When you’re serious about safety, you’ll find solutions for everything. Including the sun.
Roofers spend their working hours in the open, on top of a building rather than in it. So, when the F&S roofers shop was tasked with tearing off the old and laying the new, foreperson Shane Carr knew he’d have to address sun and heat safety. After all, the roof is 28,600 square feet on top of the Large Animal Clinic at the Veterinary Medicine complex.
While a horse neighed and a goat chomped on hay, nearby, a back parking lot was loaded with five semi-truck trailers worth of material to become the new roof. There were 183 giant bundles of insulation and 14 pallets of roofing membrane material and accessories.
Safety materials had to make their way up there, too. Inside the yellow safety railing installed along the entire edge of the building envelope so workers can walk around without being tied down to a point, there are tents, a giant fan, and coolers with water.
Each roofer was also encouraged to wear wide brim hats, sunglasses, hats, reflective arm sleeves, shirts and pants that keep UV rays out, keep the person cool and wick away sweat, three cooling vests, which bring the wearer’s core temperature down if someone overheats, hard hats for high sun that can save 20 degrees of heat, and cooling neck towels.
“We’re taking every measure to keep our people as cool as possible. We want cool equipment and cool clothing,” said Carr.
The roofers worked with efficiency, undeterred by the heat. As they tackled the task of removing the old roof, adding insulation, and installing the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane, each member of the crew contributed, helping the job to progress smoothly.
Roof Removal
The crew tackled the removal of the old roofing system by carefully stripping away the layers to expose the underlying surface. They collected the debris into designated piles which were then transferred onto large tarps spread across the roof. These tarps, once filled, were then hoisted by a crane, which lowered the loads to the ground. There, the debris was deposited directly into a large dumpster for proper disposal.
To counterbalance the intense heat, the crew took frequent breaks in the shade, where they could relax and recharge. The cooler, stocked with ice water, provided much-needed hydration, while their cooling gear helped regulate their body temperature. These measures ensured that they remained comfortable and focused on their work.
Insulation Installation
For the insulation install, the roofers began cutting rigid insulation boards to precise measurements, ensuring a snug fit. They laid the insulation across the roof surface, aligning them to create a continuous thermal barrier. Once the insulation was in place, they used a large roller to firmly press down on the boards, ensuring proper adhesion and eliminating any air pockets or gaps, and would shave off any imperfect bumps with a blade. The rolling process helped to compress the insulation evenly and securely against the substrate, optimizing the roof’s thermal efficiency and preparing it for the subsequent layers of roofing material.
Throughout the workdays, the crew held and maintained an upbeat atmosphere. They talked and joked, with country and classic rock music playing in the background. Laughs frequented between the crew and Carr, as well. Their friendly attitude and teamwork were just as evident as their skill and efficiency.
Sticky PVC
After insulation, the crew began the installation of self-adhesive PVC membrane by carefully unrolling the long strips of material and removing the layer protecting the adhesive. Each strip was aligned to minimize seams. The self-adhesive backing was activated by the crew pressing the membrane down, creating a strong bond with the underlying insulation. The crew also removed any air bubbles to ensure a tight seal.
Once the PVC was laid down, the edges of the strips were heat-welded to create seamless joints, providing enhanced waterproofing and durability for the finished roof. The roofers used specialized hot air tools to heat the edges of the PVC roofing material to about 1,100°F, then pressed them together to form a strong bond at the seams. These heat welds are stronger than the PVC membrane itself.
Despite the quick-moving pace, the quality of the roofer’s work never faltered. Each crew member held themselves and each other accountable, not only in their craftsmanship but also in their efforts to stay cool. Carr never missed an opportunity to compliment the crew’s work, constantly admiring their handiwork.