With the labor pool stretched thin, finding time-saving products and commercial roofing tips is high on many contractors' to-do lists. Saving time doesn't mean sacrificing quality, though, as manufacturers continually work to deliver solutions that can help increase efficiency while still delivering a first-class installation.
Manufacturers like GAF strive to design products that are easier to install for workers of all experience levels, including those who are new to the industry. This helps reduce the chance of errors and improves overall efficiency. Products that come in convenient sizes and packaging, are easy to transport to job sites, and can be quickly moved on and off the roof contribute to time savings.
To further support efficiency without sacrificing quality, GAF offers a full line of time-saving products, solutions, and commercial roofing tips to help you succeed.
Sprayable, Solvent-Based Contact Adhesive for Fast Bonding
With an application rate that's 50% faster than traditional bucket and roller adhesive, EverGuard® TPO Quick-Spray Adhesive is a must for your next thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membrane job. When used properly, a single canister can cover approximately 10 squares of installation—significantly more than the roughly three squares covered by a traditional bucket. (As with any adhesive, the substrate's porosity can impact coverage rates.)
Because it's a solvent-based adhesive, it can be sprayed, allowing installers to quickly bond TPO membrane to a variety of approved substrates. To apply, simply spray the adhesive evenly onto the substrate and the back of the membrane. Then, use a broom or weighted roller to apply pressure and ensure proper adhesion, followed by heat-welding the seams. It's also worth noting that aerosol comes in smaller packaging but delivers the same level of quality, making it a suitable alternative when convenience is needed on the job.
TPO Accessories to Simplify and Enhance Commercial Roof Installations
It can take a significant amount of time, experience, and know-how to properly measure, cut, and hand-weld details. GAF TPO accessories are available for most rooftop details, offering a full line of vent and pipe boots, tube wraps, pourable sealer pockets, and universal corners that can be cut to accommodate either an inside or outside corner.
GAF also offers EverGuard® TPO Primerless 6" Cover Tape, a new type of primerless cover tape that's used for stripping-in edge metal. It's easy to install, reduces the risk of leaks and callbacks, helps create a uniform aesthetic, and delivers outstanding adhesion.
When the accessory is ready to install with no field fabrication, you'll find that installers not only save time but also achieve consistent quality in all the flashings while boosting productivity. Self-adhered accessories eliminate the need for specialized equipment because they're factory-made and designed to be easy to install, with a simple peel-and-stick application. This means workers of all skill levels can apply these accessories without worry.
For example, EverGuard® SA Flexible Flashings can help address challenging details and simplify stripping-in edge metal, while the EverGuard® Self Adhered White Vent Boot accommodates most common pipes and conduits from 1 inch to 6 inches and doesn't require any welding.
Perimeter Edge Metal for Efficient and Secure Installations
Fabricating edge metal in the field requires time, skill, and specialized equipment to properly form the metal. GAF Perimeter Edge Metal can save hours of time on the job by offering pre-manufactured coping, drip edges, fascia, and accessories that are easy to install. Features like pre-punched holes make it easier to securely terminate the membrane and help ensure a more efficient installation.
Because all GAF edge metal is tested and compliant with the ANSI/SPRI ES-1, FM, Miami-Dade, and Florida Building Code for IBC, you can have confidence in knowing that the most critical point on the roof—the perimeter—has the highest protection.
Ready-to-Install Self-Adhered Membranes
A self-adhered roofing system is up to 60% faster to install than a roof that's traditionally adhered. Self-adhered TPO eliminates the need to apply adhesive. EverGuard® SA TPO Self-Adhered Roof Membrane comes with the adhesive pre-applied on the back of the membrane. Once positioned, the crew just folds the membrane sheet back, removes the release liner, lays the membrane in place, and brooms in the sheet. The crew then uses a weighted roller and heat-welds the seams.
You can not only save time during the installation, but you can also save time cleaning up the jobsite since there are no buckets, rollers, or containers to dispose of.
Self-Sealing Vapor Retarder for Increased Adhesion Performance
The GAF SA Vapor Retarder XL features an advanced, high-tack butyl rubber adhesive that is self-sealing, delivering three times the peel strength of traditional modified bitumen self-adhered vapor barriers.
It also saves time from the start by eliminating the need for primer before installation. The large six-square rolls reduce the number of rolls needed per job, which means fewer seams and faster installation. Its exceptional durability allows it to remain exposed to the elements for up to six months when properly installed, and it offers a slip-resistant surface to enhance jobsite safety.
PVC Membranes That Deliver Versatility and Protection
Time studies show that EverGuard® PVC Membranes can be installed up to 50% faster than traditional adhered systems when using EverGuard® PVC Quick-Lay Adhesive. PVC is extremely versatile when it comes to installation methods, as it can be adhered, mechanically attached, or induction welded. Available PVC accessories and adhesives can also speed up the installation.
Extra-Wide Membrane Rolls for More Coverage
Roofers can make their installation time more efficient by using rolls of membrane that are wider than the standard 10 feet, known as extra-wide roll roofing. GAF offers 12-foot-wide rolls of membrane that are ideal for jobs with large, open rooftop areas. As well as providing more coverage in less time, these 20%-wider rolls mean fewer seams to weld.
A Multi-Purpose Sealant to Help Stop Leaks Immediately
RepairPro Trowel-Grade Sealant is a solvent-based, synthetic elastomeric product that can be applied to wet surfaces to immediately stop leaks on a variety of substrates, including metal, asphalt, and single-ply roofing systems. The convenient caulk tube option easily fits into a backpack, making RepairPro Trowel-Grade Sealant easy for repair crews to transport and carry onto the roof.
With no primer required on most substrates, crews can save time and stop leaks faster. The non-sagging formula makes it ideal for vertical use, too.
An Essential Primer for Silicone Roof Coating Over Asphalt
When you're installing GAF High Solids Silicone roof coating over asphalt-based roofing systems, GAF Bleed-Block Asphalt Primer is a must. This water-based acrylic can be mixed in just three minutes and is easy to apply using a brush, roller, or standard airless spray equipment.
Cleanup is simple—equipment can be cleaned using just soap and water. GAF Bleed-Block Asphalt Primer is the first step in ensuring a high-quality restoration with a strong, aesthetically pleasing finish.
Commercial Roofing Tips from the Pros at GAF
GAF offers a video library featuring roofing veterans Dave Scott and Wally Brown. Their Roofing It Right series features commercial roofing tips, how-to videos, and topics as diverse as roof inspections, core cuts, tear-offs, and installations. And better yet, the series is also available in Spanish.
These two seasoned experts share insights that can help you save time and labor without compromising quality.
The GAF Commercial team offers step-by-step support with highly trained professionals who can understand your unique challenges and help you boost efficiency. Find your local team and start saving time today.
