4 Signs that you Need Commercial Waterproofing this Spring

With spring on the horizon, you might be wondering how you can make your commercial building look more visually appealing. With sunny spring weather on the way, commercial waterproofing is one of the best ways to get your building in peak condition.

But do you really need commercial waterproofing this spring? Consider the following to find out.

1. There’s a White Substance on Your Building

Are you finding a white substance on the stone or brick of your building? This is the cause of water making contact with natural stone. During the evaporation process, a white substance forms coming from salt and mineral deposits.

If you are seeing this white substance after the winter season clears, this is a sure sign that you need commercial waterproofing this spring.

2. Your Building’s Exterior is Cracking

Cracks in the brickwork and surface of commercial buildings can point to signs of trouble. If your exterior is not properly treated, it cannot handle contact with moisture and will eventually crack because of exposure.

Not only are cracks in your building unsightly, but they can also point to structural problems. It’s important to consider commercial waterproofing to keep larger problems at bay.

3. Cracks on Concrete Walkways

The building’s exterior is not the only aspect that is subject to waterproofing. If you are seeing cracks on concrete flooring, this is also a sign of water damage. Commercial waterproofing will help prevent cracks in the future, which further reduces the potential for trips and falls.

4. Visible Signs of Water Damage

Cracking can be a sign of moisture damage to your commercial building. However, there are other signs to consider as well. You might find water spots along with brick and natural stone exteriors. You may also discover damp spots on the exterior.

If this is the case, you must get a quote for commercial waterproofing as soon as possible. If not, there is a high probability that the building will become further damaged.

Get a Quote on Commercial Waterproofing

There’s no need to wait until hot weather to contact Roberts-McNutt for commercial waterproofing. Contact us for an estimate now and schedule your booking for your next waterproofing project.

How Can Commercial Waterproofing Save Your Business Money?

Whether your company building is modern or historical, commercial waterproofing can keep more money in the bank over time. This is how it works and why you should consider this investment, no matter what type of building you use for your business.

Improved Durability and Strength

Exposure to the elements will ultimately decrease building material strength. This is a natural process that is unavoidable with exposure to the elements.

The elements add to the wear and tear of your building. It lessens the strength of the materials and can cause the materials to crack or even crumble.

Commercial waterproofing adds a protective layer to your building. It preserves the beauty of the structure with water-repellent coatings, avoiding costly repairs that come along with weather-related damages.

Avoidance of Expensive and Chronic Repairs

Water damage can cause a significant amount of expensive damage, both inside and outside of your building. It can lead to issues including damaged windows, leaky roofs, and sprinkler system leaks.

Keep in mind that using remedies such as a dehumidifier is only a bandaid approach. This is not getting to the root of the problem and solving it for good. With commercial weatherproofing, it helps free your building from water damage while making it easier to maintain.

Wards off Mold and Mildew

With water damage comes another costly expense of mold and mildew removal. You can find mold inside or outside of your building, in areas with damp conditions that don’t have direct access to sunlight.

Mold removal can easily cost thousands of dollars, which becomes increasingly more expensive if the problem is severe. For buildings that are subject to humid and wet conditions, waterproofing can help forego the expense of mold and mildew removal.

Choose Roberts-McNutt for Commercial Waterproofing

In business since 1968, Roberts-McNutt has extensive experience in all aspects of commercial waterproofing, including early detection of leaks and using top-quality materials during our process. Contact us today to help save your business money with commercial waterproofing.

Preserve the Past: Masonry Repair and Restoration

Masonry has been around for ages and refers to the art of buildings using materials such as concrete, brick, and stone. But over time even the strongest structures will show signs of damage. This is where you need a professional masonry repair service. Here at Roberts-McNutt we would like to take a moment to share a few reasons why building restoration and masonry repair are essential. Cracked brick, crumbling masonry, and maintaining the buildings character, are some of the reasons why you should consider masonry repair.

Cracked Brick

Cracks in concrete and brick are quite common. The ground settles, heavy rains, material failure, and eventually the masonry cracks and breaks. And once a crack has formed it will only get worse over time. The ground underneath your brick will naturally move because of erosion and the weight of the materials on top, causing small cracks to grow and increase. And while this is a common problem, it still needs to be addressed quickly to avoid costly damage to the structure.

Crumbling Mortar

The design of mortar is to prevent rain, snow, cold, and heat from infiltrating into the buildings structure. If the mortar between the bricks begins to crumble or crack, it can lead to serious damage. Over time wall mortar deteriorates, causing the walls to buckle and warp. And any structural compromise in the wall system is an open invitation to water damage. That’s why it’s important to address crumbling mortar as soon as possible, to prevent further damage in the future.

