners. However, most contractors and proprietors are unaware of the damages that single-ply membranes cause to metal buildings that have metal roofs. To get right to the point, single-ply roofing is a terrible option in this circumstance.

The Reason Single-Ply Roofing on All-Metal Buildings Doesn’t Work

Buildings that are made for single-ply membranes will be supported by bar joists that act independently from one another. Bar joists have a built-in camber, an upward curvature of a joist to compensate for deflection due to loading conditions, to aide with creating a level surface for water flow. Whereas, a pre-fab metal building is designed for balance across the entire structure with purlins, a horizontal structural component that is attached perpendicularly to the joist to create support, that work in unison.

Creating water flow with proper direction is essential to the success of your roofing membrane and your metal structure. A ribbed metal roof will direct water rather than allow it the chance to flow where it wills. When a single-ply membrane is applied to your metal roof, water flow is altered and will then flow to the path of least resistance, the mid-span of the purlins. This creates an unbalanced weight, the potential for a roof collapse and challenges the integrity of your entire structure.

A Far Better Solution

Finding the right roofing solution for your pre-engineered metal building is key to its longevity. Roof coatings are an excellent way to improve, maintain and extend the life of your roof while creating a properly balanced condition that appeals to the design of your metal building.

Some of the key benefits of a roof coating include the following.

single-ply-recover-collapseReduction in energy usage: White roof coatings reflect light rather than allowing your roof to absorb the sun’s heat, which results in decreased roof temperatures.  This directly effects your energy usage by giving your HVAC system a much-needed break. 

Visually appealing: Rather than replacing an unsightly roof, a water-tight coating can instantly improve its appearance while improving your roof’s overall efficiency.

Improved life expectancy: Properly trained applicators can improve moderately aged roofs with a water-tight coating that will extend the life of your roofing system for years to come.

Re-Coating options: A roof that has been coated and properly maintained may have the option to be re-coated for even longer life. A future recoat saves building owners a tremendous amount of money and time in the process. It is actually far less expensive than the first time the roof is coated since reinforcement on the seams and other areas is typically not needed.

No disruptive and costly tear off procedures: Industry studies show that roofing projects generate around 40% of construction waste in landfills. With a roof coating, there is no need for a disruptive and extensive removal of your old roofing system as coatings are applied directly to your existing unit. Notably, this means there is no disruption to your business while the roof’s life is extended and leaks are sealed off.

Cost effective: When compared to a total roof replacement, you are saving your business money and something even more precious… time. Coatings reduce the need for extensive roof maintenance and provide your roof with additional years of leak-free protection for your metal structure.

Proper weight distribution: Coatings will not alter the design of your roofing system; therefore, water will continue to flow correctly without creating ponding like single-ply membranes are prone to do.

Less expensive than single-ply: On top of all the other reasons above, restoring your roof with coatings is actually cheaper. The main issue here is that roof coatings aren’t as well-known, but that is sure to change as more and more building owners learn of the advantages.  

Determining the Best Option for Your Roof

Finding the right roofing solution for your pre-engineered metal structure will determine how long and how well your building will appropriately perform. To ensure the success of your facility and your roofing system, turn to a professional commercial roofing contractor. The right contractor understands the limitations of a metal edifice and will take the time to assess your roof, your entire metal structure and listen to your concerns.

The endorsed members in our group are fully trained to install single-ply membranes as well as roof coatings. Collectively, they have the expertise needed to properly address virtually any situation and give knowledgeable advice.

To have a local member evaluate your roof, please call (800) 670-5883.

Strong 2016 Success Builds Powerful Momentum for 2017

Even though 2016 has been our best year ever, we know 2017 will be even more amazing!

Looking back at the end of each year is one of our favorite things to do because we’re always so amazed by all that can happen in just a 12-month period. The incredible amount of ground conquered each year can be credited to the amazing contractors who have come together to support each other while giving building owners more value and peace of mind than they can find anywhere else. It just wouldn’t be possible any other way!

So what were some of the biggest highlights?

new-contractor-relationships26 New Contractor Relationships

Every time a new contractor joins the group, everyone benefits. There’s more shared experience, more connections for franchises who need service, more credible market presence, more trained contractors to help each other complete jobs, and more peace of mind – among other things.

2 Nationwide Workshops
workshop

We started off the season with two workshops due to how fast our workshop in Ohio sold out in February. Both of the workshops were an absolute blast and we’re excited about doing the same thing again this year! For more info, visit: Nationwide Workshop & Forum page.

