Classifications and Benefits

Every home, industrial, or institutional building needs a suitable roof to complete.  Knowing quite well that the key objective of a roof system is to help protect its owners against sunlight, snow, rain, and other elements. The purpose of a roof is also to keep the building contents safe.

Commercial roofing takes different forms, and each of these roofing systems is constructed according to the taste and budget of the building owner and specifications of the contractors. The type of roof used for a commercial building must work with the building itself as this will help the roof last longer and improve its physical state.

Several factors influence the longevity of a commercial roof. Factors like weather conditions, animals, chemicals, etc. impact the roof over time, causing disintegration in one form or the other.

Here, we look at the most prominent commercial roofs and the materials involved in their construction. This will give you a better understanding of how quality commercial roofs are chosen and constructed.

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Different Types of Commercial Roofing Options Available

What to Consider When Choosing the Right Commercial Roof

Before choosing a roofing style, it’s best to put these following factors into consideration;
You must know the exact weather condition of your property’s location, overall maintenance, and other external factors. This is to let you know what impact these factors can have on the integrity of the roof as time goes on. Also, note that most commercial roofing options are either low slope or flat and have improved over the years.
This leads us to the top four commercial roofing options available, which are;
Metal Roofing
Ply System Roofing
EPDM Roofing
Roof Coating
TPO Roofing
PVC Roofing
Cool Roofing System
Bitumen Roofing
Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Metal Roofing

This is one of the most known and oldest commercial roof types because of its availability in the industry. It was introduced into the industry as far back in the 18th century, starting with bronze tiles, and was used in Rome’s ancient city. It was later followed by Lead roofing, mostly used during the medieval time in Europe to build cathedrals and even castles.

As of this century, metal roofing is mostly created from corrugated galvanized steel coated with zinc. Also, we have the likes of aluminum, tin, copper, and stainless steel being used for the manufacturing of metal roofs.

Different kinds of metal material used to create metal roofs include metal tile sheets, copper, tin, aluminum, corrugated galvanized steel, stone-coated steel, lead, stainless steel, and zinc aggregate, aluminum, and silicon.

The Procedure

In metal roofing, we have the low slope structural roofing, also known as standing seam roofing. It consists of interlocking panels that run vertically on the roof surface. The panel comes in either form: as a clear acrylic finish or a painted mill finish.
Moreover, during installation on low slope applications, some metal roofs usually make use of machine seaming. This is to make sure a watertight seal is achieved. This is achieved by having a seaming apparatus rolled along the panels to crimp together the panel seams.
A low slope structural design assures proper draining from snow and rain, constantly eliminating ponding, leaks, and any other related issues that may occur. Besides, standing-seam roofs are not susceptible to degradation by organic matters. Hence, it aids its longevity.

Here are some of the advantage and disadvantage of Metal roofing;

Advantages

• It’s highly attractive in terms of the finished look.
• It’s excellent when it comes to impact-resistant things such as high winds, lightning strikes.
• Metal roofing helps to conserve energy by preventing solar radiant heat.
• It has a strong fire resistivity.
• Its durability is top-notch

Disadvantages

• When exposed to sunlight or other harsh weather for a long period, metal roofs can rust and damage.
• It is pricier, which makes it not the best choice for those on a low budget.
• The noise effect coming from the metal roof during a hailstorm or huge rain can be annoying and uncomfortable occupants.
• Metal roofs may loosen if not well installed due to the expansion and contraction of the materials.

Fabricated Reinforced Ply System Roofing

This roofing system joins with the system’s leak-resistant membrane with the hardness and strength of a single-ply system. It provides more strength to the completed watertight coating membrane without adding extra weight.

There are different types of roofing systems under this roofing option. They are:

  1. Bench Ply: this provides the hardest roof protection needed. It’s more active than other acrylic roof coatings when it comes to resisting severe weather. This includes acid rain, UV ray, and other elements.

