A Bittersweet Changing of The Guard. When you have had a valued and talented father and son team that has overseen your manufacturing plant you count yourself as fortunate. In late 2021 our Los Angeles plant manager, Armando Patino, was facing retirement due to health concerns. As Armando worked to share his knowledge of producing […]
Greg Hlavaty, along with Hal Leland, discuss the importance of choosing the right partner for your roof. This article is derived from a podcast on a different topic and this question got asked. Please read and enjoy in its original conversational form. How do you find a contractor and start that relationship? GH Well, […]
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 them, (primarily reflective coatings), that […]
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 and the reflectivity of the […]
Western Colloid is proud to have such a dedicated team. Our customer support is legendary, and our team fits beautifully with our company culture. We want to acknowledge the people that take our great products and become valued partners with our customers. Getting to know these talented individuals helps explain the secret to our success. […]
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. The Roof is Not Ready. […]
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 in the roof coating industry, […]
Western Colloid’s #298 Asphalt Emulsion is an unlikely hero in roof restorations. It saves countless roof removals from the landfills and it does it in the most economical way. More owners are seeking environmentally friendly roof systems that are cost-conscious and will perform for many years. Western Colloid’s asphalt emulsion-based system is very kind to […]
Western Colloid is proud to have such a dedicated and talented team in the field. Our customer support is legendary, and our team fits beautifully with our company culture. These are the people that take our great products and become valued partners with our customers. Getting to know these talented individuals helps explain the secret […]
Western Colloid is proud to have such a dedicated team. Our customer support is legendary, and our team fits beautifully with our company culture. We think of ourselves as a roofing manufacturer with the soul of a contractor. These are the people that take our great products and become valued partners with our customers. Getting […]
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 up old rags and made […]
Western Colloid is proud to have such a dedicated team. Our customer support is legendary, and our team fits beautifully with our company culture. We think of ourselves as a roofing manufacturer with the soul of a contractor. These are the people that take our great products and become valued partners with our customers. Getting […]
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 however, if that water shows […]
Western Colloid is proud to have such a dedicated team. Our customer support is legendary, and our team fits beautifully with our company culture. We think of ourselves as a roofing manufacturer with the soul of a contractor. These are the people that take our great products and become valued partners with our customers. We […]
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 building is not occupied or […]
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 because rarely is an entire […]
Each day we can follow a roofing project that is installing another layer of protection and reconditioning an existing Western Colloid system. Our founder, Larry Widmer began applying coatings and fluid applied systems in the 1960’s. Throughout the West notable companies like Boeing, Weyerhaeuser, Fred Meyers, TRW, Certified Grocers, Payless, Thrifty Drug and others received […]
Western Colloid is proud to have such a dedicated team. Our customer support is legendary, and our team fits beautifully with our company culture. We think of ourselves as a roofing manufacturer with the soul of a contractor. These are the people that take our great products and become valued partners with our customers. We […]
Western Colloid is proud of the quality of the products we manufacture. We adhere to the strictest standards to produce coatings to meet and exceed the requirements expected in today’s products. We are so fortunate to have a real industry expert working on our behalf. Introducing Hal Leland with some background, testing, and the importance […]
Let’s look past the obvious networking benefits belonging to a trade association can give you and let’s look at it from your and our point of view. With Western Colloid association membership and support go much deeper. We strongly believe all our livelihoods depends on good practices, good laws, and the right kind of product […]
The argument for providing a roof maintenance program for your customers. There was a sales pamphlet offered years ago to a homeowner that said, “We want to be your friendly neighborhood roofer”. Much like the dry cleaner, butcher, or barber, it was a smart tactic. Don’t you want to do business with people you trust? […]
To efficiently install a commercial roofing project, it’s important to “Prioritize the Prep.” Many view preparing a roof for installation as tedious, however scraping and covering equipment and skylights as well as masking off a parapet wall is essential. Roofers Are Anxious to Get Roofing, Quality Roofers Prep First When asked about preparation, Chris Ford […]
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 and a checklist. Keep track […]
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 roof – ask yourself, is […]
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 for heating and cooling your […]
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 as an investment that will […]
