Tips

for Property Manager and Building Owners

Bee Hive Tips
June 18, 2010

Caution tenants
Call beehive extractor
Be aware that the insects will linger for a few days before they all die off
Call your licensed roofing company to repair any roof or exterior wall damage

Bee sting safety tip: If you get stung by a bee do not pull out the stinger; this action will release even more bee venom. Instead, scrape the stinger off using a credit card or any small, sturdy and flat item. Then, wash the stung area with soap and water frequently throughout the next couple of days. If the area is swollen apply a cold pack or ice. Carefully monitor the stung area and be sure to seek medical attention if inflammation worsens. Always consult a doctor or medical facility if you are allergic to bees or experiencing an allergic reaction.

Accidental and Negligent Roof Damage: Who done it
December 21, 2009

Satellite Dish Installers
Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors
Painters
Termite Fumigators
New tenants installing heavy rooftop equipment (Dry Cleaners, Laundry Mats, Restaurants)
Rented rooftop space (Cell Towers, Billboards)
Unlicensed, inexperienced or sloppy roofers

Any traffic on the roof increases the likelihood of damage. Keep it to a minimum and when it has to be done, hire professionals.
Keep tenants and owners informed to minimize accidental and negligent roof damage!

So you have a warranty, eh? 6 questions to ask about every warranty:
October 27, 2009

Do you have a manufacturers' warranty? Contractor's warranty? Both?
Did each give you an actual warranty or just tell you that it exists; most manufacturers' require a warranty application to be filled out by the contractor and both should give you physical or digital copies.
What does the warranty require of the manager/owner? Most require annual maintenance and inspection of any new rooftop equipment (Satellite Dish, AC, etc.) These requirements should be published.
Do you have a copy of the manufacturer's maintenance requirements, the contractor's? Does your contractor have published requirements? Maintaining your roof is a must to maintain your warranty, those guidelines must be followed.
Does it cover labor? Materials? Both?
When does it expire? This is last for a reason, a 20 year warranty means nothing if the contractor is out of business in 2 years, if the contractor never gave you a physical warranty, if the warranty's rules have been violated... you get the idea. Take a 10 year warranty from a reputable source over a 20 year shot in the dark.

There is hope, ask these questions! Fontaine Weatherproofing performs warranty repairs for the manufacturers, we supply our clients with our warranty and the manufacturers' warranty and we keep a copy in our software allowing us to track your warranty with changes in management or ownership. Our warranty sample and maintenance guidelines are published here.

Dealing with clients small and large, we've seen the gamut of vendor compliance/verification programs. Here are some of the items different companies are asking for:
September 18, 2009

Contractors License and Classification verified by the CSLB (make sure the class code matches the work they are doing)
Workers' Compensation and Bonding verified by the CSLB (look at history and confirm there are no gaps)
Full background check of company principals
A BBB company report (look for A+ rating)
An A.M. Best rating of insurance providers (look for A+ rating)
Many of the above services are free, Fontaine Weatherproofing would be happy to assist any client in using them, we can walk you through the process (and show you how we are top rated in every category!)