Congress still a bit short on social media savvy

Eight of every 10 members of Congress are on Facebook and Twitter, but social media experts say lawmakers should be more interactive in using online communication tools to reach out to young people, one of their most elusive constituent groups.

People ages 18 to 29 — the so-called millennials — practically live online. Yet simply adopting the latest technology isn’t enough to bring them into the political world of Congress, according to the experts and leaders of youth-based political groups. Lawmakers instead should be using social media to actively engage that 18-29 crowd instead of as another one-way communication tool to tout their latest talking points.

“Social media has gone from a publishing platform to a really interactive space,” says Andrew Foxwell, manager of marketing and new media at iConstituent, a firm assisting congressional offices with constituent outreach. “You have to interact. That’s the added value of social media.”

Foxwell advises lawmakers to respond to millennials’ comments on Facebook and to their tweets, the 140-character-or-less messages sent to those who follow Twitter accounts.

It can be a significant audience. Three-quarters of Americans 18 to 29 use social media, and one-third go online to connect with government officials, according to a survey by The Pew Internet and American Life Project.

In Congress, 433 members of the House and Senate, or 81 percent, use Twitter, a recent survey of members found. Eighty-three percent, or 441 members, use Facebook.

When it comes to tweeting, Republicans have an edge over Democrats in both chambers.

In the House, 86 percent of Republicans tweet compared with 75 percent of Democrats. Forty-one of the 47 Republicans in the Senate tweet, as do 41 of the 51 Senate Democrats and both independents.

Youth advocacy group leaders urge lawmakers to use social media for more than dry policy statements and talking points.

“We want to know how you’re feeling,” says Angela Peoples of Campus Progress, who advises members of Congress to be “genuine” in their social media usage. “If you’re frustrated with the process, share that with your social media tools.”

Heather Smith, president of Rock the Vote, also pushes for authenticity. “Have a real conversation. Talk about the issues and engage them in authentic ways,” she says. “Be yourself, use the technology and people will write back.”

For Emily Bartone, an 18-year-old student at George Mason University in suburban Washington, personalizing the message is key to connecting.

“I want it to be something that’s going to be valid to me as an 18-year-old, as a new voter,” Bartone says. “They can talk and talk and talk about whatever their agenda is, but if they don’t personalize it to their viewers and their audience, then they’re not going to get anywhere with it.”

Social media should be a catalyst for political dialogue, Foxwell says.

“It’s what I call a 360-degree conversation,” he says. “The ultimate you could have is that somebody gets an email or e-newsletter from their representative. Then, they start following that representative on Facebook or Twitter, they ask a question and the representative responds back. Then you’re having a real experience, with a person.”

Like other media, it can be misused. Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., was forced to resign in June after sending sexually explicit messages and photos to women who were following him on Twitter.

The 2008 presidential election showed tangible benefits for a candidate who could engage young voters via social media. According to The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, 51 percent of eligible voters ages 18-29 cast ballots, up 2 percentage points from 2004, and most voted for Barack Obama, whose campaign used social media extensively.

Three years later, some millennials say lawmakers who have yet to become social media-savvy are missing an opportunity to connect with their generation.

“We’re a very underappreciated group of voters, but the thing is, when we’re passionate, we’re a very powerful group of voters,” Bartone said. “When you’re not using social media to contact us, to really get to us, you’re really . neglecting an entire group of voters that could really do well for you.”

Sarah Richard, a 22-year-old graduate student at Clark University in Worcester, Mass., said members of Congress who aren’t using social media well are viewed as minor players, if not insignificant.

“If you’re looking for the youth vote for any election coming up, you need to have social media on your side,” Richard says.

Experts say lawmakers should develop specific strategies for targeting young people. Peter Levine, the director of The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, says lawmakers should hire millennials from their own congressional district or state to contribute their own content as a way to connect with others like them.

“If a staffer is writing the tweets for a member of Congress, say so,” Levine says.

He also suggests that lawmakers or their representatives invite comments and responses and then reply to them to make the conversation interactive.

Lack of a social media presence is a sign of being out of touch, says Matthew Segal, 25, the co-founder and president of Our Time, an organization created to bolster the voice of young Americans. The more out of touch the lawmakers seem, he says, the more millennials feel removed from the political process.

