Cool Roofs for Commercial and Industrial Buildings in Minnesota’s Climate

Roofs for Commercial and Industrial Buildings – An Overview

roofs for commercial and industrial buildings by APPRO Development I Image Source: CRRC (http://coolroofs.org/resources/home-building-owners)

Roofs for commercial and industrial buildings are an important consideration for all building owners, and at APPRO, we are seeing a lot of discussion about, and implementation of cool roofs. The Department of energy has published a guideline for selecting environmentally friendly cool roofs aptly labeled “Guidelines for Selecting Cool Roofs” (click on the title for the link to the document) prepared by a sustainable energy consultant. The 23-page report goes into a broad overview of defining what a cool roof is and what the benefits are.

We’ve installed a variety of cool roof types as of late. From purely white roofs made of thermoplastic polyolefin or TPO to roof materials that have a color to them but still have a high reflectively rating (white isn’t the only cool roof color). The key to these we feel is not only what you see on top but the roof assembly as a whole.

The roofing material we at APPRO recommend is catered to you from careful consideration of what your space is being used for, how it is being built, the project budget, and longevity and warranty of the product being considered. New style materials with the “cool roof” label are here to stay. Those can add benefit to your building. But don’t look past the more traditional materials with a longer history and modifications that also make them cooler. For instance, a traditional asphalt built-up roofing system with a crushed white limestone rock in lieu of the standard gravel.

Contact our team for more ideas and help in choosing a roof for your commercial and/or industrial building(s). We have the proven experience and expertise to make your next project an informed and worry-free process.

Roof Alert! Avoid Roof Collapse

Roof Alert! Avoid Roof Collapse

Avoid roof Collapse Image Source: by jnaithani via flickr (orignal, no alterations made)

How to avoid roof collapse is an all too serious consideration for commercial property owners. At this time of year – it is important to observe the amount of snow on your facility’s roof. The snow we currently get is very wet and heavy in nature, and can sometimes pile up and exceed the designed structural capacity of the roof system.

This is especially true where “high / low” roof conditions exist – allowing snow to fill in the space next to the wall separating the two heights. The snow tends to melt from the bottom up, refreezing in the form of ice, and not visible due to the snow above. It is not unheard of – to find the lower third of the snow drift is in fact – solid ice.

It is also very important to keep roof drains and downspouts open – as they continuously go through a “freeze / thaw “ process.

A salt lick, purchased from the local hardware or feed store can help drastically. Place the block (s) on a small piece of wood or plywood, near the roof drainage points on your roof.

Watch closely, from the inside of the building for deflection ( sag ) of the roof structure , and observe the roof from above for pooling of water and ice .

If you have any questions or concerns – please call us – and our team at APPRO Development can refer you to competent help with these or any building issues.

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US Contractors Predict Stability & Growth

US Contractors – 2014 Update

US Contractors predict stability and growth, according to Daily Commercial News, on January 27, 2014, “Contractors are more optimistic about 2014 than they have been in a long time,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer.

“Many firms in the United States plan to start hiring again and most contractors predict demand will either grow or remain stable in virtually every market segment this year, according to survey results released by the Associated General Contractors of America.”

Read the full article here…

APPRO Development is a proud US contractor based in Lakeville, MN, serving the midwest since 1987. As an experienced general contractor, our team is ready to assist you with your 2014 construction needs.

Industrial Production Facility Construction Nears Completion: Mankato, MN

Imperial Plastics Industrial Production Facility Construction Nears Completion in Mankato, MN

The newest industrial production facility construction by APPRO Development, Inc. is nearing completion. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) has been issued on the Imperial Plastics Mankato project (click link to see more project photos). Owner furnished equipment installation (e.g. process piping, racking and cranes) is well under way and the final interior finishes are being installed which include: carpet, paint, and ceramic tile, to name a few.

It does not seem all that long ago that APPRO Development, along with representatives from near and far, came to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for Imperial Plastics as they kicked off construction of this 124,000 SF (approximate) manufacturing/production facility. Although, it was a whole lot sunnier and warmer back in August than it is now as we near the end of January 2014, the time has gone by rather quickly and we find ourselves nearing the time to turn over the keys. APPRO Development is targeting the end of February to turn the building over to the owner.

Do you have an existing building in the Mankato area and wondered, “what can I do with an existing warehouse building?” You may need some design ideas or a free market analyis. Or, possibly a new building is in your future, as you address your company needs. It is never too early to contact our professional team. Our no obligation initial consultation may provide just the answers you have been looking for. These were the first steps in working with this client and we would be happy to help you find a solution for your business, too. Contact our knowledgeable, friendly team today.

Solar Energy – A Good Idea?

Solar Energy – The Pros and Cons of Alternate Materials in Commercial Construction

Image Source: Wikimedia, 2014 – Solar Panel Installation

A Solar Energy incentive program (Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program) for both residential and commercial buildings recently came to our attention. Upon being asked our opinion of the program, a lively discussion ensued in the offices of APPRO and CERRON surrounding the use of environmentally friendly materials and sustainable energy resources.