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 developed a variety of organic, […]
Questions about management styles that building owners and managers should be asking themselves. Roofs are often a building owner’s biggest expense. They require a continuous care plan, with statistics showing that roof maintenance saves money both in the short and long term. What building owners may not know is that your building management style can […]
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 can affect a roofs water-shedding […]
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 work in. When weather conditions […]
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 truly need and finding new […]
LEARN HOW ONE CONTRACTOR SAVED $11,000 ON MATERIAL ALONE WITH JUST A SINGLE PRODUCT CHANGE, NOT TO MENTION THE LABOR SAVINGS. As Western Colloid’s senior field tech and trainer, Tim Ford spends a lot of time with contractors of all sizes, helping their crews learn how to perform quality installations that result in a long-lasting […]
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 48-72 hours or more, and […]
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. However, you will need the […]
In need of some commercial roofing help? It’s important to find someone who is not only in budget, but who knows how to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Here are 4 tips for hiring the right roofing contractor! 1. Do your homework First, it’s important for you to do a bit of […]
This commercial roof in Illinois had a lot of unique challenges! Here’s what we did for this historic United Methodist Grace Church in Salem, Illinois. Obstacles to Overcome The United Methodist Grace Church needed to be re-roofed. However, it was anything but a straightforward project! Here are the five main challenges that had to […]
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 and uncover any issues while […]
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 to a recent article by […]
Western Colloid has been known for almost 50 years as one of the best commercial roofing manufacturers. In fact, we are a leader in Fluid Applied Roofing, Reflective Coating Systems, and Premium Asphalt Sealcoats. Our founder began applying coatings and fluid-applied systems in the 1960s. Companies like Boeing, Weyerhaeuser, Fred Meyers, TRW, Certified […]
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 warrantied roof systems are easily […]
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! Company Overview First, our very […]
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. First, severe weather might have […]
When the Frito-Lay corporate headquarters needed a new commercial roof in Texas we were more than happy to help! Read on to see what services we provided this global company. Problems of Original Roof To begin, the company’s original roof was about 32 years old. It was a concrete deck with 2.5 inches of rigid […]
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 a type of thermoplastic roof. […]
Are you a contractor looking to perfect your skills or add some new ones? If so, here are some tips for applying asphalt emulsion-based coating systems! Tips for getting started First of all, a roof is a big investment. And a roof replacement used to be your only option at the end of a […]
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient, green roof system, read on to learn more about FARR! Why choose a green roof system? Cool, green, and solar systems are good for many reasons. First, they help the environment. Second, they help with energy costs. Thirds, they help with insulation qualities to maintain temperatures inside the […]
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 were not correct for this […]
We’re a leader in commercial roofing systems. However, we’re a leader in pavement maintenance, too! In fact, it’s because of our emulsion tech experience that we can create asphalt seal coats and pavement maintenance systems known as Armor Top. Armor Top is made of non-chemically treated ingredients to create the greenest, eco-conscious pavement protection […]
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 a very durable acrylic coating. […]
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 was to tear off the […]
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 upcoming project for free as […]
Not all roofing contractor training is created equally! For over 45 years we have been helping contractors build their businesses using our superior roof coating systems. What can you and your team expect from our training program? Here’s a quick look: A personalized experience We work hand in hand with each contractor to determine […]
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 parts that may or may […]
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 on top of each other, […]
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 contractors who know your roof […]
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 protecting your investment and preventing […]
Your commercial building is constantly at war, fighting against the elements to keep your tenants and building occupants warm, dry and safe. Maintaining the components of your building envelope like the roof, windows and facade is an ongoing process, and you want to know that you’ve maximized your installation and maintenance costs before you start […]
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.
If you’re looking for commercial roof repair solutions, it can be overwhelming to know which path to take, so we thought we’d walk through when your best option is to go with a skilled contractor or roofing manufacturer and when you need to consider the services of a qualified roofing consultant.