  2. Rapid Ply: It consists of an acrylic component. The roof helps moisture out while letting water vapor escape from the interior. Rapid ply is made up of a fire-classified, light tan base coat and a highly reflective standard white topcoat. Moreover, it is available in three different topcoat colors light blue, light tan, and light gray. Rapid ply can be trusted for seamless, durable roof protection.
Here are some of the advantage and disadvantage of Ply System roofing;

Advantages

• Its content helps achieve long-term durability because it prevents the growth of mold, tears impact, and even dirt accumulation.
• It can be easily installed without complications and fewer seams, if not seamless.
• It saves energy due to its white, gray, and tan topcoat, making it a great option for property owners who want to save cost on their cooling system.
• It’s resistant to severe temperature

Disadvantages

• There can be a change in the texture of the membrane as time progresses
• Its maintenance is on a high side

EPDM Roofing

This is referred to as thermoset roofing and is also known as “rubber roof” as it’s mainly produced from polymer. EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. EPDM comes in two major colors: black and white, which is mainly used for low-slope homes.

Because of the chemical compound that made up EPDM, it has been proven to have strong resistance characteristics that let the last longer. Thus, it offers more long-lasting durability when compared to other types.

EPDM roofing history started a century ago by Karl Ziegler, a German scientist, during one of his polymerization production processes. He discovered a presence of nickels in the autoclave that made the reaction stop while working on his polymerization.

However, by using the aluminum catalyst and titanium, he created a polymer with certain features like flexibility, strength, and high tolerance to certain elements. EPDM has been in existence but wasn’t introduced to the American market until the year 1962 and widely accepted.

EPDM comprises four layers:

  • The FlexWhite layer – this is the top layer part of the roof, the white on the black layer that prevents the ultraviolet ray. However, using this is optional.
  • The FRM layer – This layer, with the support of the polyester fabric, enhance greater strength.
  • AFR Layer – This is the fire retardant layer
  • The bottom layer

*There are factors to consider before selecting this roofing option. They include

  • The height of the building should be considered
  • The wind effect in that particular location
  • The aesthetic design of the building, such as pattern, shape, and color

Here are some of the advantage and disadvantage of EPDM roofing;

Advantages

  • It gives a high rate of long-lasting durability
  • It comes with a simple form of installation and very easy to maintain too.
  • It has a high resistance to ultraviolet light and ozone; thus, it’s not easily susceptible to rust.
  • Amazing flexibility in colder weather. For instance, its reflective features aid decrease cooling cost.
  • It’s also highly resistant to solvents, acids, and alcohol.
  • EPDM is not costly to install and maintain.
  • Due to the AFR layer, it’s a great tool for fire-resistant

Disadvantages

  • It can easily puncture by falling debris.
  • EPDM roofs are not attractive. As such, it is not the best option for those who cherish fancy roofs.
  • Its petroleum resistance is not very effective. Once in contact with petroleum-related products, EPDM may start breaking down.

Roof Coating

This is quite different from the other basic materials used for roofing. In this type of roofing option, the coating aids in safeguarding the integrity of the roof from those external factors. It actually serves as a barrier between the flat roof and the array of factors such as the Ultraviolet rays, hail, snow, and others.

Types of Roof Coatings

There are various types of roof coating available you should know about. This helps you make your best choice for your building when it comes to commercial roofing services.

However, material formulations, application methods, and uses are not the same. They’re entirely different from one another, but with the assistant of the facility manager, you can easily determine the one best for your building project. This is because not all coatings can work well on all roof surfaces.

Under the types of roof coating, we have;

 

  1. The Silicone Coatings: This is purely produced with a high rate of solids’ dispersion of 100 percent silicone. This elastic material gives great adhesion to the existing surface.

Here are some of the advantage and disadvantage of Silicone Coating;

Advantages

  • Ability to provide good weather resistance and hardly become brittle.
  • Silicone coating can resist long-term exposure to certain elements like ponding water, a feature rear in other commercial roofs.
  • Silicone coatings offer excellent ultraviolet protection in harsh temperatures and prevent oxidation.
  • It’s also available in different colors and can give high reflectivity and emissivity ratings.

Disadvantages

  • A Silicone application is not cost-effective.
  • Silicone coating can hold dirt on its surface, which lets it lose its reflectivity with time.

2.Elastomeric Roof Coating: This type of roof coating enables building movement and thermal expansion resulting from hot weather. It contains this special flexibility feature known as elasticity. This feature enables the roof surface expansion without getting damaged.

It also gives the roof surfaces the waterproof and protective barrier needed to prevent leakage of any type. Once your elastomeric roof coating is well managed, it can serve you for a longer time, and you can easily recoat it as often as you want. However, it doesn’t really need all that.