302 Roofing Leads
roofing lead

Our website had approx. double-digit growth in traffic and that translated into more commercial roofing leads for endorsed members. We saw about a 50% gain over last year and double as many from 2014. Next year will be even better with the optimization that has been taking place!

Cancun Vacation
cancun

Every year we enjoy a special vacation together. This year we spent it in beautiful Cancun, Mexico! Master contractors in the group and their families got to enjoy time relaxing on the beach, golfing, snorkeling, excursions with tour guides, deep-sea fishing as well as many other activities.  

Our First Four Tradeshows
tradeshow

Up until this year, we always used the Internet to connect with contractors and building owners who needed service. Although this has always been very successful for us, we made it a priority to get a tradeshow booth and make our first impressions in person. After doing our first one, we saw what we were missing out on and did three more!

Founder Appointed a Director in Conklin
director

Jonathan Keim, who runs all our marketing and manages the staff, received a new title that can only be earned by proving ability to help others be more successful. He will now have greater influence on our preferred manufacturer’s future direction. This quote from the Vision magazine celebrating his appointment really shows his heart “[This] means to me that I’ve truly made a significant impact on other people.”

Largest Attendance Yet at the Annual Convention
convention

Every year we go to the Conklin convention to spend time together as a group. We share what worked best in each of our own businesses as well as strategize for dominating the next year. At this particular convention, we also finalized several big changes with great support and it was key to how we did so well in 2016.

The Latest from Our Preferred Manufacturer

conklin logoFirst off, Conklin is very excited about kicking off its 40th year in the commercial roofing industry in 2017. Notably, they still sell their original product under the same name today. Compare that to any other roofing system sold in the market! The way Conklin has maintained its reputation decade after decade is truly remarkable and we’re proud to represent their systems.

2016 has been an unprecedented year for Conklin Roofing Systems in terms of growth in its Master Contractor Program, annual sales volume, trained contractors and quality workmanship. Coast to coast, Conklin’s corporate staff team is encouraged and excited about its visits with many of its contractors, along with the wide variety of roofing systems and roofing products that have been applied and installed.

Preparing for a BIG 2017

2017Over the past month, we’ve made a number of changes to our website for faster speed, higher search engine rankings and better conversion rates (i.e. more leads received per website visitor). Our group will also be testing new marketing strategies and continue finding new ways to better serve commercial facilities.

With companies like Yahoo! (NASDAQ: YHOO) now requesting estimates from us, there’s no questioning the value of our organization. Any company receiving service from an endorsed member benefits from knowledge/expertise of the whole group, more peace of mind, group-wide accountability, set standards for service, one source for all future projects regardless of type or location, and so much more.

If you would like to learn more about joining the group or receiving service for your commercial building, you can reach us at (800) 670-5583 or use our Interactive Member Directory to talk directly to a member.

We wish you great success as the new year comes in!

Strong 2016 Success Builds Powerful Momentum for 2017

Even though 2016 has been our best year ever, we know 2017 will be even more amazing!

Looking back at the end of each year is one of our favorite things to do because we’re always so amazed by all that can happen in just a 12-month period. The incredible amount of ground conquered each year can be credited to the amazing contractors who have come together to support each other while giving building owners more value and peace of mind than they can find anywhere else. It just wouldn’t be possible any other way!

So what were some of the biggest highlights?

new-contractor-relationships26 New Contractor Relationships

Every time a new contractor joins the group, everyone benefits. There’s more shared experience, more connections for franchises who need service, more credible market presence, more trained contractors to help each other complete jobs, and more peace of mind – among other things.

2 Nationwide Workshops
workshop

We started off the season with two workshops due to how fast our workshop in Ohio sold out in February. Both of the workshops were an absolute blast and we’re excited about doing the same thing again this year! For more info, visit: Nationwide Workshop & Forum page.

302 Roofing Leads
roofing lead

Our website had approx. double-digit growth in traffic and that translated into more commercial roofing leads for endorsed members. We saw about a 50% gain over last year and double as many from 2014. Next year will be even better with the optimization that has been taking place!

Cancun Vacation
cancun

Every year we enjoy a special vacation together. This year we spent it in beautiful Cancun, Mexico! Master contractors in the group and their families got to enjoy time relaxing on the beach, golfing, snorkeling, excursions with tour guides, deep-sea fishing as well as many other activities.  

Our First Four Tradeshows
tradeshow

Up until this year, we always used the Internet to connect with contractors and building owners who needed service. Although this has always been very successful for us, we made it a priority to get a tradeshow booth and make our first impressions in person. After doing our first one, we saw what we were missing out on and did three more!

