Extreme Winter Conditions in Rhode Island Boost Spring Construction

PROVIDENCE, RI – Rhode Island experienced one of its worst winters in decades, with more than 42 inches of snow falling between December and February, 60% more than the state average, according to data compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “Homes and buildings have been battered by this year’s unrelenting winter, one of the worst in the last fifty years. The record high snowfall, ice dams and freezing rain have led to extensive roof damage and high repair costs,” said Sonya Santos, Director of Marketing for W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn., a world-leading manufacturer of innovative specialty building materials. Nationwide, ice damage related replacement cost value (RCV) in February 2014 was shown to be over 200 percent higher than during the last five winters.

Homeowners who lack evidence to demonstrate that the necessary steps were taken to protect against adverse weather conditions and maintain their roofs are now dealing with insurance companies refusing to pay, putting current and future claims at risk of being denied. “Extreme weather conditions in the Northeast have led to a high demand for contractors to repair and rebuild damaged roofs and structures. When using high quality self-adhered underlayments, contractors and builders can have peace of mind that their roof repair projects are well protected from similar weather conditions in the future,” continued Santos. “To aid in the Rhode Island rebuilding effort, Grace is offering the state’s contractors a rebate on Grace® Ice & Water Shield®, the original and best in class self-adhered roofing underlayment.”

The technical experts at Grace prepared the following tips and key factors to consider when re-roofing weather-damaged properties:

  • Use a premium underlayment product, such as the Grace Ice & Water Shield®, to protect the roof from pools of water caused by ice dams, wind-driven rain and snow.
  • Ice dams and wind driven rain may result in water breaching the primary roof covering (such as shingles, metal roofing, tiles, etc.)  The underlayment represents the “last line of defense” against roof leaks.  High quality alternatives to roofing felt, such as Grace Ice and Water Shield®, can protect the roof from future leaks.
  • Ice dams can result in damage to the roof sheathing and possibly the underlying roof structure.  It is important to address any such problems as part of the re-roofing project.
  • When installing underlayments to sloped roofs, use a product such as Grace Ice and Water Shield® to waterproof the roof deck and create a seal around fasteners used to secure shingles or other roof coverings. Felt and other low cost underlayments only shed water and do not create a seal around fasteners.
  • Metal roofing is gaining in popularity, as it is durable, fire retardant, almost maintenance-free and provides extra protection against extreme weather. Metal roofs tend to reach higher in-service temperatures and therefore, it is important to select a high temperature underlayment, such as Grace Ice and Water Shield® HT underlayment, that balances waterproofing performance with thermal stability.
  • Always consider the insulation, ventilation and project location as extreme heat and cold may influence the selection of underlayment and roof covering materials.

Grace is dedicated to providing premium products that help local contractors repair homes and buildings impacted by this season’s inclement weather. Grace is offering rebates to eligible contractors ranging from $12 per roll for Grace Ice & Water Shield® (200 or 225 sq. ft. roll) to $6 per roll for Grace Ice & Water Shield® (108 sq. ft. roll). The maximum rebate payable to any single contractor under this promotion is $5,000. Rebates totaling less than $1,000 will be issued in the form of a Grace Visa® Prepaid Card. Rebates of $1,000 or more will be issued as a check payable to the contractor who purchased the product. Rebates can be submitted for purchases made between April 1, 2014 and June 30, 2014 online or downloaded as a PDF and submitted by mail. The rebate is available only in the following states: MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, OH, PA, MD, DE, NJ, NY, VT, ME, MA, CT, and RI. The redeeming contractor must have its primary place of business located in one of these states to be eligible for this rebate. To submit a rebate and access the full terms and conditions for the promotion, visit: www.grace.com/eastrebate.

About Grace® Ice & Water Shield®

Grace Ice & Water Shield® roofing underlayments offer over 35 years of market-proven performance to protect against water damage caused by wind-driven rain, snow or ice dams. It is the first fully-adhered roofing underlayment and provides best-in-class roof leak protection.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global provider of specialty construction chemicals and building materials that are used to enhance the durability, strength and appearance of structures. Products include concrete admixtures, fibers, surface treatments and liquid pigments, additives for cement processing and masonry products, waterproofing, air and vapor barriers and fire protection. More information is available at www.graceconstruction.com.

Grace’s three industry-leading business segments—Grace Catalysts Technologies; Grace Materials Technologies, which provides engineered and packaging materials; and Grace Construction Products—provide innovative products, technologies, and services to customer partners around the world. Grace employs approximately 6,500 people in over 40 countries and had 2012 net sales of $3.2 billion. More information about Grace is available atwww.grace.com.

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Avatar About the Author: The Rhode Island Small Business Journal is a printed monthly magazine and an online resource for the aspiring and start-up entrepreneur and small business owner.

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