APPRO & CERRON both work diligently to provide the best product at the best price for each of our customers – whether building new or remodeling existing. We work a lot in our neighborhood here in the Airlake Industrial Park which is comprised of many small businesses focused on the industrial and manufacturing industries.

Over the past few years, APPRO has brought forward energy efficient design ideas and alternate material types and equipment that enhance energy savings in response to public sentiment for more environmentally friendly buildings. We have found the LEED certification process cumbersome and not as cost effective as we may be lead to believe initially. We have strived to find a balance between energy savings that provide payback to you as a building owner and ways that reduce the initial start-up costs of construction.

In our experience, as we competitively bid out new projects, we have found that some “green” or LEED certified materials make a lot of sense to incorporate in to a project to cut costs (e.g. insulation). While the use of other materials might only make sense to fulfill a PR objective or to enhance marketability, the incorporation of those materials may not make sense from a business perspective.

As a Minnesota based design-build general contractor, APPRO is aware of the solar incentives available and are more than happy to discuss the pros and cons of working this into your next building project. We create property solutions for you and with you – how may we help you today?

Warehouse Building Considerations: Midwest Review

Warehouse Building Considerations – What you should know before you buy, build or remodel

Warehouse building considerations have been a topic of discussion of late, as one of the building types APPRO/CERRON is frequently contacted about for real estate and construction projects happens to be warehouse projects. There have been some great deals on warehouses in the last few years, and a potential buyer is often posed with the dilemma of whether it makes the most sense to buy an existing building and spend the money to renovate it to his or her company’s individual needs, or design and build a warehouse custom built to those needs.

To build new, one potentially loses out capitalizing on the devaluation of existing buildings (the availability of which are quickly diminishing on the commercial market). To renovate, however, often means to compromise on some of the features of the building, and/or to invest money into a building whose components might not all last as long as those in a new building.

With APPRO pricing your projects, you can weigh the various pros and cons of either option to come up with a solution that best fits your needs before proceeding to hire us to assist you along whichever solution (buy, remodel, add or build) you choose.

Some of the other considerations that we’ve seen owners look at include more detailed considerations (or checklist), like the following:

  • What are the clear height dimensions and door size dimensions that will work best for you?
  • Are super-flat floors a requirement for forklift traffic, more typical of higher clear height warehouses?
  • Are steel fibers or a special floor coating required for wear?
  • Will high-speed racking be utilized?
  • What height will the product be stored to, and what will be stored in the warehouse, as this affects sprinkler coverage, and associated cost?
  • How susceptible will the walls be to damage from forklifts, which will affect whether the exterior walls are precast, metal or something else?
  • Will rail access be a consideration?
  • Will a loading dock be needed, as is typical, or just drive-in doors that close at pavement height?
  • If a loading dock is needed, will the design include locks to attach the truck to the dock while loading or unloading?
  • Is it important for the truck to be able to engage its dock and park, and then open truck doors (drive through docks); or is it OK to open truck doors before backing into its dock space?
  • Will there need to be a stop and go light system in place for trucks?
  • Will a canopy be needed above the overhead doors?
  • What kind of grade is acceptable driving in and out of the docks for trucks?
  • Will the warehouse need to be heated and/or cooled? Insulated?

There are more considerations, of course, than those above. But take a look at the list and consider which of these options are important to you when you make that all-important decision to buy or design/build.

Whether you are just starting the process or have been considering your building needs for a while, allow our team to assist you with any questions you may have about the construction (remodeling, additions or new building) process. We are here to help!

Commercial Property Tips: 13 Spooktacular Ideas for Non-Creepy Spaces

13 Commercial Property Tips for Non-Creepy Spaces

 

APPRO and CERRON commercial property tips for non-spooky buildings “Spooky Moon” Source: rcbodden via Flickr

Our team would like to share some fun commercial property solution ideas to keep your space from being creepy (BEWARE: this blog post contains many links to helpful resources – you may need to hover your cursor over to see the link and a description will “magically” appear – only a little spooky, right!?):

  1. Clear out the spiders and cobwebs to make your space enchanting. We team up with the best subcontractors in the industry, including commercial cleaners & landscapers.
  2. If your parking lot is looking more like a graveyard, than a welcome space for your employees and visitors, it might be time to consider an exterior update. We hire the best Project Managers in the Midwest who oversee our remodel, expansion and new building projects.
  3. If your employees are looking more and more like zombies because their workspace needs changing, you may want to consider a possible remodel. Our design team can plan out ideal space configurations for your workplace.
  4. If you encounter monsters on your drive into work, you may want to consider moving your business to a different location. CERRON Commercial Properties – our website includes ALL Minnesota commercial properties*!
  5. Does the thought of finding a new space feel a little scary? A new lease space is waiting for you.
  6. Afraid of the Dark? Shed some light on your office, retail or industrial spaces by implementing new lighting and/or design options. Our award-winning Architect has the perfect solution.
  7. Are ghosts and tumbleweeds the only things passing by your retail space for lease or sale? The CERRON team can connect you with some live prospects.
  8. Wondering if it is time to sell your space, but the cat’s got your tongue. Get a quick, easy, and free market analysis.
  9. Do you find the prospect of financing a new project downright hair-raising? Clear, solid financing options are available.
  10. Face the skeletons in the closet and tackle building maintenance. Use our annual maintenance checklist.
  11. Looking for the perfect potion for configuring space or calculating financing? Easy estimating tools (space & mortgage calculators) are bubbling up in our cauldron.
  12. Are your employees howling for more space? APPRO can fast track a new building for your favorite werewolves.
  13. Finding vampires everywhere you go? Might be time to consider working with our friendly, (non-blood-thirsty) APPRO and CERRON team.

