IB Roof Systems Supports Michigan’s Largest Solar Power Source

May 27th, 2010

An innovative collaboration between IB Roof Systems, Chart House Energy and Inovateus Solar will soon result in Michigan’s largest solar power project. The three project partners are working together to install a new roof and a 150kW solar power system atop an existing 28,000-square-foot roof belonging to Torresen Marine in Muskegon. The  $840,000 re-roofing and solar array project will provide a new power source for Torresen Marine and the community of Muskegon.

The project has been initiated, managed and owned by Chart House Energy. Chart House is an independent power producer, providing discounted, emission-free electricity to governmental, commercial and private customers by developing, owning and operating sustainable clean on-site energy generation systems. Chart House specializes in building partnerships with the businesses it provides power for.

Rob Rafson, P.E., president of Chart House Energy, proposed installing a solar array system on the roof of Torresen Marine as an alternative, renewable energy source. By using federal stimulus funds, feed-in tariffs and other financial incentives, Chart House is able to install a new roof and the solar power system with little cost to Torresen Marine. Once the power system is installed, Chart House will sell the power to Torresen at a discounted rate, providing a clean, renewable power source and reducing energy costs.

“We selected IB Roof Systems for the job because their roof systems are proven to have the longevity and durability to last the lifespan of the solar power system. They are an integral part of the success of the project,” said Rafson.

Blake Lord Associates, an IB Roof Systems’ certified roofing contracting company, was contracted to install the integrated solar panel rack system on top of the new IB roof, and Inovateus Solar will finish the project by supplying the solar power system equipment.

“A solar system has a lifespan of 40 years, so you want to make sure the roof lasts a long time,” said Joe Scanlan, vice president of Blake Lord Associates. “That’s one of the reasons we used IB Roof Systems’ .80 mil membrane, which comes with a 25-year warranty on commercial projects and a lifetime warranty on residential projects.”

“Roof-mounted solar projects have significant costs associated with them,” said Shawn Stanley, marketing director for IB Roof Systems. “The entire solar panel system is in jeopardy if the roof it sits on fails partway into the lifecycle of the solar panels.” He adds that roofing systems without proven durability may not perform as long and cause a costly removal and re-install of the solar power system and new roofing material, possibly negating any savings provided by the solar array.

“Torresen Marine has always been an eco-conscious company,” says Larry Larsen, chief operating officer at Torresen. “We specialize in sailboats,” he said. “By the nature of our focus, we’re all about wind, which is another natural resource. Our commitment to the environment made us a good fit to work together.”

“The new solar array system will offset the power of the Torresen Marine facility by about 30 percent of their electric bills,” said Rob Rafson. “The power produced at Torresen Marine is equivalent to the energy required to power 38 to 40 homes in the Muskegon area.”

To document this historic installation, Chart House Energy is capturing the entire process via a live webcam, which refreshes every 30 seconds. These still images will be used to create a time-lapse video when the project is complete.  To watch the progress of the solar installation project, view the live web cam at www.torresensolar.com.

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Posted in Case Studies, Partnerships, Sustainability | 18 Comments »

Vegetative Roof Case Study: St. Clair Community College

May 18th, 2010

DSC08234The Acheson Technology Center at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) in Port Huron, Michigan, was in desperate need of a replacement for the building’s 70,000-square-foot, 20-year-old EPDM membrane roof.

Concerned about sustainability, SC4 wanted a roof system that would support a vegetative roof as well as solar and wind energy generation.

David Chwalibog of the Avrie Group, a Milford building envelope and roofing engineering firm, specified the vegetative roof system. Because he wanted a roof durable enough to withstand the replacement of vegetative roof trays, he specified IB Roof System’s 80 mil roof membrane, which comes with a 25-year warranty. The 80 mil is also puncture-resistant and tough enough to withstand leaks.

The EnergyStar-approved IB Roof System membrane reflects thermal waves from the sun to increase the energy-efficiency of theIMG01538building, lowering the building’s overall energy costs and reducing its carbon footprint.

Newton Crane Roofing, an IB Roof System certified roofing contractor, designed and installed the roof, which included a walkway with pavers that incorporated irrigation. Once the vegetative roof was complete, Newton returned to finish the project with the installation of the solar panels.

Perhaps the most innovative feature of the SC4 project is the 8,000 square feet of green space. A vegetative roof usually needs extra layers of special membranes as a buffer between the membrane and the organic matter, but IB’s membrane met all the specifications for a loose laid membrane application.