Maintaining the Buildings Character

Maintaining a buildings character is one of the most important aspects when it comes to preserving a part of the past. Most historic buildings have exceptional features and architectural designs that have vanished from the modern buildings of today. Older buildings are part of a city’s cutler and stand as a reminder of historical events for generations to come. That’s why it’s crucial to have these buildings restored to their natural beauty. And depending on the buildings historical or cultural significance you may be able to apply for funding or grants for the restoration.

Here at Roberts-McNutt we wanted to take a moment to share a few reasons why building restoration and masonry repair is essential. Cracked brick, crumbling mortar, and maintaining the buildings character, are some of the reasons why you should consider masonry repair. To learn more about our craftsmanship, knowledge, and experience with building restoration and masonry repair contact our office today at 1-800-467-1597. You know Roberts-McNutt; we’ve been helping customers with building restoration since 1968!

Common Roofing Issues During Winter

Commercial roofing problems are unavoidable, and issues can develop from a number of different areas such as, condensation, changes in temperature, flashing leaks, and wind damage. The roofing on your commercial building is essential in protecting your business from damage, and winter months can be particularly harsh on your roof. Here at Roberts-McNutt, we wanted to take a moment to share a few of the most common roofing issues during winter.

Change in Temperature

During the cold temperatures of winter, roofing materials, especially metal, contract and expand with warmer days and colder nights. Temperature changes can be challenging for a roof and can lead to significant damage. Metal drip edges and flashing can significantly change in size from one season to the next. As the metal expands and contracts, flashings can become uplifted, loose, or detached from the roof. Causing joints to break away from the sealant creating a leak.

Standing Water

Standing water on flat commercial roofs is quite common. Once leaves and other debris find their way onto roofs, drains can become clogged and leave water with nowhere to go. Also, poor installation and design can be another factor that lead to standing water. When the pitch of the roof angle is not enough for water to effectively flow towards the drains. If this problem is not addressed, the standing water starts to break down the roof material and will eventually lead to damage and leaks.  

High Winds

During the winter months your roof might be exposed to a higher-than-normal level of wind and other unfavorable weather conditions. While there is no way to control what Mother Nature might bring. There are ways you can reduce the risk of roofing damage from wind, rain, and freezing condensation such as sleet or snow. Check for areas where the seal between strips or commercial roofing material might be coming loose, signs of standing water or water damage, or things like rusted flashing and metal fasteners. Also make sure the roof is free from debris and the area of the roof around any protrusions, such as your heating and cooling systems, is intact.

Here at Roberts-McNutt we wanted to take a moment to share a few common roofing issues during winter. To learn more about our craftsmanship, knowledge, and experience with commercial roofing, contact our office today at 1-800-467-1597 to schedule your roofing inspection and estimate. You know the name Roberts-McNutt. We’ve been helping customers with their commercial roofing systems since 1968!

Inspecting Commercial Roofs Before Winter

With summer coming to an end and winter well on its way, fall is an important time for property managers to have their commercial roofing system inspected. A commercial roofing system typically needs to be inspected twice a year. Once after the summer and once after the winter. That’s why it’s best to have your commercial roofing system inspected in the fall before the brutal winter weather gets here. So here at Roberts McNutt we wanted to take a moment to share a few helpful tips on just why fall is the best time to have your commercial roof inspected.

Flashing and Sealant

Owners and property managers should be aware of the condition of the flashing and sealants around all edges of the roof. In the summer as the roof heats up the sealant around the edges expands, leading to cracks and weak points. This could give rain, snow, and ice an easy way in to your roofing system. This may not be an issue during the mild weather of fall, but these issues can be amplified during the freeze/thaw cycle of winter and become detrimental to your business or roofing system. That’s why it is important to have the flashing and sealant on your roof inspected before the harsh winter weather sets in.

Membrane and Insulation Integrity

If your roofing membrane is compromised, condensation and water can sneak into your business during the winter months. Once water gets underneath roofing membrane or insulation it can become trapped and seep into the roof, causing weak or mushy areas to develop. If this persists it can cause several problems for your business including water damage, mold, and mildew. Costing you thousands in repairs. This can particularly occur in low sloping roof systems where substantial amounts of water, snow, and ice can build up on the surface. So, inspecting your commercial roofing system in the fall is crucial to keeping your business safe in those winter months.

Blocked Drains and Standing Water

Over the summer months debris such as, tree branches, limbs, twigs, pine needles, and leaves can build up on your commercial roof blocking your gutters and drains. This can cause water to pool up on your roof or in your gutters. If this issue is not addressed, it can turn into a detrimental issue once those freezing temperatures arrive. The frozen water can develop into ice dams in your gutters and around the roof, causing damage to the downspouts and roofing system. Having your commercial roofing system inspected in the fall is the best way to protect your business and roof from the coming winter.

