When deciding on the type of roofing material for your flat commercial roof, make sure you take the time to consider TPO, EPDM, PVC and Wood shake. Depending on your business’s needs, one of these roofing materials may be the best choice for your building. Here are some of the most common flat commercial roofing materials:
TPO
When it comes to energy efficiency and cost, TPO roofing systems are an excellent choice for flat commercial roofs. They can provide a number of benefits similar to EPDM and PVC, and they are 100% recyclable. What’s more, TPO roofing is durable, flexible, and a great choice for buildings that are subject to thermal expansion. The following are some of the many benefits of TPO roofing for flat commercial roofs.
TPO roofing materials for flat commercial roofs come in a variety of thicknesses and can be glued or mechanically fastened to the roof deck. Thick TPO roofs offer greater protection, but will also cost more to install. The choice of insulation materials will also influence cost, and polyiso is the most common commercial roofing insulation, but also the most expensive. Commercial roof insulation systems should be inspected thoroughly before deciding on a material for your flat commercial roof.
EPDM
There are two basic types of EPDM roofing materials for flat commercial roofs: fully adhered and mechanically fastened. Fully adhered roofs require the application of adhesive, while mechanically fastened roofs use plates and metal screws that are screwed into insulation underneath. EPDM roofing is typically installed with adhesive, although it is possible to ballast the roof with stone or gravel, which will help make it more attractive and prevent damage from weather and ultraviolet rays. Mechanically-fastened roofs require little maintenance, but do need to be cleaned periodically to avoid algae growth.
EPDM roofing is popular because of its low cost. The cost is very affordable, and the material is highly resistant to UV light. EPDM roofing has a long lifespan and can be recycled after it reaches the end of its service life. It can last for 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance, so it is a good choice for both new and re-roofing flat commercial roofs. EPDM roofing is also easy to mold to accommodate protrusions on the rooftop.
PVC
When choosing a PVC roofing material for your flat commercial roof, you should keep in mind that it’s not a bubble-level flat roof. It’s actually slightly angled or pitched, and it needs to be strong enough to withstand ponding water, ice, and snow until they melt. PVC roofing materials are a great choice for flat commercial roofs because they are extremely durable, with minimum breaking points of 200 PPI and a high melting point of 300 PPI.
PVC is a synthetic organic polymer and is present in many common materials and products. The low cost and malleability of PVC makes it an excellent choice for roofing. Roofing companies have a long history of using PVC for commercial projects. Regardless of the size of your commercial roof, you should keep in mind the following tips to keep the cost of your PVC roof low. You should also check your roof after major weather events, since damage may not be obvious until much later on.
Wood shake
There are many benefits to choosing wood shake roofing for your flat commercial roof. The materials are less technical and don’t require special tools (see our roofing products section). However, other types of roofing materials, such as asphalt, do require professional installation. Since wood shake roofing is a flat roofing material, contractors can complete the installation in a day or less. They can also offer several energy benefits. They insulate attics and allow the house to breathe.
One benefit to choosing wood shake roofing is its classic look. Wood shakes are split logs and are commonly used as roofing materials. These materials come in different grades, with the highest grade being used for roofing, and the lower grade used for siding. They provide a classic, rustic look to your home, but require more maintenance and upkeep than other types of roof coverings. They are usually layered and come with water barriers to prevent leaks.
Modified bitumen
The traditional application method for a flat commercial roof is with modified bitumen, which is typically applied in two layers. The material stands up well to foot traffic, although it shouldn’t be used as a work surface or patio. However, the use of a granulated cap sheet can make the material more forgiving when foot traffic is high. Additionally, this roofing material is easily worked on.
When installed by a qualified professional, modified bitumen is a strong and durable roofing option for flat commercial roofs. The polymer used to create the modified bitumen makes it stronger and more durable. Its adhesives protect against UV rays and other forms of water damage. A modified bitumen roof can last up to 20 years without much maintenance. Modified bitumen also comes with an insulating layer to maintain temperature and prevent condensation.