Roof Installation and Replacement

How often should roof coating and waterproofing be applied to maintain the roof's integrity?

In conclusion, while residential and commercial roofing services share some similarities in their fundamental objectives, the differences in scale, complexity, and features make commercial roofing a specialized field that demands a higher level of expertise, equipment, and considerations. Choosing the right roofing service based on the specific requirements of a property is crucial to ensure a durable and reliable roofing system that meets the building's needs.

Built-Up Roof (BUR) is a popular roofing system for industrial and commercial buildings, characterized by multiple layers of materials. These layers typically include asphalt layers, an insulation base, and a top layer of gravel or roofing products. Hot asphalt is used to build these layers, providing durability and water resistance. The protective membrane ensures the longevity of BUR roofs, making them a preferred choice for commercial structures. Advantages of BUR roofing include its durability, excellent waterproofing capabilities, heat and fire resistance, versatility, and low maintenance requirements. However, BUR roofs are relatively heavy, come with high installation costs, and require complex maintenance, making them susceptible to UV radiation.

Modified Bitumen Roofing (MB) is commonly used in industrial and commercial buildings. It consists of asphalt and rubber-like materials (SBS or APP) that undergo modification for enhanced durability and weather resistance. Builders heat the modified bitumen sheets before rolling them onto the roof, creating a continuous waterproof membrane through either self-adhesion or torch application. While MB roofing offers long-lasting and durable solutions for commercial buildings, it can be more expensive to install. The advantages of MB roofing include quality assurance, easy installation, water intrusion prevention, resistance to strong winds and low temperatures, and reduced construction waste. On the downside, MB roofing can be hazardous, absorb heat in summer, and be more vulnerable to ponding.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofing (TPO) combines single-ply roof membranes with ethylene-propylene rubber designs. These membranes exhibit exceptional performance with hot-air sealable closures and the sturdiness of EPDM rubber. TPO roofing is reliable, ozone-resistant, and environmentally friendly. It is also resistant to algae and stands out for its ease and safety of installation. The advantages of TPO roofing include cost-effectiveness, compatibility with various architectural styles, resistance to dirt and cracks, ease of installation, and energy efficiency. However, TPO membranes can be easily punctured, and UV rays may degrade the adhesives.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) is a highly durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane commonly used in commercial low-slope buildings. It consists of ethylene and propylene, derived from oil and natural gas. EPDM is available in black and white and comes in various widths and thicknesses. Roofers can install EPDM using full adhesion, mechanical attachment, or ballasting, sealing the seams with specially formulated tape or liquid adhesive. EPDM's advantages include durability, flexibility, and ease of installation. However, it can be susceptible to punctures, and the adhesives may degrade over time due to exposure to UV rays.