By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Ditch the tarps and take this quick training course to start installing Stormseal.  

Tarps have often been the go-to material that roofing contractors use to protect roofs from storm damage. But tarps are notoriously unreliable under harsh wind and rain conditions, and they often lead to more damage if they are ripped or blown off. Stormseal offers an exceptional alternative to tarps with their Stormseal film. To uphold the product quality and company standards, contractors need to be trained and accredited before purchasing and installing Stormseal. 

The polyethylene film shrink wraps to damaged roofs, is 100% waterproof and is impact tested with wind tunnels and hail, ensuring it stays on roofs for over 12 months. Many contractors have benefitted from using the film because it means fewer callbacks and less property damage – one company increased their revenue by 33% in just one year! Being an accredited Stormseal installer builds trust with homeowners too because they feel more protected and comfortable knowing Stormseal won’t blow away. Contractors are also more likely to win the permanent repair work using Stormseal! 

Luckily, training is not overly time-consuming! In just two days, you could become a trusted and certified installer of the Stormseal film. You can also brand the film with your logo to help promote your businesses.  

Stormseal recommends booking your training one week in advance before the start date. The cost of the course is $995. Here are the upcoming dates for trainings in Mulberry, Florida: 

• April 21 and 22, 2022 

• May 19 and 20, 2022  

• June 16 and 17, 2022 

Visit the training information site for more information about booking, upcoming training days, safety policies and more. 

Learn more about Stormseal in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.stormseal.com/us.

Homes ‘shrink wrapped’ in the FEMA/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pilot program following Hurricane Ida were undamaged by recent spring storms. 

Stormseal, the game-changing storm response solution that provides powerful protection to homes and buildings until permanent repairs can be made, remained intact and undamaged following recent powerful storms and tornadoes that swept through Louisiana.

Stormseal was installed in October 2021 on homes in the New Orleans area that were ineligible for FEMA’s Operation Blue Roof, a program managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the protective wrap was recently subject to severe spring weather.  

Dan Brown, commercial account executive with CMR Construction, was the project superintendent on the initial installation last fall. “This particular home was the first one we did as part of the pilot program,” explained Brown. “Recent weather data shows that it was hit with sustained winds of 36 miles per hour and gusts over 45 miles per hour.”

Following the tornadoes and severe wind events, Brown visited the home to inspect the protective film and found it in stellar condition. “This is an excellent proof of concept for what the Army Corps was trying to accomplish by providing a solution to roofs that were disqualified from the blue roofs program,” Brown explained.

With supply chain disruptions delaying the shipping and delivery of roofing materials many homes won’t see permanent repairs for months or even more than a year. Stormseal CEO and Founder Matthew Lennox said, “We developed Stormseal to be the best temporary roof protection on the market. It has proven itself time and time again that it can withstand weather extremes and protect properties from sustaining additional damages while they await permanent repairs.”

About Stormseal

Stormseal is a strong polyethylene film that heat-shrinks to cover a damaged structure and stays put until permanent repairs are made. When Stormseal is installed on a damaged roof or wall, the application of heat shrinks the film, enhancing its strength and ensuring a perfect fit to the structure, without damaging any underlying materials. For more information visit www.stormseal.com

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Learn how Matt Lennox came to invent this award-winning film that is replacing tarps as temporary roof protection! 

In 2007, Sydney, Australia faced severe hailstorms that caused damage to many houses in the area. Matthew Lennox was not only frustrated by the impact of the storm, but also by the tarps the government provided homeowners as a solution. The tarps failed numerous times during subsequent storms, causing further damage and resetting the insurance claim process for homeowners. Because of this event, he went on to become the founder of Stormseal, a company that now provides an innovative, safer solution to temporary roof protection. 

“I knew that severe storms were becoming more common around the world. I was determined to find a better solution than tarps for protecting damaged properties,” Matthew told OrlandoVoyager. He wasted no time in developing a now award-winning solution. 

