Planet Laundry Dec 2020

COVER STORY

dryer and goes through the roof, it heats all of the metal on the way. This will cause the metal to move at a different rate than the roof material, causing possible cracks. “A storm collar – which looks like a large, metal doughnut – can be slid over the vent pipe before the cap is attached, creating an ‘umbrella’ effect around the pipe where it meets the roofing material. This is a great $3 accessory to help prevent leaks.” No doubt, if you’re leasing, and the space had not previously been a laundromat or if the store will be undergoing a considerable remodel with additional dryer capacity being added, you will need to have a conversation with the landlord. Unfortunately, many landlords are quite particular about who they have working on their roofs and probably will require you to use their chosen roofing contractor, according to Hinrichs. “Basically, you have to write a blank check to the roofer, because you have no other choice on which contractor you can use, and the roofer knows it,”he explained. “So, before you get too far into a project, you need to determine exactly what the costs are. A discussion with the roofing contractor is crucial to determining your installation and retrofit costs.” “We always have a professional roofing contractor inspect the roof of a building,”Menz said. “We do this whether we are acquiring the building or just the business. Too much information is never a bad thing. “If we determine that the roof is near the end of its lifecycle, we use this opportunity for negotiations. If this is a lease negotiation, we will request that the roof be replaced prior to the lease execution. The worst situation we can have is a deteriorated roof, with the property owner refusing to replace or repair it. This can be a helpless feeling as a business owner.” On the other hand, if you’re building a new facility from the ground up, the best way to handle new construction is to coordinate the mechanical duct installers with the roof contractors tomake sure that they are all on the same page with regard to scheduling and the number of roof penetrations. In addition, there likely will be several other contractors popping small and large holes through the roof – plumbers with vent stacks, electricians with wiring for exterior signage, exhaust fans, HVAC units, etc. “Discuss the roof penetrations before and during the work, and relay the information to your roofing contractor so that there are no surprises,”Hinrichs advised. AvoidThese Pitfalls “I think complete neglect of the roof is fairly common,”Menz shared. “I often talk with laundry owners who haven’t been on their roofs in 20 years.” “Out of sight, out of mind,”Hinrichs concurred.“No one thinks

about the roof until there is a water leak, and then that leak becomes your singular focus.” Even when building a new store or renovating, roofs tend to be an afterthought to the rest of the equipment andmechanical work of the laundromat. However, roofs carry the weight of the HVAC units, the insulation and the roofingmembrane. Roofs are a structural element, and building departments recently have been gettingmore involved with regard to roof penetrations, so as to ensure that the structural elements are not compromised, according to Hinrichs. “I’ve seen roofs that had to be reinforced with steel angle irons to support the holes cut for additional dryer vents,”he said. “This can mean additional costs and delays for engineering drawings and a review by the building department. So, be prepared and be proactive. Call your building department to make sure there are no issues before you start. It’s never fun when the building department puts a StopWork Order on your laundromat project.” All in all, the biggest mistake a laundry owner can make is waiting too long to repair, replace or otherwise address a concern regarding the store’s roof. “As a parting thought, if you prefer not to see where the other end of the ladder goes, hire a roofing professional,” concluded Marrazzo, a long-time general contractor, who maintains his own laundries. “Much of this work can be dangerous, if you have limited experience on a roof. But, above all, don’t neglect your roof. “Be ever mindful of the fact that the thousands of dollars you have installed in your store are separated from the harsh outdoor elements by just a fewmillimeters of roofing material. Something to think about.”

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December 2020

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