“Members of Congress have an obligation to stay on top of new emerging trends and culture because they represent the American people,” Segal says, “and that’s what the American people are using and consuming every single day.” ~AP~

Commercial Roofing

The Saratoga Roofing Difference
Our commitment to excellence, outstanding customer service and exceptional results are the ‘Saratoga Difference’ that our customers have come to rely on. We provide unbiased and customized solutions based on your specific needs by utilizing years of experience with every possible roofing situation. You can expect extensive surveys, life expectancy models, repair ROI analysis and repair versus re-roofing evaluations. In the event you do need a replacement roof, we can provide you with the all the information required to make an informed decision when selecting the best commercial roofing solution for your project. When it comes to repairs, our customers have come to expect 24/7 live customer service, 24-hour response times, dedicated service crews and extensive “before and after” documentation.

National Reach – Local Presence
Saratoga Roofing has the resources of a national company with the quick response of a local presence. Our corporate services include a safety department, technical department, unparalleled and customizable warranties. Our financial strength and stability will allow you to rest easy knowing that your warranty has strong backing and that Saratoga Roofing will be there when you need us. On the technical side, our Asset Management appraisals have become indispensable for many of our customers, enabling them to manage costs over the life span of their roof system.

Commitment to Excellence
At Saratoga Roofing, commitment to excellence is more than a slogan, it’s a passion. We provide our customers with unparalleled expertise in the design and installation of commercial roofing systems. There are many considerations to be addressed to determine the most practical system for each project. Our highly trained staff evaluates each roof on an individual basis and makes system recommendations based on our customer’s unique needs. While the right system is critical, a roof is only as good as the roofer who installs it. Our filed personnel are the best in the business. Due to our constant work flow and generous company benefits we are able to attract and retain top talent. With dozens of service and production crews along with our seasoned support staff our employees are a vast repository of system design experience, field knowledge and best practices.

Saratoga represents most major manufacturers and due to our significant volume and financial resources we are able to purchase directly from many of them, which allows us to pass on significant savings to our customers. In those rare cases where a manufacturer’s product may be faulty, a smaller contractor may involve you in disputes.   At Saratoga Roofing, we deal with manufacturers directly. Our concern will always be to “do the right thing” for our customers, no matter what the circumstances may be.

What is the most important element of the Saratoga Roofing Difference?

We are customer centric. Over 50% of our business is from repeat customers. Our clients want more and they can expect more from Saratoga Roofing. From risk reduction, sustainable solutions, and extensive analysis, we understand that we are only as good as our last job, and our repeat customers and national accounts are the best illustration of our success.

For more information, contact:
Saratoga Roofing & Construction
Serving OKC * Tulsa * DFW Metroplex
800-757-ROOF (7663)
www.saratogaroofing.com

Gen-Flex winners circle for 2010, Firestone RedShield Contractor, Approved Carlisle Contractor

Guidelines for selecting a commercial (low-slope) roofing contractor

Buying a new roof system is an important investment. Before you spend your money, spend some time learning how to evaluate the roofing contractor who may be doing the work. Roofing contractors are not all alike; insist on working with a professional.

Why a professional roofing contractor? A professional generally is recognized as a person who has hands-on experience, specialized knowledge and received intensive training.

So how can you tell a qualified contractor from an unqualified one? There are no foolproof methods, but there are some important things that you can do to help make the best possible decision.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends that you prequalify contractors. It may require some extra work, but experience shows that it goes a long way toward making sure you get the kind of results you expect–a roof system that works!

You can prequalify contractors on a project-to-project or annual basis if you regularly deal with the same group of contractors. Your criteria may vary according to the job requirements, but all professional roofing contractors should be able to provide you with the following:

A permanent place of business
Confirm that your contractor is well-established with a permanent address, telephone number, tax identification number and, where required, a business license. A professional has these readily available.

Knowledge of roof systems
The introduction of new roofing materials and application techniques has sparked a tremendous change in the roofing industry over the past 10 years. A professional roofing contractor is familiar with the different types of roof systems and will help you make the best decision for your building and budget. Be sure you are comfortable with the roof system(s) your contractor suggests.

Affiliated with an industry organization
Ask the contractor if his company is a member of a local, state, regional or national industry association. Involvement in a professional organization tends to keep a contractor better informed about the latest developments and issues in the industry.

Committed to education
Choose a company that is committed to the safety and education of its workers. Ask the contractor what types of safety training he provides for his workers and what industry programs the workers have attended. The best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers who install the roof system. Insist on having trained, experienced roof mechanics.

