Duro-Last Archives | AMW Contracting

Commercial Roofing: Duro-Last Roofing for a Flat or Low-Sloped Roof

When it comes to installing a flat commercial roofing system, a continuous membrane is often the best choice. Because water pooling is one of the main culprits of leaks on flat or low-sloped roofs having a watertight membrane covering your roof can make a huge difference in preventing water damage.

However, not all single-ply membrane roofs offer the same advantages. Duro-Last is known throughout the roofing industry for its ease of installation and exceptional functionality. Billions of square feet of this exceptional roofing membrane have been installed since its creation in 1978.

Understanding the Benefits of Duro-Last For Your Commercial Roofing System

Duro-Last is a type of single-ply membrane that is custom fabricated in a controlled factory environment to provide an excellent fit for flat or low-sloped roofs. This type of commercial roofing system provides a number of benefits, from minimal maintenance to exceptional resilience and even energy savings thanks to its reflective properties.

Take a look at the advantages listed below to learn more about why building managers and property owners often choose Duro-Last for their flat roofs.

Installation is a Breeze

The installation of a conventional commercial roof can result in a huge mess, not to mention delays and extensive on-site work that could disrupt your business. In comparison, the installation of a Duro-Last roof is a streamlined process that minimizes downtime without cutting corners.

Every Duro-Last roof is crafted according to the precise specifications of the building in question. This pre-fabrication process reduces the need to conduct seaming on-site, thus limiting the potential for leaks at the seams. It also cuts down on the time it takes to install the roof. Not only can you count on the membrane fitting your roof perfectly, but you can also look forward to enjoying the benefits of your secure new roof right away.

Leaks are Less of a Worry

A flat roof’s seams are often its primary source of vulnerability when it comes to leaks. Almost 85% of the seaming for a Duro-Last membrane is done in a factory environment, not on the roof itself, limiting the likelihood of leaks occurring due to poor seaming.

However, Duro-Last isn’t only less vulnerable to leaks because of this careful construction and installation process. The membrane itself is composed of innovative thermoplastic that is extremely resilient to the elements. Rather than absorbing liquid like some other roofing materials, the PVC membrane prevents penetration and is significantly less prone to water damage.

Long-Term Commercial Roofing Durability

Water isn’t the only worry when it comes to your commercial roofing system. Depending on your industry and the specific location of your building, you may also be concerned about fire, grease, bacterial growth, extreme temperature changes, or high winds.

The good news is that Duro-Last can withstand these and other dangers, including the possibility of punctures and tears. Furthermore, because Duro-Last offers some of the best warranties in the business, you can maintain peace of mind no matter what types of hazards your flat roof faces.

A Better Bottom Line

When you manage a commercial property, you have to keep your bottom line in mind for every decision you make. Because Duro-Last has the ability to help lower energy costs, including cooling costs, it is often the right choice for budget-minded property owners.

Choosing a white Duro-Last membrane, which reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing heat and radiation, could significantly reduce the energy consumption of your property. In fact, the Energy Star Roof Products Program^® led by the EPA has rated this membrane as offering the highest retained reflectivity for a single-ply membrane.

Choosing the right commercial roofing system for your flat or low-sloped roof is easy when you understand the benefits that Duro-Last offers. If you’d like to learn more about Duro-Last from a certified contractor, get in touch with AMW Contracting today at 904-725-4197 or click for a free estimate.

Industrial Roofing: Identifying Potential Flat Roof Problems

Flat roofs and roofs with a low slope are a common choice for industrial roofing systems. After all, flat roofs are not only affordable, they also allow for efficient installation and have fewer potential repair issues than many other types of roofs. In some cases, they can also expand the amount of outdoor space available for use in a commercial facility.

While flat roofs come with benefits, they also have their downsides. If you have a flat roof in place or are considering this type of roof, it’s important to understand what to keep an eye out for with this type of industrial roofing. Below, we’ve outlined how potential issues can be detected thereby extending the longevity of your flat roof and the security of your commercial building.

