Snow drifting on Roofs – follow up

Commercial roofs are experiencing a real test this year. After the recent warm up its been reported to APPRO that there are cases of water/slush under the snow that one can see on thes types of roofs (The water usually is unseen). This moisture has the potential to find it’s way into roof penetrations such as plumbing vent pipes and HVAC vents. Roofs with a low cant roof edge are also at a greater risk of this water seeping into the building.

On these low sloped or flat commercial roofs it would be wise to remove snow from the roof drain scuppers by shoveling a small area out around the scupper and applying ice bite or salt to eliminate ice dams at those locations. This should provide some temporary relief.

Wall downspouts that now resemble a large icicle are a different matter. Not much can be done to these beyond using high pressure steam to eliminate the current ice jam. Once cleared a heat trace can be installed to help keep the downspout clear.

Let us know if you need assistance we’d be happy to direct you towards a solution for your snow and ice issue.

Determining Your Companies Building Service Needs

Are you looking to remodel or improve your current business space? Are you thinking of constructing a new building? A clear understanding of your needs will save you time and money – think about the following points and analyze what is most important for your company.

  • Business Needs: You may have a vision of what you are looking for but haven’t taken the time to really break down what is a “need”, “want” and “don’t want”. Take the time to write down these three categories and fill them in with as much detail as possible.
  • Financial Reality: Ultimately, the space you expect to create depends on the amount of money available. We have pulled together a few resources that you may find helpful when creating a plan for your new project, preparing to meet with a lender or beginning the financial planning process (see Finance Resources).
  • Location: The physical location of your business is important to you, your employees, suppliers, distributors, and customers. Consider the surrounding area, commuting time and access to public transportation.
  • Size/Features/Appearance/Accessibility: Think about how much space you require. You want a space that is well laid-out, comfortable and welcoming. Depending on your type of business appearance may be very important. Consider all aspects of accessibility from parking and wheelchair access to the proximity of nearby highways.
  • Expandable: If you plan on growing your business you should consider flexibility in your plans for expansion in the future.
  • Security: You never want to be in a position of worrying about the customers or employees safety so think carefully about the security of the neighborhood.
  • Neighbors: It can be important for some businesses to complement each other making it helpful for customers to find a group of related businesses in an area. It also creates potential ties to generate more business.

If you already thought about the above points, have completed drawings and just need a General Contractor to help facilitate the construction of your project APPRO Development can help.

If you don’t have drawings yet for your project, consider a firm that provides Design-Build services such as APPRO Development.

Or maybe you are looking for professional help with the Architectural Design aspect of your project. APPRO Development can assist with this too!

Contact us today to tell us about your upcoming project. We are standing by to learn more about your unique goals and how we can custom build the perfect building or renovate a space for your business.

Check out our Blog in March as we continue to go more in depth on the Tips to Selecting a Reputable, Trustworthy, and Dependable General Contractor. In March, we will go more in depth on Compiling a List of Possible Contractors and Conducting Interviews.

The Advantages of Airlake Industrial Park.

Is your business looking for a home? Airlake Industrial Park may be it. The park is located in Lakeville MN and is home to roughly 1,500 acres, 120 businesses, and 4,200 jobs. This park is conveniently located off of I-35 and County Road 70 giving it a transportation advantage over many other locations. Progressive Rail also operates within the park and offers rail transportation as an option for shipping and receiving goods. The park also has an airport that can accommodate corporate jets and helicopters.

Airlake Industrial Park has options for any size and type of business. There are many shovel ready sites if you need a facility built to your exact specifications. APPRO Development resides in and has been involved with the park for nearly 30 years and is a design-build general contractor that can help you with the design and budget pricing of your new facility. There are also many existing facilities for lease or purchase. Cerron Properties is a sister company to APPRO Development and can help you locate the perfect facility to lease or purchase within the park.

If you would like more information regarding the advantages that the Airlake Industrial Park has to offer please contact APPRO Development or Cerron Properties.

Suggestions on what to look for to help prevent roof issues caused from the heavy snows received in Minnesota

Minnesota has received an unusual amount of snow so far this year. The weight of this snow can overload your roof deck and create problems not found in a typical winter. Be aware of high/low building walls (roofs adjacent to higher walls) and perimeter roof parapets. Snow can drift in these areas creating pockets where snow can melt under the visible snow drift and on top of the roof causing trapped water to dam up. This creates a potential for roof leaks as there will be standing water (or ice) on the roof.

Snow drifted over rooftop units will eventually cause a roof leak when the snow begins to melt and drip into the unit and down thru the ductwork.

Some other common issues include downspouts and roof drain pipes freezing up. This occurs as melted snow water descends down to a cooler downspout or roof drain and refreezes. Salt blocks or heat trace tape can help with this condition.

Other things to look for around your building include maintaining access to fire hydrants, keeping heating unit exhaust ducts open, clearing out gas meter relief valves (if your meter is equipped), and maintaining exit door landings (look for those seldom used doors).

