A Comprehensive Guide to Commercial Roofing Systems
While both commercial roofing systems and residential roofs share the primary function of safeguarding properties or residences from the elements, their similarities essentially end there. The key distinction between commercial roofing systems and residential ones lies in the roof's slope, which is primarily determined by the building's size.
Residential structures, being smaller in scale, typically feature steeply sloped roofs that are visible from the ground and employ materials like architectural tiles, asphalt shingles, and slate. In contrast, commercial buildings, owing to their larger size, often incorporate flat or slightly sloped roofs that are not visible from ground level.
Commercial roofs come in a diverse array of materials, influenced by factors such as the building's structure and the prevailing climate conditions, including intense heat, extreme cold, or the need to endure heavy foot traffic.
Commercial Roofing Materials and Modern Technological Advancements
Commercial roofing professionals stay informed about the latest developments in commercial roofing technology and possess the knowledge to recommend the most suitable roofing solutions for specific projects. Recent years have witnessed the introduction of new commercial roofing products that offer enhanced resistance to temperature extremes and promote environmental efficiency, ultimately reducing storm water runoff and heating/cooling costs.
Selecting the Right Commercial Roofing System
Choosing the appropriate commercial roofing system for your business involves considering various factors, including the type of facility in question, as different businesses require tailored planning. Familiarizing yourself with the available types of commercial roofing systems can greatly facilitate your decision-making process.
Types of Commercial Roofing Systems
Once you've determined the roof's slope, you can proceed to select the ideal roofing system to meet your business's requirements. Here are some of the most common commercial roofing systems:
Single Ply Roofing
Single ply roofing systems utilize materials such as TPO, PVC, and EPDM, known for their flexibility and durability. They are designed to be installed in a single layer and fall into two main categories: thermoplastic membranes and thermoset membranes.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
TPO roofing material is predominantly applied to low slope roofs in North America. It comprises reinforced roof sheets with heat-welded seams and excellent reflectivity. TPO, short for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, is categorized as a single-ply membrane, typically composed of a combination of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that have been polymerized together.
Belonging to the thermoplastic membrane group, TPO comes in various colors, with white, grey, and tan being the most popular choices. Installation methods for this membrane encompass mechanical attachment, adhesion, or ballasting.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC roofing material consists of two layers of PVC with a polyester reinforcement scrim sandwiched between them. The upper layer is enriched with additives to provide UV resistance, while the lower layer is typically darker and contains plasticizers for increased flexibility, facilitating easier installation.
Among the advantages of PVC roofing membranes are their extended lifespan, durability, and resistance to fire. PVC is also weldable, allowing for secure seam connections that ensure water-tightness.
For an attractive appearance resembling a standing seam roof system, PVC sheets can be modified by welding pre-manufactured ribs onto the surface, all at a more affordable cost. Additionally, PVC membranes are eco-friendly as they are recyclable and can be repurposed into new sheets.
EPDM Roofing (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
What exactly is EPDM roofing? Well, EPDM stands for 'ethylene propylene diene monomer,' a complex chemical compound with a tongue-twisting name. However, it's renowned for its remarkable elasticity and durability. EPDM roofing relies on this material's exceptional ability to withstand the relentless assault of ultraviolet light and the harmful effects of the sun's rays.
In the current roofing landscape, EPDM rubber roofing is among the most widely favored choices for commercial applications. Its popularity stems from the combination of cost-effectiveness and robust durability it offers. Essentially, an EPDM roofing membrane is a synthetic rubber product derived from natural gas and oil.
EPDM roofing materials find extensive use in low-slope commercial buildings worldwide.
Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems
A modified bitumen roofing system blends asphalt with a specialized chemical polymer to enhance flexibility and withstand varying temperatures. This roofing material can be applied in multiple layers using various methods such as self-adhesive sheets, hot-mopped asphalt, torch application, or cold-applied adhesives. It's suitable for installation in both hot and cold weather conditions, making it a versatile choice throughout all seasons.
To create a strong and secure bond, the seams of the modified bitumen roofing are fused together. These roofs are evaluated for their ability to withstand wind, fire, and hail, making them resilient against damage during storms.
Built-Up Roofing Systems
Built-up roofing, often abbreviated as BUR, stands as one of the most enduring roofing systems in existence. It is constructed with 3-5 layers, offering robust protection, particularly in regions characterized by extreme weather conditions featuring significant temperature fluctuations.
This time-tested roofing technique boasts a history spanning over a century.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing is renowned for its visual appeal, extended lifespan, and robustness. It finds application on a wide range of roof slopes, and numerous property owners appreciate the combination of aesthetic charm and long-lasting durability that metal roofs offer.
Increasingly, building and homeowners are selecting specific varieties of metal roofing to capitalize on their superior longevity and strength when compared to conventional shingle roofs.
Liquid Applied Roofing
A liquid applied roofing membrane is custom-built on-site using a mixture of resin and a reinforcing polyester material. Its exceptional waterproofing performance arises from its ability to access and seal hard-to-reach areas. Typically, this membrane is applied using either spraying or rolling techniques, often in two distinct coats.
What sets a liquid roof apart is its application process, which doesn't cause disruptive disturbances or emit strong, noxious odors. This makes it a viable choice, especially when businesses need to remain operational during construction.
Roof Coating Systems
This fully adhered coating is comprised of a fluid-applied membrane known for its elasticity, capable of stretching and reverting to its original form. Roof coatings come in various forms, with acrylic and silicone being the most prevalent. They are particularly well-suited for metal roofing systems, as they contribute to temperature regulation, energy conservation, leak prevention, and the extension of the lifespan of commercial roofs.
Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels
Solar panels harness the energy from sunlight and transform it into practical electricity. In roofing applications, photovoltaic systems offer the opportunity for significant, ongoing cost savings, especially in regions with abundant sunshine.
During the installation of a rooftop photovoltaic system, well-equipped, qualified, and capable roofers ensure the roofing system's durability, preserving its waterproof integrity while ensuring uninterrupted operation of the PV system.
Steep Slope
Steep slope roofing pertains to roofing materials suitable for roofs with inclines of 3:12 or greater. While this is commonly associated with residential properties, there are instances where commercial buildings feature steep-sloped roofs, often as an architectural design element, such as in hotels or universities.
The degree of roof slope dictates the range of materials that can be employed. These options encompass asphalt composition roll, fiberglass 3-tab shingle, fiberglass laminate (architectural) shingle, specialized asphalt shingles, wood shakes, wood shingles, clay and concrete tiles, slate, and metal.
USA Premier Roofing is experienced, trusted, and respected in the field of commercial roofing
When it comes to choosing a roofing system, there are numerous factors to consider. At USA Premier Roofing, we bring our expertise to the table, offering services for the design, repair, replacement, and maintenance of a wide range of commercial roofing systems.
Our capabilities extend across various industries, including commercial, industrial, office spaces, hospitality, distribution centers, retail centers, education, and more. Through our partnerships with leading manufacturers, we can provide our clients with the roofing solution they require at competitive prices.
As industry leaders serving clients nationwide, we offer the latest advancements in commercial roofing systems. Our team comprises highly skilled roofing specialists dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining an award-winning safety record. Our core values define our principles.
No matter your roof type or its current condition, our seasoned team of roofing professionals is ready to assist you in determining the best solution for your needs.