Genflex Project Profile
Project Name: Machinery Components
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Product Specified: GenFlex TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin)
Total Square Footage: 75,000
Roofing Contractor: Illinois Roofing Corporation
Contact: Michael J. Ward
Phone: 630-554-2200
With years of experience in the roofing industry, Illinois Roofing knows roofs - often better than building owners. Specializing in commercial roofs, the company has seen its share of decks over the years.
So it's no surprise that when Machinery Components was in the market for a new system to replace its old coal tar pitch roof, Illinois Roofing started with a thorough inspection. The inspection revealed a problem other contractors overlooked.
"The foam insulation on the existing roof was defective; it was corroding the metal deck," said Michael Ward, General Manager, Illinois Roofing. "We were one of six contractors bidding the job and everyone else wanted to recover it. We were the only ones who told Machinery Components 'you can't leave the existing foam insulation there.'"
Illinois Roofing professionals recognized the material causing the corrosion as phenolic foam. Working with the manufacturer, Illinois Roofing was able to secure refunds to help bring the roof deck back up to standard.
"We never 'sell' anyone," says Somers. "The only way to establish a relationship is to find a unique solution to a need and hopefully save a building owner some money along the way. We found a unique solution for Machinery Components phenolic foam problem that saved them money. That put cash in their pocket that could be applied to offset the cost of the new roof."
Dealing a new deck
Machinery Components needed a system that would go down fast. "We had to make sure we could close it up in the evening; at the same time we didn't want to compromise on the system. These requirements were not mutually exclusive," explains Somers.
The old roof also had problems with ponding water in areas. Machinery Components needed a membrane that would withstand occasional ponding that naturally occurs as the result of the many thunderstorms common in the Midwest. To help with the system choice, Illinois Roofing conducted energy studies to project savings from us.
To help with the system choice, Illinois Roofing conducted energy studies to project savings from using different thicknesses of insulation and different colored membranes over a cost cycle.
"We take a look at how a building is heated and air conditioned," says Somers. "In the case of Machinery Components, we recommended a black GenFlex TPO was an economical choice for Machinery Components since the manufacturing facility was not air conditioned by was heated during long, cold Chicago winters. The black surface allowed for greater heat absorption during winter months. "
"We earned this business by giving a customer the best of all possible roofs," Somers says. "Machinery Components didn't just buy our recommendation, we presented several options including some less expensive ones, but ultimately they chose the GenFlex TPO system because it was the best roof for the job."
Scoring points for efficiency and innovation
Each day, workers rallied to tear off the existing deck, sand the existing metal deck, apply paint to the surface and lay down four to five thousand square feet of GenFlex TPO membrane.
"It was a tough job. The old material that was screwed down came up in chunks that had to be pulled out by hand and discarded," explains Somers. "Through all this, we're very proud that there were no leaks during construction."
A manufacturer of automotive parts, the Machinery Components facility houses metal components vulnerable to the elements so a watertight building, kept free from dust and debris, was essential during the installation.
"This job required close coordination. Everything had to work like clockwork. One glitch and we'd pay for it in profits," explains Somers.
With timing under control, Illinois Roofing looked for ways to add value to the project. For some installations, there's a better way to do things than "by the book". For the Machinery Components facility, it made sense to design the perimeter details differently than the standard specs. Illinois Roofing recommended an extra row of fasteners at the building perimeter to enhance performance.
"We ran the detail by GenFlex in the morning and had an answer the same afternoon," says Somers. "GenFlex has always been openminded to new ideas. They work with us by listening to us. In all my years in the roofing industry, the people in the GenFlex technical department have been the most cooperative, open-minded and easiest to work with onsite. They work with us to custom-design details for certain buildings. A lot of companies won't change anything. Their response is simply 'that's the way we've always done it.'"
"We look after a customer's best interest and get involved with the recommendation. We have a happy customer for a few dollars more and no problems down the road."
Article reprinted with permission of GenFlex Roofing Systems. |