Types of Commercial Roofing
Commercial Colorado Springs Roofing are more flat than residential roofing and requires specialized materials. It also covers a larger surface area, so it must withstand more structural pressure than a typical home roof.
Metal roofing is a popular choice for its durability and longevity. It is available in steel, zinc, aluminum, and copper and offers resistance to high temperatures, punctures or tears, bacterial growth, and fire.
PVC and TPO are two of the most popular single-ply roofing membranes. Both provide energy efficiency and durability, making them a solid choice for commercial roofs. Both roofs are also highly reflective and help reduce cooling costs by reflecting sunlight instead of letting it pass through. In addition, both are chemical resistant and offer excellent fire resistance. They are relatively easy to install, and both can be mechanically fastened or fully adhered.
Both TPO and PVC are durable and easy to maintain. They resist mold growth, dirt accumulation, and tear and impact damage well. They also have good thermal efficiency and can withstand high winds. Both membranes can be installed in wide sheets, allowing them to cover large surfaces quickly and efficiently. In terms of cost, TPO is usually cheaper than PVC.
TPO is a relatively new membrane that has seen several reformulations in the past decade. It may not have a track record as long as PVC, so it’s important to work with roofing contractors that are familiar with the current formulation and installation methods.
TPO’s heat-welded seams allow it to bind with other membranes and create a seamless, watertight surface. The material is also highly flexible and resists punctures and tears better than most other single-ply membranes. It’s also extremely durable, with a lifespan that can exceed 20 years when properly maintained. TPO is also relatively inexpensive to install, and its longevity means that it will pay for itself in the long run. TPO is ideal for low-rise buildings and facilities with a lot of penetrations. TPO membranes can be self-adhered or mechanically fastened, and can be trimmed to fit the shape of the building.
Shingles
Shingles are a common choice for residential roofing, but they can also protect the roof of a commercial building. They come in a variety of colors and styles to match your business’s aesthetic. Architectural and asphalt shingles are great choices for steep-sloped roofs as they offer insulation, fire resistance and cost-efficiency. They can also be adorned with decorative elements to enhance the look of your commercial building.
The lifespan of a shingle roof can depend on many factors, including environmental conditions and the type of shingle chosen. For example, some types of shingles can deteriorate quickly when exposed to sunlight and other weather conditions over time. Other shingles have low water absorption ratings and can hold up against harsh weather conditions.
Before installing a shingle roof, your commercial roofing contractor will need to determine the pitch of your roof. The pitch is the steepness of the roof; it can be measured by counting the number of units horizontally for every 12 vertical ones. The higher the roof’s pitch, the better it is at resisting the wind.
You’ll want to choose a roofing contractor with experience working on sloped roofs, as well as knowledge of the various materials that can be used in your roof. The right roofing contractor will ensure that your roof is installed correctly for increased durability, energy efficiency, and fire safety.
Other popular shingle options include galvalume, which is similar to aluminum and has a higher corrosion resistance than other metals. It also resists saltwater and has a low maintenance cost. Another option is EPDM, which is a synthetic rubber roof membrane. It resists UV rays and oil, and is an ideal option for buildings that house businesses that vent grease, fat, or oils at roof level.
Single Ply Roofs
With a variety of options to suit different applications and building needs, single-ply roofs are one of the most popular low-slope roofing materials on the market. They are durable, cost-efficient, and offer superior protection from harsh weather conditions and damaging UV rays.
Single-ply membranes are flexible synthetic roofing systems that are manufactured in a factory with strict quality control guidelines. They are available in a wide range of colors and thicknesses to meet your specific application needs. Popular choices include Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). Single-ply membranes can be fully adhered, mechanically attached or held down with ballast.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin roofs, also known as TPO, are a relatively new commercial roofing option that is an excellent alternative to PVC. They are highly versatile, insulating, and resistant to chemicals and fire. They are also lightweight, making them ideal for flat or low-sloped buildings.
EPDM is a cost-effective, fire-resistant and waterproof commercial roofing material that is ideal for flat or low-sloped roofs. It can withstand severe weather conditions, including hail and wind uplift. EPDM is highly resilient, lasting for decades with minimal maintenance.
Regardless of which type of commercial roofing system you choose, working with an experienced contractor will ensure that your installation is done correctly and on time. A qualified roofer can help you determine the best commercial roofing solution for your business, based on factors such as building height, wind exposure, foot traffic and aesthetics. Working with a qualified roofing company can also help you avoid common problems like seam failure, which can be caused by stress on the membrane, ageing or improper installation. To avoid this, be sure to choose a roofing company with an extensive history of working with the roofing membrane you’re installing.
Seamless Elastomeric Coatings
Elastomeric coatings are a liquid-applied roof membrane that is formed in place on the existing roof. They can be used on all types of roofs and offer excellent durability and waterproofing protection. They also do not have seams that can prematurely fail; allowing water to enter the building and cause costly interior damage.
The elasticity of the material allows it to expand and contract with changes in temperatures, so there are no gaps or cracks that can allow moisture through the roof. In addition, these systems are extremely strong and resist abrasions and chemical degradation from the sun’s UV rays. They can be applied at a variety of thicknesses and are available in a wide range of colors and styles to compliment any roof type.
Most elastomeric coatings are a single-component system that is cured using a chemical process rather than by moisture curing, which helps them to cure more quickly. They are low in VOCs and odor, making them ideal for school or hospital roofs where workers are regularly present.
Acrylic elastomeric roof coatings are fluid-applied and can be sprayed directly onto most existing commercial roof substrates. They can be used in a wide range of thicknesses, from 10 to 30 mils, depending on the application. This makes them a cost-effective option because they are priced by the number of gallons per square (10′ x 10′ area) applied.
These elastomeric roof coatings are highly resistant to UV degradation and are white, which helps them to reflect the sun’s rays and decrease internal energy costs. They are easy to maintain and can be rolled or sprayed on. They are also self-flashing and seamless, which will help to reduce the most common source of leaks in commercial roofing: seams and penetrations.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs offer a great deal of additional space that can be used for everything from HVAC systems to rooftop garden space and more. They can also be equipped with a complex rainwater management system that allows the property owner to control where the rain flows and prevents it from clogging or damaging drains. The system can even redistribute the water as a renewable resource for fountains and roof garden plants.
The main advantage of flat commercial roofs is that they are cheaper to install than pitched roofs and require less maintenance. However, they are prone to leaking due to the lack of slope, which can cause excess moisture build-up that could damage the building structure and internal walls. This extra moisture also increases the risk of mold and mildew, which can damage equipment and cause health issues for employees and customers.
Leaking roofs are not only expensive to repair, they can be disruptive and cause a loss in productivity. Internal leaks left unattended can lead to weakened structures and ceilings, and even structural collapse. This is why it is important to work with a roofing contractor that specializes in commercial flat roofs.
There are five different types of commercial flat roofs that can provide insulation, energy efficiency, durability, and waterproofing for 30 years or more. The five types include EPDM, PVC, TPO, SPF, and a standing seam metal roof system. These roofing systems all have their pros and cons. However, it is important to choose a contractor who specializes in flat and low-slope roofing to ensure that the installation is done correctly and with the proper materials. This will help you save time and money in the long run and protect your investment.
