Our inspectors are out almost every day inspecting roofs all over Minnesota, and they see lots of interesting things going on. So what are the issues they see most often? Well, we don’t want the suspense to kill you, so read on! This summer’s Top 10 List of Roof Issues (with pictures to boot!): … Read More
Imagine if every time you went to the dentist, you had to start from scratch. Sure, sure…they have your file from the “other” dentist, but they still want to do their own base level examination, complete with X-rays, just so they have a true understanding of your situation and any issues that may need to … Read More
Using copper is a popular, albeit expensive, choice of commercial roofing materials. In fact, the expense is often the sole reason alternative materials are chosen. But there are some clear (and shiny) benefits to using copper as a roofing solution: It’s durable. In some cases, it is known to have lasted centuries, but definitely … Read More
6 a.m. – Inspectors arrive at the shop. After completing estimates and reports from the previous day’s TopSite inspections, they review the new work orders and the day’s “hit list.” 7:20 a.m. – First roof: a small one story building in Milaca, Minnesota. No matter the size, the process is the same: Walk … Read More
It’s all in the eyes of the beholder. Admittedly it’s not the most glamorous of industries, but when you’re full of passion about what you do (Mint Roofing Core Value No. 1), roofing (as seen through the eyes of the beholder) is the greatest profession ever. Just ask our team… Tim: I love … Read More
Solar panels on rooftops, something we see more and more of, offer energy solutions, but also attract and reflect heat and light that can cause blisters on built-up roofs, and warping on EPDM (rubber) roofs. Another issue or concern we often see on rubber roofs, is the moving of rock (which is the ballast … Read More
Battle of the Bids Makes for Some Interesting Sleuthing Most everyone we know is pretty thrifty when it comes to spending money…especially when it’s on something substantial like a new roof. So the natural reaction is to start getting quotes to answer the big question of “what’s it going to cost?” The … Read More
An Ounce of Prevention really is Worth a Pound of Cure. True story: My sister has dentophobia (fear of the dentist), and consequently managed to stay away from the dentist for more than 10 years. Correct…10 years. But eventually she started having pain in a tooth and she was forced to go in. As … Read More
Not many people relish the idea of going to the dentist…for lots of reasons. But most of us make ourselves go every six months to a year for our regular cleanings and preventative maintenance. We all know that taking care of our teeth proactively will make our teeth last longer. Makes sense. The same … Read More
I know you probably think I shouldn’t have as many complaints after this milder winter, but man…it was still cold out there! Let me tell you that with so little snow, there was also no protection or insulation up there. During those subzero days and weeks, everything was exposed. I know. You feel like … Read More
Shakespeare’s famous line from Romeo and Juliet, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” implies that the names of things do not affect what they really are. The guy was poetic, for sure, but that may not always ring true. Case in point: the rebranding of our much-loved preventative maintenance program … Read More
One of the leading causes of roof punctures is foot traffic. That’s right…foot traffic. In the case of commercial roofs, the rooftop is often where mechanical units are housed. This means that other service technicians performing repairs and maintenance on these units are walking around on the rooftop. As careful as they might be (or … Read More
We get calls on a regular basis to come and fix what appears to be a leak on a roof. But sometimes it turns out to be a condensation problem. It’s like the roof is sweating, and that water then drips inside the building (which is why people often assume they have a leak). … Read More
With more than 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, the last place you want to find one is on your roof. But that’s exactly what can happen if water can’t drain properly! Whether it’s snowmelt or a heavy rain, water has to go somewhere. Commercial roofs use drains to remove water from the roof. But if … Read More
Chances are if you’ve lived in this winter climate for any amount of time, you’ve had some experience with ice dams on your own house. The warm air under the insulated portion of the roof causes snow to melt. When the water travels down to the over hang (the un-insulated portion of the roof), it … Read More
This winter hasn’t generated any monster snow build-ups…yet. But we have a long way to go before we’re in the clear. And believe it or not, no snow can do a different kind of damage. Just like a light blanket of snow insulates the grass and shrubs in our yards (protecting them from the cold), … Read More
No one wants to get an “F”, especially on his or her roof. Cheer up…we’ve got study notes for you. It’s time to get schooled on Sealant Failures. First, it helps to understand that sealants are used in a variety of ways on a roof. Sometimes they’re used more like caulking to fill space … Read More
Splits. If only we were talking about bananas and ice cream. Splits (cracks or gaps that appear on the surface of a commercial roof) occur for all kinds of reasons, but extreme weather is a big one. Have you ever had a can of pop freeze in your car? The contents expand and cause … Read More