ARTICLES FOR CONTRACTORS

Water pooling on a flat or low-slope commercial roof is more than a nuisance — it accelerates deterioration, adds structural load, and can lead to costly damage if left unaddressed. Western Colloid’s #298X Asphalt Emulsion Pond Filler & Sloping Compound offers a practical, lightweight solution for eliminating ponding water and

When it comes to commercial buildings, roofing and HVAC systems are more connected than many building owners realize. Rooftop HVAC units don’t just sit on your roof—they interact with it every day. That creates an accidental partnership between roofing contractors and HVAC technicians, one that requires coordination, planning, and ongoing maintenance to

Treating Fluid-Applied Roof Systems as Membranes: A Practical Approach to Modern Waterproofing Introduction Fluid-applied roof systems have become a go-to solution in modern roofing and waterproofing—and for good reason. They’re seamless, durable, and adaptable to a wide range of building conditions. While they’re often compared to traditional membrane systems, there’s

The State of California, who kind of leads the pack for the whole nation in energy laws and requirements for buildings, started testing roofs in early 2000. They started monitoring buildings with reflective roofs and non-reflective roofs. And what they found after following these buildings that had reflective surfaces on

Cool reflective roofs primarily do two good things, they increase solar reflectance and emittance.  This extends the life of the roof and lowers Peak Energy Demand. Energy efficiency is key, and that’s a hot topic these days with energy crisis and energy issues worldwide. But it’s also the energy efficiency

Thinking all coatings are the same.  Different products have different application methods, tools, handling and set up times.  Treat each different product line as its own animal.  Western Colloid’s systems are different (easier) than the rest and if you follow our lead, we can be a profitable and hassle-free solution.

We have often seen acronyms and numbers on roofing products for submittals but what and who do these acronyms represent? That can be easily answered with some history of roofing products, specifically liquid or fluid applied roof coating systems. In the past one of the things that has been overlooked

Have you ever wondered why they installed them? Then, how to restore them? Let’s go back to the earliest forms of roofing in the early 1900’s with “built up” roofing.  Which consisted of melted asphalt, and they will put it on a roof with layers of reinforcement, (felt). They chopped

Why ANY standing or ponding water matters Detecting ponding water is the number one reason to inspect your roof in any season. It may be easy to ignore standing water on your roof. Assumptions could lead any commercial building owner to believe that water could be from a recent storm

Understanding commercial roof hail damage remediation and using fluid applied reinforced roofing as a remedy to prevent future hail damage.  Have you ever asked yourself “How do you go about identifying whether you have hail damage on a commercial roof?”  First, you must know you’ve a hail event. If a

How can you apply a Fluid Applied Roof System on a roof surface if you don’t know if there is roof deck damage underneath? This is a common question by consultants, building owners and contractors. The common practice is to always tear the entire roof off but that is wasteful

At long last. It’s time to celebrate the recognition that roof coatings make amazing roof systems and retire the misconception that coatings are for a quick fix. Roof coatings have long been thought of as patch and repair ‘band-aide” products.  Leaving the commercial roof system demands to the familiar; Built-Up

Use this as your guide to keeping your roof warranty protected. When you selected your commercial roofing system, you likely chose one with a solid warranty. Having a warranty covers your roof for many things, such as defects or premature aging. But have you thought about what could potentially void

Western Colloid knows the way to increase your roof’s lifespan and it’s with an effective maintenance plan. Let’s guide you through it. Finding out what your existing roof’s warranty requires in order to keep the warranty in good standing is a great starting point. Next create both a maintenance schedule

Keys to a Successful Coatings Installation Interested in learning more about fluid applied roofing? Read this eBook and learn the preferred equipment and methods to use. Western Colloid provides invaluable insight in how to use coatings to provide a superior roof to your clients while saving money on labor, products

Over the last 20 years, solar panel technology has significantly improved and become more cost-effective. Coupled with rising energy costs, green energy incentives and an increasing number of municipal ordinances, building owners and operators have performed solar retrofitting on their facilities with great success. Before considering planning for a solar

You’ve heard about the benefits of a cool roof. So why wait to replace your current roof, when you can install a cool roof and enjoy the benefits now? The cost of upgrading or restoring your roof with an insulating, reflective roof system will be offset by the cost reduction

Many simply coax their roof along until it absolutely must be replaced, however, there are better solutions to choose in order to avoid serious roof repair or failure. Roofers Can Renew, Restore and Recondition Roofs In the Process of Making Repairs? Since most repairs prolong the inevitable, begin treating repairs

Where Roofing Products Began Sophisticated protective coatings development appeared to have begun in the latter half of the 17th century when a German chemist found a way to use the stickiness of coal tar as a protective coating on woods and ropes. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, scientists

How understanding the environment helps you make the right decisions for your property’s roof. More than any other component of a building, roofs are exposed to damaging environmental elements such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, harsh weather conditions and significant temperature changes. These conditions leave roofing materials subject to deterioration that

A Great Way to Keep Working in the Winter and Spring The winter and spring months bring along their own unique challenges for roofers and their clients. The biggest challenge is the weather. Cold temperatures, snow, rain and storms are among some of the most difficult and dangerous conditions to

  How Western Colloid can be your secret weapon in supply chain shortages For almost three years now, a trip to the grocery store means running the risk of an item being out of stock. Amid these trying times, we all have had to adjust, going without things that we

Assumptions can lead any commercial building owner into believing that excess water on your roof could be from a recent storm however, it doesn’t have to be storm season for it to appear. Air Conditioning units and other roof equipment can cause ponding water, water remaining on a roof for

As a manufacturer of quality commercial roof products with decades in the industry, here are some of the questions we see the most: Do I need special equipment to install Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) Systems? Luckily, you don’t need any special equipment to install our FARR commercial roof products.

