• Independent Consulting
• Laboratory Analysis
• Infrared Imaging
• Specification and Design Services
• Construction Administration
• Observation Services
• Technical Evaluations
• CAD Services

Independent Consulting

Roof Spec Incorporated (RSI) is an independent engineering firm specializing in commercial roofing. Our services include consulting in the design, review and evaluation of commercial roof systems.

As an independent firm, RSI is not affiliated with, nor do we have any obligations to, contractors or manufacturers.

The only thing we sell is our expertise.

Our job is to deliver unbiased evaluations and counsel you, our client. Our engineering and field support staff have extensive hands - on roofing experience and knowledge. This expertise ensures the services you receive are timely, accurate and delivered to meet the highest professional standards.

• Consulting in roof system materials, design and applications.
• Identification of deficiencies in existing roof systems.
• Evaluation programs that project the remaining service life of existing roof systems.
• Design and specifications of new roof systems.
• Construction administration and observation services during new or replacement installations.
• Laboratory analysis of existing or new installations.
• Infrared thermography for the detection of moisture within an existing roof system.

Laboratory Analysis

RSI's years of experience with new and old technology - in a vast collection of environments and installations - puts RSI in an excellent position to evaluate new and existing roof systems.

Using ASTM procedures, RSI can take and analyze a test cut of a roof membrane. This sampling procedure provides valuable information that helps establish or add to a database on a roof assembly.

On new installations, test cuts and laboratory analysis provide assurance that the proper materials were installed in the correct sequence and under conditions appropriate for a successful total system. This analysis forms a baseline from which the new roof assembly can be tracked and evaluated.

On existing membrane systems, test cuts and laboratory analysis help detect the cause of specific problems. They play an important role in evaluating the condition of an existing roof membrane and determining the best corrective actions.

Laboratory analysis procedures, on new or existing systems, identify the:

• Current quality and quantity of bitumen in place
• Presence of moisture at the time of installation
• Occurrence of premature cooling during installation
• Use of sufficient felting material at the time of application
• Entrapment of air or gas
• Other conditions that could affect the performance of the completed assembly

Infrared Imaging

Infrared imaging uses thermograms or "pictures" to show variations in temperature. RSI uses infrared pictures to produce a thermal pattern that is easy to see and understand. Wet roof insulation gives off heat, but a dry roof shows up as cold. This technology allows RSI's certified thermographers to easily locate problem areas, accurately determining the source of a problem by identifying heat losses or the presence of moisture.

This system helps locate and define small problems before they become big and expensive. During the bidding process, infrared pictures help ensure accurate, competitive bids by providing bidders with consistent information.

In addition to roofing problems, infrared imaging is available to RSI's clients needing to perform electrical and mechanical equipment inspections, locate underground steam and water lines, check the integrity of heating and cooling coils, and identify moisture infiltration in walls.

RSI's specification and design services begin when RSI, considering the building's anticipated use and structure, determines the roof system most appropriate for the building. We then develop the drawings and specifications necessary for that system.

Before bid solicitation, we prequalify prospective contractors based on their experience with the specified assembly.

Pre-bid meetings are conducted to familiarize each contractor with the required quality control procedures and the system's specifications. This process reduces bid discrepancies and ensures the client receives accurate, competitive bids.

Finally, RSI's personnel help the building owner review all bids to ensure they are complete and appropriate.

Construction Administration

RSI's construction administration services begin after the bid is awarded. RSI then conducts a preconstruction conference to familiarize all team members with their respective roles including scheduling, cleanup and construction schedule. Permits and pertinent codes are discussed to ensure they are obtained and followed. This team approach allows the work to proceed smoothly.

Throughout the project, RSI's project manager coordinates contract activities in the owner's best interest. This includes assisting in scheduling the trades so work is performed with minimum interruption or undue risks to the owner's operation. It also includes monitoring quality, ensuring the contractor provides supervision and labor appropriate to the job, and adhering, as realistically as possible, to the construction schedule.

Observation Services

When the client authorizes, RSI also conducts special observations or testing to document:

• Quality of construction
• Use of proper installation techniques
• Conformance to specifications
• Proper material storage
• Adequate labor and progress
• Damage prevention procedures
• Proper daily cleanup.

Technical Evaluations

Building owners, managers and facility operators assume responsibility for thousands of square feet of existing roof area. Too often, they have little or no background on the age, type and/or condition of the roof assembly.

RSI has developed a unique "In-place System Evaluation" to help identify the roof's condition and project its remaining life. Using this information, RSI proposes maintenance procedures that can be incorporated cost effectively. It also helps identify which roof systems will not benefit from maintenance and should be budgeted for replacement.

This evaluation procedure produces:

• Prioritization of in-place roofs
• Evaluations reflecting the current condition of each roof section
• Budget projections for specific maintenance procedures that are reasonable to perform.
• Projections of the remaining service life of in-place systems with budgets and time frames for near term replacements.

CAD Services