Detecting Issues Related to Flat Industrial Roofing Systems

Leaks are one of the most common issues for any type of roof. However, it can be quite difficult to detect the source of a leak on a flat roof. Without the ability to pinpoint the origins of a leak, many commercial building owners and managers find they eventually suffer from ongoing water damage issues.

This is one of the many reasons why flat roofs should not only be installed by a professional roofing contractor with all the right certifications but also why regular roof inspections are key. A roofing contractor that possesses extensive experience installing and maintaining flat roofs will be able to identify the cause of leaks on your roof and prevent additional damage.

Here are some of the various causes of leaks that could be discovered during an industrial roofing inspection:

Damaged or deteriorated roofing materials
Cracks in the covering of the roof
Gaps at joints or corners of ventilation points
Issues with the flashing or membrane
Blockages in the drainage system
Pooled water on the roof

Once the inspector has identified the issue on your roof and investigated the extent of the damage, they will make a recommendation for repair or replacement.

Repairing and Replacing Flat Industrial Roofing Systems

It’s always best to catch leaks early so a minor repair can be done rather than a more expensive and time-consuming replacement. Patch repairs are often all that is needed to halt leaks or fix areas of the roof that are damaged or worn out, enabling your roof to do its job for many more years to come.

If the damage can’t be remedied with a patch repair, a complete roof replacement may be necessary. During this process, both the roof deck and the protective waterproof membrane will be removed from the roof. Then, it will be covered with the material of your choice.

In general, there are two types of flat roof coverings to choose from. The first is a built-up system, which is sometimes referred to as a tar and gravel roof. These names come from the fact that this system is composed of layers of either asphalt or tar combined with several modifiers. The set of layers is then placed on top of the flat roof.

Another common type of flat roof covering is a single-ply membrane, a sheet of synthetic material that is fitted to the roof. There are a number of innovative materials that have been formed into single-ply membranes. These materials allow for a resilient flat roofing system that requires minimal maintenance over time and can withstand the elements. Polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as PVC, and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) are two popular choices. Both of these membranes offer exceptional durability when installed properly and can last for decades.

Are you dealing with issues on your industrial roofing system or want to take preventative measures to avoid water damage? Call AMW Contracting today at 904-725-4197 to connect with a trusted local roofing contractor with plenty of experience working on flat roofs.

Roof Repair: Factors that Lead to Duro-Last Roof Repairs

building maintenance worker carrying ladder

Are you considering installing or does your facility currently have a Duro-Last roof? Are you wondering about roof repairs for your Dro-Last roof? We can help!

Duro-Last roofs are made from an innovative PVC material that is exceptionally resilient to temperature changes, punctures, grease, and other hazards that can affect conventional roofs. This roofing system also promotes energy efficiency thanks to its ability to reflect the sun’s rays.

Duro-Last is so confident in the longevity of its product that it even offers warranties for up to 30 years! However, while this roofing system is definitely made to last, it can’t perform to its full potential unless it is properly cared for. Without conducting adequate maintenance, you can expect to have to pay for roof repairs at some point.

How to Prevent the Need for Roof Repairs

You’ve invested in an excellent roofing system, and it’s important to protect that investment. Understanding how to care for your roof and knowing the specific factors to avoid is key to increasing its longevity, promoting its durability, and ensuring your commercial property is always protected.

Here are some of the leading risk factors you should be aware of:

Using Asphalt or Asphalt-Based Products.

The Duro-Last PVC membrane should never come into contact with products that contain asphalt. Should this ever accidentally occur, the asphalt will seep into the membrane permanently, damaging its internal structure. This will open up opportunities for leaks and water damage to take hold. You can think of asphalt as your roof’s special brand of kryptonite.

A lot of sealants, fillers, and certain types of caulk are made with asphalt. Therefore, take the time to make certain any products used on your roof are free of this substance.

However, it’s not enough for only you to know about the risks of asphalt. Take steps to inform maintenance workers, HVAC installers, and any other individuals working on or near your roof about this danger.

Neglecting Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is a must for just about any investment exposed to the elements, and your Duro-Last roof is no exception. The problem is that many facility managers have an “out of sight, out of mind” attitude when it comes to their roofs. They’ll make sure every other part of their building is sparkling clean but completely forget about preventing dust, dirt, and grime from turning into build-up on the roof.