Building owners reap many benefits from a vegetative IB Roof Systems roof. Vegetative roofs extend the life of a roof by minimizing thermal expansion and contraction and by blocking harmful ultraviolet light. They also help reduce conditions that cause the urban heat island effect.

Green roofs also provide storm water management benefits by retaining anywhere from 60 percent to 100 percent of rainfall. This reduces sewer system overflow events and runoff of contaminants. Vegetative roofs also offer acoustical buffering, provide wildlife habitat and beautify the community.

When the PVC roofing membrane has met the end of its service life, IB will recycle and replace it, reducing the amount of waste that enters the landfill. LEED Innovation and Design credits are available for project teams working with carbon neutral products like IB Roof Systems.

“IB Roof Systems’ product met all the client’s sustainable parameters and reduced the cost of adding extra materials for the green roof installation,” explained Chwalibog.

St. Clair County Community College officials are pleased with their new roof, the timeliness of its delivery, and the environmental benefits it provides. The roof will prove to be durable and economical over time and will demonstrate the college’s commitment to environmental stewardship for generations to come.

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Posted in Case Studies, Sustainability | 4 Comments »

Committed to the Environment On Earth Day and Every Day

April 27th, 2010

IB Roof Systems, along with its industry partners, is leading the way for waste-reduction and recycling programs in the roofing industry. IB Roof Systems is committed to improving and protecting the environment and strives to maintain high-quality, eco-friendly business operations, not only on Earth Day, but every day.

IB Roof Systems wants to encourage others to do the same and is constantly looking for ways to make it easier. Some of the ways IB Roof Systems accomplishes these goals are by encouraging the use of solar and garden roofs, as well as through their roof reclamation program.images-2

IB Roof Systems is proud to have some of the longest lasting, sustainable roofing membranes in the industry. After 30 years of great performance, IB Roof Systems membranes are being reclaimed and recycled into other high quality products, avoiding the landfill altogether.

“We believe in doing what’s best for the environment,” said Shawn Stanley. “We are always striving to improve our business and our product to be able to offer the best flat roofing material, for the environment and for your roof.”

It is one thing to make a promise, but quite another thing to uphold it. IB Roof Systems made a pledge to be a carbon neutral company and every day they strive to live up to their promise. They work with a network of sustainable partners to continue and increase the reclamation of pre- and post-consumer products. The company’s roofing products are durable enough to support established and emerging green roof technologies; they reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and help to reduce the carbon footprint on all building projects.

In its continual efforts to increase the number of roofs being recycled, IB Roof Systems will be sharing information about its roof reclamation program, and other products and services,  with conference attendees at the 54th CSI Annual Convention in Philadelphia, Penn., in two weeks on May 12 to 14.

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Bethesda Christian Church: A Case Study

February 22nd, 2010
Bethesda Christian Church, Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Bethesda Christian Church, Sterling Heights, Michigan.

IB Roof Systems is proud to highlight our certified contractors from across the nation, to share their stories, highlight their challenges and recognize their accomplishments. Each contractor has a unique story based on their geographic location and their particular roofing project. Periodically we will feature a case study involving a dynamic roofing job to recognize these contractors and the excellent work they do.

Mike Sharpe, owner of Sharpe Inc., became a certified IB Roof Systems contractor more than a year ago after installing his first roof using IB Roof System products. For the past six years, Bethesda Christian Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan, hired Mike to perform annual repairs on the church roof. Son of one of the church’s 20,000 congregants, Mike was selected for the job when the church owners were finally able to replace the copper roof entirely.

The roof of Bethesda Church posed some unique challenges for the crew. The mushroom-shaped roof measures 211 feet from wall to gutter. Bethesda chose Mike’s bid using IB Roof’s .080 mil poly-vinyl chloride membranes to replace the roof.  Still, the congregation wanted to maintain the roof’s emerald hue, so the membranes were special ordered to be the same color. The appearance so closely replicated the original copper that churchgoers were surprised to learn that it wasn’t real copper.

The church has a pitched roof, with a rising incline of 14 feet. As a result, the roofers were forced to roll the membranes uphill. Each piece of PVC was rendered individually so there would be no seams.

“IB Roof Systems was the only company willing to manufacture a continuous sheet,” Mike said. “As far as I know, it’s never been done before.” Mike was also the only contractor willing to undertake this particular roofing challenge. “Nobody else would come near it, nobody else would make the rolls that length, and no other installer would touch it,” Mike recalls with a laugh.

The existing roof consisted of steel decking, 2-inch ISO insulation, half-inch plywood, and a 16-ounce copper standing seam. Before starting the project, Mike decided to install a layer of Tamko Water and Ice Guard to protect the building from weather conditions during installation.

