The Results are In for the Alpha Roofing Rating System

The results of the Arizona State University Alpha Roofing Rating System were recently posted, and Washington Roofing & Insulation (WRI) is proud to announce we again received a high 9.8 rating as set by the Performance Based Studies Research Group (PBSRG). The maximum rating is a 10.

During the process of renewal for the rating, the PGSRG (a third-party research organization) surveyed our client base and conducted comprehensive field tests over 1,427,600 square feet of WRI installed commercial roofs. Ratings were based upon roofing leaks, customer satisfaction with product and customer satisfaction with contractor. All respondents said they were 100% satisfied with the process. The oldest roof surveyed was 28 years old.

There are only 14 roofing contractors in the United States that participate in this study and WRI received the highest rating given this year.

You can view the latest report by going to the PBSRG website and downloading the pdf file here.

The Lucky Flock of Geese

Chuck Carpenter, owner of Washington Roofing and Insulation, once told me a story about when he was a young kid back from the military. Since it is Memorial Day, it seemed like a good time to share.

He and his buddy had returned home and were offered an opportunity to go goose hunting with a guide for free. The guide wanted to pay respects for the young men, thank them for the service they provided the country, and take them on a hunt.

The guide was excellent, calling to the birds over Cheyenne Bottoms in Great Bend, Kansas, bringing them closer to the boys. There were many geese coming in and the guide told them to get ready. When the time came the birds were so close that they could have jumped up to tackle them. The guide said, "NOW" and chuck and his buddy started to shoot.

After the dust settled, the two military boys anxiously looked around to count their prizes.

Not a bird had been dropped.

After the group got back home, the guide looked at the sheepish crew and said, "Do you want to know why you didn't bring down any geese?"

Chuck and his friend were very embarrassed. Excellent shooters, they couldn't understand what happened.

"It is because you didn't focus, boys. You shot randomly. You need to pick one bird at a time, and focus."

Chuck learned a very big lesson that day. He told me it has helped him through life and is one of the reasons Washington Roofing and Insulation is successful. Each job, each client . . .  gets his ultimate attention . . . his focus. And who would have thought that it all boiled down to a flock of lucky geese and a professional hunting guide.

Why Is it Important for You that We are ABAA Certified

Washington Roofing & Insulation is an accredited contractor of the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA).

Washington Roofing & Insulation

In order to become accredited, we completed intensive requirements such as attending courses and passing written exams. Furthermore, in order to be a part of the ABAA, companies must have a minimum of $300,000 bonding ability, over $2 million in general liability insurance, be specifically licensed, have a minimum of 3,000 hours of air barrier field installation or related trade experience and pay an annual membership.

That's all great, you say, but what does that mean for me?

It means that we undertook this challenge as a company to bring a higher level of commitment and professionalism in the installation of air barrier systems for our clients.  It means that our installers have thousands of hours of experience and have been trained specifically on proper installation of this product, and it means that we undergo continuing education and stay up-to-date on trends in air barriers and building envelopes.

Therefore, you will receive a superior end product when Washington Roofing & Insulation works with you to provide the air barrier system for your building.

And that's the bottom line.

Flint Hills Discovery Center Project Complete

The Flint Hills Discovery Center project is complete.

We are proud to pass along the announcement that the grand opening for the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, Kansas is right on schedule for this April. The Center broke ground in July 2010 with a mission to "celebrate, explore and care for the flint hills."

Back in November we had posted how Washington Roofing and Insulation (WRI) was working with Split Rock Studios out of Minneapolis to create a cave at the center for people to walk into and see exhibits. This was done by spraying polyurethane foam inside the structure and then the creative people at Split Rock made the "cave like" appearance by cutting into the foam and adding the vines. WRI finished the project by spraying polyurethane foam inside the walls of the cave and then using Flame Seal TB on top of the foam to create the thermal barrier needed to meet fire requirements. WRI also sprayed foam on the walls of the center.

Inside the cave during construction.

Moriah Carpenter, project estimator for the company, said that this was one of the more unique projects WRI had ever done.

"What is done behind the scenes makes a big difference," she said. "It will really help them with their energy efficiency. It was exciting to be a part of it and watch it all come together."

The Center is hosting a Contractor's Grand Opening on April 7th and then will be open to the general public shortly after that. 

"McCownGorden worked hard to get this open on time," Moriah said. "They did a fantastic job."

Inside the cave with exhibits.

Another shot of the cave's interior with exhibits.

Note: Photos compliments of the Flint Hills Discovery Center construction page

Up On the Roof Top

We have been "up on the roof top" now for over 35 years and have never been mistaken for Ol' St. Nick, albeit we would find it to be a complimentary identity mishap. The jolly man himself may have a bigger service area and a larger target audience but our mid-western clientele is pretty extensive with places in Texas, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa and of course, Kansas.

We have met some fantastic people along the way, and they are all pretty satisfied with their polyurethane spray foam roof systems or their air barrier systems for their commercial buildings.  This last year has been quite a ride. We became Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) accredited to install Air Barrier systems and, along with many others, are currently working with the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity House at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.

But aside from all of that, we want to wish everyone happy holidays and the best for the 2012 new year. We are looking forward to being "up on the roof top" for many more years to come.

Flame Seal-TB

After taking an intensive training class, Washington Roofing and Insulation is proud to announce our recent certification as a qualified Flame Seal-TB applicator.

Flame Seal-TB is a waterbased, intumescent coating product that has been certified multiple times as both a Thermal and Ignition Barrier when used over a Spray Polyurethane Foam system. With very low toxicity and low VOCs, the coating qualifies for the LEED IEQ4 Credit for Low Emitting Material - Paints and Coatings.

The certification process for a LEVEL ONE applicator includes passing a detailed test and establishing a Quality Assurance and Control process within their organization.

How to Hire a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Replacing the roof on your building was approved in the budget and now it is time to start looking for a good roofing contractor. As you begin the steps it takes to qualify roofing professionals, take in mind some of the points listed below:

• Length of Time in Business. Companies who have been in business longer usually have broader experience than start-ups. 
• Insured, Licensed and Bonded. Proof of insurance and establishing that the contractor is licensed in your state is important. 
• Member of Organizations. Is the contractor affiliated or a member of any industry organizations? Many times these contractors are kept up-to-date on the latest roofing developments and industry news. 
• Experience, Knowledge and Trust. People don't hire companies . . . People hire people. Make sure you are comfortable with the roofing contractor and understand your options. 
• Application Expertise. Is the contractor accredited or certified in the roofing system of choice? Some systems required these certifications in order to be applied properly and last. 
• Referrals and Completed Projects. Good contractors will have people you can contact to gain more insight. Ask for completed projects, as well. This will give you an idea of what the contractor does. 
• Committed to Safety. Establish that the roofing contractor is taking all the required steps for safety. 
• Written Estimates. Estimates in writing will assure that you understand what is being proposed and both parties have appropriate expectations. It is mutually beneficial and keeps the guesswork out of the project.

Website: Washington Roofing & Insulation