Founder Appointed a Director of Manufacturing Company
director

Jonathan Keim, who runs all our marketing and manages the staff, received a new title that can only be earned by proving ability to help others be more successful. He will now have greater influence on our preferred manufacturer’s future direction. This quote from the Vision magazine celebrating his appointment really shows his heart “[This] means to me that I’ve truly made a significant impact on other people.”

Largest Attendance Yet at the Annual Convention
convention

Every year we go to the Branson convention center to spend time together as a group. We share what worked best in each of our own businesses as well as strategize for dominating the next year. At this particular convention, we also finalized several big changes with great support and it was key to how we did so well in 2016.

Preparing for a BIG 2017

2017Over the past month, we’ve made a number of changes to our website for faster speed, higher search engine rankings and better conversion rates (i.e. more leads received per website visitor). Our group will also be testing new marketing strategies and continue finding new ways to better serve commercial facilities.

With companies like Yahoo! (NASDAQ: YHOO) now requesting estimates from us, there’s no questioning the value of our organization. Any company receiving service from an endorsed member benefits from knowledge/expertise of the whole group, more peace of mind, group-wide accountability, set standards for service, one source for all future projects regardless of type or location, and so much more.

If you would like to learn more about joining the group or receiving service for your commercial building, you can reach us at (800) 670-5583 or use our Interactive Member Directory to talk directly to a member.

We wish you great success as the new year comes in!

Top 10 OSHA Violations

osha fine violationYou’ve seen it in the news before: “Business shut down due to OSHA violations”. Whether it was the owner of a construction company not providing the proper safety gear, or from an employee who didn’t follow safety protocol, OSHA violations can be the downfall of any roofing business.

For the benefit of the roofing community, a list of the top 10 OSHA violations can be found below:

Why Contractors Join Our Network

  • Lead Generation
  • Mentorship Program
  • Complete Training
  • Discounted Pricing
  • Marketing Support
Learn More

  1. Fall Protection: Violations – 6,721 (1926.501)
    “Historically, falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction, accounting for about one-third of all fatalities in the industry.” Many of these falls occur from 6 feet or more above ground level. Roofing is still a major concern.
  2. Hazard Communication: Violations – 5,192 (1910.1200)
    Not having Safety Data Sheets (SDS), failure to train, and improper or missing container labels. Patrick Kapust (OSHA’s Deputy Director of the Directoriate of Enforcement Programs) reiterated it was important to provide training in a language employees will understand.
  3. Scaffolding: Violations – 4,295 (1926-451)
    Improper use of cross bracing and a lack of fall arrest systems. Scaffolding violations are a contributing factor to fall fatalities.
  4. Respiratory Protection: Violations – 3,305 (1910.134)
    Ensuring employees are physically able to wear respirators (respirator fit tests) and ensuring proper respirators are available.
  5. Lockout/Tagout: Violations – 3,002 (1910.147)
    “Failure to control hazardous energy accounts for nearly 10 percent of the serious accidents in many industries.” Procedures must follow written program along with employee training.
  6. Powered Industrial Trucks: Violations – 2,760 (1910.178)
    There is an increase of employees not being trained/certified to operate equipment. Retraining is also not occurring on a 3-year cycle.
  7. Ladders: Violations – 2,489 (1926.1053)
    Most violations are coming from employees using ladders with structural defects (these need to be tagged out of service). There is also an increase of the user of ladders that do not extend the proper distance above the roofline for stability.
  8. Electrical Wiring Methods: Violations – 2,404 (1910.305)
    When installing wiring, failure to ensure proper grounding or to limit exposure to dust or flammable vapors can lead to fires, shocks, injuries, and electrocutions.
  9. Machine Guarding: Violations – 2,295 (1910.212)
    Increased reports of amputations and hospitalizations with new recordkeeping requirements.
  10. Electrical-General: Violations – 1,973 (1910.303)
    Most citations were issued for not installing and using equipment according to the instructions. Proper spacing around equipment and using approved cabinets to guard live parts operating at 50 volts or more.

roof trainingWe care about each other’s safety in our group and strongly encourage everyone to get proper OSHA training. We also feel it’s important to openly talk about how each of us are keeping our crews safe in day to day operations.

Safety is one of the many different topics we cover at the private dinner we offer at Conklin’s MR commercial roof systems training. We also discuss the best product demonstrations and marketing strategies to land large projects consistently. To learn more, visit Conklin MR Training with Support & Knowledge from Successful Contractors.