Matthew consulted with a leading chemical polymer engineer, John O’Neill, to develop Stormseal – a polyethylene-based film designed to be used on roofs or structures impacted by major storms. It heat-shrinks over any damaged areas and doesn’t budge until the permanent repairs are made. The film protects damaged properties from wind, hail and rain and is not susceptible to fire. 

The Stormseal film has been given two patents as well as a generous grant from the Australian Government. According to IP Australia, the $450,000 grant has allowed the company to secure their IP, develop a quality assurance program and establish a national training system so more people can apply the product. 

Stormseal has been used to protect over 9,000 homes and businesses all over the world. Matthew and everyone else at Stormseal are so glad to be able to help homeowners during stressful weather events. “That’s what it’s all about,” Matthew told OrlandoVoyager. “Alleviating the trauma, preventing further damage and enabling people ravaged by storms to get on with life.” 

Although the company has faced challenges such as a changing industry, pandemics and competitors, Matthew and his team at Stormseal will stop at nothing to help families around the globe. 

Learn more about Stormseal in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.stormseal.com. 

Photo Credit: OrlandoVoyager

By Stormseal. 

Learn how the reconstruction of a burned down home finally began making headway once they used Stormseal. 

Late in 2019 in Richardson, Texas, a home was hit with a fire that devastated most of the house, including the roof. As is standard with insurance agencies, they would need to assess the damage before proceeding with reconstruction. However, the contractors working on interior repairs were using traditional tarps. The consistent rainstorms were causing costly delays and further damage. The tarps were failing, which is when the insurance company contracted Orlando Group. 

The Orlando Group is a commercial and residential roofing contractor that has specialized experience with storm damage and restorations. Orlando Group has been a certified Stormseal® installer since 2018, and was one of the first United States companies to endorse the Australian invention. “Our go-to used to be tarps, but Stormseal was a perfect fit for Orlando Group,” expressed president of the Orlando Group Doug Hasty. “We only associate with manufacturers who take care of their master contractors and customers.” The installation is quick and streamlined, thanks to Stormseal’s accredited installer training. 

After evaluating the project site, Orlando Group recommended Stormseal’s innovative polyethylene film that heat-shrinks to securely wrap a damaged roof or structure. Unlike tarps, Stormseal stays in place on a roof until permanent repairs can be made, resisting wind, rain, hail, water intrusion, and it is UV resistant and fire retardant. It can last over a year on a structure, which reduces much of the cost, hassle and stress that can accompany projects that require a longer construction timeline. Stormseal can be heat-shrunk to contour to any surface, and it has high strength and tear resistance. In addition to all of its impressive qualities as a protective wrap, it is 100% recyclable. 

After installing new framing and small areas of decking to the burned rafters, 4,705 square feet of Stormseal were placed on the entire roof and the chimney. It was a quick installation over just two half days, giving the team protection fomr the storms that had been traveling through the area. “Once we put the roof protection on, everyone breathed a sigh of relief,” said Doug. 

Upon arrival at the jobsite, the installer completes a damage report. Then, Stormseal film is cut and tailored onsite to fit the damaged structure. Attachment occurs at the perimeter of the damaged area, meaning that installers spending less time on the roof, which reduces fall risks and installation costs. Finally, the film is heat-shrunk to the structure and inspected for quality assurance. When it’s time for removal, the process is fast and easy, and it can be reapplied following a roof inspection. 

“There’s simply nothing like it,” said Doug. “Other products just don’t have the testing or warranty that Stormseal has. Quick fixes bring problems, and we didn’t build our company on quick fixes.” Stormseal allows contractors to continue working without worrying about weather elements elevating the cost of the construction process. Once installed, it’s as though the storm has passed, even if it really hasn’t. 

Learn more about Stormseal in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.stormseal.com.

The pilot program ‘shrink-wraps’ the roofs of homes, which are not eligible for the Blue Roof Program. 

An innovative U.S. Army program is helping residents to recover from Hurricane Ida. Under the current program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) can’t nail the temporary roofing onto many surfaces because it might damage them. The tarps simply don’t work on tiled, slate or metal roofs. 

