Today, the Cayman Islands are famous for turtles, stingrays, diving, banking and tourism. Grand Cayman is the largest and most populous of the chain’s three islands. The Cayman Islands had long been a dependent of Jamaica, adopting its first constitution in 1959, and chose to remain a British Crown Colony after Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1962.
The Cayman Islands have a special connection with the United States: much of the diving and tourism trade in the Cayman Islands comes from the United States, and from which the Cayman Islands also buys most of its goods, including building materials. Thanks to the popularity of John Grisham’s novel The Company, the popularity of the Cayman Islands has increased significantly.
Straight out of high school, Watler worked in banking long enough to realize it wasn’t for him. He then worked for Cayman Airways where he had the pleasure of meeting Wendy, then a member of the cabin crew. After this, Waterler worked alongside his father as his right-hand man, learning the arts of sales, real estate, land development and commerce.
Watler’s Metal Products is named for the variety of metal building systems it sells and installs. While roofing accounts for 70% of total sales, the company also installs storm shutter systems, metal railing systems, gutters and ceiling/panel systems. When it comes to roofing, Watler is a certified installer for Englert Metal Roofing Systems and Johns-Manville.
Watler bought the drainage machines 11 years ago from his brother Kevin, and Kevin moved on to another job. Starting with the humble Englert gutter machine, Waterlogic began adding other construction products. Eight years ago he bought his first Englert press brake. Watler’s Metal Products currently operates three gutter and four roofing machines and also owns a number of warehouse buildings, some of which are used for storing roofing materials and some of which are leased to other tenants.
Building codes on the island comply with the new Dade County and South Florida Building Codes. The Dade County code has been used here for about 15 years. Some parts of the rules have been changed, often becoming more restrictive than what is considered the strictest rule in the country. The Central Planning Authority is a 13-member committee that administers building codes. Watler is a former board member.
Watler joins six other contractors in the metal roofing industry, but claims to have 70 percent of the market share. This was confirmed during the Drive and Point tour when Bob proudly pointed out his company’s many notable roofing projects. Waterler is currently busy with three high-profile rooftop projects: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Meridian Residences and Kirk Harbor Centre.
All roofing and building materials are imported. There may not be any income tax to worry about here, but all imported goods (including freight) are subject to a 20% duty as soon as they arrive at the pier. This included all the metal and other roofing materials that Waterler purchased from Butch Dubeki and Englert in Tampa, Florida, most of which he purchased from fabric in Fort Jones purchased by Dave Clark of Bradco Supply. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The roof consists of low and steep slopes. The low portion of the roof consists of Johns-Manville UltraGard SR-80 PVC roofing system and polyisocyanurate roof insulation. Low pitch roofing systems have mechanical joints and fully bonded sections that meet the most stringent wind resistance standards. Most 75″ wide, 80 mil thick membranes are secured with screws 6″ on center. On certain areas of the roof, the “N” steel deck configuration requires more intensive fastening to accommodate the 6-in. The specification requires completed systems to have a 25-year NDL warranty.
The steep roof will be clad in the Englert Series 2500 panel system. After applying two coats of Johns-Manville iso, the entire base will be covered with WR Grace Ice & Water Shield followed by Englert 2500 metal roofing panels. The metal roof will be made of .040 Kynar coated aluminum 500 in sandstone to imitate a polished look. The metal is attached to the cornice using special plywood, which is sure to provide the greatest resistance to strong winds. Heavy-duty FM type clamps are used between panels and all flashing, ridge, ridge and valley components require a special sealing and fastening pattern.
At the time of our site visit, the low-slope roof was approximately 70% complete and work was underway on part of the metal roof. Most of the insulation and underlayment are already installed, except on the oceanfront building, where roofers shy away from using drywall when installing flashing around skylights.
Caymanians are fighting the idea of allowing construction of more than five storeys. There are concerns about fire safety, but there are serious concerns about how it will change the appearance of Seven Mile Beach, not to mention population density. Ultimately, Watler saw the progressive move as worthwhile, saying, “I think the government has done the right thing, given the high property prices, traffic and parking issues, there is no choice but to go up.” The difference of seven floors only applies to certain areas of the island.
The Meridian roof will feature an Englert Series 1300 panel system made from .040-gauge aluminum. The metal will be coated with white Kynar 500 using a cold coating system to enhance the reflective qualities of the finished roof. Englert recently announced that its entire metal production line will be converted to highly reflective coatings beginning in early 2004.
In addition to the roof, Waterlogic was contracted to construct the metal trusses and decking system typical of traditional island construction. This engineered steel truss system is a first for Waterlogic. He saw the potential of such architecture and wanted to get on the ground floor. Time will tell if steel trusses and decking systems will be added to the company’s product line. Watler client Brian E. Butler is developing Meridian Apartments.
Another high-profile project the company is currently covering with metal roofing is Downtown Kirkport. The Kirkport area has improved over the past few years, with painted metal roofs beginning to define the area’s appearance. Kirkport’s center is located in the main terminal of Grand Cayman, and visitors are transported here by small boats from cruise ships. When we visited Kirk Harbor there were at least five cruise ships docked there.
If you’re lucky enough to visit this beautiful island, you can’t go wrong with Waterler’s work in the heart of Kirkharbour. The main building will have an Englert Series 2500 panel roof painted red. As you explore the surrounding area, dive shops, restaurants and retail stores, you can see the handcrafted products of Waterlogic Metal Products. One of the most interesting projects the company completed several years ago was a series of small roofs. The owner wanted a variety of colors, so Waterler took him to the warehouse to view the available roll. This move turned out to be a win-win: the owner removed all the stray lots and coil colors and used them to create a unique look for his many roofing projects.
So how do you build a roof over the sky? Lance heard about the opportunity but ignored it until he was moved from Florida to Macon, Georgia, in the middle of winter, where freezing temperatures made working conditions brutal. He decided enough was enough and (to Waterler’s delight) headed towards the sun.
Waterler’s biggest challenge is finding and keeping good help. Grand Cayman is an island with a limited population and a very limited pool of potential builders. Recruiting staff is a challenge for him, as it is for everyone in the roofing industry. The difference is that he had to get a work visa and find housing, a process that was time-consuming and expensive. The lack of income taxes and relatively high wage rates seem to attract people like Lance, who at least want to avoid the cold winter months.
Overall, the Waterlers love their jobs. Wendy loved seeing the “before and after” of the roof. As you drive around the island, it’s easy to see why: roof after roof is designated as “ours.”
Watler enjoyed almost every aspect of the game, especially sales and “trading.” He is proud of the success his company has achieved, but is quick to credit his manufacturing capabilities to Lance, the suppliers who keep him competitive and overall supportive of his mission, as well as his wife and mother for the talent the company has attracted. company. He even expressed gratitude to his late father for bequeathing to him the skills and talents to run the business. Such a powerful combination should keep this business afloat for many years to come. No problem, Monday.
Sponsored Content is a special paid section in which industry companies provide high-quality, unbiased, non-commercial content on topics of interest to the roofing contractor audience. All sponsored content is provided by advertising agencies and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Roofing Contractor or its parent company BNP Media. Interested in taking part in our sponsored content section? Please contact your local representative!
This intensive two-day conference will highlight new and improved ways to run the roofing business for both commercial and residential applications. Gain valuable insight from seasoned industry leaders who teach classes designed to help you improve your business, and gain exclusive opportunities to network with your peers at Best of Success.
Post time: Aug-26-2024