6 Common Materials Found on Commercial Roofs
There are many options for commercial roofing, and the materials that are used to build it are generally chosen due to the needs of the commercial building and the needs the building owner’s budget. The roof put in place by the commercial roofer in Sterling Heights can dictate a lot about the building as it plays a truly integral role. The material of the roof can add to the longevity of the roof and the overall building health.
Budget and need are not the only aspects that are considered before hiring a roofer. Sterling Heights area weather, foliage, and native animals are all considered, as all these factors can also affect a roof’s performance. In order to best understand how a commercial roof is created, it helps to understand the materials that are used. This article will discuss those unique materials used by the professionals to ensure businesses have a reliable roof for years to come.
The Most Common Classifications of Roofing Materials
In general, a commercial roof will either have a low slope or will be flat. This configuration narrows down the types of materials that can be used by roofers.
These six materials are the most commonly used roofing materials for commercial roofs:
- Built-Up Roofing Membrane
- Metal Roofing
- Modified Bitumen Roofing
- Thermoset Roof Membrane
- Thermoplastic Roof Membrane
- Green Roofing System
Companies can take a look at each of these six roofing materials in more detail and decide which is best for their building.
Built-Up Roofing Membrane
Often referred to simply as BUR, built-up roofing membrane has been a popular commercial roof choice in the United States for over 100 years. Commercial roofers create this type of roof by alternating bitumen layers with reinforcing fabrics. These reinforcing fabrics are made of ply sheets or roofing felts, and they are reinforced with one of two materials: glass-fiber mats or organic mats. The bitumen layers could be made from one of three different materials: asphalt, coal tar, or cold-applied adhesive.
This type of roof is flexible because the number of layers can be varied due to budget constraints. However, there are durability requirements that the commercial roofers in Sterling Heights will have to address. Built-up roofing membranes are cost-effective in most cases, and they make for durable roofs.
Metal Roofing
Roofers can attest to the fact that metal roofs are quite popular with commercial building owners. There are so many different types of metal, colors, and styles that can be applied that most building owners can find at least one they find to be suitable.
Metal roofs can be made of:
- Corrugated Galvanized Steel
- Zine Aggregates
- Aluminum
- Silicon-Coated Steel
- Metal Tile Sheets
- Copper
- Stainless Steel
- Stone-Coated Steel
- Tin
- Lead
In order to keep the chosen metal from rusting, commercial roofers in Sterling Heights will add protective surface layers to the metal during the installation process. These protective layers will stop the possibility of rust while also protecting the roof from sunlight and other environmental damages. Metal roofs also offer fire-resistance, durability, and they make a building look quite attractive.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
This type of roof is like the built-up roofing membrane roof, but there are a few differences. In general, the modified bitumen roof is only a two-ply system whereas the built-up roofing membrane roofs can be two, three, or four-ply. Modified bitumen roofing systems are adhered to the roofing deck because this creates the most stability and offers protection.
There is little maintenance required after roofers install a modified bitumen roofing system. Annual inspections are necessary as is an annual cleaning. As opposed to other flat roof types, the modified bitumen roofing system has enhanced strength, and it can handle regular foot traffic. It is a good choice for commercial building owners that plan to install rooftop terraces or rooftop restaurant seating.
Thermoset Roof Membrane
For those building owners that want to avoid costly commercial roof repairs, thermoset roof membrane, which is also called EPDM roofing, may be the right option. This is one of the most durable and long-lasting materials that can be used on a commercial roof. It is made from a single ply rubber material.
The installation of this type of roof is easier than some of the other styles, and it requires minimal maintenance. The thermoset roof membrane system is resistant to ultraviolet light, ozone, cold temperatures, acids, solvents, and alcohol. Due to the flexibility of this roofing style, it offers a great number of benefits to a commercial building owner. Plus, the reflective properties of the roof can help lower the energy bills by being more efficient to cool.
Thermoplastic Roof Membrane
This type of roofing system, which can either be Thermoplastic Polyolefin or Poly Vinyl Chloride, is lightweight as well as reflective. This reflectivity can help lower cooling costs in a similar manner as the Thermoset roof membrane system. Roofing repairs won’t be needed very often because the Thermoplastic roof membrane is weather resistant and UV light resistant.
The material is also quite durable, and it does not puncture or tear easily. Plus, it is resistant to chemicals, oils, animal fats, and bacteria. Since this type of roof is very strong along the seams, it is a good choice for second-generation roofing applications. Other factors that make this roofing system a good choice for commercial buildings are that it has a tolerance for high temperatures, and it is highly resistant to strong winds and fire.
Green Roofing
Green Roofing systems are a sustainable roofing option that has grown in popularity in recent years. These types of roofs can offer drainage management, improve energy efficiency, and protect the building from inclement weather. Plus, they are quite lovely to look at! It is the best way for a commercial property to take a step towards being more environmentally friendly while still maintaining a durable, stylish exterior.
Contact Kanga Roof to schedule a consultation with commercial roofers in Clinton Twp. to learn more about roof options and to set up an installation or roof repair. Check out our current specials or click here to schedule your consultation and 26 Point Roofing and Exterior Safety Inspection with one of our Exterior Renovation Specialists. You can also contact us at 586-566-0308, complete the request form on this page or email us at HopToIt@Kanga-Roof.com. The “Burkhardt Boys” look forward to “Hopping To It” for you today!