Guest Wally Brown is the Senior Commercial Installation Specialist with GAF. With a background in roofing going back decades, Wally knows a thing or two about the industry and the specialized equipment needed to get the job done right in an effective and productive fashion.
Starting just out of high school, Wally began his roofing career as a general laborer. He worked both commercial and residential roofing and moved his way through the business until reaching the level of foreman. After 18 years, Wally went into business for himself for 6 years until injury sidelined him. He has now been happily working with GAF for the last 16 years.
Wally enjoys the teaching involved in his work, paying it forward and teaching the mistakes he has made to the young up-and-coming generation. Wally says he prefers commercial over residential roofing. Not only is it easier on the body, with all of the systems available it allows for the roofer to truly become a craftsman in his field.
Of all the systems he has worked with over the years, Wally says his all-time favorite is single-ply membranes. They have special needs, but with the right knowledge and equipment, they are a fun and easy system to work with.
Installation Equipment.
Referring to those doing larger sized commercial projects, 50 square and up, you need to focus on production. Wally says the equipment you really need to be productive and profitable are:
Heat Gun. Depending on where you are in the U.S., a good heat gun will cost $400 to $600. Yes, they are available cheaper, but you get what you pay for. Equipment is not the place to cut corners.
Screw Gun. When connecting things like single-ply membranes to metal, you really need a low torque RPM screw gun to get the job done effectively.
Robot. With a cost of $7500 to $9000, you have to make sure you get a robot equal to your task and with the durability your business demands.
Power Source. Not all generators are created equal. 10,000 watt should be your absolute minimum. You can run some of the equipment on less, but to run everything effectively and not risk the occurrence of cold welds, 10,000 watt is your starting point. Wally recommends one with a good engine, like a Honda or Tecumseh. Though 20-30% more, they offer a more stable energy source and will last up to twice as long as their less expensive competition.
Cords. Manufacturers specific sized cords to be used with their equipment. Don’t grab a 12-gauge extension cord and cut off the ends. Invest in that 10/3 cord the manufacturer recommended. Not only will you avoid the OSHA violation, your equipment will last longer, and you will get better overall results.
Rhino Bond. Though not necessarily a requirement, depending on the type and size of project, Rhino Bond may be an excellent investment to consider. Like a convection oven, it allows for immediate heating. The membrane is welded directly to the Rhino Bond plate. Best used in projects over 150 square in scope.
Accutrack. Reduces labor costs and body fatigue. The biggest problem is the crew that doesn’t want to learn the new equipment. If you can save labor, you will pay for the cost of the equipment over time. There are other manufacturers including Milwaukee, as well as others. Accutrack will send out a representative to train your crew at no charge to you.
Tear-Off Equipment
A big tear off has special equipment requirements.
Vacuum. If that big job requires gravel removal or pieces of EPDM, invest in a vacuum or vacuum service rather than the labor-intensive shovel method. Wally estimates on 200 square, you could save $10,000 or more in your labor costs by using a vacuum.
Distribution. On a large job, work with your partners to help get materials distributed. Ask the General Contractor to use his crane to lift the materials up, for example.
Four Wheeler or Power Cart. Particularly if weight is a concern, be certain to assess the interior of the building and ensure the building is sufficient to support the weight of the equipment, as well as the materials involved.
Power Roof Cutters/Spuds. These are expensive but compared to removing the roof with an axe and tear-off bar, you will absolutely find the labor savings will make the difference.
Safety
T-Rex/Raptor. This is a large piece of equipment that provides multiple hook on locations to protect the roofer. An OSHA fine or lawsuit is much more expensive to contemplate.
Protective Barricades. Connecting to the roofing structure with U-clamps and using 2x4s or other material, this barricade prevents a fall from the edge of the roof.
Catch-22
Do you buy the equipment before you sell the job or do you wait until the job is signed, then try to buy? That’s the decision each commercial roofing business faces. If you build a partial cost into each job, you can pay for the equipment right out of the projects themselves. Some locations even offer the ability to rent the equipment.
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