After removing the copper roof, Sharpe Inc. added a second layer of 2-inch ISO insulation over the existing plywood. Next they installed 3-inch plates using heavy-duty screws to fasten the insulation. Sharpe Inc. used the FM I-90 pattern for uplift, one per 2 square feet over the entire roof.

Sharpe Inc. installed Bethesda’s new roof using IB’s .080 mil PVC membrane, fully adhered with IB’s water based adhesive, and replaced all the church’s copper copings with 16-ounce copper, each piece manufactured specifically for the project. All the flashings were installed seamlessly.

Sharpe Inc. launched the project in late October and finished within five weeks. Because the water based glue needed to stay above 40 degrees, the team worked 70 to 80 hour work weeks to finish the job before the weather dropped below freezing. As if by fate, temperatures dipped to freezing the day after the roof was completed.

Despite the long hours, Mike was pleased with IB Roof System’s water-based glue. “Glue makes for a prettier roof,” he explains. “Everything stays nice and tight, whereas mechanically attached roofs are a little looser.”

IB Roof Systems membranes are a Class A Fire Rated Product. IB utilizes hot air welded seams. This fuses the membranes together permanently, as opposed to a chemically activated adhesive seam. Unlike hot tar roofing, installing an IB Roof Systems roof is much safer for the construction crew. Roofers using hot tar must be well prepared for a fire, but with a PVC product, the work is much safer.

“We don’t have to wear a whole bunch of tools now,” Mike says. “The components are all light, and don’t stink up your car, clothes and house.”

Mike is excited about roofing again after 24 years working with hot tar and torch down roofs. “IB Roof Systems provides products that are superior, and are greener for the environment,” Mike declares. “Now I finally have a product I can sell!”

Thanks, Mike! It’s a pleasure for IB Roof to have partners like you.

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Combating Wind Caused Roof Failures

January 18th, 2010

In a few short months we’ll enter windstorm season. This roof enemy causes millions of dollars of roof and structure damage every year as well as damage to the contents and interiors of structures from water infiltration.

Wind produces uplift forces that affect not only the roofing system but also the roof deck. All elements of a composite system—which consists of some or all of the following: deck, base sheet, insulation layers, cap sheet and membrane—must be adhered or fastened to resist the wind uplift loads. But the most vulnerable parts of the roof, as far as wind damage is concerned, are the edge details and perimeter zones.

Stronger high wind edge details, especially in wind prone areas, are vital to the success of your roof in surviving a significant wind event. There are ways that may help protect your home or building from hail and wind damage. Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI) has studied the effects on roofs after significant weather and wind events.

This is what RICOWI had to say in their conclusion of their Hurricane Katrina investigation:

The relatively higher uplift forces that can occur in these areas have been factored into the model national building codes, and resisting these loads has been a requirement of the codes for many years. However, wind damage continues to occur at these vulnerable parts of the buildings because both design and installation practices are inadequate.

Most testing required by codes is what we call static or quasi-static, meaning that constant pressure is applied to the test deck, increasing at certain intervals until a fastener pops. In reality, a wind event creates dynamic forces by coming in fast gusts, changing directions and creating vortexes and other pressures that don’t match the current wind testing methods. Another major factor not addressed in a static test is “wind peel.” This occurs when an edge system fails and the wind then peels back the roofing system creating a large sail which catches more wind and increases the peel factor until the roof system is completely compromised, leaving the contents of the building vulnerable. According to a study by FM Global, the majority of roof failures from windstorm events resulted from improperly designed or constructed perimeter flashings.

There is a consensus based standard called ANSI/SPRI ES-1 that was developed by Single-Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) to resist such edge detail pressures; you can also install what has been termed in the industry as a peel stop. This entails fastening a batten-bar through the roofing system into the substrate all along the perimeter of the building approximately 3 feet in from the edge. In case the edge detail fails, this helps prevent the roof from peeling back to the point where significant water damage can occur.

There are many factors that apply when designing a roof edge system: Wind speed, building height, exposure factor, topography, importance factor, corner and perimeter regions, edge condition, galvanic compatibility and flatness of fascias. Your roofing contractor should be able to design and recommend roof systems that comply with this standard and method.

IB Roof Systems has tested details that comply with this standard as well. See what a high wind detail and peel stop consists of at: http://ibroof.com/details/ma_details/IB.MADetails.2009.02.04%2023.pdf

If you have a low-sloped building or home and live in a wind prone area you should insist that any new roof system installed on your home or building meet this standard.