Here at Roberts-McNutt we’ve been helping business owners with their commercial roofing systems since 1968. We’re the company you can trust, and we wanted to take a moment to let our readers know why fall is the best time to have your commercial roof inspected. If you’ve been thinking about having your roof inspected, then contact us at 1-800-467-1597 for a job you can count on. Call us today to get your free quote and let us do all the work so you don’t have to.

Memorial Day: More Than a Day Off!

It seems that over the years Memorial Day has become known as a long weekend off of work with friends and family. We tend to think about Memorial Day as a summer kick starter filled with barbecues and fun in the sun. But here at Roberts-McNutt we would like to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Originally called “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day was created just after the American Civil War, as way in which to honor both Confederate and Union soldiers who died in service to our country. This day was established as a way to unify all Americans to remember those who gave their lives in The Armed Forces. In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to remember and commemorate our fallen soldiers.

As Americans one of the greatest joys in life is when we can spend time celebrating our Freedom and Liberty. For us, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is an ethos in which every American is entitled to unalienable rights. Because, to be an American citizen is to be free. Free from persecution and oppression. Free to speak, worship, act, and think without limitations being imposed. Freedom to be self-governing individuals with an equality of opportunity. These foundational principles are imprinted onto the very soul of each American citizen.

The brave men and women of our Armed Forces have hoisted The American People up upon their shoulders and carried us to safety and prosperity. By stepping fourth on our behalf in defense of this great land whenever and wherever they are called. Other worldly powers who would soon tear down the foundational pillars of our nation are continually met with the unwavering resistance of The American Soldier. On this Memorial Day we must always remember that there can be no greater gift to give than to lay down one’s life for another.

Although we can never pay back the sacrifices that have been made, nor ever be worthy of the gifts that have been given to us. We can live our lives in a way that honors those who have given their all so that we may be free.  The opportunities and freedoms that are allotted to The American People all stem from the highest sacrifice that our Heroes have made. So, let us remember that the holiday is about honoring those sacrifices and ensuring that the generations to come never forget The American Soldiers who paid the ultimate price for the cost of freedom, by giving their tomorrow for our today.

The memories and spirit of these valiant individuals will never be extinguished and shall live on in the hearts and minds of every American Citizen for an eternity. We will forever be indebted to the selfless acts of sacrifice and heroism. On this Memorial Day, Roberts-McNutt would like to honor and express our sincere gratitude to the individuals who paid the ultimate price so that we may be free.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Commercial Roof

We all know that if you want something to last you need to maintain it. In a world where it’s so easy to set it and forget it, we take for granted the steps that need to be taken to make sure a quality product stays in the best shape it can be in. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you clean and maintain your commercial roof. You can catch issues before they become major problems! Check out these great tips to give your roof its best life.

CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS

Your gutters are here to help, but they can’t do their job if they’re clogged. When leaves and debris are blocking the flow of water from draining properly, the water can pool causing damage to your roof and fascia. Make sure your gutters are clean and working properly to prevent unwanted water damage to your commercial roof.

REGULAR COMMERCIAL ROOF INSPECTIONS

You should have your commercial roof inspected by a professional at least once a year. You should also have your roof inspected after every major storm, to go along with the yearly inspection. These inspections should take note of the following:

• Signs of leaking
• Missing or damaged roofing materials
• Branches that may be too close to your roof
• Any dirt or debris on the surface of your roof

DON’T DELAY REPAIRS

Having to repair something you already spent a mini fortune on is no one’s favorite thing to do. But delaying the inevitable will not only ensure even more damage but it will most definitely cost you even more money. Fixing the problem as quickly as possible is always the safest and best thing to do.

Here at Roberts-McNutt, we specialize in commercial roofs. If you’re overdue for your yearly inspection or just experienced a major storm, call us today at 501-945-0151! We provide flat roof services including new roofs, repairs, coatings, and inspections to commercial and industrial businesses for the entire state of Arkansas, parts of Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Again, that’s 501-945-0151, we keep the water out!

Garden Roofing Systems: Benefits and Types

Garden roofs, or green roofs, improve energy efficiency and add to a building’s curb appeal. They help to add plant life even if you’re in the middle of a big city!

Garden roofs consist of a covering made of plant material that absorbs water. When it rains, the roof captures the water and releases it through evaporation or it’s soaked up by the plants.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (hyperlink: https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-green-roofs), Green roofs can also help reduce building energy usage and noise levels while increasing the durability and lifespan of the roof compared to conventional roofs.

