TruCraft utilizes the latest technology for all roof design projects. Our estimating department can provide our clients with specifications and design drawings. Roof plans are drawn to scale showing all rooftop penetrations and roof drainage locations. If the redesign requires tapered insulation to alleviate ponding/standing water issues, our professional estimators will submit additional drawings to the owners. Detail drawings will be submitted upon agreement with our clients on what specific high quality roofing system manufacturer’s product to be applied, including insulation, fastening systems, roofing material, termination/edge materials, etc.

Once TruCraft has been awarded a roofing project, contract documents are submitted specifically for that particular roof area(s). Variables are called out, i.e. roof deck replacement, additional drainage requirements, and exterior/interior temporary protection during roof construction. This approach protects not only the owner’s best interest, but TruCraft as the preferred roofing contractor.

Roofing Specialties Division | Architectural Sheet Metal Roofing, Slate and Tile Roofing

When your roofing needs involve slate, copper, tile and other specialty systems you need look no further than TruCraft’s experienced craftsmen. With a history steeped in specialty roofing systems TruCraft has the experience to perform repairs, maintenance or replacement (reroof) of your specialty roofing system. Please refer to our gallery for examples of our credentials in this area.

Should you wish to replace a conventional roofing system on your commercial or industrial structure with one of these specialty systems, often structural concerns due to the installed weight of these systems prevents the project from moving forward. New systems which allow the appearance of slate or tile with installed weights within the capacities of existing structures are available for installation. Contact TruCraft for consultation on the installation of these systems.

TruCraft professionals are trained and tested to inspect, collect, evaluate and calculate all the necessary data to achieve maximum performance from your entire roof system. It’s not just a roof, it’s the umbrella over your business and possessions. Each building is unique in design and construction. To achieve the longest life and most efficiency from your roof, each roofing solution should be designed with products appropriate for that unique roof system. It’s essential that you have a durable roof covering as well as balanced ventilation and adequate insulation.

Only a trained and experienced roofing inspector or estimator of roofing systems has the necessary knowledge of newly developing products and methods to prescribe the best solution for your home.

Ventilation is crucial to the life and effectiveness of every roofing system.

Attic ventilation is an important part of roofing. Proper attic ventilation extends the life of a roof and reduces problems because it minimizes the temperature differential between the attic and the air outside. Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic. Trapped heat and moisture can raise energy costs, cause ice dams, and damage roof system components as well as structural and personal items located inside the attic where temperatures can easily reach 150° F (65° C). Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by the use of washing machines, dish washers, bath tubs, showers, and tumble driers unless these items are properly ventilated through the roof. In some cases the condensation can be bad enough to be mistaken for a roof leak. Here are some problems associated with an improperly ventilated attic space.

Sumps between rafters (deck deflection) can happen because after awhile (sometimes several years, sometimes only a couple years), a plywood roof deck can warp or deteriorate and become spongy and dangerous to walk on. This occurs because one side of plywood decking needs be able to “breathe” by being exposed to circulating air. The adhesives used in the plywood can deteriorate or Dry Rot can occur because of condensation.

Water vapor will condense first on anything metal inside the attic; this will eventually cause the metal to rust. Heads can rust off nails, metal plumbing straps or straps holding HVAC ducting can rust in two causing the ducting to crash down on top of the ceiling joists or through a suspended ceiling. This problem is more common in humid climates.

In colder climates – generally where the average January temperature is 32° F (0° C) or colder – high inside humidity (40% or greater) combined with low outside temperatures can cause frost to form on the bottom of the roof deck.

Insulation can trap moisture which will reduce the R-value of the insulation and create a nice environment for the propagation of certain molds, spores, and fungi which will also cause problems.

There is also the problem of mildew which is both damaging and can cause health problems.

The roof system itself will deteriorate prematurely.

Cooling units will need to be serviced or replaced prematurely because of excessive use.

Ice Dams – ice dams are the result of melting snow continually refreezing at the roof perimeter and then backing up under the shingles and causing leaks. Proper ventilation used in conjunction with heavy insulation and an air barrier can create a Cold Roof Assembly which will help eliminate ice dams.

Insulation becomes more important to home and business owners with each passing season. Whether to keep out the cold or keep the cool in its place, maximizing R values can pay for itself many times over the life of a building.

