Standing Seam Metal Roofing for Pre-Existing Commercial Properties – Bricklayers Local 5 Union Hall, Valley View, OH

The Bricklayers Local 5, located in Valley View, OH, found TEMA Roofing Services online while searching for a reputable commercial roofing company to bid and complete a re-roofing project for their recently purchased property. In addition to experience and reputation, it was also highly important to the Bricklayers Union that they find an organized commercial roofing company that fully understood the benefits of a union workforce.

The property had two existing buildings with shingle roof systems that were past their productive lifespans and presented with numerous areas of concern. Ultimately, the Bricklayers wanted to install a roofing system that could deliver a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution for decades to come because this newly acquired property would eventually become the permanent location for their union hall.

After putting the project out to bid, the Bricklayers chose TEMA Roofing Services to install a fully warranted metal over shingle system that utilized standing seam panels. (Standing seam metal roof systems last longer than other metal roofing options, and a metal over shingle system lessens a re-roof project’s overall environmental footprint.) The Bricklayers were also able to utilize TEMA’s design-build services in order to address concerns for existing dormers on both buildings.

In the spring of 2020, the Bricklayers Local 5 reached out to TEMA Roofing to obtain a free quote for the re-roof of two buildings that the organization had recently purchased. (One building would become the union hall and the other building was occupied by tenants.)

The Bricklayers Union knew when they purchased the property in early 2020 that both buildings were in need of roof replacement. And, while the union could have picked from a variety of commercial roofing products, they knew that the benefits of a metal roofing system aligned best with their long-term goals.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Benefits

By purchasing the Valley View property, the Bricklayers were making an investment for years (and decades) to come. Being that one of the buildings was slated to become the union hall itself, they wanted a roofing system that would meet the long-term goals and expectations of their union—they were looking for durability and a commercial roofing product that would require minimal maintenance over time.

Metal roofing, in general, is known for its long lifespan. However, not all metal roofing systems are the same. 

In an effort to cut costs, sometimes other roofing companies suggest exposed fastener metal roofing as an option for commercial buildings. And, while exposed fastener roofing panels do offer a longer lifespan than some other commercial roofing materials, failing fasteners are a known issue and can compromise the integrity of the building’s roof. (Not to mention that metal roofing panels with exposed screws are more commonly used for residential applications and are not well-suited for commercial properties).

Standing Seam Metal Roof vs. Exposed Fastener Metal Roof

While standing seam and exposed fastener roofs both consist of durable metal panels, the ways in which they are installed are very different from one another.

Standing seam panel systems consist of flat metal panels with evenly spaced legs that conceal the fasteners (hence the common term, “concealed fastener”). Panels are attached to the roof deck with clips, and at no point are the metal sheets compromised or pierced by the fasteners.By comparison, the visible fasteners used with an exposed fastener metal roofing system can end up being a source of water infiltration when not regularly maintained. For this reason, while exposed fastener systems are often less money and quicker to install, they may end up costing more in the long run due to their need for regular preventative maintenance and potential repair.

The buildings presented with two main issues that needed to be addressed: first, the existing asphalt shingles were past their life expectancy and needed to be replaced; second, the building’s dormers were a concern and needed to be addressed by the commercial roofing installer of choice.

After reviewing multiple bids for the project, the union opted to go with TEMA’s suggested standing seam metal roof for its longevity and durability. Additionally, with TEMA Roofing, they received complete design-build services that could address (and ultimately remove) the failing dormers.

Design-Build Roof Installation

Design-build isn’t just faster, it’s better. With design-build, essentially the designer and the builder are on the same team. It eliminates the middleman, reduces costs, expedites service and results in a better overall experience.

In the instance of the Bricklayers’ dormer concerns, TEMA worked directly with an architect to have designs stamped and certified to meet state building code requirements for the project. In total, 10 dormers were removed from the buildings, helping to tie in the new metal roofing system with a more sleek, seamless overall appearance.

Knowing that they wanted a metal roofing system to replace the existing roofs on their newly purchased property, the Bricklayers Union researched and contacted multiple commercial roofing contractors for quotes. They found TEMA Roofing while doing an internet search and reached out via the TEMA Roofing website.

Commercial Roof Installation with TEMA Roofing

Ultimately, TEMA’s objectives for the job aligned best with the needs and wants of the union:

• TEMA provided a reliable, knowledgeable union workforce.
• TEMA suggested a durable, low-maintenance and long-lasting metal roofing system.
• TEMA could provide the design-build services needed to address dormer issues and compromised areas.

When it came down to decision time, TEMA Roofing Services was the company of choice for the Bricklayers Local 5 even though TEMA’s quote wasn’t necessarily the cheapest bid received.

Installing a Metal Over Shingle Roofing System

Upon winning the bid, TEMA got to work delivering a reliable, environmentally friendly metal over shingle recovery roofing system.

The metal panel manufacturer that TEMA chose for the Bricklayers’ project produced a zinc/aluminum-coated, standing seam metal roof system (Galvalume or equal) with a projected minimum service life of 40-60 years (which is double or triple the life cycle of roofing materials like TPO).

Metal Roofing Over Shingle Recovery Systems and Sustainability

While most companies choose a full tear-off and re-roof when replacing an old roofing system, an over shingle recovery system offers numerous benefits, both to the company having the new roof installed and the environment.

No tear-off or underlayment is needed. And, metal over shingle systems allow for above-sheathing ventilation (ASV) to reduce heat transfer (and ultimately aid in energy efficiency).

This type of system results in less waste material (because asphalt shingles remiain on the roof, covered by the new, metal system), reduced landfill pressure, and (ultimately) a better outlook for the environment!

Benefits of a Weathertight Warranty

Because of their durability, standing seam systems can also bring with them the option to purchase a complete weathertightness warranty (WTW). 

A weathertightness warranty is specific to the metal construction industry, but only certain metal roofing styles are covered. (Weathertightness warranties typically apply to concealed fastener systems and exclude exposed fastener systems because of their propensity to leak.)

Most WTWs come in a 20-year length, but coverages can range from 5-35 years industry-wide, and are usually written as either a joint warranty (where liability is split between the installer and the manufacturer) or a single source warranty (where the sole liability is placed on the metal panel manufacturer).

Weathertightness warranties typically cover issues with seaming, flashing, and roof leaks, in general, and the importance of this type of coverage shouldn’t be overlooked. Since standing seam metal roof systems are one of the more expensive roofing options available on the market, these types of warranties help to relieve the financial burden should, in rare instances, the system become compromised in any way within the allotted timeframe.In the end, TEMA Roofing delivered two retrofitted standing seam metal roofs for both buildings on the Bricklayers’ property. With full weathertightness warranties in place, and by installing 40-60 year metal systems, the Bricklayers no longer had to worry about constant leaks and rigorous upkeep. The design-build services that were needed to address issues with the pre-existing dormers were included in TEMA’s regular service offerings, and TEMA’s knowledgeable, dependable union workforce delivered timely and professional work.