Insured and committed to safety
Don’t hesitate to ask the roofing contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing copies of insurance certificates that verify workers’ compensation and general liability coverages. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of your job. If a contractor is not properly insured, you, the owner, may be liable for accidents that occur on the property. Many building owners and homeowners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors. (Note: U.S. workers’ compensation laws vary by state. Consult your state’s laws to determine workers’ compensation insurance requirements.)

Licensed and bonded
Many states require that roofing contractors be licensed; some states have specific licensing requirements. In addition, some contractors are able to obtain bonding from surety companies, while others are not. Check to see if a prospective roofing contractor is properly licensed and/or bonded. Your state’s department of professional regulation or licensing board will have this information.

Financial stability
A professional contractor will be able to supply you with current financial information. This should include: current assets, net fixed assets, current liabilities, other liabilities and references from a financial institution or auditing firm.

Application expertise
Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements. Some materials require special application expertise to provide a quality roof system that will last.

Insist on a written proposal
Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications. Be sure the proposal includes the approximate starting and completion dates, payment procedures, and any additional issues such as landscape damage prevention and debris cleanup.

Warranties
There are two basic categories of roofing warranties: the contractor’s warranty, which covers workmanship, and the manufacturer’s warranty, which covers (as a minimum) materials. Be sure that your contractor offers a warranty that covers workmanship. A manufacturer’s warranty alone will not protect you if the roof is improperly installed. Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it.

Completed projects
Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects.

References

When making the final selection, ask the roofing contractor for a list of recent clients. Check with these customers to see if they were completely satisfied with the quality of materials and workmanship provided. You also may contact the Better Business Bureau to find out if they have received any customer complaints about the contractor.

Provisions for on-site supervision
Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required and the estimated time of completion.

A professional maintenance program
Professional roofing contractors will offer periodic maintenance inspections throughout the year. These inspections will help ensure that your project complies with the standards specified in the warranty. A maintenance program usually consists of a detailed visual examination of the roof system, flashing, insulation and related components to identify any potential trouble areas.  ~ nrca.net ~

Saratoga Roofing prides itself in superior abilities for commercial roofing projects.  We have completed commercial projects large to small, new construction to re-roof to roof repair.  As the owner or manager of your building, when roofing needs come in to play, you can count on Saratoga Roofing to deliver on-time, on-budget and with the highest quality workmanship.  That’s the way we’ve built our business – by delivering what’s expected with great quality and on-time delivery.  We want every client to become the next strong testimonial for Saratoga.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact:
Saratoga Roofing & Construction
Serving OKC * Tulsa * DFW Metroplex
800-757-ROOF (7663)
www.saratogaroofing.com

Social media plays role in hiring process

A person’s Facebook page is a representation of how a person acts when he or she thinks nobody in authority is looking, said Jeannine Morber, owner of Morber Marketing Group. But, sometimes those people in authority are looking.

Thanks to social media websites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, employers can find out more about candidates’ online behavior.

 Among things that can cause prospective employers concern are references to drugs and alcohol, sexual harassment comments, derogatory comments or other inappropriate behavior, said Morber, a Taneytown resident who works with a wide range of clients, primarily in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Social media have become a big part of Morber’s job: one thing she does is train companies’ employees how to integrate social media with their marketing plans. She also teaches workshops for businesses on how to use social media.

If a person curses frequently online, it may make an employer question the potential employee’s judgment, she said.

Once something is on the Internet, it can be found even if it is deleted because of past versions of web pages and caches, or online storage files, Morber said.

“There’s kind of no hiding from your past anymore,” she said.

People looking for jobs should look up their potential employers and supervisors as well, Morber said.

Employers weigh in
The extent to which some local employers use social media when searching for job candidates varies. However, those that use social media say they tend to do so only after the more traditional screening processes, and sometimes not until after a candidate has already interviewed for a position.

Don McCombie is president and virtual CEO of NoWorriesIT in Westminster, which provides outsourced information technology services to small and medium businesses within about a 50-mile radius. He said they took candidates’ online presence into account when filling their most recent job opening.

McCombie said there were probably 50 or 60 candidates for the position, and people were first taken out of the applicant pool if they didn’t have the right technical qualifications or didn’t follow the directions given on a job posting.

After that, he said, the company made cursory background checks through state and local websites and then moved on to looking at social media. The company can only see information available publicly, McCombie said. A candidate doesn’t become disqualified for just a silly comment, McCombie said. The check was more to see what the person’s character is like.

With the check, he looks at whether they are a member of Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter; what they are posting and what their implied behavior is. Google may provide pertinent information as well, he said.