When it comes to cleaning a Duro-Last roof, there are two things to keep in mind:

Choose soft-bristle brushes to avoid causing damage to the membrane
Always use non-solvent cleaners

In addition, it’s always a good idea to spray the roof as the last step of the cleaning process to sweep away debris and any leftover cleaner.

Failing to Follow the Maintenance Checklist

Duro-Last provides a comprehensive, step-by-step checklist that makes it easy to figure out exactly what you should be doing to maintain your roof. That being said, this checklist isn’t just provided for your convenience. Following these steps is essential to remaining in compliance with the longer Duro-Last warranties.

Of course, that isn’t the only benefit to staying up to date with maintenance. It will also help you avoid the need for repairs and extend the number of years your roofing system remains effective.

Procrastinating on Getting Minor Roof Repairs Done

As part of the maintenance checklist, you should have your roof regularly inspected. It’s possible that the inspection will bring minor problems to light. While you may believe small issues can wait, this isn’t the case with something as important as the integrity of your roof. Make minor fixes a major priority to avoid the need for significant roof repairs.

Working with a certified Duro-Last roofing contractor is essential to ensuring your roof is properly cared for and any necessary roof repairs are done in line with the Duro-Last warranty. Call AMW Contracting today at 904-725-4197 to learn more about how we can help keep your roof in tip-top shape!

Roof Replacement: Can I Retrofit a Metal Roof with Duro-Last?

Metal roofs are a common choice because they are so long lasting. A case study has even shown the average metal roof has a lifespan of 41.6 years. However, when metal roofs finally reach their expiration date, many property owners are unsure of their options for roof replacement.

Demolishing the existing roof can be costly in terms of both time and money, especially when you consider the amount of disruption this process can cause for your daily business operations. Fortunately, demolition is not the only route available for replacing a metal roof.

Understanding the Duro-Last Retrofitting Process

When time catches up to a metal roof, it does not necessarily have to go. Through retrofitting, the metal roof can remain in place.

Instead of removing all existing roofing materials and undergoing a costly replacement, retrofitting makes it possible to utilize your old metal roof as a solid, fire resistant structure. This structure can then be overlaid with the robust thermoplastic membrane known as Duro-Last.

During the process of retrofitting a metal roof, the Duro-Last roofing system is attached over the existing metal profile. Having this single-ply membrane in place significantly reduces seam and fastener problems and minimizes the potential for leaks around penetrations. Most significantly, this cutting-edge membrane allows you to finally say goodbye to rust and corrosion issues, which are some of the most common complaints arising from having a metal roof.

Choosing Retrofitting Over Conventional Roof Replacement

Avoiding the demolition process is a huge benefit that comes with choosing retrofitting over total roof replacement. However, there are many other advantages to installing a Duro-Last membrane over your existing roof.

Unlike a conventional roof, Duro-Last roofing systems are built in a standardized factory setting where quality control is of the utmost importance. Up to 85% of seams are completed in this controlled environment, leaving little room for error and minimizing on-site labor for installation. With fewer vulnerabilities in the roof overall, there’s significantly less chance for leakage over time.

Some of the other advantages of retrofitting your metal roof with a Duro-Last membrane are as follows:

Quality and performance guaranteed. Duro-Last roofing systems are only installed by authorized professionals and are protected by one of the most robust warranties in the roofing industry. The standard warranty available offers comprehensive coverage for defects in the Duro-Last material, ensuring your peace of mind and the integrity of your roof for years to come.
Environmentally friendly outcomes. If you’re looking to reduce the environmental footprint of your business, choosing a Duro-Last retrofit over a conventional roof replacement can help. Roof retrofitting generates less landfill waste in two ways. First, the existing roof structure stays in place. Secondly, the Duro-Last membrane will be crafted to fit the measurements of your building, resulting in less scrap material. Additionally, Duro-Last membranes reflect solar heat keeping your building cool. This also helps reduce energy expenditures related to climate control.
Incredible durability. After so many years of having a metal roof, you’ve likely enjoyed the perks of a durable roofing system you know you can count on even in severe weather. With Duro-Last, you won’t be sacrificing durability. The Duro-Last membrane is formulated with reinforced thermoplastic that is highly resistant to leaks as well as other external threats such as fire, wind, chemicals, and changes in temperature. Best of all, Duro-Last roofing systems can maintain their structural integrity for decades.