 

Wishing you and your team a very Happy Halloween!

“Orange” you going to consider sharing this? We sure would love it if you did!

Wood Framing in Commercial Construction

Curious about wood framing in commercial construction?

Wood Lumber Framing in Commercial Construction article by APPRO Photo Source: Wikepedia, 2013.

Occasionally, changes in wood supply cause a downgrade in the structural properties of wood. You can see an example of this type of activity in the article at this link for the information put forth by Carolinalive.com at: http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=674670.

The angle this particular news story takes is to focus on the economic impact that may occur to the industry in the area or state. The steel framing industry association presents this info in a different light entirely by promoting the properties that steel framing members include.

I believe it will cause a trickle-down effect to consumers who will have to, in some instances, be required to use larger wood framing members than in the past to get the same job done. This affects us all when it comes to residential or commercial building when wood is the chosen material.

Interestingly enough the wood groups aren’t necessarily arguing the downgrade itself, only how quickly it is being proposed to be put into effect.

Both steel and wood association groups tout the sustainable properties of their products. It will remain to be seen how each product continues to be affected and the impact on residential or commercial construction.

If you’re not sure which material is right for you on your next project, contact our team at APPRO. We have been helping our clients make these types of decisions for more than 25 years, and we would be happy to help you, too!

 

“Safety First”

“Safety first” has been a popular catch phrase for years, and is used in the public and internal literature of many companies, especially those in fields where it matters the most, like in construction. Too many construction sites have personnel that treat it as an afterthought, however, if they give any thought to safety at all.

Why do people who have the most to lose if a job site is unsafe, the workers themselves, seem to be the people most likely to display a don’t-care or slack attitude about safety? You would think these people would be the most diligent about safety. There are, of course, many foremen and trades people who look at a safe working environment and planned construction method as paramount in doing their jobs properly, safely, and can therefore execute their work with confidence. But there are still too many others not following that example!

A site where everyone automatically includes elements of safety into each day’s construction plan can be the norm, however. A culture of safety can be grown in crews and companies by teaching, reminding and enforcing commonly known OSHA safety measures that everyone on a site should, and most do, know. But how does one grow such a culture?

It starts with a company’s commitment to safe work procedures and a well written safety plan; it continues with signs, checklists, and feedback for any crew’s plan for working safely on any given day. It is enforced by giving verbal and written warnings, and where necessary, taking action to remove individuals from the site that refuse to take safety rules seriously. Companies that continue to send such people to a site should be replaced by other companies who will send safe workers.

Safe workplace procedures like those listed above are a must in today’s construction world, as there are too many life, health and financial repercussions for those companies that don’t do so. I urge everyone, no matter what level of authority, to look at what your company is doing to keep everyone in your workplace safe. I bet you’ll come up with at least one suggestion that leads to a safer and more peaceful workplace for all. After all, the life you save or health you protect may just end up being your own.

APPRO Development, Inc., a Lakeville based commercial construction company, is committed to “safety first” on all its construction projects – large or small. You may review our safety mission statement for more information on APPRO’s policy, and as always, please contact us with any questions.

FIREHOUSE GRILLE to open Tuesday, April 23rd in Elko New Market!

 

Remodel Project at Firehouse Grille Beforeby APPRO Figure 1: Before photo of main dining area

APPRO remodel in south metro restaurant Figure 2: After photo of main dining area.

APPRO Development and our client – the Owners of Firehouse Grille – are extremely proud to present the Grand Opening of their new restaurant tomorrow, April 23rd. The ribbon will be cut and doors open for business starting at 11:00 a.m. So come on down to Elko New Market’s newest culinary hotspot and try some Wildfire Nachos or Firehouse Bites before chowing on one of their Stuffed Burgers, Specialty sandwiches or Entrees such as Walleye or a New York Strip Steak. Enjoy the Firehouse atmosphere and friendly staff for a truly memorable dining experience!

Construction for the interior remodel project on the Firehouse Grille restaurant began in fall of 2012 and was completed this spring. The restaurant is located on Old Town Road off of Highway 2 just west of downtown Elko New Market in the South Metro area.

APPRO & CERRON have been providing property solutions and architectural services to meet the unique needs of each of our clients for more than 25 years in the South Metro area of Minnesota and across North Dakota and Montana. Give us a call today if you’d like to discuss your unique business needs – it would be our honor to help you find the perfect solution for you and make your business and building dreams come true. Feel free to contact us at any time.