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There are plenty of things you need to consider when choosing a new commercial roof. While price is the most common factor many building owners pay attention to, there are also others to take note of, including your local weather and climate, a roofing system’s life span, aesthetics and maintenance procedures. Fortunately, there are a handful of commercial roofing options available to you, each one with the potential to meet your needs. Here, you will learn more about the top three choices you can consider as we outline the features and benefits of modified bitumen, EPDM and TPO roofing.
PART 1: MODIFIED BITUMEN
Modified bitumen roofs are made of polymer modified bitumen membranes applied using heat to secure the seams between runs of roofing material, giving the system its strong and durable protective layer. And due to their low-maintenance requirements, modified bitumen roofs are among the most installed materials in commercial roofing today. MODIFIED BITUMEN ADVANTAGES Opt for modified bitumen roofing and you can enjoy: • Lasting performance. Modified bitumen membranes are reinforced with multiple plies of fabric, including polyester, fiberglass or a combination of both. While traditional sheeting rolls may start experiencing problems after a 10- to 15-year period, modified bitumen membranes can last more than 20 years without requiring too much maintenance. • Superior weather protection. The polymer modification involved in the material’s manufacturing process makes this roofing system more durable and flexible. This translates to modified bitumen systems effectively with standing intense heat, cold and UV radiation, making sure everything inside your building is well-protected. The commercial roofing option can also protect against damage due to impact and high foot traffic. • Versatile installation methods. Modified bitumen systems can be installed using one of numerous methods: cold applied, hot applied, heat-welded or self-adhered. This material is sold in rolls, with seams sealed using a torch to heat the underside of the bituminous material, which coats the sides of the reinforced mat.
PART 1: MODIFIED BITUMEN
• Cost-effectiveness. Modified bitumen roofs offer great value for your money primarily because they are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. This makes them an excellent choice for building owners who want to save money in the long run. • Thermal resistance. To increase a building’s comfort and energy efficiency, modified bitumen roofing makes use of an insulation layer to boost thermal resistance, blocking excess heat from being absorbed into the building to promote a cooler interior atmosphere. Additionally, it features a reflective surface to further keep passive heating at bay. DID YOU KNOW? Before modified bitumen roofing was introduced, large commercial buildings used heavy-gravel surfacing as part of built-up roofing systems to serve as protection against UV rays. Because modified bitumen membranes adhere directly to the substrate, they don’t require surfacing with gravel, lessening weight strain on roof supports.
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Looking for another top-quality commercial roofing material for your structure? Check out the amazing features and benefits of EPDM roofing in the next post. Stay tuned!
PART 2: EPDM ROOFING
There are two types of sheet membranes for commercial roofing systems:e thermoplastic (can be remelted) and thermoset (remains in a permanent solid state). One of the most popular thermoset roofing materials today is ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, or EPDM. A durable synthetic rubber membrane used in flat roofs, it contains oil and natural gas ingredients that help enhance its performance. To install these membranes, installers seal the seams using specially formulated tape or liquid adhesives. EPDM ROOFING BENEFITS Here are some of the benefits you can get from installing EPDM roofing: • Weather resistance. Since EPDM is a rubber material, it can resist moisture exposure and general damp conditions. A good choice for commercial buildings in cold and stormy climates,it is not only waterproof but is also able to protect against damage due to the wind as well as ozone and UV radiation. • Longevity. Its rubber quality makes EPDM roofing one of the most durable choices for commercial structures, regardless of its style. Properly installed and maintained, it can last up to 50 years or longer.
PART 2: EPDM ROOFING
• Eco-friendliness. Originally developed as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based roofing systems, EPDM typically utilizes recycled products. This means the material can also be recycled at the end of its service life as another roofing product or accessory, such as roofing and walkway tiles. In addition, EPDM roofs can be made reflective with coatings, allowing it to keep passive heating at bay and normalize indoor temperatures. This stabilizes energy use, which helps you cut back on your utility bill while helping reduce strain on the grid.
DID YOU KNOW? EPDM accounts for more than 1 billion square feet of new roofing annually in the United States alone, representing approximately 35% of the entire roofing market. The market share is 12% (and growing) in Europe, with market shares in the Middle East and China notably accelerating as well. ooooo
TPO is another popular roofing material used for commercial buildings today. In Part 3, we’ll be discussing the reasons why you should strongly consider this commercial roofing option. Stay tuned!
PART 3: TPO ROOFING
When it comes to commercial roofing materials on the market, thermoplastic olefin (TPO) is growing in popularity, and for good reason. A rubber material that has been around for more than 20 years, TPO roofing features a three-layer membrane that offers some significant advantages over other commercial options available today. Below are some of TPO roofing’s distinct benefits: • Cost-effectiveness. If you’re a budget-conscious property owner or manager looking for quality roofing, TPO is one of your best choices. Since its inception in the ‘90s, it’s made a name for itself as a cost-efficient alternative to PVC roofing. Put simply, TPO offers the same features as PVC roofing solutions: maximum thermal performance, strength and ease of maintenance—but at a notably lower price point. • Resiliency to wear and tear. As a modern roofing solution made from innovative materials, TPO roofing is highly durable and can resist wear and tear as well as other potential damage brought about by nature. It stands out among other thermoplastic membranes because it also protects against punctures, dirt, mold and mildew, while flexibly adjusting to structural movement and settling over time. It’s also important to note that TPO roofing has fewer seams than its counterparts, leading to fewer joints in a roofing system through which leaks can travel.
PART 3: TPO ROOFING
• Heat fluctuation management. TPO can handle thermal expansion or contractions amazingly well, making it especially ideal in climates that see extreme fluctuations in temperature. What’s more, this material helps minimize solar heat gain, offering huge energy savings over the long haul by keeping passive heating at bay. • Easy installation. Compared to other commercial roofing materials, TPO membranes typically come in wider sheet sizes while remaining significantly lighter. Due to this size and weight advantage, it is easier to handle, taking it less time to install. DID YOU KNOW? The TPO polymer material used in commercial applications has remained the same since 2000. As a matter of fact, one supplier accounts for over 90% of the polymer used by all TPO manufacturers. The material’s formulation has not been changed since.
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Over time, commercial roofing systems have changed, with certain options becoming more widely used due to the advantages they offer. Keep in mind, however, that no matter what your building’s needs are, you can find quality roofing products that will suit what you’re looking for. The trick is in understanding what each material has to offer. To help you decide, don’t hesitate to consult a trusted commercial roofing expert in your area.
Hinkle Roofing 639 1st Court, North Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 352-1940 www.hinkleroofing.com