Ramon Franklin LLC Finds Opus Roof Blanket Passes Ultimate Test in Extreme Texas Heat

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- They say everything is big in Texas, but imagine doing big commercial roofing jobs in the past summer's triple digit heat!  Just ask Michael Franklin, who with co-owner Paul Ramon, operates Ramon Franklin LLC.   Based in Fort Worth, Ramon Franklin performs work in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and even Louisiana.   Paul Ramon also owns a separate business consisting of tile and slate roofs for residential projects.  In August, Ramon Franklin took on the Arlington Orthopedic Center in Mansfield, TX, a very large and demanding project, considering the extreme working conditions.

The Arlington Orthopedic Center is owned by one of the largest orthopedic surgery groups in Texas, with about half a dozen doctors in this new professional building.   The project required two different types of roofing:  architectural standing seam metal and fully adhered TPO roofing.   Ramon Franklin Roofing used Opus® Roof Blanket from Propex as the underlayment over the pitched areas for the architectural standing seam metal.  The crew fastened it in with plastic cap nails and found it very easy to rollout and install, according to Franklin.

During the job, the temperatures were a steady 105 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit and the Opus underlayment remained exposed for over a month.  "We had no blow offs and it held up great," said Franklin.  He explained that if felt paper had been used in that kind of heat, it would deteriorate.  "Eventually it would likely tear and leave the building wide open," said Franklin.  "Then if you get rain or hail, the interior is completely vulnerable, compromising the mechanical, electrical plumbing, and sheetrock work that has already been installed."

Ramon Franklin's workers also reported that they felt safer and more sure-footed walking on Opus, due to its great traction.  "Walking on felt paper can be slippery and downright dangerous if it tears," said Franklin.  "Opus roof blanket's non-slip like surface provides a good grip, so the workers can get down to business," he said. " "We love the strength and tear-free guarantee."    

Paul Ramon puts safety first for his residential projects as well.  He pointed out that in hot temperatures, oils leach out from the felt paper and it becomes slippery.  "That's not safe," he said.  "A builder wanted me to send my workers on a roof with felt paper, but there was no way I would compromise their safety."  Ramon convinced the builder to use Opus since his customers could take two months or more to decide on the final roofing material.  "If it costs $300 or $400 more for the homeowner, the extra layer of blanket protection is worth it on so many levels."  

As temperatures are now "cooling off" to the high 80s and low 90s, Both Ramon and Franklin agree that Opus was put to the ultimate test during the hottest Texas summer on record, whether for commercial or residential roofing jobs.   "When you are using several different roofing systems, it's great to have one reliable underlayment that allows you to roll out it out, fasten it down and not have to worry about leaving it exposed," said Franklin.  "You can move on to the next job without worry."

For more information about Opus Roof Blanket, visit www.OpusRoofBlanket.com.

SOURCE Propex Operating Company, LLC