Three companies were approached for a solution, including Matthew Lennox from West Palm Beach, Florida-based Stormseal. “I’ve been talking with USACE for the past 5 years outlining the benefits of Stormseal,” Mr. Lennox said. “I’m so thrilled we could assist Operation Blue Roof and those affected by Hurricane Ida.” 

The shrink wrap pilot program involves installing Stormseal’s product over a damaged roof, secured at the perimeter with furring strips. A contractor then uses heat to shrink the material and create a water-tight seal. 

The selection process was done using the Center for Disease Control’s Social Vulnerability Index, to determine areas that needed the most support. 

Homeowner Diane Gros, in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, said she had exhausted all of her options to make the necessary repairs to her home and didn’t have insurance. “Thank you all for what you are doing,” she said. “Until you called, nobody was willing to help me. What you are doing is pretty amazing.” 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District and Hurricane Ida Recovery Field Office commander, Col. Zachary Miller, said he’s optimistic about the potential uses for the new program. “If this pilot program works as intended, it could really be a game changer for survivors needing a temporary roof following a major storm event,” he said. “Disasters can devastate a region but being able to stay in your home while you recover is a win-win for the survivor and the community.” 

USACE and FEMA will evaluate the program to decide whether it can be used to help people affected by future natural disasters. 

View video footage on YouTube. 

About Stormseal 

Stormseal is a strong polyethylene film that heat-shrinks to cover a damaged structure and stays put until permanent repairs are made. When Stormseal is installed on a damaged roof or wall, the application of heat shrinks the film, enhancing its strength and ensuring a perfect fit to the structure, without damaging any underlying materials. For more information visit www.stormseal.com.

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

NAVIG8 2021 is a must-attend event for anyone interested in a sneak peek at the future of aerial tech. 

Featuring Nearmap partners and guests, 20 plus sessions and 15 plus speakers, NAVIG8 2021 is open to everyone interested in the latest aerial technology innovations. At the conference, on October 20, you will see why aerial tech can help solve the world’s most pertinent issues.  

During the keynote session of the conference, you will learn how cities, local authorities and businesses are preparing for an uncertain future and how aerial technology can help shine a light on the way the climate is changing, among other important topics. This prestigious lineup will kick off the NAVIG8 event as well as introduce some of Nearmap’s plans for the company and their technology. 

Speakers for this event include: 

• Dr. Rob Newman – Nearmap CEO 

• Bengamin Grant – Author and founder of Overview 

• Tom Celinski – Nearmap CTO  

• Dr. Mike Bewley – Nearmap senior director of AI Systems 

• Britta Baumann – Nearmap senior director of Global Customer Experience 

“We’re very excited that this year’s attendees will have the opportunity to hear from presenters versed in insurance, government, construction and a variety of other areas of expertise,” said Don Weigel, Nearmap VP of product, who will also be giving a keynote presentation at the conference. “This year's NAVIG8 conference will highlight how this technology can be a driving force for moving our society as a whole into the future.” 

Industry leaders across America will be present at NAVIG8, including Stormseal founder Matt Lennox who will describe how aerial technology is helping Stormseal solve real-world problems. 

Technical workshops 

At NAVIG8, attendees have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with all that Nearmap has to offer. You can get acquainted with the basics of Nearmap’s web application, MapBrowser, as well as explore the extensive list of premium Nearmap content. With help from product experts, you can start your Nearmap journey at NAVIG8 2021. 

Register now to experience how the brightest thinkers in aerial tech are envisioning the future. 

Learn more about Nearmap in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.nearmap.com.

By Stormseal. 

Aerial technology is on the rise and has the potential to solve some of the world’s most prevalent problems. 

NAVIG8 2021 will be open to everyone who is interested in aerial technology innovation. This conference will discuss how aerial tech can help the solve the world’s most pertinent issues. Featuring Nearmap partners and guests, 20 plus sessions and 15 plus speakers, NAVIG8 2021 is a must-attend event for anyone interested in a sneak peek at the future of aerial tech.  

Joined by industry leaders across America, Stormseal founder Matt Lennox will describe how aerial technology is helping Stormseal solve real-world problems today. Sign up for free to view Matt's presentation and all others. 