With so many spaces empty, now is the time for building owners to take advantage and schedule building maintenance and upgrades efficiently. From installing energy-efficient HVAC units to completing a commercial roof assessment, there are probably many tasks on your to-do list, and now is the time to get them done quickly.
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.
In the current economic climate, it’s likely that we’re going to see a lot of shifts in the commercial real estate market in the upcoming year. As portfolios consolidate and others expand, a lot of properties will be changing hands. If you’re looking at selling a commercial building, you want to know you’re going to get the best return for your investment.
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 and repair, but they also […]
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 make sure their building is […]
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 that we often don’t think […]
While wear and tear is a normal part of a building’s lifespan, a proactive inspection and maintenance program helps identify aging building materials and potential deficiencies. Without these kinds of programs, failing components of the building envelope can lead to water intrusion, mold growth and structural damage. When that happens, your commercial building’s budget goes, often quite literally, through the roof.
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.
As the third-largest state in the United States, California covers a vast geographic area and enjoys varied weather and climates. From high altitudes to the desert, foggy coastlines to endless sunshine and everything in between, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to building materials in California. Building owners and operators in California need […]
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 Elastic cement is an elastomeric compound that can be used as a seal at the intersection of the different elements of your roof system and it will keep the water out. It is designed to be especially flexible so it will absorb the movement of your building, and it is also used as patching […]
Source Let’s talk about what ages a roof. On its own, the materials that make up commercial roofing systems are extremely durable. Without outside forces, the components of a commercial roof are meant to last decades. So, what are the reasons roofs degrade? Water. This is the big one. Whether precipitation, leaks from rooftop equipment […]
Source Maintaining a building is an ongoing and cost-intensive process. With so many integrated systems — from your building envelope to your heating and cooling system, from the front door to the roof — keeping your building in good repair can be complex. In addition, today’s property managers and building owners are increasingly looking for […]
Source Over the last twenty years, solar panel technology has improved significantly and become more cost-effective. Coupled with rising energy costs, green energy incentives and an increasing number of municipal ordinances, many building owners and operators have performed solar retrofitting on their facility, with great success. Out of Sync Modern solar panels are designed to […]
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 protected, no matter what the […]
Source A building is a major investment that needs ongoing maintenance to keep it in good repair and keep your tenants happy. But even the most effective and proactive maintenance program can’t prevent the need to replace the components of your building envelope as they reach the end of their usable life, including your roof. […]
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 them for decades. They provide […]
Source : https://westerncolloid.com/farr-systems/ A roof system is complex. Along with insulation and cover board, you’ll find one or many plys that make up the roof itself. Many times, as that first roof ages and degrades, contractors will install a second roof over the first, rather than having the property owner take on the expense and […]
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 contractors to find the source […]
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 caused $2.3 billion in property […]
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 investment, that is, all the […]
Your roof is one of your building’s biggest investments and also one of the most critical components in the building envelope. Making sure it’s waterproof and actively dealing with cracks and damage will protect your building systems for decades, but eventually, you’ll probably need to do a full roof replacement. But a roof replacement doesn’t […]
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 multi-residential or commercial building. One […]
If you own or operate a commercial property, your building is probably the biggest investment you’ve made for your business. Annual inspection and maintenance are critical to keeping your building envelope in good repair, especially your roof. A good roof inspection program will save you money in the long term, but eventually, even the best-maintained […]
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 organizations in the city for […]
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 compatible with most other roofing […]
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 your building is in more […]
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 Gravel Roof? Do you have […]
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 for your building. Your foam […]
If you own or manage a commercial property, you know how much goes into the maintenance of your roofing system and how costly any repair or replacement can be. But your roof is an integral part of the health of your building, so when repairs or replacement becomes necessary, it’s important to ensure it’s done […]
By Greg Hlavaty, President Western Colloid. ElastaHyde QS – Quick Set formulation aids in the application of fluid applied roof systems when met with unexpected damp, wet or rainy weather. Although fluid applied roof systems have been enjoying immense popularity in the past few years there are still conditions that make installation a challenge, namely […]
