California Roofers in Top Demand with El Nino Preparation

Moisture management is one of those things that people often do not think about until there is an issue, but that is not the case this year as west coast home owners are scrambling to prepare for what is anticipated to be the strongest El Nino on record and that could deliver historic levels of rain this winter.

If you are on the wait list for a roofing contractor or gutter installer, you are not alone. Many companies in California are reporting a backlog of weeks, sometimes months despite adding additional people to their crews and extending the work week.

While past El Ninos have doubled normal rainfall recorded in southern California, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is warning that this winter’s weather could be the strongest on record with intense rain expected between January and March of 2016.

Wild weather can
wreak havoc and
keep roofers busy.

For homeowners and property managers, this means that any past water leak issues or delayed repairs are now an immediate concern, which not addressed before the wild weather arrives could result in notable water damage and more significant, costly repairs.

Roofing demand is not limited to sloped, shingled roofs. Flat roofs, particularly flat roofs that act as decks situated over living space are of particular concern. Without proper drainage and reliable waterproofing details, these luxurious roof decks made to enjoy coastal vistas can be worrisome if water views are overshadowed by water infiltration.

Using a proven roofing product and a skilled contractor are a home owner’s best arsenal to defend a structure’s building envelope. Flat roof deck waterproofing is a specialty trade that requires the finest workmanship of roofing and decking contractors combined; as well as a product that is specifically made for that unique purpose.

That is where solutions like Duradek can be the most reliable, cost-effective solution for flat roof decks. Duradek vinyl decking provides a classified roofing membrane and pedestrian surface in one single product. While some contractors will turn to a more traditional torch-on system that would require an additional pedestrian surface for comfort and design to enjoy the pleasures of a roof deck, Duradek’s warrantied vinyl membrane and its superior waterproofing performance comes in a wide range of attractive, colors and patterns to combine the best of protection and style in a single product solution. Additionally, using an exposed waterproofing membrane like Duradek makes it exceptionally easy to inspect for any potential leaks which lets home owners perform inspections on their own without the need to hire a roofing contractor for that task.

Backed up by a 3rd party quality control program and multiple tests results, Duradek is building code approved, passes wind-uplift tests and has been ICC evaluated as meeting all requirements for:

• Section: 07 18 13 – Pedestrian Traffic Coatings
• Section: 07 54 00 – Thermoplastic Membrane Roofing
• Section: 07 54 19 – Polyvinyl Chloride Roofing

What is perhaps an even more important evaluation criterion in choosing a Duradek vinyl deck membrane for your roof deck is that Duradek is only available through authorized contractors that have been trained in the specific details unique to roof deck waterproofing.

For homeowners along the California coast that have used tile as the surface of their roof decks, Duradek has the ideal, custom-made solution for your waterproof protection. Duradek’s proven waterproofing membrane has been adapted with a textured surface specifically designed to best accept thin-set and the application of exterior tiles to create the Tiledek membrane. Duradek’s Tiledek has solved difficult and reoccurring issues from leaky tile decks for many home owners in California. Duradek dealer, Paul from Golden Gate Enterprises has created quite a collection of examples on his Golden Gate YouTube Channel where you can see first-hand, real-life examples of failed liquid coatings, failed torch-on systems and poor waterproof details that he was able to correct with Duradek and Tiledek. In this example below, Paul shows the results of a failed liquid coating waterproof system on a commercial flat roof deck.



This video shows a residential project with a failed torch-on modified bitumen waterproof system under tile, where Paul used Duradek to permanently solve ongoing leak issues, paying attention to details that ensure waterproof performance.



So if you are in the Bay Area, contact Golden Gate Enterprises for your roof deck needs. Outside of the Bay area, use Duradek’s Dealer locator to find a quality professional who can provide you with the reliable, low maintenance performance of Duradek vinyl membranes.

Roof Leaks, Repair Delays and the El Nino Influence

Thanks to the influence of El Nino, roofers and repair contractors are in top demand as home owners scramble to prepare for the wet, stormy weather.

Fixing old, leaky roofing is a top priority but preparation has turned into moisture management for some as many roofing companies are already booked through the fall and winter.

But be cautious when pleading for the services of a roofing contractor because when demand for a service is this high, the scam artists smell opportunity. It is important to stick with a reputable contractor, even if you have to deal with tarps and buckets while you wait. Verify that a contractor is licensed, ask if the company is insured and always get everything in writing. While many contractors may ask for a deposit, never pay for the full amount of the repairs in advance.

The influence from El Nino is causing a surge in roofing services from coast-to-coast across the lower US states.

The Weather Network reported that El Nino is strengthening and has an 80% chance to run into spring 2016; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports a Strong El Nino sets the stage for 2015-2016 winter weather with wetter-than-average conditions most likely in the Southern Tier of the United States, from central and southern California, across Texas, to Florida, and up the East Coast to southern New England.

California Waits for Roofing Contractors

As California residents prepare for El Nino, Bay Valley Contractors in Walnut Creek has seen business increase by about 100% over the past few months. The company now has a waiting list of up to two months for new roofs and up to three months for roof repairs.

People along the California coast remember the El Nino of 1997/98 and are doing their best to be prepared, so California roofing contractors are busier than ever. Many home owners who have procrastinated roof repairs are relying on tarps and buckets to get them through until a roofing contractor can get to them.

One roofing company in California reported they are working 6-days a week since September and are already booked into June of 2016 as reported on Channel 5 News.

Texas Roofing Contractors are in Top Demand

In Texas, KENS TV in Texas reports that record-breaking rainfall is a challenge for roofers who have been swamped since last May with a record breaking rainfall, the wettest month on record since 1895. Now, after an extremely wet October, roofers are falling further behind in the demand for roof repairs and replacements.

In Pennsylvania, high winds in late October tore the roof off of an auto about a mile south of Latrobe where wind gusts of about 40 mph reportedly blew through in the early morning hours of Oct. 28th. While trying to secure the site, wind gusts of 35 – 50 mph were impeding progress. It was also reported that a mobile home in Derry Township also had its roof tore off due to the high winds and there was even an incident of a building collapse.

Flat Roof Waterproofing

There is nothing we can do to stop Mother Nature, but we can protect our homes by using reputable contractors and quality products like Duradek vinyl membranes on our flat roof decks.

One of the great benefits of Duradek vinyl as a roofing solution for flat roofs subject to pedestrian traffic is that it can withstand extreme weather and protects your building envelope better than many other options out there. Duradek does not require any on-going maintenance to keep performing, and once installed its waterproofing performance is warrantied for 10 years.

If you have a flat roof deck that needs waterproofing attention talk to one of our experienced Duradek installers near you.

For California, Texas and all other U.S. states, contact our Duradek U.S. Head Office at duradekus@duradek.com or use our ‘find a dealer’ locator.