Keynote speaker  

Join Nearmap CEO Rob Newman and author, artist and influencer, Benjamin Grant, to discuss the future of Nearmap and aerial technology. They will kick off the NAVIG8 event and introduce some of Nearmap’s plans for the company and their technology. 

Technical workshops 

These workshops provide attendees an opportunity to get hands-on experience with all that Nearmap has to offer. You can get acquainted with the basics of Nearmap’s web application, MapBrowser, as well as exploring the long list of premium content they have to offer. With help from product experts, you can start your Nearmap journey at NAVIG8 2021. 

Register now to watch Matt Lennox and other amazing speakers address the questions you have about aerial technology today.

Learn more about Stormseal in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.stormseal.com/us.  

Original article source: Stormseal 

About Stormseal

In the past, roofing contractors have attempted to protect damaged properties with tarps after a severe storm strikes. Unfortunately, as the weather persists and repairs get delayed, these tarps often tear, blow off or collapse which results in more property damage as well as stress for the occupants. 

Stormseal provides a new way to temporarily protect properties after a severe weather event occurs. Their innovative tarps offer a better solution for roofing contractors, insurers and homeowners who can rest easy knowing Stormseal has secured and protected their homes from harsh weather as they await permanent repairs.

By Matthew Lennox, Stormseal. 

How to make a storm-damaged property safe with Stormseal. 

When you are dealing with a storm-damaged building, there are many factors that can influence your decision on how to keep the building safe. When the customers are stressed and the jobsite is a disaster, it is easy to have two minds about the best way to protect the structure from further weather damage. For years, it was common practice to put a tarp over the damage. Truthfully, a building should be fine if the building structure is only moderately damaged, and repairs will happen soon after. So when should you use Stormseal? Read on for expert advice on the best time to use Stormseal on your project. 

In cases of widespread disasters, complex structures or unusual building materials – any time when repairs are likely to be delayed – tarps just don’t make sense. Because as time passes, the risk of tarp failure increases, and when tarps leak, flap, collapse under pooling rainwater, or fly away, more damage results. As months go by, tarps fail repeatedly and insurance claims rise, along with the stress levels of property owners and occupants. 

Frustration with tarps led to my invention of Stormseal: a lightweight but strong polymer film that heat-shrinks to securely wrap damaged structures. 100% waterproof, Stormseal withstands high winds and heavy hail, staying put for up to 12 months. It’s protected more than 10,000 storm-damaged structures of all shapes and sizes, around the world. 

To help insurers and roofers decide when to tarp and when to Stormseal, they can use this quick make-safe quiz. 

If the answer is ‘Yes’ to any of the following questions, there is likely to be a long delay before permanent repairs, making Stormseal the smart choice for property protection. 

1.     Is the property one of many damaged in a catastrophic event? 

2.     Is further wind, rain or hail likely? 

3.     Has the property suffered structural damage? 

4.     Are the roof materials unusual? 

5.     Is the value of the repair/property/contents high? 

6.     Is the property a business location? 

7.     Is it a contentious claim or likely to be cash-settled? 

In these situations, Stormseal is win-win-win: 

• The property owner can continue business as usual, with peace of mind that they and their possessions are safe. 

• The roofer gets a happy customer who will likely call them back to replace the roof – and won’t call them in the middle of the night to fix a broken tarp. 

• The insurer pays out less in damages and keeps their customer satisfied. 

Notes: 

1 - Structural damage (e.g. from a tree fall or very strong wind) will require time-consuming assessment by an engineer before their recommended repairs can be made. 

2 - Unusual roof materials (e.g. vintage tiles, bespoke materials or asbestos) will be difficult to procure, and asbestos requires special handling, so in either case, repairs will be delayed. 

3 - If business (including work from home) cannot continue, economic loss coverage may apply. Installing Stormseal prevents this expense by keeping the premises weatherproof and safe, enabling business to continue with minimal disruption. 