McCombie said if someone shares lots of personal details on Facebook, it can raise concerns about how the potential employee would act if they had access to information at work.

Michael Blair, CPA and owner of Blair & Associates Inc. in Westminster, said he’s only hired about five or six people over the past five years. He said he doesn’t usually check Facebook for older people, but checks it for younger people because they are more likely to use the site. If the person sends a follow-up letter, he normally checks the site when he receives the letter.

Blair said when he checks social media – primarily Facebook – it can help confirm his hiring decisions. For example, if someone he interviewed gave him an uncomfortable feeling, looking at his or her Facebook page may reinforce the decision he makes, he said.

Kim Hope, president/CEO of Maryland Print & Design LLC in Sykesville, said if the company’s considering working with an applicant, she and her husband Mike Hope, vice president/general manager at their company will want to take the person’s online presence into account. She said they look at LinkedIn and Facebook if they are considering interviewing a person, before the interview process.

Hope estimated they’ve been doing this for about two years, and she said she didn’t recall finding anything negative.

Looking at a person’s social media accounts helps provide the clearest picture of an applicant because it can help fill in gaps, Hope said. While meeting face-to-face is more important, she said, looking at LinkedIn and Facebook can show the person’s interests and how plugged in they seem to be with other activities and different social groups.

Legalities
There’s no law against looking at applicants’ social media pages, said Carol Miaskoff, acting associate legal counsel in the Office of Legal Counsel for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, as in any other hiring situation, employers cannot discriminate because of certain criteria. According to the EEOC website, these are race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Miaskoff also said the same kinds of information should basically be gathered for each applicant. For example, the employer shouldn’t be looking at Facebook pages for women but not men, or for only people of a certain race or religion, she said.

Employers should be trained on equal employment opportunity laws and should ideally use a rubric or list if opting to look at the pages, said Miaskoff. She also said it may be good to have more than one person involved, and the company should decide whether it will really be helpful in the job search to look at personal Facebook pages.

She also said it’s important for employers not to exclude somebody because of disability or genetic information that is sometimes available online. The examples Miaskoff provided that could potentially be found online were learning that someone is a member of an AIDS support group or seeing an obituary that says how someone’s parent died.

Third-party screening
Social Intelligence Corp., based in Santa Barbara, Calif., does background social media screening for companies across the U.S., without providing protected information to employers.

CEO and President Max Drucker said the company opened in February 2010 and launched its official product in September 2010. The company offers Social Intelligence Hiring, for potential employee screening, and Social Intelligence Monitoring, so employers know if employees are following their company’s social media guidelines, according to the Social Intelligence website.

For Social Intelligence Hiring, companies choose from a list of positive and negative things they want to find out about candidates, Drucker said. Negative criteria include racist remarks or activities, sexually explicit material, display of weapons, illegal behaviors and drug use. Positive criteria include participation in charitable or volunteer efforts, contributions to industry blogs and industry recognition, he said.

Drucker said Social Intelligence Corp. looks at social media sites, blogs and anywhere there is user-generated content. He said in addition to major search engines, Social Intelligence Corp. also developed its own software to collect information. However, Drucker said they only access information available to the public. A person then reviews the information, he said.

If an employer chooses not to hire someone because of what is found in a report, he or she has a preadverse action notice: a copy of the report stating what negative criteria was met online, Drucker said.
~ carrollcountytimes.com ~

Does your roof need to be replaced?

 

 

 

Oklahoma has experienced heavy snow and ice for the past couple of years.  If you suspect you may have roof damage, have it inspected before major damage occurs.

A leaky roof is a sure sign that your roof is in trouble, but there are many more signs that might indicate that your roof is aging and needs to be replaced. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that you inspect your roof at least twice a year to check for signs of damage, especially before the cold winter season when ice and snow can weigh a roof down.  It is best to catch this damage before it hurts the inside of your building and can become very costly.

There are several signs to look for:
Age of the roof. The normal life of a roof is approximately 15 years depending upon the maintenance of the roof. After this time, there are regular cases of leaks and torn flashings reported in any roof.  Missing or torn shingles. If the number of missing tiles and shingles are huge, then its best to replace the roof, rather than going in for a repair. Condition of interior walls touching the roof. The condition of the walls touching the roof is a clear indication of the time required for the roof to be replaced. In case there is loss of paint, or moisture marks on the walls indicating the seepage of water, then its time for the roof to undergo major repairs.

