UBCNews - Business - What 28 Years in Commercial Roofing Taught Rosemead Superior About Quality

Episode Date: February 25, 2026

Welcome back, everyone! Today we're exploring something that might not sound glamorous at first, but trust me, it's absolutely critical—commercial roofing. And more specifically, what nearly three decades in the business can teach us about quality and reliability. Rosemead Superior Roofing City: Rosemead Address: 8967 Garvey Ave Website: https://www.rosemeadsuperiorroofing.com

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're exploring something that might not sound glamorous at first, but trust me, it's absolutely critical. Commercial roofing. And more specifically, what nearly three decades in the business can teach us about quality and reliability. Thanks for having me. You know, people don't think about their roofs until there's a problem. But after 28 years of working on commercial properties across California, I can tell you the difference between a roof that lasts and one that fails often comes down to choices made on day one. Right, and I think that's where experience really shows. So let's start broad.

What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned over those 28 years? Well, first off, material selection is everything. We've installed TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, metal roofing, you name it. Each material has a specific purpose. TPO, for instance, reflects up to 85% of UV rays, which can lower. cooling costs by 30% or more. That's huge for a warehouse or retail building in Southern California. That makes sense. So energy efficiency isn't simply a catchphrase. It's a real operational benefit. Exactly. And then there's EPDM rubber roofing, which is incredibly

flexible and can last 30 to 50 years, and even longer with proper maintenance and ideal conditions. it handles temperature swings and UV exposure like a champ. But here's the thing. None of that matters if the installation isn't done right. Heat welded seams on TPO, for example, ensure 100% waterproof integrity. Skip that step, and you're going to have leaks within a few years. That's a great point about installation.

I imagine a lot of property owners don't realize how critical that is. They don't until it's too late. We've seen roofs that were only five or something. six years old, but failing because of poor workmanship, improper flashing around penetrations, inadequate drainage systems. Water ponding is a killer for flat roofs. If water sits there, it degrades the membrane, and eventually you're looking at structural damage. So drainage design is just as important as the membrane itself? Absolutely. And that's where experience comes in. After working on over 200 projects and maintaining more than 14 million square feet of roofing,

you learn to anticipate problems. You see a roof slope, its drainage points, the way equipment is positioned, and you know what's going to cause trouble down the line. I see. Interesting. What about the shift towards sustainable roofing? That seems to be a growing concern for commercial property owners. Oh, definitely. The demand for energy efficient and cool roofing systems has a big.

exploded in the last decade. California's Title 24 standards require certain reflectivity and thermal performance, especially for commercial buildings. Cool roofs can reflect up to 90% of sunlight and lower rooftop temperatures by 50 degrees Fahrenheit. That directly impacts energy use and long-term operating costs. That point about energy efficient systems sets up our next piece, how contractors adapt to evolving regulations. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Looking for a commercial roofing contractor you can trust, Rosemid Superior Roofing has over 28 years of experience serving Rosemed and surrounding Southern California areas.

They specialize in TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, metal roofing, and flat roof repair and maintenance. With manufacturer certifications from GF, Carlisle Sintech, Johns Manville, and Mulehide, they deliver durable, expertly installed systems that meet Title 24 standards. Learn more at RoseMondon. Meadsuperioroofing.com. Picking up on energy efficient systems, how do you actually ensure a

project meets those energy standards without cutting corners? Great question. It starts with using the right materials, membranes, and coatings that are rated for high reflectivity, but beyond that, you need proper insulation underneath. Insulation affects thermal performance and energy efficiency, so selecting the correct R value is critical. And of course, everything has to be installed according to manufacturer specs, or you risk voiding warranties. Speaking of warranties, I've heard the commercial roofing world offer some pretty extensive coverage. What should property owners be looking for?

Good warranties are a sign of confidence in both materials and workmanship. We're talking 30-year protection for flat commercial roofs, sometimes even 35-year coverage on certain systems, and in some cases the materials themselves can last 50 years or more. and there's something called a no-dollar limit warranty, which means if there's a failure, the entire roof gets replaced, no cap on costs. That's a huge protection for property owners. Wow, that's serious peace of mind. Now, you mentioned earlier that you've worked on some pretty notable projects, schools, retail chains, even a library. What stands out from those jobs?

Well, each project has its own challenges. A high school roof, replacement, for instance, involves working around students and staff, coordinating schedules, and ensuring zero disruption. We've completed high-value projects, including those for educational institutions, where the complexity isn't just technical, it's logistical, and then there's a project like a retail store where downtime directly impacts revenue, so speed and precision matter even more. Right, so it's adapting to each client's needs, rather than applying a one-size- fits all solution. Exactly. And I remember early in my career, we had a client who insisted on a cheaper material

against our advice. Two years later, they called us back for a full replacement, ended up costing them triple what they would have spent up front. That lesson stuck with me. Quality pays for itself. Ouch. That's an expensive lesson, but a valuable one. So preventive maintenance must be a big part of keeping those costs down, right? Absolutely. Regular inspections, ideally twice a year, can extend a roof's life by up to 40%. We use infrared moisture scanning and leak detection to catch problems before they become costly repairs. A small fix today can prevent a $5,000 emergency next year. Preventive care really is the best insurance you can

buy. That's a smart investment. So to everyone listening, have you ever thought about how much your building's roof actually impact your bottom line. We're talking energy costs, maintenance budgets, and long-term asset value, far beyond just keeping the rain out. And here's a little joke. If your roof is leaking, you might say it's under the weather. Ha, I like that. But seriously, don't wait for a leak to start thinking about your roof. Proactive planning, quality materials, and experienced contractors make all the difference. In 28 years, I've seen what works and what doesn't. And I can, can tell you, investing in quality up front always pays off. It's really the foundation of long-term success, or should I say, the roof of it. That's solid advice. Quality over shortcuts every time.

So we've established that experience, material choice, proper installation, and ongoing maintenance are the pillars of a reliable commercial roof. And with regulations like Title 24, pushing the industry toward greener solutions, the future is definitely leaning on expertise. Definitely. The industry keeps evolving, but the fundamentals stay the same. Attention to detail, clear communication, and a commitment to doing the job right. Those lessons don't change, no matter how long you've been in the business. Well said. Thanks so much for sharing all that insight today. And to our listeners, if you want to learn more about commercial roofing best practices, check out the show notes. Until next time, stay curious and keep asking the tough question.

Thank you.