4 – The purpose of a cash settlement is to simplify and shorten the claim process. Using tarpaulins on the property is likely to complicate and extend any dispute about pre-existing damage/condition and its associated costs as the insurer will be liable for any further damage caused by tarp failure. 

You can find out more about Stormseal at Stormseal.com or view the make-safe quiz online at  Stormseal.com/us/make-safe-quiz/ 

Learn more about Stormseal in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.stormseal.com. 

Original article source: Stormseal

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.

Social media has evolved into an essential tool for businesses to establish relationships with their customers.

When social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like first started they were really meant to help friends and families stay connected with one another. Photos of cats, dogs, children, family vacations and plates of delicious meals quickly became popular fodder for users of the sites.

It didn’t take long for businesses to realize that their customers are hanging out on social media and we saw the number of business pages and accounts beginning to grow. Savvy businesses realized that their online connections aren’t really interested in hearing about their latest product or service. They are looking for useful information, interesting photos, stories, tips for living a better life and more.

It’s really important that you speak to your customers in their voice and at the times when they are online, scrolling through their news feeds. This was a challenge that Australian-based Stormseal was facing to reach their potential customers once they opened their United States headquarters and began marketing to homeowners and contractors. If you have ever had the chance to see, read or hear things in Australia, the spellings, pronunciations, and even what things are called can vary between the two countries. The time of day is very different as well, with Australia being on average 12 – 14 hours ahead of the U.S., depending on your location, making it hard to interact and respond to comments.

To address these issues and be present for their American markets, the company rolled out social media platforms that are specific to the U.S. Contractors are encouraged to visit the new U.S. social media sites, like the pages and share the content to help educate the U.S. market on the company’s innovative solution that prevents further damage to homes and structure while they are awaiting permanent repairs. Stormseal’s content also shares important information on storms and advice for homeowners on how to protect their homes from further damage following storms – all information that is useful and relevant for property owners. (Find them online here: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram)

So, are you engaging with your customers on social media like Stormseal? Many contractors struggle to find relevant content to share with their followers that is not just standard product and services messaging. Manufacturers, like Stormseal, also provide a lot of useful content that they encourage contractors to share with their followers. As a contractor, you will want to follow their social media platforms to stay up to date on the latest trainings, product announcements and use cases.

Learn more about Stormseal in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory.

Property owners in the path of Tropical Storm Elsa are urged to ask for Stormseal, the innovative storm protection solution that heat shrinks to damaged structures, providing superior protection for up to a year.

Stormseal, the game-changing storm response solution that provides powerful protection to homes and buildings until permanent repairs can be made, is urging property owners in areas damaged by Tropical Storm Elsa to contact a Stormseal-certified contractor for long-term temporary protection of their homes or businesses.   

“There is a critical shortage of roofing materials that is causing lead times of up to six months for contractors,” said Matthew Lennox, CEO of Stormseal. “Property owners may have to wait a long time to have permanent repairs made. We urge them to seek a solution like Stormseal that shrink wraps to the structure and seals it to keep rain out, preventing further damage for up to a year or more.”

Tarps that have been placed on damaged homes end up flapping in the wind or blowing off completely, allowing rain to enter the structure and cause further damage. Stormseal eliminates that problem by sealing itself around damaged roofs and walls to provide unsurpassed temporary protection from the elements until permanent repairs can be made.

“Being in the middle of storm season, there is a very real chance that property owners may have to weather several storms before their roofs can be repaired,” said Lennox. “Stormseal will make their homes 100 percent watertight and prevent further damage from future storms.”

Stormseal has protected more than 4,000 properties in the United States and over 9,000 internationally. Waterproof, able to withstand hail and 100 mile per hour winds, Stormseal is the smart choice for temporary protection.

Find a certified installer at www.stormseal.com/us.

About Stormseal

Stormseal is a strong polyethylene film that heat-shrinks to cover a damaged structure and stays put until permanent repairs are made. When Stormseal is installed on a damaged roof or wall, the application of heat shrinks the film, enhancing its strength and ensuring a perfect fit to the structure, without damaging any underlying materials. For more information visit www.stormseal.com.