Before investing in costly repairs or replacement, have your roof inspected by a professional, reliable roofing company.  But don’t delay…the longer you wait, the chances are you will increase the amount of repair or replacement.

Saratoga Roofing & Construction offers a full array of services for any size customer.  From multi-family complexes, to schools, to manufacturing businesses, we have a roofing solution that will fit your needs.  Our capabilities range from large commercial projects with all system types and materials to residential re-roof including composition shingle, tile, synthetic materials, natural and many more.  Give us a call and one of our trained roof professionals will be happy to help.

For questions or to schedule your free estimate or analysis, contact:
Saratoga Roofing & Construction
800-757-ROOF (7663)
www.saratogaroofing.com

Dallas Social Media Scene Reacts To Big Facebook Changes

The social media set here in D-FW are reacting to Facebook’s latest news. Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a big list of key changes to the site and many say it’s going to revolutionize the way we use it.

We attended a mixer for the Social Media Club of Dallas tonight. The room was abuzz with chit chat about Facebook — the consensus was with these changes the site will become and even bigger player on the internet.

“I think what we’re seeing is a major revelation within Facebook, and it’s almost like an entirely new website that’s going to take a lot of time to adapt too,” said Social Media Club Dallas member Alyssa Gadina.

“Every time Facebook changes something we all panic at first and then we get used to it and then we learn how to use it and then it’s great,” said Social Media Club Dallas member Lauren Parajon.

Andrew Turner with Dallas’ Square 1 Agency says the biggest change has to do with a new feature called Timeline.

“A good way to think about Timeline is almost like a digital scrapbook, or digital yearbook, of your life,” said Square 1 Agency Web Specialist Andrew Turner.

Turner says Timeline will allow users to share info in chronological order on their profile pages. He says Facebook felt older information was getting lost as new information continued to come in.

“It brings a more historical approach to all of your updates and everything that you do on Facebook, photos, social interactions, things like that,” said Turner.

Besides Timeline, Turner says the biggest changes have to do with a feature called Open Graph. It revamps how a company’s apps interact with your profile. Any info you share with an app will be cataloged on your profile.

“They’ve kind of targeted and catered towards both the consumer and the company,” said Turner.

Turner says overall Facebook is using your information in a whole new way.

“Facebook is getting smarter, so it’s able to really tell you like to do this, these are things you’ve done in the past and this is what you like,” he said.

While it all might take some getting used too, those in the social media scene say most users will likely stay.

“We’re at the mercy of whatever Facebook does. What are we all gonna go do? Are we gonna migrate to Google Plus? Are we all gonna go to Twitter?” said Social Media Club Dallas President Mike Merrill.

We all know privacy remains a big concerns for most Facebook users. Turner says does include tighter privacy controls, so users can pick and choose what kind of information they want to share with others on the site.

Turner says the changes will likely start to pop up on profiles in the next few weeks.

Roofing Tips

The Importance of Commercial Roof Maintenance

Even if your commercial building was not affected by storms this year, Fall is a great time to have your roof inspected before the cold weather arrives, says Denver Green, President of Saratoga Roofing & Construction.

“The typical life span of a roof is between 18 and 20 years, Green said, but problems certainly arise along the way.  Too often, people wait until there’s a leak or some damage.” He warned that even a few ripped shingles or loose flashing can result in rotted wood in the frames, electrical wiring mishaps or soggy sheetrock.

And procrastination can result in bigger and more expensive problems.  The longer a commercial roof problem is ignored, the more money it could end up costing you.  Once a commercial roofing problem becomes bigger, businesses end up spending large sums of money to repair or replace it, something that could have been avoided had they had commercial roof maintenance.

Ongoing commercial roof maintenance, such as checks every six months, will save a business a lot of money.   Routine maintenance can also help with the longevity of your commercial roof. There will also be no having to pay workers’ compensation for those who become ill due to mold accumulation.

Flat roofs should be inspected for worn spots, depressions and proper drainage, and touched up or replaced as necessary.

There are dozens of styles and materials available for installing new roofs or for repairing existing roofs.

 For new construction or existing buildings, call:
 Saratoga Roofing & Construction
800-757-ROOF (7663)
Serving OKC, Tulsa and DFW area.

For more information, follow us online!
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

Consumers unimpressed with green social media campaign

The Climate Reality Project app that accesses Facebook and Twitter accounts of volunteers to raise awareness of climate change, is criticised in a Sophos survey.

