The commercial roof is arguably one of the most critical elements of any building structure. Although simple and almost utilitarian, the purpose of a commercial roofing system is essentially to keep the building’s watertight integrity and maintain its contents dry, thus preventing premature damage and mold growth. Due to this reason, commercial roofing systems undergo extensive maintenance and are regularly inspected to ensure that they perform at their optimal performance. Today’s range of low slope or flat roof options (from flat or low pitch roofing systems ranging from flat to high pitch roofing systems) is no longer so simple and has evolved significantly over the past 50 years.
One of the first commercial roofing systems to be developed was the asphalt shingle. Originally, these low slope, self-adhesive, fireproof, and repairable shingles were used on residential roofs. Over the course of time, they evolved into the more durable asphalt roof, which performed well even under severe wind conditions. Unfortunately, the cost of asphalt shingles quickly outweighed their benefits, leading to their decline in popularity as residential roofing materials.
In response, another option presented itself – the acrylic coatings by Flat Roof Repair. These are a superior solution for both residential and commercial roofing applications. By providing a barrier against moisture, they extend the lifetime of the roof as well as protect it from becoming damaged due to wind, ice, or rain. Acrylic coatings also provide an aesthetically pleasing, durable finish. Yet another innovation in this category of roofing materials was the development of the metal roof. This technology proved to be extremely popular in both industrial and residential applications.
Metal roofs provide an excellent alternative to the more expensive asphalt alternatives because they are more sturdy. Metal roofing materials are also weather resistant and fireproof. Another benefit to these types of roofing materials is that they tend to last longer than the cheaper asphalt alternatives.
Unfortunately, not all commercial roofing applications are suited to using these more modern and sturdy types of roofs. For instance, the traditional flat roof is not suited to being pitched or rolled up in order to protect sensitive equipment such as computers and other sensitive electrical equipment. Flat roofs usually pose a fire risk, as they may easily burn with too much heat or be punctured by falling debris. Additionally, the lack of flexibility makes them less efficient at being installed. When these roofs are improperly installed, they often do not lay completely flat. Additionally, the lack of flexibility means that they are far more difficult to replace when damage occurs.
Therefore, if your commercial roofing project will involve installation of an asphalt shingle roof system, be sure to check that it is the appropriate type for the area in which you live. The correct installation of this type of roof system will increase the efficiency and durability of your equipment and create an overall higher safety barrier. The proper installation will also ensure the protection of your building materials.
Also available as asphalt roofing systems are modified bitumen products. Modified bitumen is actually composed of several layers of asphalt that have been chemically treated to make them even stronger. These asphalt layers provide increased protection against fire and water damage.
The most common asphalt used in these modified bitumen roofing products is EPDM (ethylene-diene-phthalate). This material is often used in North America, South America, and parts of Europe. While it is quite strong, EPDM can be a very flammable material. It also tends to form into thick and chunky sheets rather than being smooth like regular asphalt roofing felts. This makes it a poor choice for areas where there tends to be a lot of cold weather, as it tends to expand and contract rapidly when temperatures get too low or too high.