The worst time to deal with commercial roof winter problems? In the winter! Here are six things you can do now to avoid them.   1. Perform a roof inspection Roof repair is harder during the winter. That’s why fall is the perfect time to do a proactive roof inspection

If you’re in the market for a commercial roof in Phoenix, now is the perfect time to make the investment. Phoenix currently leads the nation in industrial space construction, so this is one way to stay competitive with newer buildings!   Phoenix leads U.S. in industrial space under construction According

We’ve been manufacturing products for refurbished and new commercial roof projects for almost 50 years. And we stand by every product we make. Here’s a look at our warranty information—and why you shouldn’t need to use it!   Great Roof Systems, Great ROI First, you’ll find that most of our

It’s the quality of Western Colloid products that have helped make us a roofing industry leader. We take pride in what we do and only make the best products possible. To learn more about our Fluid Applied Roofing, Reflective Coating Systems, and Premium Asphalt Sealcoats, watch these videos! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reoqzKpdr2M Company

Whether a severe summer storm came through your town or an aging roof finally gave out, sometimes you need a quick waterproofing solution! Keep this one in mind in case you need it later:   Roof Damage You may find yourself in need of waterproofing for a number of reasons.

There are a lot of factors when deciding between single-ply roofs (like TPO and PVC) and reinforced coating systems. Luckily, we have decades of experience under our belts and are happy to walk you through the pros and cons of each!   TPO Roofing Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) single-ply roofs are

This warehouse had a failing one-year-old roof. So they needed a new commercial roof in Arizona — fast! And we were happy to help them.   Incorrect products caused leaks This failing warehouse roof was metal with acrylic coating. First of all, the application was poor. However, the products used

What is FARR? It stands for Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing, and it’s one of the best leak-free commercial roofing products out there!   Seamless, tough, flexible Western Colloid’s FARR systems are lightweight yet tough. Thanks to layers of waterproof asphalt emulsion and tough polyester fabric they can be surfaced with

When Pacific Dental Services was looking to repair their commercial roof in California, we had just the solution.   The Problem Located in Irvine, California, Pacific Dental Services found themselves with over 100 leaks in their 124,000 square foot roof. In fact, the building owners thought that their only option

What do we look for during a free commercial roofing inspection? A lot! With over 45 years of experience, we know what kind of problems might arise in your current commercial healthcare, manufacturing, or retail roof or long before they happen. In addition, we’re happy to consult on your next

We’re known across the country as a top commercial roofing manufacturer. How do we do it? In part by sticking to standards that meet and exceed the requirements expected in today’s products. An FM Approved roof means you get a tested roof assembly, not just a collection of products and

Looking for the best roofing manufacturer to meet your needs? There is a lot to consider! Whether you’re a contractor, property manager, or building owner, here are our top four things to look for when you have commercial roofing needs. 1. Look at Past Experience There’s something to be said

When it comes to maintaining your roof, roof coatings are an effective way to maximize your investment. They can be applied quickly on top of your existing roof system, limiting the disruption to tenants and occupants. And where many building codes limit the number of full roofs you can install

When it comes to roof coating repair, the steps to fixing a damaged roof coating will depend on the type of coating, its age and the extent of the damage.  Commercial roof repair is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is important to educate yourself and make sure you choose competent

Not all roofing materials brands are created equal, but odds are good if you ask a building owner which roofing manufacturer their contractor used for their last job, they’re going to shrug and say something like, “I don’t know. It’s a roof.” A new roof is a big investment, and

Source  Your roof goes through a lot: wind, rain, ice, sun. Year after year, it keeps your building and its occupants safe. And while you hope it will last a long time, severe weather like hail and hurricanes can cause roof damage. Repairing roof damage quickly is the key to

Have a commercial roof? You may be asking yourself: which is better for ponding water: acrylic roof coatings or silicone? We talk a lot about maintaining and repairing with the aim of keeping water out. And with good reason. Leaks can cause water damage, mold growth, failing insulation, and damaged

Now more than ever, healthcare workers need to know the hospitals and long-term care facilities they work in are in good shape. With emergency rooms and intensive care units at capacity in most states, nothing could be more disruptive than relocating sick patients to deal with urgent building repair. Proactive inspections — including commercial roof maintenance checks — should be part of any conscientious building manager’s operations. As the U.S. continues to fight against COVID-19 outbreaks, these checks are especially necessary for healthcare buildings. 