Only two per cent of respondents thought The Climate Reality Project’s use of social media was effective in its awareness campaign

Consumers have given a cool reception to a campaign that uses people’s social media accounts to raise awareness of climate change.The Climate Reality Project, led by former US Vice President Al Gore, wants people who have Facebook, Twitter or other social-networking accounts to install an app that will enable the project to post messages about climate change on users’ profies. The aim is to raise awareness of environmental issues.

But a survey by security company Sophos found that just two per cent of the 1,800 respondents thought this was an effective way to raise awareness of the campaign. A quarter said they thought friends would find it irritating, with a third adding that they would post something personally if they felt strongly about the subject.

Privacy was a worry for some, with 35 per cent of those who took part saying they would be uncomfortable giving any app access to their personal account.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said the tactic was admirable but misguided.

“Surely the Climate Reality Project would do better to post content of interest, which would encourage Facebook and Twitter users to share tweets and links with their contacts, helping to build upon the campaign in a more authentic way.”

But a Green Party representative argued that people should be allowed to make up their own minds. “Participation in Al Gore’s ’24 Hours of Reality’ is voluntary… users can withdraw access to their Twitter and Facebook accounts at any time.

“It’s very important that people receive information that explains the risk of runaway climate change… ’24 Hours of Reality’ looks to be an innovative, one-off use of social media. More generally, if people take part in online events that are open and participatory, it’s likely that they’ll expect governments, both locally and nationally, to be the same way.”

Social media sites have been growing in influence, and are recognised as powerful tools for campaigners looking to raise awareness. Advertisers and politicians have also used Facebook and Twitter to communicate with the public.

Facebook and Twitter, along with Blackeberry’s BBM messaging system, were at the centre of controversy following this summer’s riots in England, with some politicians calling on the Government to bring in laws to suspend services during incidents of disorder.

Others argued that social media could be used for good as well as bad motives, citing the way people were able to avoid troublespots, as well as the campaign to get volunteers to help clear up damaged homes and businesses.

~ computeractive.co.uk/ ~

Better Building Initiative

 

 

A multi-pronged effort designed to make commercial buildings 20 percent more energy-efficient during the next decade was recently introduced. By engaging and empowering the private sector, the presidential administration hopes to encourage investments for the upgrade of offices, stores, schools, and municipal facilities, as well as universities, hospitals and other commercial buildings.

Specifically, the initiative aims to:

* Achieve a 20% improvement in energy efficiency by 2020
* Reduce companies’ and business owners’ energy bills by about $40 billion per year
* Save energy by reforming outdated incentives and challenging the private sector to act.

Roof system performance is one of the most significant opportunities to increase building energy efficiency. There are three times as many re-roofs and retrofits than there are new roof installs on new buildings, giving the current commercial roofing market the ability to accelerate energy savings much faster than new construction.
Incentives

The Department of Energy is currently working with congress to redesign the current tax deduction for commercial building upgrades into a credit that is more generous. The hope is to inspire building owners to retrofit their properties.

Cool Roofing
Cool roofing is not a new concept. In the mid-1980s, researchers at DOE national laboratories in Tennessee and California were measuring the energy-saving benefits of “solar radiation control coatings” on test roofs. Although energy savings were confirmed in these early studies, they were not sufficient to lead roofing designers and installers to switch away from traditional dark-colored roofing systems.

A parallel effort was launched to determine the influence of light-colored roofing products on summer urban heat islands. This research demonstrated that solar reflective roofs, solar reflective pavements, and vegetation could lower urban air temperatures, saving additional energy and improving air quality. Twenty years after DOE initiated its work on cool roofs, these products started to dominate the commercial roofing marketplace in warm and hot climates. Cool choices now exist for most traditional roofing materials and should be considered whenever construction or an energy retrofit is being planned.

For more information on commercial roof systems, contact:
Saratoga Roofing & Construction
800-757-ROOF (7663)
www.saratogaroofing.com

We’re Expanding Our Team!

Are you an experienced driver looking for a new opportunity in the OKC area?

If so, Saratoga Roofing & Construction is expanding their team! Saratoga is looking for an experienced Class A CDL driver. Job includes but not limited to delivering goods to jobsites throughout Oklahoma and must be able to operate a donkey forklift. Applicant must be able to pass pre-employment DOT drug test, background check, have a valid medical card and have a clean driving record. Must be able to work weekends if needed. Experience is helpful.

Please send resume to: careers@saratogaroofing.com