Springfield photo of Dog shaking water off

Beat the Heat

Written by SpringfieldJuly 7, 2017

 

The “DOG DAYS OF SUMMER” are closing in on our talented and physically fit team of construction workers.  Our team frequently works without shade which intensifies the heat exponentially.    Here are some tips to help you beat the heat

  • Drink water early, often and frequently – at least 20 ounces every hour
  • When on break, get into the shade or an air conditioned vehicle (if possible)
  • Wear synthetic, light colored, athletic clothing that wicks the heat and sweat away from your body
  • Come to work well rested and hydrated (note: alcohol consumption the night before work will hinder hydration)
  • Take shorter and more frequent breaks
  • Take it seriously: Know the signs of heat stress and monitor yourself and co-workers
  • Speak up if you notice yourself or a co-worker struggling with any heat related issues

 

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Springfield sample of ice waterfalls on building

Cold Weather is Coming

Written by SpringfieldNovember 28, 2016

ice-buildup

Winter is approaching/there is still time…….

Winter is rapidly approaching.  Up north in Michigan, we know you are busy at home on the weekends putting away your patio furniture, taking your boats out of the lake, and doing last minute projects around the outside of your house before the white stuff arrives. What about at work?  Check out the above photo of ice sickles hanging off the side of an industrial building.  Does your work building have large ice sickles hanging off it during the winter?  Springfield can help alleviate the heat loss which causes that dangerous ice from forming, creating a safer work environment.  An added bonus is your utility bills will be lower too.  It’s not too late to “Get R Done” before winter.  Call us at Springfield.  WE can help!

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Traverse Bay storm clouds taken by Springfield

Roofing in Michigan: Performing Re-Roof Jobs in Windy Conditions

Written by SpringfieldMay 20, 2016
Storm from Traverse City
Michigan Storms come on quick and Springfield is ready! This picture is of a storm in Traverse City Michigan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love performing re-roof projects in Cadillac, Michigan.  The spring weather does bring some very strong WINDS to northern Michigan. Here are some items to consider for windy day roofing.

  • Double and triple check all trucks and trailers to make sure the load is securely fastened to the vehicle.
  • Tie off your ladder – – attach it to the Springfield Ladder Anchor to ensure the ladder doesn’t slip, slide, or kick out on your employees
  • Only load the rooftop with materials that are absolutely essential for that day’s work – – keep those items secure on the rooftop
  • Use caution when opening bunks of ISO – – whether on the ground or the rooftop, a single piece of ISO can quickly blow away.
  • Is there an area of the rooftop that is sheltered from the wind? Perhaps the rooftop materials can be stored there?

It is important to consider the project when doing a windy day risk assessment.  Most of all, weight down your skinny employees by putting some heavy rocks in their tool belts.

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Springfield Duro_Last award winners

Duro-Last Honored Springfield with JRB Award

Written by SpringfieldFebruary 26, 2014

Springfield-2013-JRB-Award-Photo-web_largeSpringfield, Inc., located in Kingsley between Traverse City and Cadillac Michigan, recently was awarded the John R Burt Award at the annual Duro-Last® Roofing conference in Orlando Florida.  This award was based on recognition of outstanding achievement in quality workmanship, customer satisfaction and sales in 2013.  We congratulate all of our employees for their efforts to continue to give high quality results even while confronting the elements of the norhern Michigan weather based on our customers needs.

Complete Duro-Last® Press Release for Springfield Award

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49 Solar Panels and The 49ers

Written by SpringfieldOctober 31, 2013

The San Francisco 49ers are going to score a touchdown in energy savings!  They are installing 49 solar panels on the top of their new stadium.  Why pay the power companies when mother nature can supply your energy needs?

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/tech/49er-Stadium-Goes-Solar-To-Save-Energy-229130921.html

Our rooftops are “solar ready.”  Want to save money on energy in northern Michigan?  Call Springfield – we can help!

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Rain Doesn’t Cause the Roof Leaks!