A material’s R-value is the measure of its resistance to heat flow. It is important to know the R-value because many states or regions require that a roof system have a minimum amount of thermal resistance on commercial, industrial, and/or institutional buildings. The way it works is simple: the higher the R-value, the more the material insulates.

TruCraft estimators can offer an array of products to button up your building in every location, bringing you the greatest value and efficiency.

Online Savings Calculator: Sunoptics.com

The use of skylights have many benefits beyond reduction in energy consumption

Skylights can replace electric lighting 70 to 80% of the daylight hours while producing much less heat than electric lighting.

Skylights can replace electric lighting for a fraction of the cost of enough solar photovoltaic panels to generate an equivalent amount of electricity (both use the same sun at the same high energy demand time of the day!)

Skylights provide 35% or more light transmission than competitive skylights, while providing 100% diffusion for glare-free, high-performance results.

According to Jon McHugh, PE, LC, and Technical Director with the energy consulting and research firm, Heschong Mahone Group, Inc., America could reduce its peak load electrical demand by 24,000 megawatts just by daylighting existing buildings that make sense to daylight using toplighting or skylights. The savings is equal to twenty four 1,000 megawatt nuclear power plants or forty eight 500 megawatt coal fired power plants, all at 1/20th the cost of solar photovoltaic panel arrays.

By cutting demand for energy production, daylighting reduces greenhouse gases and the pollution of water and air—the by-products of generating electricity.

A study initiated by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company showed that students with the most daylighting in their classrooms progressed 20% faster on math tests and 26% faster on reading tests in one year than those with the least.

In the retail setting, daylighting dramatically increased sales—one study showed a 40% increase in sales in daylighted stores when compared to identical non-daylighted stores.

In study after study, daylighting is correlated to dramatic improvements in human performance in retail, workplace and educational facilities.

If you have considered this option, contact us to discuss the details and let one of our professionals calculate savings for you.

All industrial roof systems require regular inspection and periodic maintenance to achieve a long-term service life. Repairs should be performed as soon as needed — owners should not allow a nuisance leak to persist and develop into a major problem, degrading insulation and destroying a large portion of the roof assembly.

Owner Inspection and General Maintenance Recommendations
TruCraft believes that commercial building managers should maintain diligent records for everything surrounding the structure’s roofing system. Documentation should include all roofing contractor job records, drawings, and specifications for future reference. Contract with a knowledgeable, qualified roofing contractor to set up a regular inspection and roof maintenance schedule. It’s important to record maintenance procedures as they occur and log all roof access times and other trades working on the roof, in case damage should occur. Report damage as soon as it occurs, so repairs may be scheduled and executed as soon as possible.

A good rule-of-thumb is to inspect your roof at least twice a year — in the spring and fall.Additionally, building managers should inspect all roofs after severe weather or storms. Make frequent inspection on buildings that house manufacturing facilities that evacuate of exhaust debris on to the roof.

Clean roof drains of debris and remove leaves, twigs, cans, children’s balls, etc., which could plug roof drains. Bag and remove all debris from the roof because heavy rains will quickly sweep debris on the roof surface into drains, and drainage problems may occur.

Notify TruCraft immediately after a roof leak occurs. If possible, note conditions resulting in leakage. Heavy or light rain, wind direction, temperature, and the time of year that the leak occurs are all important clues to tracing roof leaks. Note whether the leak stops shortly after each rain or continues to drip until the roof is dry. If the owner is prepared with facts, the diagnosis and repair of roof problems can proceed more rapidly.

Do not allow foot traffic on the roof in very cold or very hot weather; damage can result. Do not allow the installation of television or radio antennas, satellite dishes or other mechanical equipment without notifying the roofing contractor and membrane manufacturer (if the roof is under a manufacturer’s warranty), and consulting with them about the methods and details for these installations. One of the keys to avoiding roof damage is limiting access to the roof. Allow only authorized personnel on the roof who understand good roof access procedures and precautions.

In some emergency situations, owner-applied temporary patches may be made to stop leaks to minimize property loss. Except for certain emergency situations, owners should not attempt roof repairs. The puncturing of a blister or the spreading of a liquid-applied coating or bituminous cement may only cover up evidence the roofing contractor needs to ascertain the real problem.