3.Acrylic Roof Coating: This is one of the most durable roof coatings available. It consists of high solids emulsion polymers and potent biocides that are highly reflective most suitable for extreme weather. Acrylic also offers great resistance to mildew and accumulation of dirt.

However, this acrylic roof coating isn’t the best for ponding water. It’s most suitable for roofs with positive drainage. Another disadvantage of acrylic is its water-based substance, so colder weather can affect the roof substrate.

Besides individual advantages, roof coating generally has its main benefits to owners;

General Important of Roof Coatings

  • Saving Cost: Roof coating general reduces the expenses one would have incurred in setting up its roofing system.
  • Better Protection: Roof coating provides your building with better protection from severe weather effects such as hailstones, thanks to the additional layer of protection. It prevents the growth of algae and other green plants that can easily cause a fire outbreak. Hence, it serves as a great fire-resistant.
  • Decreases Energy Cost: The majority of roof coating comes with excellent reflective features. This helps decrease the energy required to cool your home, which helps reduce your utility bills.

TPO Roofing

This is one of the most widely used types of single-ply membrane roofing for commercial facilities. The roof is popular due to its energy-saving properties and can be quickly taken note of as it often has a shiny white roof.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofing systems are mostly used to protect flat roofs and only have a single layer of synthetics combined with reinforcing scrim. It is growing in stature, and over time, it has become the go-to commercial roofing systems in the roofing world.

Characterized by a naturally reflective surface to reflect UV rays, it is now generally accepted, as evidenced by its continuous influence in the market. It has gained up to 40% in the commercial roofing market share. Its specifications come in 10, 12, or 20 feet wide, making it easy to be rolled up and transferred.

Installation

Before installing the insulation, you have to remove or prepare the existing roof. Using a fastener or an adhesive, the TPO membrane can be joined to the cover board. After this, you can use a hot-air gun to melt the seams together on the membrane.

 

Here’s a list of available insulation types that might catch your fancy:

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) – This can be used for wall, roof, and floor insulation. Also, it’s suitable for ground contact due to lower water retention capabilities. It has a high R-value rating.

Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) – This is mostly applied to roofing. Though it is expensive, it has a higher R-value rating.

Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) – Considering price and performance, this type has both EPS and Polyiso properties as it is semipermeable. (perm rating-1)

Cost

The materials and labor costs stand between $4.50 and $7.50 per square foot, considering a 20,000 sq. foot typical single-ply membrane commercial roofing.

Furthermore, rubber roofing prices can be influenced by several factors which cause fluctuations; these factors include:

  • Roof size
  • The state of the existing roof
  • Accessibility constraints
  • Insulation and membrane materials to be used
  • The method of installation
  • Warranty

Here are some of the advantage and disadvantage of TPO roofing;

Advantages

  • You have the opportunity to choose from an array of options to insulate your commercial facility.
  • A simple addition of fire retardant chemicals during manufacturing can improve TPO’s membranes and EPDM’s fire-resistant capabilities.
  • It has a dark membrane color on the other side, making it very reflective.

Disadvantages

  • Variation in durability level due to varying thickness
  • When exposed to a lot of heat, it might crack over time

PVC Roofing

PVC roofing has polyester in between two layers of PVC roof materials. Polyester serves the purpose of reinforcement. Additives are subsequently improving the material’s flexibility allowing it to become UV stable and preventing curing in the process. Also, the PVC roof becomes reflective when an acrylic coating is added to the roof membrane. It becomes reflective and resistant to destructive agents.

Installation

The PVC Roofing system is graced with a distinct heat welding installation process of the membranes, which makes it stand the test of time. The heat welding process ensures a stable bond between every PVC roofing sheet, creating a solid layer on the entire area of the walkable roof. The process makes the PVC watertight and fire-resistant, making it last many decades after a proper installation.

PVC roofing membranes are no match for other competitors in the single-ply roofing market as it offers an impressive range of advantages. These advantages include strength, durability, and resistance to moisture, wind, fire, and chemicals. Consequently, PVC roofs are highly chosen by homeowners for their Eco-friendliness.

Cost

PVC Roofing is a very costly roofing system, and its cost of installation ranges from $5.50 to $13.50 per sq. ft. Depending on the scope, you can install it over a flat or low-pitch roof on any kind of building. The cost might even be higher when you factor in the cost to remove the existing roof.