A comprehensive roof inspection program will help you identify potential issues before they become expensive problems. A neglected roof can mean damaged membranes, moldy insulation and even structural damage. When that happens, you may have no other option but a disruptive and costly full tear-off and replace to remediate the mess.

But if you’re proactive, modern roofing solutions are available that will help you extend the life of your roof — and protect your wallet. Roof coating products can last for decades and will keep your building safe from unwanted leaks and damage.

The business of owning and managing commercial real estate is an expensive one. Buildings are exposed to continuous weather wear and tear, with building envelope systems both slowly degrading over time and potentially experiencing severe damage in extreme weather. Owners not only need to budget appropriately for ongoing preventative maintenance

Healthcare is on the front page of every newspaper and media website these days — and with good reason. While we’re all worried about the frontline workers and making sure they have the supplies they need to do their jobs effectively, hospitals and assisted living facility administrators also need to

For building owners and operators, energy efficiency is, increasingly, the name of the game. From high-performance insulation to energy-efficient windows and lighting, there are all sorts of products on the market to help you keep your utility bills down. But what about your roof? Out of sight/out of mind means

With your roof so often out of sight and out of mind, it’s easy to ignore it until a problem occurs. But structural damage and mold growth caused by a leaky roof cannot be ignored and can be very expensive to fix. If you’re looking to update your commercial roof in Colorado, you may need to have some special considerations when choosing a solution. 

For building owners and operators looking to update a commercial roof in Nevada, key factors to consider are weather and energy efficiency. With hot summers and cooler winters, a commercial building in Nevada needs a durable roof system that stands up to thermal shock or temperature extremes and helps manage the energy demand on the building.  

Source  As much as we like to joke about it, winter really is coming. It’s inevitable, but it doesn’t have to make life as a building owner difficult. With a little preparation, you can go into the winter months knowing your roof is in good repair and your building is

Source There are more roof systems on the market than you may be aware of. When many people think of a new roof for a commercial building, they picture a built-up roof (BUR) system and smelly bubbling tar pots.  But alternative products have been available for a while; some of

Source Water damage is one of the biggest problems in building management. Water intrusion can cause mold growth, poor indoor air quality or even structural damage if it goes unchecked.  But fixing water damage isn’t as simple as replacing damaged ceiling tiles and moving on. Building operators must work with

Although it may not be as common as snow or rain, hail is incredibly dangerous and can be far more expensive to property owners than other precipitation. Hail contributes to over $10 billion in property damage every year in the United States. A single hail storm in Denver in 2017

Let’s face it. If your business operates out of an industrial building, then you’re either in the business of making something, storing it, distributing it or some combination of those three. You probably didn’t expect to be in the building maintenance business, too. But if you want to protect your

Keeping your roof in good repair is a critical element of maintaining your building. And after decades of holding back wind, rain, snow, hail and damaging UV rays, you’ll need to eventually replace your roof, which can often be a complex and time-consuming project if you own or manage a

2018 was a busy year for green initiatives in Denver. After months of debate, the city council agreed to a modified version of Initiative 300. This Green Roof Ordinance originally required affected buildings to incorporate green roofs into their plans and was loudly opposed by a number of parties and

If you’re looking for a strong, waterproof and long-lasting architectural roof coating system, an asphalt emulsion based coating system is a great option. Not only will it extend the longevity of your roof, but it can also easily be applied to a number of existing roof systems. Plus, they are

Source Repairing or replacing a leaky roof on a commercial building can end up being one of the more costly aspects of owning or managing a commercial property. Ensuring you are taking the right steps to properly repair the roof will save you both time and money – especially if

Is it time to update your gravel roof? It might be! Gravel roofs are long-lasting and UV and impact-resistant, making them great choices for areas prone to hail and rough weather. However, they do need regular inspection and maintenance to last longer and prevent water leaks.    What Is a

Foam roofs are commonly used in many commercial, industrial and institutional flat roof settings. They do require some ongoing maintenance but the benefit is that they provide an additional layer of insulation. Plus, certain foam roof products are even ENERGY STAR®-rated, which can help reduce ongoing heating and cooling costs

Colloid Definition: A type of homogeneous mixture in which the dispersed particles do not settle out. Examples of colloids include: butter, milk, smoke, fog, ink, paint, ElastaHyde. Ever wonder how Western Colloid got its name?  It was named after the pride of manufacturing a truly superior product.  The actual Colloid

The longevity and resilience of our products prove that the technology delivers superior performance. Let’s face it, this industry is slow to adopt. What we have been manufacturing and promoting for 45 years is now on the forefront of new technology.  We feel like the actor that has been pounding

Western Colloid is a pioneer and innovator of asphalt emulsion and acrylic based roof systems that are eco-friendly and can be applied over many existing roofs. Roof coatings have been thought of for many years as temporary fixes, or a way to squeeze a few more years out of an

At Western Colloid 40 years of manufacturing superior roof systems has put us on thousands of roofing projects.  We have seen the difference a maintenance program can make on the life of your roof. Download our 5 Maintenance Recommendations For Preserving The Service Life Of Your Low Slope Or Commercial