Roofing Contractor Maintenance Recommendations

After completion, each new roof is subjected to various weathering conditions. Roofs do not wear uniformly because certain areas may be affected more severely than others. Equalizing wear by maintaining, repairing, and even upgrading worn areas is the secret to prolonging roof system life. To assure long-term roof performance, these areas should be maintained and repaired by a qualified roofing contractor. Maintenance may be as simple as regraveling a windswept corner, or as complex as spot patching and applying the proper roof maintenance coating system. Regular maintenance is a necessary part of good roofing practice.

Commercial roof replacement projects demand the same level of attention and roofing expertise as the construction of a new roofing system. Depending on the age of the respective building envelope and roof system, TruCraftwill present a myriad of roof replacement solutions that meet a client’s budget, mitigate disruptions to their daily operations, comply with commercial building codes, and afford a long-term roofing investment.

Meticulous Inspection before Roof Replacement

Recommendations/Estimate
In order to determine the true extent of a client’s roof replacement needs, TruCraft diligently performs an inspection of the existing roofing system. Upholding rigorous industry standards, Madsen generally extracts at least two samples of the existing membrane, including components and insulation. In fact, TruCraft believes in performing an inspection all the way to the original roof deck; given that the condition of the surface does not always allow a quality assessment of the entire system.

In some situations, moderate repairing or partial replacements better serve the client, however; when annual maintenance costs exceed 5% of the replacement costs or when repairs simply prove ineffective, replacement is recommended.

Industry experts suggest exploring the possibility of re-roofing when repairs provide fruitless results or when annual maintenance costs exceed 5% of replacement costs.

Supportive Drainage Systems
TruCraft specializes in supportive drainage systems to ensure the return on the roof system investment. Before any replacement recommendation is provided, TruCraft examines the existing drainage system, including primary drains, scuppers, and overflows, as needed to satisfy drainage requirements. In places where the roof system’s slope is fundamentally inadequate, affordable solutions such as the addition of drains, tapered insulation, and crickets can be recommended to prevent future ponding conditions.

Roof Replacement Technologies and Membranes
Commercial roofing technologies have advanced in the past decade, now affording building owners and managers a selection of membranes with increased durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

Delivering to both need and preference, TruCraft is a specialized installer of Single-Ply Roofing, Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF), BUR (Built-Up Roofs), Tile Roofing, Shingle Roofing, Metal Roofing, and Garden Roofs/Green Roofing.

TruCraft provides quality new construction roofing — delivering building owners, property managers and architects with commercial roofing expertise and superior customer service.

Since every building envelope and roof system are unique, TruCraft believes in preparing customized solutions that work closely with respective architect to determine the structure’s long-term commercial needs. In fact, TruCraft has a reputation of reviewing a client’s specifications and drawings before they are even “finalized” — especially when the scope of the roofing work is substantial, or the architecture is complex. Well thought-out and thoroughly prepared specifications along with accurate drawings are critical for the success of any new construction roofing investment.

Quality Commercial Roofing Materials
Appropriate roofing material selection is vital to the quality of the roof assembly, and long-term investment. Beyond simply executing an architects design request, TruCraft advises on the optimal roofing systems depending on the budget, the functional needs of the building system, and the structure’s overall environment and climate. TruCraft only works with the materials of quality commercial roofing manufacturers.

Delivering to both need and preference, TruCraft is a specialized installer of Single-Ply Roofing, Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF), BUR (Built-Up Roofs), Tile Roofing, Shingle Roofing, Metal Roofing, and Garden Roofs/Green Roofing.
Roofing systems are investments that fall into the paradigm of cost, quality, and turnaround time. Accordingly, TruCraft strives to identify all new roof construction investment considerations including: long-term threats, maintenance requirements, technical considerations, life-cycle costs, and regulatory compliance.

Long-Term Threats to Commercial Roof Systems
This includes any future variables/conditions that contribute to the demise of the roof system including, extreme weather such as hail and ice, intensive foot traffic (e.g. frequent HVAC maintenance), and intense solar radiation exposure.

Commercial Roof Systems Maintenance Requirements
Given the long-term investment, building owners should plan for future budgeting of regular roofing maintenance. For example, many commercial roofing membranes require an updated coating every 10-15 year, therefore, the long-term planning is just as important as the initial construction budget.

Technical Considerations of Commercial Roof Systems
In constructing a new commercial roof, overlooked requests and requirements are inevitable. TruCraft seeks to uncover all technical considerations, therefore, everything from the architecture to the environment are taken into account. For example, TruCraft would need to know if there are any specific fire resistance requirements. Perhaps a unique pigment is required per the corporate architectural branding guidelines?