Do you have questions about the advantages of retrofitting your roof with Duro-Last rather than opting for a complete roof replacement? We encourage you to get in touch with the authorized Duro-Last contractors at AMW Contracting today! Call 904-725-4197 for details about our commercial roofing services and a free estimate.

Commercial Roofing: 3 Reasons to Consider Duro-Last

If you’re a commercial property owner or architect, the choice of a commercial roofing system is one of the most important decisions you’ll face. The long-term viability of your property and your business investment is in many ways tied to the quality and performance of your roof. Fortunately, there’s a commercial roofing solution that can stand the test of time while offering a wide range of benefits.

When it comes to commercial roofing for flat roofs or those with a gentle slope, Duro-Last is one of the best options on the market. The Duro-Last system is special because it is composed of a robust reinforced membrane made with single-ply thermoplastic.

This innovative construction is not only durable and long-lasting, but also watertight and chemical-resistant. Because these roofs are custom-fabricated in a factory setting to fit the specifications of each building, they are also quick to install and require very little maintenance over time.

Read on for some of the main advantages of selecting this roofing system to protect your commercial property from the elements.

1. Headache-Free Commercial Roofing Installation

If you’re worried installing a new roof for your building could be disruptive for your business, you’d be right in many cases. However, Duro-Last is different. Duro-Last roofs save building owners time and money by minimizing disruption to their normal operations.

This type of roof is precision fabricated in advance according to the unique measurements of the building. Prefabrication results in less time, effort, and machinery required to install the roof. The installation process is also safer and less noisy than with a conventional roof. In many cases, Duro-Last roofs can even be installed on top of existing roofs, saving additional time and hassle so you can get back to business as usual.

2. Lower Energy Expenditures

With a Duro-Last roof in place, you can look forward to spending less on energy than you once did. Even the smallest monthly savings can make a huge difference for your business, which is why the energy savings offered by this type of roofing system should never be overlooked for business owners.

In its product line, Duro-Last offers a special white-colored membrane with superb reflective properties. In fact, this system is ranked by the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Roof Products Program as having the highest retained reflectivity of all single-ply roofing membranes.

Reflectivity equates to a cooler indoor environment. That’s because heat from the sun bounces off the reflective white surface of the roof rather than being absorbed by it. With less heat coming into your building, you’ll have less of a need to crank up the air conditioning in the hot summer months, thus reducing energy expenditures overall.

3. Fewer Chances for Problems to Occur

Most roof leaks occur at the seams, where multiple pieces are sealed together. The unique construction process of Duro-Last minimizes the number of seams required to create the final product, resulting in fewer weak points or problematic areas that have the potential to spring leaks.

The vast majority of the seams on this type of roof are finished in a professional factory environment, not on-site. This process ensures a better seal and limits the risk of water intrusion. Stacks and curb flashings are also formed in the factory rather than during the installation process, limiting the need for rooftop labor on crucial transitional areas.

Only about 15% of the remaining seams must be completed on-site on installation day. Installation is always completed by authorized Duro-Last contractors who will make certain your roof is primed for peak performance and long-term leak resistance.

Why wait to learn more about the advantages Duro-Last commercial roofing could have for your property? Reach out to AMW Contracting today at 904-725-4197 to get a free estimate for a Duro-Last roof custom-made for your building.

Choose Duro-Last Commercial Roofing for Peace of Mind

Throughout the Jacksonville area, building owners and property managers are looking for quality, reliable and affordable commercial roofing solutions. From the hot, humid summers to the ongoing risk of heavy storms and hurricanes, the roof of your facility is constantly under stress. Choosing the right commercial roofing system can ensure your building is protected well into the future, giving you the peace of mind you need.

