Reprinted from Western Roofing magazine Nov/Dec 2007.

Ch- Ch- Ch- Ch- Changes

New Materials Can Bring Changes in Application

by Greg Clements, national sales manager, Roofmaster

(Editor’s Notes: Greg Clements is the national sales manager for Roofmaster Products, Inc. Clements has been with Roofmaster for more than 25 years. Clements may be reached at (800) 372-6409.)

Commercial roofing seems to be in constant change, especially if you look at the types and percentage of systems installed thus far in 2007 compared to those in 2006. In many Western markets, once dominate BUR, along with SBS and APP applications have been largely replaced with PVC, TPO, and cold processes of various forms.

These regional changes in material dominance have had a definite influence on the application equipment being used. We hear and see different attitudes in the purchasing decisions, maintenance challenges, worker training factors, and repairs; and the end result is not always a pretty site.

The change in material usage is not new to the market at large, especially when you remember the single-ply entry into our industry back in the 1980’s. However, this year has seen markets make such drastic swings that it has created stresses in the application equipment side of the market, not previously experienced.

This year, many of the inquiries for equipment quotes have come from contractors requesting specifications guaranteed to under-perform. Investing in equipment for single-ply and cold process is not to be taken lightly, and the base piece of equipment is only the beginning.

Let’s take the example of an automatic heat welder (sometimes called a robot or a dog). This is a highly sophisticated piece of electronics that provides major mechanization opportunities and has a limit within which it will or will not operate efficiently. And this is the area in question wherein contractors have been known to cut costs.

Optimal efficiency for this equipment only comes when the balance of the power source (its maximum sustained wattage) and the extension cord’s wire size and its length, temperatures and speeds, are balanced against the other equipment plugged into that same power source. All of this equals optimal efficiency, with little or no down time due to damage that can be caused by the lack of power to the machine.

When we hear requests for eight, nine, and 10,000 watt generators to power an automatic welder, it is imperative that we do some educating and trust that it is not misunderstood as up selling. Likewise when we are asked to provide 200’ or 300’ of power cords for these units we must further explain that much shorter lengths are required in order to create the optimal efficiency that will make the job run much more worry free.

High-pressure spray equipment is often misunderstood and confusion arises when pressure ratings are believed to be the criteria for choosing a pump. Spray rigs are like pick-up trucks. There are all kinds of pick-ups out there; the mini’s, the short bed half ton, the long bed 3/4 ton, the extra cab one ton, etc.

Spray rigs are specified based on a set of answers to several questions specific to the contractors current and near future needs. Answers include naming specific materials to be used, the size of this and future jobs, access to the building, temperature, experience, to name but a few. The goal is to provide the contractor with the proper equipment for the job, and often, to dispel any myths he or she may have regarding the reality of what happens in the field. From this point we discuss hose sizes, pressures, lengths and pole gun styles and tip sizes. Is there an in-line material warmer that can be used? If so, this creates yet another discussion scenario.

To further compound the purchasing decision, we see a situation where a mass conversion of traditional BUR and mod-bit workers to single-ply and spray applications is ongoing. The market demands this transition and while good roofing standards are nearly universal among these workers, the fine details of the equipment use seem to be lacking.

These same workers may not have been sufficiently trained in the proper use, application, cleaning, and maintenance of these highly sensitive pieces of equipment. With the volume of work in this arena, it is not surprising that detailed training is behind in the learning curve. We see evidence of this by the shear volume of repairs coming to our facilities, and it indicates an attitude, that these products can be handled like other roofing tools. This equipment cannot be handled nor considered to be as indestructible as BUR equipment.

The age-old argument from superintendents and contractors alike is that many workers do not or will not maintain equipment. Their job is production and the equipment be damned, or at least is of second, third or fourth concern. This attitude often prevails even when facing repair bills that may be as much as 25 - 40% of the purchase price of the equipment.

Understanding and knowledge about the how and why of single-ply and cold process equipment is not an easy hurdle to overcome and is one that planning and patience can overcome. Your local roofing equipment manufacturer/dealer can be one source of education, especially if your equipment is in for repair. Ask to meet the repair staff and request tips on maintenance and how to do simple field repairs that save both time and money. Plan to use the upcoming (slower) months to catch-up on the learning curve.

When buying this equipment for the first time, ask the material reps to come to your yard and train your workers. Distributor open houses, with a few minutes of hands on welding, should not be confused as a training session. First time users of high pressure spray equipment should test the equipment using water, in their roofing yards.

More often we see that neglect or simple mishandling of the tools results in costly and time-consuming repair bills. Electrical cords, attached to tools and machines are not leashes, are not ropes to raise or lower tools, and are not usually repaired, in the field, properly without some training. And this too we conclude to be part of the continuing transition of many workers into this arena of commercial roofing and the training sessions that have been postponed due to the volume and demands of the work at hand.

Understanding the proper operational balance of equipment and accessories along with a plan for the continuing education of your workers will prove to be a valued tool that will show bottom line results for every roofing contractor. Contact your roofing equipment professional for additional assistance within these critical areas of your business. •••