Note, commercial building roofs are designed to a certain criteria for snow loads as dictated by the building code. There are cases where this amount is exceeded due to drifting or accumulating snow. If inordinate amounts of snow exist on your roof in certain areas the design loads may be exceeded.

If you or someone with in your company goes up on the roof to shovel, keep in mind that it may be very slippery. If you go alone let someone know that you will be on the roof and let them know when you have returned. If you do not feel comfortable on the roof many roofing companies provide a snow removal service. If you would like help in contacting one of these roofing companies please contact APPRO Development at 952-469-2171 and talk to Nate, Gordy, Jim or Jack.

Low-cost/No-cost winter energy saving tips for Minnesota business

Energy Effiecient practices and energy remodel/retrofit ideas to save money and energy

After the fifth biggest snowfall total in Minnesota history, we can surmise that winter is here to stay for a little while. Gone are the days of El Niño. Apparently these are the times of the real winters. So what can a business do now to survive the rising cost of energy and curb expenditures? Here’s a link to an article geared for your home that provides many insights as to what can be done at a small business: http://www.energysavers.gov/seasonal/tips_winter.html most of these tips for your home can be adjusted to your business environment.

Some of the most useful tips we’ve found include the following: Run ceiling fans in areas with high ceilings on low speed, this helps push heat down from the ceiling to the floor or you could say it circulates the air from the floor upward as well. Turn off lights in rooms not normally occupied – motion sensor light switches work great for this especially in areas like toilet rooms or conference rooms. Use a motion sensor or photocell for outdoor security lighting. Setting back the thermostat on weekends when the building is not normally occupied is a great way to reduce energy consumption.

Want a more in depth look into your particular building or lease space? Call APPRO Development and we’d be glad to review your building and make you aware of some of the current rebate offers.

Killebrew Miracle Field to open soon !!

It is with GREAT pleasure – that we announce the opening of the new Miracle Field in Lakeville, and the initial season of play for the Miracle League teams! APPRO Development has been directly involved, and has donated the time and effort to design and coordinate the construction of the field. Nate Denny, project manager for APPRO- has facilitated the process to get the field built. Heidi Winsor – was architect / designer for the project. Grand Opening events will be June 26th. www.miraclefieldmn.comlakevillefield.html

Grant Jacobson with Jacobson Engineers and Surveying provided the Civil Engineering ad Surveying for the project.

The City of Lakeville donated the great site for the field. www.ci.lakeville.mn.us/parks

Subcontractors from Lakeville and the entire Metro Area donated time and products to get this project done.

Kudos to Brian Roseen, and the entire Miracle League Organization for getting this project done ! Thank you for allowing APPRO Development, Inc to be involved ! www.startribune.com/local/south/122399479.html

Please consider allowing APPRO and CERRON to “hit a home run” with your firm, by providing Design / Build and Real Estate services the next time you consider expansion or relocation !

Farmers’ Market in Downtown Lakeville

The popular Farmers’ Market in Downtown Lakeville will be returning this summer, offering weekly Saturday morning hours at the Lakeville Arts Center and Wednesday afternoon hours at the Lakeville Market Plaza, 208th and Holyoke.

Operated by the St. Paul Farmers’ Market, the event will continue to offer fresh produce and other items weekly, beginning in June.

Wednesdays at Market Plaza, 208th Street and Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, Minnesota. Noon to 5 p.m. – beginning June 15th.

Saturdays at the Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, Minnesota. 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – beginning June 25th.

We have found over the years that Lakeville is a great place to live and to own a business, build a building or lease or buy a great new space – which, by the way, is exactly what we have been doing and helping others to do for more that 24 years! At APPRO Development and CERRON Commercial Properties, we love where we work and what we do! Give us a call – we would love to share more about what makes the Southern Twin Cities, Minnesota a great place to work and play!

Spring & Summer Building Maintenance

It is very important to keep up on your building maintenance as a Minnesota General Contractor we can help you with all your summer construction maintenance issues.

There are many things that need to be done. For example changing out your HVAC air filters and belts, checking the caulk joints in your building, around windows! Sealing your exterior concrete block walls! Painting the exterior walls of your existing building! These are just a few of the things that should be checked on ever year. As a General contractor we can help you in maintaining your building projects.

As a General Contractor for the last 20 plus years APPRO Development has built, remodeled many buildings. Call us today at APPRO Development if you need help with any of your building maintenance needs.

South Metro Miracle Field Update

Phase 1 of the South Metro Miracle League is almost complete. Next week the special playing surface is being installed and the dugouts will be finished shortly after that. The field will soon be ready to play Miracle League baseball!!!

The mission of the South Metro Miracle League is to provide opportunities for children ages 3-19 with disabilities, to play Miracle League Baseball, regardless of ability. The new facility will be located between two existing fields at King Park, 18350 Dodd Blvd in Lakeville.

Private and corporate sponsorships are still needed to complete phase 1 and phase 2 of the South Metro Miracle League. For more information please visit www.lakevillebaseball.org and click on the Miracle League.