Different Types of Commercial Roofing
Keeping your commercial roof in good condition is vital to the operation of your business. If you have to close for repair or replacement, your profits will suffer.
A qualified contractor can save you downtime by patching leaks and repairing damage quickly. Here is a look at some of the most common types of Commercial Roofing Montana.
EPDM is an elastomeric type of rubber that’s known for its ability to resist harsh weather conditions. It can withstand temperature fluctuations, UV radiation, and ozone without becoming damaged or cracking. This roofing material is also easy to maintain and repair, though it requires regular inspections by a professional. EPDM is available in a wide variety of colors and can be customized to fit your building’s structure and needs.
This type of roof is highly durable and long-lasting, with an average service life of 25-30 years. Its resistance to wind, hail, and UV radiation makes it a good choice for all climate zones. In addition, it’s lightweight, which helps save on construction costs and minimizes disruption to your business operations.
The installation process of this roof is relatively quick and straightforward. The membrane sheets are typically long and wide, so you’ll have fewer seams to deal with. It’s a great choice for commercial structures with low-slope roofs. Additionally, it’s a great choice for buildings with an uneven surface, as it can be adapted to the existing slope by adding drains and penetrations.
Single-ply EPDM is available in several different thicknesses and colors. It’s usually black to help reduce glare, but it can be modified with a white top coat that increases the reflectivity of the roof. This material is highly durable and affordable, which makes it a popular choice for commercial roofing in Boston.
EPDM can be installed in a loose-laid ballasted, mechanically attached, or fully adhered manner. The cost of this type of roof will depend on the method of application, and a fully adhered system will require more labor and materials than a ballasted or mechanical system.
One of the biggest advantages of EPDM is that it’s a very flexible material that can expand and contract to accommodate thermal changes. This is especially important in areas with extreme temperatures, where the expansion of ice and snow could damage other types of roofing.
As a synthetic rubber, EPDM is non-toxic and recyclable. It’s also resistant to ozone and UV radiation, which protects the underlying layers of your structure. It’s also a great choice for flat or low-slope roofs, as it can withstand physical stresses and is highly water resistant.
Green roofs
Green roofs and external green walls are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable solutions for commercial buildings. Designed with the building occupants in mind, they create restful and comfortable environments that can increase productivity and reduce absenteeism. They also filter pollutants and carbon dioxide out of the air, which helps to lower rates of asthma and other respiratory diseases. Additionally, they can lower water runoff and absorb floodwaters.
Typically, green roofs consist of several layers: the roofing structure, waterproof membrane, insulation, root barrier, drainage layer, and filter and growing medium layer. Some companies have developed modular systems that incorporate all of these components into a single module.
In addition to providing a visual and environmental benefit, green roofs can improve energy efficiency and provide a habitat for wildlife. They are also great for reducing stormwater runoff, and they can add value to the property. However, a green roof can be very expensive to install and maintain. These costs must be weighed against the potential benefits and return on investment.
The plants on a green roof can be cultivated for their aesthetic value, or they can be used to reduce rainwater runoff and filter pollutants from the water. In addition, the plants provide shade and reduce the intensity of the sun’s radiation, which can prolong the life of the roofing materials and cut down on cooling costs.
Another benefit of a green roof is that it increases the fire resistance of a building. Plants such as succulents and mosses burn very slowly and offer good fire resistance. Moreover, the soil used in the construction of a green roof offers excellent fire resistance. If you are interested in adding a green roof to your commercial building, be sure to consult the local fire department and fire-resistant standards before you decide on the type of vegetation to use.
Green roofs are often designed to attract insects and other wildlife, which can help to control pests that could harm the roof or surrounding plants. However, the presence of animals on a green roof can also affect the performance of a building. Therefore, it is important to consider the effects of animals on the sustainability of a green roof before installing one.
Single-ply membranes
Single-ply membranes are a popular choice for flat or low-slope commercial roofs. They offer a durable protective layer for your building and can be used in a wide range of climates. They are also energy efficient, making them a great choice for commercial buildings that want to cut down on their energy costs. Single-ply membranes are typically made of either thermoset or thermoplastic roofing polymers. They are highly durable and can withstand exposure to UV rays and ozone. They are also easy to install and maintain.
There are several different types of single-ply membranes, but two of the most common are Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM). EPDM has been in use for over 60 years, which has given it the time to go through extensive laboratory and real-world tests. These tests have shown that EPDM can last for up to 30 years with no signs of wear or tear. TPO is a newer roofing system that has seen increasing popularity due to its ease of installation and energy efficiency.
Both systems are available in black and white, though custom colors can be requested. White single-ply membranes are much more reflective than their black counterparts, which can help lower your commercial roof’s energy costs by reducing the amount of heat it absorbs. In addition, they can qualify your commercial roof for certain green initiatives like California Title 24.
These single-ply membranes are usually installed in one of two ways: mechanically fastened or fully adhered. The first option involves rolling the membrane onto insulation and then screwing it into place. It is typically secured with a strip of plastic along the edge of the membrane, as well as in the seams. This is the most common method of installing a single-ply membrane.
The other way to install a single-ply membrane is to have it ballasted. This type of roofing uses a heavy layer of gravel on the substrate, which is then covered with the membrane. This is often the preferred method of installing a single-ply roof for industrial or warehouse buildings. This method can be more cost-effective than a built-up roof, but is less durable than the other options.
Metal roofs
Metal roofs are a common choice for commercial and industrial structures. They are durable and easy to maintain, making them a good choice for buildings in high-traffic areas or those that are exposed to extreme weather conditions. In addition, metal roofs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, giving architects plenty of options for creating aesthetically pleasing architectural structures.
Most people are familiar with corrugated or “barn tin” roofing, which is usually held in place by visible fasteners. While this style of roof is suitable for sheds, it is not a good option for houses because it allows water to soak into the attic, insulation, and framing. This can lead to mold and mildew problems, as well as structural damage.
Standing seam metal roofing is the preferred type of metal roof for residential homes, and it offers a sleek and modern look. It is also fire-resistant and carries a class-A fire rating. This type of roof is also popular for homeowners who live in areas with frequent wildfires, as it can withstand high winds and heavy rains.
Metal roofs can be installed in a wide range of styles, from standing seam to corrugated and even metal shingles. They are also durable, lasting 40 to 70 years or more with little maintenance. They are also energy efficient, reflecting the sun’s rays and decreasing interior cooling costs.
A metal roof can be expensive to install, as it requires a significant amount of fasteners and additional accessories. It also has a tendency to expand and contract, which can cause gaps between panels and stress on fasteners. Loose or missing fasteners can allow rainwater or snow to seep into the building, causing structural and interior damage.
Another downside of a metal roof is that it can be noisy during heavy rain or hail. Since the surface is smooth, rain is shed easily and can create a lot of noise. It is also possible for snow to slide off the roof, burying entrances and posing a safety hazard. However, this can be mitigated by installing metal snow guards and choosing a darker color that will help melt snow faster.