Commercial roof materials have come a long way in recent years. While some of the older techniques are still used today with a modified twist, there are new innovations that have lead to cost saving materials to repair old materials without the need for a new roof.
Old Commercial Roof Materials
- Roll asphalt is a type of flat roof system made up of a felt or fiberglass felt that is saturated in asphalt. The product is rolled onto the roof and adhered using nails or asphalt cement. This roof material is usually covered with a granular surface composed of a mineral substance, which often looks like gravel. A roll asphalt roof is one of the most affordable roof materials, but is less durable than other materials and has a shorter life span.
- A single-ply roof is one that is covered by a plastic or rubber-like material. They are applied to the roof and can either be self-adhered, or installed with hot asphalt. As one of the most popular types of commercial roof materials they are easy to install and offer a longer life span than roll asphalt roofs. Common single-ply roof materials used today include thermoplastic polylefin (TPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or ethylene proplene diene monomer (EPDM). The EPDM also comes in a white variety, offering higher energy efficiency and cools the building by reflecting the sun’s rays.
- A multiple-ply roof is also known as a built up roof (BUR). Built up roofs come in two varieties: gravel BUR and smooth BUR. Gravel BUR have been used for over 100 years. These “tar and gravel” roofs are made up of multiple layers of felt alternated with asphalt. They are covered with a granular mineral surface, such as aggregate, glass-fiber or may be hot mopped, in order to protect the layers of felt underneath. Typically adhered directly to the roof deck or insulation, this type of roof can last up to 30 years. Built up roofs come in two varieties: gravel BUR and smooth BUR. The smooth BUR is similar to the gravel, without the gravel or mineral coating on the surface of the roof.
Modern Commercial Roof Materials
- Metal roofing is also used in commercial roof systems. Like their residential counterparts, some of the more common metal roofs are made from aluminum, copper or steel. Metal roofs can offer durability at a lighter weight product. Although metal roofs tend to have increased problems for water at the seams, a metal roof restoration system is an easy and cost effective solution to an existing roof. Applied to an existing metal roof, a top coat can offer an extended roof life and increased energy efficiency by way of reflecting the sun’s rays.
- EPDM is a single-ply roof material made from a flexible rubber material and mechanically fastened to the existing roof. It can extend the life of an existing EPDM or modified bitumen roof system. An alternative coating system for EPDM is the white roof coating. Instead of removing and replacing the old roof, an EPDM coating can provide a durable and cost effective solution that also improve the energy efficiency of the building.
- Another single-ply roof material is the thermoplastic sheet membrane, which is a factory manufactured sheet made up of plastic, PVC, TPO or EPDM rubber. This roof material offers ease of installation and a greater life span than other materials. With an added insulation it can provide increased energy efficiency, lowering heating and cooling costs.
- Polyurethane spray foam is cost-effective and great for energy savings, as it insulates the building and eliminates air infiltration. Spray foam roofs are easy to install, lightweight yet durable and are self-flashing; all offering a wide array of protection. Spray foam roofs are quickly becoming one of the fastest growing green roof systems in the world.