They can also reduce rain water runoff while adding valuable functional space for any business owner.  You can even add touches like chairs, tables and other items to make it an outdoor office space.

Green roofs do not absorb as much heat as regular roofs, so they are very energy efficient. During the summer, a green roof protects your home from direct heat from the sun, in the winter, it can reduce heat loss.

Green roofs are being used more frequently in cities where there is not much space for other methods of rainwater management.

Benefits of Garden Roofing Systems:

• Process airborne toxins and re-oxygenate air
• Improve energy efficiency
• Absorb more than 50% of rainfall on the roof
• Add curb appeal to any building
• Increase usable space
• Resist thermal radiation

If you’re looking to invest in an environmentally friendly roof for your business, look no further than Roberts-McNutt Commercial Roofing and Waterproofing! You can learn more by emailing corporate@robertsmcnutt.com or calling 1-800-467-1597.

Roberts McNutt: Emergency Leak Checklist

Leaks are like thieves in the night. They slowly sneak up and catch you when you least expect it! The only difference is we try to prepare for thieves. We invest in homeowners and business insurance, security systems, and even a dog! But what are you doing to prepare or prevent leaks in your home and business? If you’re not sure where to start in the preparation and prevention process for emergency leaks check out the list below.

SHUT OFF THE WATER

If you ever have a major leak the first thing you should do is immediately shut off the water. It is very wise to make a plan and a MAP of exactly where you can shut off the water. This is the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do in an emergency. Shutting off the water can help prevent further damage. There should be documentation of where the shutoff locations are in the building. Make sure the people who would be in charge of cutting off the water KNOW EXACTLY where to go to do so.

SHUT OFF ELECTRICITY

If it’s safe to turn off the POWER, do so as soon as possible to prevent any other unnecessary damage. I think we all know that the combination of water and electricity can be very dangerous, so be very careful when turning off your power. Shut the electrify off at the breaker box if it is safe to do so. Make sure you maintain records of breaker box locations. Make sure you put this information in a convenient location for emergency situations.

REMOVE THE WATER

Contact a water extraction company and get the water removed as soon as possible. Speed is very important. Starting the drying process as soon as possible is important so mold won’t take hold.  DO NOT USE A REGULAR VACUUM TO REMOVE WATER.

DETERMINE THE DAMAGE

Make sure you take pictures as soon as possible for your insurance and get them submitted in a timely manner. When the water extraction is done you should be able to see the source of the leak.

PREVENTATIVE STEPS

Waterproofing your building is a major step that can be taken before tragedy hits.  Here at Roberts McNutt, we specialize in keeping the water out! Leak detection is very important in prevention. We are an experienced and professional commercial waterproofing contractor specializing in building restoration, rehabilitation, and preventative maintenance. Let us help you take the preventative steps needed to prevent an emergency water leak situation. Call 501-712-4288 Today! If you have an emergency leak now! Call one of the following Emergency Leak Numbers:

Tyler Hamby 501-519-2411

Jerry Strader 501-351-7135

Mark Tenison 501-517-8266

Bruce Faught 501-351-0827

The Benefits of Commercial Solar

There are a multitude of benefits when it comes to Commercial Solar. First and foremost, solar panels are a great way to lower your business’ monthly energy bills. Solar is free so why not take advantage of it? Commercial Solar is also a fantastic way to help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.

The Benefits of Roberts McNutt/Commercial Solar include:

*Cuts down on your energy bills.

*Helps environment by reducing carbon footprint.

*Cost effective/affordable to install.

*Automatic/no upkeep. All you do is sit back and wait for the sun to do its job!

*Solar is silent/produces no loud and annoying noise like other energy producers.

*Solar thermal panels are durable and reliable.

Commercial solar is perfect for business owners that are looking for a cost effective, low maintenance energy solution. Once our Commercial Solar system is installed, all you have to do is sit back and relax and wait for Mother Nature to do its job. Understanding how it all works is so simple. Basically when sunshine strikes the panels, they convert that into full-fledged electricity, which then in turn is used to run your company. Any extra energy brilliantly flows back into the electricity grid and you will get a credit from the electric company! How simple and brilliant is that? Sunshine is free, why isn’t everyone taking advantage of all that it offers? Roberts-McNutt has been proudly serving Little Rock, Northwest Arkansas, Jonesboro and parts of Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi since 1968. Since then, we’ve been a leader in the home improvement industry including our roofing and waterproofing division. Now, our Solar Solutions division is second to none. If you are thinking about implementing Commercial Solar for your business, we here at Roberts-McNutt would love the opportunity to come out and design a custom solar solution for your business.