At AMW Contracting, we’ve been helping businesses choose the right roofing systems since 1999. Our top choice for your peace of mind is a Duro-Last roof.

4 Reasons to Choose Duro-Last Commercial Roofing

When our clients come to us with questions about what type of roofing system we recommend, Duro-Last always tops our list. Since the 1970s, Duro-Last has been a proven choice for reliable roofing solutions. Through the years, they’ve innovated and improved their product making it one of the most sought after roofing systems in the world.

Property managers and facility owners rely on Duro-Last roofs for a wide range of reasons. Among the most impressive are:

Quality. Simply put, Duro-Last roofs are made to last. The performance layers making up Duro-Last roof membranes exceed industry standards. Competitor roofing systems can’t match the superior quality you’ll get with Duro-Last.

Longevity. The roof you choose is an investment. Your business can’t afford for it to fail. With Duro-Last, you can be confident you are choosing an option that will last for many years to come. Building owners can choose among warranty options that include material and labor coverage. Other options include hail and/or high wind protection.

Precise Flashing Details. Flashing is especially important for commercial buildings. Duro-Last offers stack flashing, curb flashing and corner flashing. All options have been specially designed to ensure they offer the most protection. Custom sizing and design options are available to ensure you get the exact details needed.

Rigid Manufacturer’s Inspections. Twice yearly inspections are part of what keeps a Duro-Last roof in top shape to protect your facility. Spring and fall inspections completed by an authorized Duro-Last contractor help to protect your investment. We’ll identify any potential concerns before they become a major headache.

Trust AMW Contracting for Duro-Last Installation

AMW Contracting is the Jacksonville area’s trusted choice for Duro-Last commercial roofing installation, maintenance and repairs. Join countless businesses throughout the area who rely on us for all their commercial roofing needs.

Call AMW Contracting today at 904-725-4197 to learn more about how Duro-Last commercial roofing solutions can provide you with peace of mind.

What to Expect from a Duro-Last Roof Inspection

Is it time to organize a roof inspection for your facility’s Duro-Last^® roof? With a Duro-Last roofing system, your building benefits from outstanding defense against wind, rain, and fire.

The durability and leak resistance of Duro-Last roofs go above and beyond that of other commercial roofing systems. However, it is still important to have this membrane inspected at least twice per year. A comprehensive examination of the integrity of your roof is crucial to preventing small issues from becoming costly problems further down the road.

When to Schedule Your Duro-Last Roof Inspection

Roof inspections are generally most effective when they are conducted in the spring and fall. As part of a spring inspection, the inspector will evaluate any maintenance tasks that need to be scheduled for completion during the summer months. In the fall, the inspector will go through a comprehensive checklist to ensure the roof is ready to handle the wet and windy weather of the winter season.

However, it should be noted that two inspections per year is the minimum. It’s also important to have your roof inspected for damage following severe storms, hail, heavy rains, and unusually high winds.

Just because you haven’t noticed water coming through to the interior of your building doesn’t mean the roof hasn’t been impaired. With a proper roof inspection, you can have complete peace of mind knowing there’s not unseen water damage occurring in places you can’t easily view.

The Step-By-Step Process of a Duro-Last Roof Inspection

When you hire a certified Duro-Last roofing contractor, like AMW Contracting, to conduct an inspection of your roofing system, you can expect the contractor to perform a thorough evaluation of your roof. Here are the steps the contractor will take to correctly perform the inspection:

Roof walk. First, the contractor will walk the roof looking for environmental contamination, signs of damage, and any forms of debris that should be removed.
Inspection of seams. Next, the contractor will inspect all seams of the roof. As seams are where most leaks tend to occur on any type of roofing system, this is an important step for preventing water damage.
Examination of penetrations. During the inspection, penetrations are to be checked for watertight seals to determine whether re-caulking is necessary.
Marking of deficiencies. Any deficiencies found by the contractor will be marked for repair.
Cleaning of marked areas. Once the deficiencies have been located and marked, they will be cleaned by the contractor and prepared for the repair process.
Repair of deficiencies. The contractor will then conduct needed repairs. All roofing repairs should only be performed by an authorized Duro-Last contractor using Duro-Last materials to preserve your warranty.
Issuing of warranty. Once your inspection is completed by a certified Duro-Last roofing contractor, you’ll be issued one of the best warranties in the industry.