Here are some of the advantage and disadvantage of PVC Roofing;

Advantages

  • It has a long life span. It was explicitly engineered for that.
  • PVC is not often damaged when it comes to contact with chemicals: It becomes highly resistant when exposed to chemicals that might even destroy asphalt-based roofs.
  • It is also very resistant to fire and wind: It contains combustion reasonably quickly. When there’s fire, it will self-extinguish. Due to the strength of welded seams, PVC roofs can survive threats from the wind.
  • It is watertight: It can withstand dampness, ponding water, high and low alkaline conditions making it impossible for fungi and bacteria to be affected.
  • It is environmentally friendly, primarily when used in heat islands.

Disadvantages

  • The cost of installation can be relatively high.
  • Due to the technicality involved in the installation, it is not easy to find qualified contractors.

Cool Roofing System

Cool roof system for buildings is another roofing system whose major strength lies in its ability to reflect light. It reflects the infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths of the sun, thereby reducing heat in the building. Also, it releases the absorbed heat and cools off the inside of the building.

A cool roof could offer an effective medium to fight global warming because the materials used can reflect solar energy and emit infra-red radiation to cool the earth. The geoengineering technique it uses depends majorly on the principle of solar radiation management. Statistically, over 90% of the roof on the planet is black, which absorbs a lot of heat, and the temperature can increase to as much as 900F. This heat can have a lot of impacts:

This heat can be a source of electricity, increasing cooling energy usage, and higher utility bills. However, overdependence can be a potential burden on the power grid.

Heat lowers indoor comfort. High heat leads to increased air pollution, which intensifies the “Heat island effect.”

Increased heat hastens the deterioration of roofing materials and the high cost of maintenance.
Cool roofs offer both immediate and long-term savings in building energy costs.

Types of Cool Roofs

1. Inherently Cool Roofs (vinyl roofs (reflect 70%-80%)

It is made of thermoplastic white vinyl, reflecting up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays, and emits over 69% of the building’s solar radiation. This type has the highest reflectance and emittance rate of all roofing materials. It offers a more significant result when heat transfer in the interior part of the building.

2. Coated roofs

This is the type that its surface should be coated with a solar reflective coating so it can be reflective.

3. Green Roofs

As the term implies, a green roof makes use of Green technology. A green roof is a form of a cooling roofing system covering the part or entire roof of a building with vegetation and soil. A Green Roof has a drainage layer supported by a waterproof membrane covered by a thin layer of compacted soil, usually 2-4 inches with a quick sprout of growing plants.

The type of plants to be used is influenced by several factors that range from local weather conditions, temperature to structural elements. The plant species used for green roofs include sedum, alpines, delosperma, etc.

Furthermore, the reflective membranes and the coated roof that constitutes the cooling system offers a lot of help, including:

  • Lowering building heat gain because the white reflective top typically increases only 10-250F during the day, which is just above ambient temperature
  • Creating savings on summertime air conditioning expenditures
  • Increasing the lifespan of both the building roof membrane and cooling equipment
  • Reducing the demand for electricity to cool the home drastically to as much as 10 percent

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified Bitumen (MB) roofing is a commercial roofing system that deals with low-pitched or flat roofs. It is asphalt-based and closely related to Built-up-Roof (BUR). Modified Bitumen roofs provide enough options for owners and installers to choose from. It can be installed in different ways ranging from the torch-application method, “hot-mopped,” to “cold-process” adhesives.

Now the latest discovery that has floored the Roofing market is the use of the self-adhering sheet. The self-adhering sheet combines polymers, which allows it to manipulate the Modified Bitumen sheet’s underside.

Also, the release paper is used to manufacture rolls. Removing the release paper when the sheets are rolled out subsequently glues itself to the formwork. This form of installation offers a lesser risk. Using torches and hot asphalt magnifies the dangers of other installation processes.

Flat roofs have become prominent in the commercial roofing industry due to its simplicity and aesthetically pleasing properties. Residential buildings are not left out, as modifications are in place to suit them. This is where Modified Bitumen has become the perfect match for flat roofs, which has become one of the most preferred roofing systems.