Residential Contractor Makes the Leap to Commercial Roofing with the Help of Others

Roof Contractor SupportChoice Roof Contractor Group’s nationwide team of roof contractors has continued to expand in recent months. Leaning on the experience and industry know-how offered by our group of endorsed professionals, contractors who are new to the commercial roofing industry have successfully reached new heights.

One such success story is that of Carl Humes in Ft. Worth, Texas. In his first year as part of Choice Roof Contractor Group, Carl made the transition from a 100% residential background to a trusted commercial roofing leader with a network of clients in and around the Dallas metroplex. Before getting started with us, Carl was limited to performing exclusively residential roofing jobs. Over the past year, though, his story has been truly life-changing.

The Backdrop

Residential BackdropSince Carl started working with a few of our group leaders and joined our growing contractor network roughly a year ago, he has transformed his residential reroofing company and secured multiple contracts with major clients in his operating markets. He’s continuing to build on this strong start.

Before joining our nationwide group, Carl worked exclusively in the residential sector. While fellow contractors in the commercial space enjoyed steady business, his work was largely limited to reroofing jobs and maintenance following storms. When work began to slow, Carl decided to shift gears and take advantage of the stability offered by commercial work.

Searching for commercial roof training online, Carl found Choice Roof Contractor Group. While he wasn’t sure what to expect going in, our training programs helped Carl gain the confidence to excel in the commercial market. But more importantly, the ongoing support from other contractors in the field ensured he actually achieved success.

Opportunity Arises

Hometown LogoAfter receiving the training needed to install and maintain a variety of commercial roofing systems from the Conklin staff and our experts in the field, Carl hit the ground running. He changed his company logo, filed as an LLC with the name our in-house marketing team suggested, upgraded to a larger insurance policy and set up a new website. From there, he started networking and landed his first commercial jobs.

Of course, making the leap to commercial roofing didn’t come without its challenges. For Carl, securing credit proved to be a major hurdle. Banks were hesitant to give him credit, and paying for everything with cash limited his initial growth and marketing efforts.

Even with these limitations, Carl stayed focused and leveraged everything we had to overcome obstacles. He continued to network and approach potential customers until he found his first big break.

Things Gear Up

commercial roofAfter a month-long break, Carl went out on a cold call to a large commercial building near his home. By chance, the business owner was there, and Carl took the opportunity to present his company’s value proposition, as well as additional information about Choice Roof Contractor Group (which offered the building owner with group-wide accountability, a service guarantee, and second-to-none field knowledge). After the presentation, the business owner agreed to let Carl inspect the roof, and an hour later Carl had secured work on the 30,000 square foot structure.

With training from Conklin and Choice Roof Contractor Group, Carl was equipped to provide a solution to the business owner’s roofing issues – issues that five other roofing contractors had failed to properly address. The result was a substantial amount of work for Hometown Commercial Roofing, including a complete roof coating installation on the original building and additional work at the business owner’s other property.

The support provided by Choice Roof Contractor Group helped Carl gain the confidence required to make a splash in the commercial roofing markets of North Texas. Access to a sizable network of roofing professionals means that group members have a wealth of knowledge available at virtually any time for virtually any problem.

Taking It to the Next Level

Why Contractors Join Our Network

  • Lead Generation
  • Mentorship Program
  • Complete Training
  • Discounted Pricing
  • Marketing Support
Learn More
Since landing his first big job, things have been on the upswing for Carl and Hometown Commercial Roofing. Recently, a property management firm researching roofing contractors online came across our group’s website, and we helped them get in contact with Carl.

To date, Carl has already secured four large projects with the firm, and he’s currently negotiating a number of other jobs that amount to more than a million square feet of roofing. As his projects continue to grow, Carl is finding it easier to tackle the financial hurdles that once limited his growth. His company has secured credit accounts with Conklin and supply houses, giving it the resources required to perform larger jobs.

The days of struggling to navigate the commercial roofing market are now all but over for Carl. Whereas he was once stifled by other roofers who, instead of providing advice, would attempt to take his jobs for pennies on the dollar, Carl is now supported by an expansive network of roofing experts.

Great Opportunities Ahead

commercial roofWhen asked to describe his journey over the past year in a recent conference call, Carl repeatedly highlighted his growing confidence as a result of the training and tips made available by Choice Roof Contractor Group.

Carl is also making himself available to other contractors looking to make the leap to commercial roofing. He’s eager to share his experiences and the knowledge he’s picked up along the way. His most fundamental tip is to stay focused and ignore the critics. With a bit of stubbornness and the guidance and support of our growing nationwide network, success in the commercial roofing market is within reach.