Tips for Maintaining Your Roof Between Inspections

Between inspections by an authorized contractor, be sure to keep your roof free of debris and ensure proper drainage by cleaning gutters, downspouts, scuppers, and the surrounding areas. It is also recommended to incorporate roof washing into your routine maintenance plan to remove biological growth and improve solar reflectivity. Always use a non-sudsing, non-abrasive powdered cleanser, never solvent-based chemicals, to avoid causing unintentional harm to the Duro-Last membrane.

Schedule your roof inspection with a certified Duro-Last contractor today! Give AMW Contracting a call at 904-725-4197 for details about the inspection process and a free estimate.

Roof Replacement in Jacksonville: Why You Should Choose Duro-Last

If you’re in need of a roof replacement for your commercial building, the good news is you have the option of choosing a Duro-Last^® roof. Over a billion and a half square feet of this single-ply roofing membrane have been installed across North America since Duro-Last was first introduced to the market in 1978.

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Read on to discover the many reasons why choosing Duro-Last for your roof replacement is likely the best choice you can make for your facility.

Duro-Last Roofing Systems: Ideal for Roof Replacement

The main thing you need to know about Duro-Last is it’s made of a single-ply PVC membrane. As a result of this reinforced thermoplastic formulation, Duro-Last is particularly resistant to the elements, making it a great option for industrial use on both flat and low-sloped roofs.

However, the secret to Duro-Last’s durability isn’t only in the components of the membrane. Since every Duro-Last roof is custom fabricated in a controlled factory setting, there’s little room for error. When you have your roof prefabricated according to the specific dimensions of your building, you can count on getting a perfect fit that lasts.

Benefits of Picking Duro-Last for Your Upcoming Roof Replacement

Now that you know how Duro-Last roofs are made, let’s examine the advantages of selecting this roofing system for your commercial facility. There are plenty of reasons to go with Duro-Last, so we’ll just hit on a few of the most important ones here.

Durability

We’ve already mentioned that Duro-Last roofs are uniquely suited to withstand the elements. This is mainly thanks to the construction of the membrane and the process of welding the seams in a controlled environment prior to installation.

However, it’s worth pointing out that Duro-Last roofs are made with flame retardants and are less susceptible to harm from fire, grease, and temperature changes than many other commercial roofing systems. As the company has designed their roofs to meet or even exceed national wind and fire code requirements, you can have confidence about using Duro-Last in a location where safety is a major priority.

Cost

Roof replacements can be expensive, so it’s always good for business owners to consider every aspect of this expenditure before choosing to make an investment. One cost-related element to factor into your calculations is the highly reflective property of the white Duro-Last roof membrane.

This quality can reduce your building’s overall expenditures and provide savings on energy bills in virtually all climates. Plus, these roofs are built with longevity in mind. With fewer chances for leaks and punctures, you’re bound to save on repair costs in the long run.

Ease of Installation

If you’re bracing for a conventional roof replacement, you’ll be in for a real surprise when you opt for Duro-Last. Commercial roof replacements are typically dangerous and messy, interrupting normal business operations for weeks at a time.

With Duro-Last, the majority of the work is done at the factory well before the replacement takes place. During the prefabrication process, 85% of membrane seams are welded to prepare for the final procedure of installing the roof. The sections are then delivered to the site for quick and safe assembly.

Peace of Mind

With something as integral to your facility as the roof, you need to know it will always perform as stated. Duro-Last provides one of the best warranties in the industry to ensure building owners and property managers never lose sleep worrying about the integrity of their roofs.

The standard comprehensive warranty lasts for 15 years and provides coverage against any damages that occur due to defects in the Duro-Last membrane. While it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to use this warranty, the peace of mind it provides is priceless.

For your upcoming roof replacement, choose a roofing system that’s built to last. Contact AMW Contracting today at 904-725-4197 for a free estimate from a certified Duro-Last roofing contractor.