Bitumen in detail

Modified Bitumen became prominent during the 1960s in Europe, and it is like an upgraded version of built-up roofing (BUR) system. Modified Bitumen flat roofing is also a single-ply system, but what makes it different from others is that it’s made of asphalt bitumen, supplemented with polymers, and strengthened with fiberglass or polyester.

The layers are amassed rarely to increase the efficiency of the roof. This kind of unique arrangement of materials gives Modified Bitumen the unrivaled competitive edge.

Here are some of the advantage and disadvantage of Modified Bitumen Roofing;

Advantages

  • The installation always creates a tight and consistent connection between the sheets
  • It is impermeable. Leaking is one of the concerns of roofing systems, but this type offers insurance
  • It reflects accordingly, making it heat resistant. It thereby saves energy costs
  • It is resistant to wear and tear because it combines layers of fiberglass or polyester
  • It can withstand any form of weather condition and is environmentally friendly- it can be recycled
  • It offers an array of options to choose from, and is easy to install. In cases of damages, patches can be made and cut for replacement

Disadvantages

  • It can only last between 10 and 20 years, making it one of the least serving roofing materials.
  • It is not water-resistant, and the collection of water over the long term results in corrosion.
  • When there’s extreme heat, the materials tend to release dangerous fumes that can harm the inhabitants’ health. It can also result in foul odors under this condition and after installation.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Single-Ply Membranes have several rubber sheets laid upon one another and glued together to cover a commercial facility. Other types include Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM). Their usage in commercial roofing depends on your budget and specifications.

Single ply membrane systems

The 40-year-old technology

anyone who has been involved in the commercial roofing system industry over the last couple of decades will know the role which has been played by single ply roofing systems. This technology has emerged as a highly reliable commercial roofing application and this is because single ply provides property owners with a commercial roofing solution which is long-lasting and which requires an astonishingly minimal amount of maintenance compared to some other systems. In fact, single ply roofing solutions has been so successful that they are often backed by an extensive manufacturer’s warranty. It is so important to carefully consider all of the options available in order to allow yourself to make a well-informed decision when it comes to commercial roofing solutions. It is also important to make use of commercial roofing companies who had been known to consistently provide a very high level of service as well as after sales service. There are many highly effective commercial roofing types and it is very important to choose a commercial roofing solution which will be best for your particular type of business.

Only use the best possible materials

there are so many different commercial roof types available today and each of them is making use of its own set of materials and its own system of installation. Regardless of exactly what kind of commercial roofing solution you choose, do not automatically assume that the commercial roofing contractor of your choice is using the materials which you expect them to use. It will be important to ensure that the quality and the type of materials is specifically mentioned in the construction agreement contract as well as the installation process which is to be used. It will then be important to ensure that your commercial roofing solution is installed to your satisfaction and in a manner which you expect it to be done. Four decades ago, there was something which was referred to as the single ply revolution which was brought about by factors such as the rapidly increasing prices of petroleum. There was also growing frustration with the different systems involving conventional roofing and because of this there was a growing desire to find a system which will be more satisfactory.

Additional considerations

during the 1970s there was an increasing desire to find a system which will embrace prefabrication and which would therefore lead to a reduction in commercial roofing systems which were overly labor-intensive. Contractors were looking at a roofing system which involves lighter materials and therefore breakaway from materials and installation systems were installation costs were high. In this regard, the single ply roofing industry have now classified single ply commercial roofing membranes to be highly flexible sheets of compounded synthetic materials which has been manufactured according to the highest standards in a factory. This is exactly why single ply roofing systems has become one of the commercial roofing solutions which is showing flexibility, tremendous strength as well as long-lasting durability. One of the primary benefits of these kinds of prefabricated sheets is the fact that they are consistent as far as the quality of the materials and products is concerned. Single ply roofing solutions can provide a business with interesting options when it comes to commercial roof replacement. When it comes to the best commercial roofing types it is often best to contact commercial roofing services in your area in order to ensure that you make the best possible decision for your business.

Conclusion

The type of roofing your property has played a key role in the general well-being of a building and how long the roof can last too. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you use the best commercial roofing service that can fit your budget.
However, when planning to install a roof, it is crucial to choose a reputable roofing company, and that is where we come in. We’re a reputable roof company with years of experience. We’re always ready to come and install your roof with impressive recommendations. Contact us today to book our service.

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