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PVC Roofing Membranes – How to have a successful winter install

December 18th, 2009
Cold weather install

Cold weather roofing.

The technology behind PVC roofing membranes allows them to be installed all year long. Many installation practices in winter months are the same, just a little colder. Some roofing companies can’t afford to shut down during the winter and need systems that are easily installed and can give their customers a high performing roof.. However, there are  precautions and steps necessary for a successful winter install.

First, the attachment method must be mechanical – that is, with fasteners and plates. Glues, adhesives, and peel-and-stick products have a much higher chance of failure because cold and freezing temperatures can alter the makeup of the adhesive and ruin its adhesive properties. Manufacturers of these products will not warrant the use of these products in these conditions for this reason.

Second, projects that require a complete tear-off should obviously be avoided until dry weather is more likely. However, PVC membranes can be installed over most existing roofs systems, and because they are lightweight should not pose any threat to the structural integrity of the building. Most roof overlays in the winter will trap some unseen moisture in the roof and need a way to vent out. Therefore breather vents should be installed throughout the roof according to manufacture specifications to allow any trapped moisture to escape. Insulation can be installed in addition, above the existing roof system as shown in the picture above. This will give extra insulating value to the building while protecting the new roof system from being adversely affected by a rough granulated or sharp gravel roof surface.

Third is cold weather safety. The elements play a factor in your personal safety when roofing in cold weather. Dressing warmly is obvious as it’ll be colder on the roof than on the ground. Heavy shoes should be worn, along with thinner gloves to help you grip things with your fingers and hands. It’s vital to have at least one other person with you at all times while you’re working  so if  you’re in a precarious position or if you should fall, there’s someone who can immediately get help. All membrane type roof systems also become very slippery when wet and a thin layer of ice can form on the membrane, making for tricky footing.   Be alert for these conditions and plan accordingly.

Using PVC membranes in winter months can benefit you in multiple ways by keeping work on your board, keeping your crews busy, and by meeting the needs of customers who need a roof replaced in winter, resulting in good word-of-mouth marketing.

The formulation of PVC membranes keeps the material flexible even in freezing conditions, allowing it to be installed without the fear of damage from foot or equipment traffic. If you have projects that are waiting to be completed or have customers who think they need to wait until summer to get their roof replaced, give us a call and we can help you grow this part of your business.

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Family Business Built on Partnerships

December 8th, 2009

From left: Joel Stanley, VP of Business Operation; Jason Stanley, VP of Business Development; Larry Stanley, Founder; Trace Stanley, CEO; Shawn Stanley, Marketing Director and Chairman of the Board

Since this is the beginning of our blog, I think it makes sense to mention IB Roof Systems’ beginnings.

IB Roof Systems has a remarkable story to tell. From its founding in 1978, in the back room of my childhood home, to its evolution into a multi-million dollar nationwide corporation, IB Roof Systems has undergone some tremendous changes. My father founded and built the company and carved his way into history. Today IB Roof Systems is under the direction of my four brothers and me. People have asked me time and time again, “How do you and your brothers stay cohesive and united?” I respond that we don’t know any other way to act toward each other – we would do anything for each other – it’s how we were raised. We continue with these same family and business traditions and have fused them into our business practices: best quality products, overwhelming customer support, surrounding ourselves with great and knowledgeable people and successful partnerships. This is our foundation; we build everything else from there.

With this groundwork, we have carefully fostered many wonderful partnerships in the low-sloped roofing industry; got involved by joining and participating in associations and trade shows, telling the benefits of PVC roofing membrane and our system. There is a lot going on in our industry today. People are asking a lot more from their roof than just to keep dry, they seek energy reduction and energy production and other environmental solutions. These ideas, successes and failures need to be discussed to come to the best solutions. This is one of our main hopes for this blog – to bring together successful people, successful ideas, successful solutions and, together, bring about successful partnerships. There is a famous quote, “A rising tide lifts all ships,” and our goal is for IB Roof Systems to bring about that rising tide. It’s not just about products, it’s about people and relationships – combined with continual process improvement and R & D, these elements become a long-term business strategy.

IB Roof Systems is constantly seeking out more successful partnerships and we welcome the roofing industry’s participation in this blog. Our aim is to discuss roofing topics, create solutions, remove obstacles, network our businesses and help turn our successful partnerships into successful businesses.

I will end with one of my favorite quotes from Benjamin Franklin who said, “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing.” So send in your ideas, make comments on the current posts and together we will help each other carve our place in history.

– Shawn Stanley

Marketing Director and Chairman of the Board

IB Roof Systems

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