In Carl’s own words, “Whatever you believe and think you can do, you can achieve.”

To get in contact with Carl, call the number on his website: www.hometowncommercialroofing.com

How You Can Benefit Too

Carl’s story of rapid growth over the past year is a great example of how we benefit contractors. Our endorsed members benefit from many exclusive perks, including:

  • Off-site and on-site assistance from veteran roofing contractors
  • Commercial roofing marketing strategies
  • Our popular roofing lead generation program with qualification
  • Helpful support from our strategic partners and suppliers
  • Additional credibility from our nationwide reputation for excellence
  • Professional commercial roofing training
  • Discounted pricing on energy-efficient, long-lasting Conklin roofing products
  • Job referral opportunities from connections in our network
  • So much more

Should you be interested in learning how we can benefit you, give us a call at (800) 670-5583 or contact one of our endorsed members: Interactive Member Map. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

How to Apply Roof Coatings to a Standing Seam Roof

standing seam metal roofDue to the recent inquiries received about Conklin roof coatings with regards to standing seam-style roofing systems, we have put together this blog to help explain the proper installation process.

For any standing seam roof, there is always one main cause of leaks: an incorrectly crimped seam. In addition to this major problem, there are also a number of other areas where this roofing system can leak. Luckily for you, Conklin’s building product specialists outlined the procedures to handle a number of these issues with the following document: https://www.conklin.com//files/pdf/Standing Seam B 5 92 35 Tech Doc 5-16.pdf.

Overview of the Process

Before starting, we strongly encourage you to review the document above in full, but will provide a summary of the steps to take below.

  1. Power wash the entire surface with Rust Off®, a rust and oxide remover that etches metal to provide for better adhesion of the coating system.
  2. Apply Conklin Encase, a rust inhibiting metal primer, to the entire metal surface.
  3. Embed Spunflex II joint tape with Benchmark base coat or Rapid Roof III base coat on all end laps at a rate of 1.75 gallons/square followed by an additional .75 gallons/square on top of the fabric. Make sure all Spunflex II joint tape is completely embedded in coating up the side of the rib as far as possible.
  4. For vertical seams, apply Kwik Kaulk to any crimped area without the use of fabric or butyl tape.
  5. For horizontal seams and field flashed areas, the contractor should follow the MR specification sheet found at the following link: https://www.conklin.com//files/pdf/MR%20Spec4.pdf
  6. The final step is coating the entire roof surface with Rapid Roof III, Benchmark, or Puma XL at a rate of 1.9 gallons per square.

Contractor Support Services from Roofing Pros

metal roof coating trainingThe outcome of your standing seam roof systems is really dependent on the skill and experience of your installer or contractor. This roofing type is prone to application errors. If you or your preferred contractor doesn’t have much experience with standing seam roof systems, don’t worry! By joining Choice Roof Contractor Group, you receive the support of a number of qualified nationwide contractors who can help you. These contractors are highly skilled and ready to provide the advice necessary to finish any project. Our members will even go as far to fly to your location and help with a roof installation is needed. Here are some of the benefits you will also receive if you join:

  • Large source of knowledge and experience from contractors with years of experience
  • Full, professional on-job or off-site advisement
  • Elite contractors open to any questions via texting, email, camera, or other means of communication
  • Strategic planning for prevention of a business issue or challenge before it even begins
  • New ways to improve the effectiveness of business strategies currently in use
  • Professional advice to handle any challenge thrown your way

Our Nationwide Platform and Your Success

contractor supportWe strive to help each of our members grow and become successful. This is why Choice Roof Contractor Group offers many benefits as you obtain more amounts of local roofing market shares. This includes:

  • Discounted pricing on professional Conklin roofing products
  • Networking with others who are ready for your services
  • Above-average profit margins with the value and peace of mind our group offers to building owners
  • Compelling sales materials and presentations as part of a quality marketing plan
  • Premium marketing support, consulting, and service via our relationship with Top Roof Marketing
  • Discounts and support from our trusted partners and suppliers
  • Up-to-date news and content on the latest in the commercial roofing industry and our platform via our website, social media, and other communication channels
  • Nation recognition via our members’ dedication to excellence

If you want the support of a nationwide group of committed contractors, Choice Roof Contractor Group might be the solution for you. We have the resources, content, and advice to help with every project you take on. You can learn more about the support our group offers at the following link: Contractor Support Services.

You can also contact us at (800) 670-5883 or reach out to one of our members with our Interactive Member Directory.