Consulting the Roofers in Dallas TX: Roofing Projects and the Related IAQ Concerns

Roofing projects are quite complex where the contractors and roofing companies have to take into consideration a number of factors:

• They have to make sure that they provide a reliable and cost effective solution.
• They have to make sure that the project is completed with finesse which improves the overall look of the building.
• They have to make sure that they complete the project on the agreed deadline.

And that’s not all. There is another important consideration, which is often communicated as a customer concern:
Maintaining the indoor air quality during the execution of a project.
As roofers in Dallas, TX who have been providing services for more than 25 years, we have seen numerous cases where building occupants complain about hazardous air emissions during a roofing project. These air emissions disrupt the indoor air quality (IAQ) which:

• Affects the health of an individual
• Causes delay in the completion of the project, as the progress has to be stopped until a solution can be sought.

To signify the extent, IAQ concerns can have on a roofing project, we would like to share a reported incident with all our readers.
In May 2006, a roof replacement project was going on in a highway plaza, where travelers used to stop-by to have some rest and food during their tiring journeys. The nature of the project involved the application of resin coat. Initially everything was fine but then employees of the plaza started complaining about issues such as headaches, dizziness and burning eyes. The working environment became unbearable and unfortunately the plaza had to be closed for two days. Customers also reported concerns about the quality of food which was being sold at the plaza and the exposed items had to be discarded. It had a negative impact on the operations and reputation of the plaza, plus, financial losses in the form of discarded food and disgruntled customers were also incurred.
All this could have been avoided if planning was done in advance and necessary precautions were taken. As such roofers and all the people related with a roofing project should ensure that necessary steps are taken to avoid any such inconvenience. How it can be done? Let’s explore.

Which Type of Roofing Projects are Most Commonly Associated with IAQ Problems?

This is the first thing you should know. Because if roofers and building occupants know which roofing projects are most likely to cause significant IAQ problems, they can prepare for it in advance before the start of the project. The two most common roofing project examples include:

• Roofing projects which involve low slope hot tar roofs. Utilization of hot tar and coal tar pitch is extensively exercised in these projects and the hot tar kettle produces fumes which can be a cause of significant disruption for IAQ.
• Roofing projects which involve rubber roofs. The adhesives which are used during these projects contain high content of volatile organic chemicals, the inhalation of which is hazardous to health.

If you are a homeowner or looks after the management of a residential or commercial building, consult a company which provides roofers in Dallas, TX. Ask them that whether the specific project will impact the building’s IAQ and to what extent.
If you work for a company which provides roofers in Dallas, TX and is involved in such a project – call in a consultancy meeting of experienced professionals. Discuss how the project should be planned and executed and how to facilitate the customers with their queries.

Answering Questions of Customers Related to IAQ

This section has been entirely dedicated for the homeowners and aims to facilitate their health concerns regarding the IAQ challenges which roofing projects present.

Question #1: If you can smell roof tar odors during a roofing project, does it imply over exposure?

Smelling roof tar odors does imply that you are being exposed to chemicals but the concentration of chemicals in roofing products is low. Therefore, you are not being overexposed. However, if you feel you are being too much affected with the roof tar odor, immediately report to the team of roofers in Dallas, TX which is working on the project. Consult a health practitioner if the experienced symptoms do not improve.

Question #2: In which cases should you exercise extreme precautions?

If you are a patient of asthma, bronchitis or any other respiratory disorder, it is advisable to temporarily move to another location until the project is completed.

Question #3: Can exposure to VOCs and roof tar result in a chronic health problem?

The products which are utilized in roofing projects do not contain dangerous levels of VOCs and harmful chemicals. As such, the exposure should not have any significant affect on your long term health. However, if you are working for a company which provides roofers in Dallas, TX or work in the chemical manufacturing industry – the on-work exposure may have harmful effects on your health.

How to Maintain IAQ Standards During Roofing Projects?

There are number of precautions which you can exercise—both as a homeowner and a professional—to maintain IAQ standards during a roofing project. These include:

Go For Alternative Solutions

There are plenty of self adhering membrane products available in the market which can be utilized as an alternative to chemicals and coatings that produce significant levels of air emission. Consult a reliable company which provides certified roofers in Dallas, TX on the use and availability of such products.

Maintain Regular Communication Channels

Customers and roofers should maintain a bi level communication from the point of project planning to project execution.
If you are a homeowner, ask roofers in Dallas, TX who are working on the project, about how long the project would take to be completed, what will be their working schedule and what type of health effects you might experience.
If you are the one who is working on the project, instruct your clients about what precautions they can take to ensure that IAQ is maintained. Keep them updated with the progress of the project and ask them whether they are having any health issues while the project is ongoing.

Planning the Execution Process

As roofers in Dallas, TX, when undertaking a roofing project, you need to plan the execution process in a way which won’t affect the IAQ of the building while also ensuring that the progress of the project is not hampered. You can try following practices:

• Avoiding placing the materials close to fresh air intakes and ventilation system of the building.
• Plan your schedule in a way to ensure that maximum work is done while the building is unoccupied during different hours of a day.
• Instruct the building owners and occupants to close all the operable windows and operate air conditioners on the re-circulation mode.

Roofing projects should be executed on the principles of cost-effectiveness, quality solution and safety. If you are looking for a company which provides certified roofers in Dallas, TX, contact us here.