Flat Roofing Option
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Flat Roofing Option
One of the most common types of roofs for commercial buildings is flat roofs. They are much more cost efficient to build than pitched or steep slope roofs because they do not require as much material due to the fewer square feet that needs to be covered. They are also easier and faster to install, which means more savings for the building owner.
Building owners have different types of flat roofing materials and membranes to choose from. These include EPDM, PVC, TPO modified bitumen, built-up roofing (BUR), and PolyArmor.
Different types of roofing materials :
EPDM
EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene methylene, is a synthetic rubber material that is strong and darker in color. Most EPDM roofs are black; however, they can also come in white which aids in reflecting the sun’s heat off the rooftop. Since it is made of rubber material, EPDM can stretch and form-fit to any roof. EPDM has been around for more than 60 years and has a good reputation as a commercial roofing material. Its dark color makes it a good option for colder climates because its strong rubber gives great protection from the weather. The seams are also sealed with adhesives or seam tape. Although the membrane does not have its own insulation, there are many insulation options available.
TPO
TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, has not been around as long as other commercial roofing materials but has been commended for being an affordable, cost-efficient alternative to PVC. Now-a-days, TPO is one of the most popular single-ply roofing membranes utilized. Many building owners have picked TPO materials versus other choice because it has a less expensive up-front cost compared to others. TPO is quite resilient and flexible, which makes custom edge-to-edge fabrication easier, less expensive, and more effective. The flexibility allows the material to stretch and form to the building’s movement and setting. Furthermore, TPO is 100% recyclable and eco-friendly. The TPO membrane makes moving water off the roof easier, and it is lightweight which allows less stress on the building structure. It comes in a light color, such as white, gray, tan, green, and blue, which is good for reflecting heat away from the building.
PolyArmor
PolyArmor is an option for business owners who do not want to invest in a brand new roof. PolyArmor offers business owners the opportunity to restore their current roof instead of re-roofing. It is a liquid seamless monolithic recovery membrane that delivers exceptional resistance to heavy foot traffic, hail, mold, mildew, staining, and standing water. Implementing a PolyArmor roof system can add as many as 15 to 20 service years while allowing business owners to extend the original warranty even further. With PolyArmor, business owners are saving money, frustration, and preventing time-consuming and expensive tear-offs, as well as avoiding unexpected problems. By using PolyArmor, business owners can free up capital for other business-related expenses, and when used as a commercial application, they can qualify for a 100% tax deduction the first year.
PVC
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a very popular and time-tested membrane material used in commercial roofing. One of the biggest advantages of PVC roofing materials is its strength, longevity, and fire-resistant properties. When flame tested against other similar membranes, PVC has had very surprising results. PVC roofs are typically white, which allows for reflectivity, and provides high chemical resistance. Professional roofers install PVC by unraveling the rolls it comes in and adhering or mechanically attaching it to the roof deck. The seams are welded using heat and makes the roof waterproof.
MODIFIED BITUMEN
Modified bitumen, or MB or Mod Bit, is built in layers and has a petroleum-based substance between the plies that gives a rubberized look and properties. A major advantage of MB roofing is that it can deal with regular foot traffic due to its thickness compared to some single-ply membranes. Mod Bit is also quite easy to install for professional roofers versus BUR or even TPO because it does not need to use heat. In fact, most modified bitumen roofing is made up of self-adhering “cold process” sheet material, which makes it durable and reflective so it can save on energy for the building it safeguards.
BUR
BUR, or built-up roofing, is one of the oldest types of materials used for commercial roofing. It consists of a continuous and semi-flexible membrane that is made of felt or fabric layers called plies. Plies are alternated with layers of other asphalt-based materials such as hot tar/bitumen and aggregate. This is why BUR is sometimes referred to as tar and gravel roofs. BUR is typically easy to fix and is very tough, as well as low maintenance.
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