Written by SpringfieldJuly 18, 2013

A rain storm doesn’t actually cause the roof to leak.  When it’s raining and water is entering your building – keep in mind that it could be coming through the roof or….through a duct or pipe.   Calling a roofing contractor who also specializes in mechanical insulations systems is advisable.  That way, you won’t have a roofing contractor and a mechanical contractor pointing their fingers at each other while you pull your hair out in frustration.  After all, does it really matter to you where the water is coming from?  Don’t you just want someone you can trust who can make the problem go away?  Call us at Springfield – – we have been doing just that and much more for our northern Michigan clients for decades.  We are standing by 24/7 to help you with your rooftop emergencies.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/07/11/4159221/problems-float-to-surface-after.html#storylink=cpy

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Springfield Fall Protection

Written by SpringfieldMay 8, 2013

Safety compliance is super important when it comes to roofing.  A fall from a rooftop is often fatal.  Springfield is certified as a Fall Protection & Elevated Structures Safety Technician (SLT) by The National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) and you can count on us to take care of your SmartRoof™ needs with the utmost concern for safety. Springfield Fall Protection Springfield installs permanent fall arrest systems and can help you keep your building in compliance with the new OSHA requirements for rooftop fall protection.  Call us – – we can help! 231.263.5300

For more information on rooftop compliance see http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/quicktakes/qt03012013.html#2

 

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Energy Savings from “Cool” Roofs

Written by SpringfieldApril 15, 2013

Are you aware of the benefits of using a roof system with high solar reflectance and thermal emmittance. The benefits are important for your wallet and the environment!

Benefits of a Cool Roof System:

  • Reduced energy use: A cool roof transfers less heat to the building below, so the building stays cooler and uses less energy for air conditioning.
  • Reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions: By lowering energy use, cool roofs decrease the production of associated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Improved human health and comfort: Cool roofs can reduce air temperatures inside buildings with and without air conditioning, helping to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Read more: http://www.epa.gov/hiri/mitigation/coolroofs.htm

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Cool vs Green Roofs, in Michigan?

Written by SpringfieldNovember 16, 2012

What are the two most effective ways to increase a buildings energy efficiency utilizing the roof? Reflective and vegetative roofing systems! Coated metals, single-plies, shingles & tiles are just a few of the options that can make it a "cool" roof.  "Coolness is measured by two properties: solar reflectance and thermal emittance." (source…Mark Robins, Metal Constrcutions News)  A cool roof reflects and omits the sun's heat back to the sky.  Yes, and this can be done in Michigan!michigan_vegetative_roof

Vegetative roofs and green roofs are two different systems but have the same purpose. The vegetative roof protects the waterproof membrane from the daily variations of temperatures. The intensive green roofs are thicker and can have a wider variety of plants but require more maintenance. The extensive green roofs use a lighter layer of vegetation and are thinner. There are a lot of variables to look at before deciding if a vegetative roof is the right roof system to use if you live in northern Michigan or not.  See the complete article with more detailed information on cool vs.green roofs. http://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/magazine-features/cool-vs-green-roofs-how-they-top-out.aspx.

 

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Five Smart Moves To Keep Your Roof For A Long Time!

Written by SpringfieldOctober 16, 2012

FIVE smart moves to keep your roof for a long time!

1) Keep Your Roof Clean.  Stuff on your roof keeps your drains from doing their job.

2) Get A Tune-Up.  Oil Change? Annual check-up? Do the same thing for your roof and you can save money and double your roof's life expectancy!Roof Ice Buildup

3) Don't Mess With Mother Nature!  Seeing bubbles on your roof's surface? Have ice build-up or icicles? These are warning signs of bigger problems.

4) Know What You're Dealing With. What's on your roof? Knowing what type of roofing material you have will help you make smart facility decisions going forward.

5) Energy Savings. Want to decrease your energy bills? Without proper insulation, your energy costs go through the "roof" during the winter. If you're considering roofing improvements, we can help you pay for them with energy savings.

231.263.5300

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