Whether we talk about commercial roofs or residential roofs, the main purpose of the roof is to protect the property or residence from outer elements, and the only similarity between both the roofs.
The major difference between commercial roofing and residential roofing is the slope of the roofs. Commercial roofs are big and are usually flat or slightly sloped though not visible from the ground whereas residential roofs are smaller and have visible steep slopes.
Before getting into the details of the commercial roofing services, let’s begin with the basics:
What is commercial roofing?
Depending on the building’s structure and other external elements like climatic conditions and foot traffic, commercial roofs come in a varied range of materials. This roofing system is typically made of single-ply (TPO, PVC, EPDM), concrete, built-up roofing system, tar and gravel, modified bitumen, etc.
In fact now when new commercial roofing products have been introduced into the roofing system, they offer high resistance to temperature extremes as well as increase the environmental efficiency. Furthermore, the residential roofs are typically made of asphalt shingles or concrete tiles.
The durability of the commercial roof systems is more compared to that of residential roofs. A wide range of materials is available for commercial roofing, to choose from different commercial roofing systems. Connecting a reliable commercial roofing contractor helps you get assured results.
TYPES OF COMMERCIAL ROOFING SYSTEMS
Read ahead to know the different types of commercial roofs:
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are a renowned commercial roof type. A variety of metal roofs are available such as stainless steel, metal tile sheets, silicon-coated steel, corrugated galvanized steel, aggregates of aluminum, zinc, tin, stone-coated steel, etc.
Built-Up Roofing or BUR Membrane
Built-up roofing is the combination of a good quality tar and gravel roof system. It is also known as the BUR roof. By composing various layers, the durability of the system increases. BUR has a low slope and cost-effective roof system.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Popularly known as mod-bit roofing, this modified bitumen roofing system comprises unique chemical polymer and asphalt in layers offering flexibility and resistance to temperature. This commercial roof system can be secured as a two-ply system enabling protection and stability.
Commercial roofs can be created using hot asphalt sheets or adhesives and can be applied in different ways with hot or cold methods such as hot-mopped asphalt, self-adhesive sheets, torch-applied or cold-applied adhesives. The major benefit of using this commercial roofing system is, it can be installed all year long. Also, these roofs stay strong during storms.
Green Roofing System
Green roofing systems wins the race, when considering sustainable construction substance and designs. Comprising multiple layers and substances such as vapour controls, waterproof membranes, embellishing, allowing growth of vegetation.
After ensuring multi-layer green roofs, rain-water usage can be maximized, moreover reducing the options of inculcating in expensive drainage systems.
Thermoplastic or PVC & TPO Roof Membrane
TPO or Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply membrane which is polymerized together with polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber. The membrane can be ballasted, adhered or mechanically attached when installing. It is commonly used in low-slope roofs.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) comprises a double layer where the top layer has additives which makes the membrane UV resistant whereas the lower layer has plasticizers for flexibility.
These kinds of roofs are highly reflective, lightweight and resistant to UV rays. Popularly used in restaurants, hotels or buildings where oil is released from the ventilation systems.
EPDM Roofing
EPDM stands for “ethylene propylene diene monomer”. EPDM Roof or Thermoset roof is an easy to maintain, durable and multifaceted commercial roof. Currently, it is one of the most popular commercial roofing materials as well as installing the same is simple too.
Created using single-ply rubber material, natural gas and oil, the roof is low in cost with resilient strength. The roof strongly protects from ozone and ultraviolet light. Installing an EPDM roof has other benefits too such as reflective properties which in turn reduces cooling expenses, flexibility during colder temperatures and is resistant to acids and alcohols.
Liquid Applied Roofing
Liquid applied roofing membrane or fluid applied membrane has good waterproofing ability as it has the capability to reinforce in transitional areas on a roof. This roofing is also known as fluid-applied membranes and is sprayed or rolled generally in two separate coats.
Once the coating hardens, an elastomeric, flawless waterproofing membrane forms. The liquid applied membranes can be applied over surfaces such as brick, wood, concrete, TPO, PVC and many other surfaces. Whichever way this roofing is done, it does not emit harmful or strong odours.
Roof Coating Systems
This coherent covering comprises fluid applied membrane which is sprayed across the roof, hatches, around the pipes and everywhere around the rooftop. This coating system can stretch and can get back to its original shape. Acrylic and silicone are the commonly used roof coatings. Coating melts together when sprayed, leaving behind no seams.
Perfectly suitable for metal roofs as the coating system reduces energy consumption, keeps the buildings cool and protects from leaks further extending the life of the commercial roof.
IMPORTANT FACTORS OF COMMERCIAL ROOFING
In order to cover your commercial building, opting for commercial roofing plays a vital role. There are various commercial roofing services offered by different commercial roofing contractors but the durability and quality of the commercial roof depends on the type of material used, quality of work done by the commercial roofing contractor and last but not the least after installation roof maintenance.
Below are some facts of commercial roofing:
Installation of your commercial roof
Commercial roofing takes a lot of time as they are usually long and wide in size and certainly heavy. Material used in commercial roofs takes time to dry. Hence, another product cannot be applied till the first one settles.
Secondly, commercial roofs are certainly heavier compared to that of residential roofs. Hence, to support their own weight commercial roofs are made strong.
Thus, the installation process of the commercial roofs is time intensive.
Roof Inspection
Timely roof inspection is always good for the health of commercial roofs. A pro commercial roofer determines the problems of the roofing system and accordingly creates a strategic plan to fix the same.
Maintenance of Commercial Roofs
Maintenance is must for any kind of roof. Commercial roofing system is no different. To make roof work at an optimal level proper care, attention and routine maintenance is advisable.
Following a proper maintenance plan is essential in order to keep your commercial roof in excellent condition. Hiring a roofing expert for routine checks can help you detect any issues and the resolution before it gets late.
When you invest in maintenance you save money from getting into those expensive repairs.
FAQs ABOUT COMMERCIAL ROOFING SYSTEMS & SERVICES :
- How durable are commercial flat roofs?
The durability of the commercial flat roofs depend on the type and material incorporated to build it. Metal roof system life expectancy is 30-45 years, EPDM roof system life expectancy is 22-35 years, TPO roof system life expectancy is 22-30 years and PVC roofs can last for more than 20 years.
Moreover, the life-expectancy of the roof also depends on how well the roof is maintained.
- What kind of material is used for commercial roofs?
Due to the excellent quality single ply such as PVC, TPO, EPDM and more are used in building modern commercial flat roofing.
- Which commercial roofing type is best?
TPO, modified bitumen metal and PVC roofs are considerably chosen for high performing commercial roofing systems.
For instance, when opting for a commercial flat roof, PVC roofs are considered whereas metal roofing works well for roof slopes greater than two inches.
- Which commercial roofing styles are in-demand?
Flat roofs, low-sloped roofs and pitched roofs are the preferred roofing styles these days.
Commercial Roofing Services to Consider:
Commercial roofers should be proficient, experienced and should have resources to solve all your commercial roofing issues. Check if they provide:
- Consultation services
- Routine inspection and damage assessment
- Scope of the project and estimates
- Warranties of product and labor
- Installation, repairs and maintenance plans
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hopefully, the above details help you make a wise decision in getting your own commercial roof done. Hiring a qualified commercial roofer can satisfy your varied needs. Be it roof installation, timely roof inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement everything sorts out once you opt for commercial roofing services.