Life-Cycle Costs
It’s common for business owners and architects to select a commercial roof system primarily on the initial installation cost, however, the oversight on the long-term roofing investment can be devastating. If for example a less expensive system is selected, the physical qualities of the membrane may not be ideal for the systems requirements and maintenance cost down the road will quickly negate and exceed the original costs savings. TruCraft strives to provide solutions to clients based on the life-cycle costs including:

• The initial cost of installation
• Total energy consumption
• Roof system maintenance and repairs
• Removal and disposal of the roof upon the completion of the life span.
  Fundamentally, it takes an experienced commercial roofing company like TruCraft to accurately determine the effective life span of a particular roofing system.

Plan for Regulatory and Business Requirements
TruCraft works closely with new construction project managers and clients to comply with all regulatory and business requirements. Many commercial insurance companies rely on FM (FM Approvals)  and UL requirements for insurance underwriting purposes. These requirements have a strong impact on the construction of roof systems in order to mitigate fire, wind, and other physical damages to roofing systems.

Commercial waterproofing is a hallmark service of TruCraft’s Total Roof Management system. Addressing every roofing system with a unique understanding of the structure’s functional envelope, TruCraft presents various solutions when designing waterproofing systems and specifying their components.

TruCraft’s waterproofing systems involve a spectrum of applications including: fluid applied membranes, self adhering sheet membranes, bituminous and thermoplastic sheet membranes and composite rubberized asphalt membranes.

Commercial Waterproofing
TruCraft helps building owners and commercial building managers tune-up their building envelope system to the region’s volatile climate conditions.

It’s during the driest months that TruCraft performs preemptive maintenance and quality waterproofing to protect commercial businesses from the costly emergency conditions of the winter months. TruCraft employs cost effective roofing systems that flex with Ohio’s changing climate while sealing and securing compromising holes and cracks.

Waterproofing Total Building Envelopes — Not Just Commercial Roofing
The waterproofing of a building system extends beyond simply the roofing system. Accordingly, TruCraft’s commercial waterproofing expertise extends to below-grade building structures including foundation walls and sub-structures.

Waterproofing Services
If you are a manager or owner of a commercial building in the greater Cincinnati area, a TruCraft commercial roofing consultant will visit your site and provide and intensive inspection of your unique building system. Accordingly, a detailed plan will be customized to the needs of the building envelope and the specific maintenance budget.

All roofs have penetrations which are regarded as the weakest points in any roof and the greatest source of leaks. Commercial roofs are often riddled with penetrations.

Heating and air conditioning equipment, utility pipes, conduit, communication equipment, signs, machinery screens, safety railings, and structural steel have created expensive and challenging waterproofing problems for all commercial roofers. TruCraft Roofing can evaluate your roof system and correct existing problems or properly install any new penetrations to keep your roof investment sealed from the elements.

• Roof Curbs and Skylights
• Plumbing Penetrations
• Walkway Pads
• Architectural Sheet Metal
• Any Flat or Sloped Roofing
• Removal of any obsolete Penetration

Roofing Water Damage and Emergency Commercial Roofing
TruCraft is a responsive commercial roofing company repairing and resealing damaged structures. Specializing in excavating failed systems without disrupting the building’s day-to-day operations, TruCraft cost-effectively restores a building system to its original condition with quality engineering and workmanship.

With expert roofing teams positioned in the Cincinnati Area, TruCraft is a 24/7/365 commercial roofing partner to responsible building managers.

Roof leaks can create unsafe working conditions and may cause significant interior damage, often resulting in strained relations between building owner and tenants. A prompt response to such problems can minimize such potential problems.
At TruCraft, emergency leak calls are a top priority. We have experienced a very high success rate at identifying and solving leak problems. We provide 24-hour emergency leak service 7 days a week. Our experienced and capable field crews identify the cause of your leak and execute the necessary repairs quickly and efficiently.

What are the key elements of TruCraft’s Emergency Service Repair Program?

• The building owner or management completes an online Service Request or calls (513) 965-9200.
• A Service Order is generated detailing the specifics of the problem and all contact information.
• A repair crew is dispatched.
• A repair crew representative checks in with the tenant or specified contact.
• An interior examination and measurement is done.
• A duplicate exterior measurement on the roof surface is done.
• Repairs are performed.
• Repair crew representative checks out with tenant.
• An invoice is generated and sent including a description of work and nature of repair.