What Is Commercial Roofing?
Commercial roofs provide protection from rain, snow, and other elements for the occupants of commercial buildings. They also help with reducing energy consumption, preventing leaks and providing structural support.
There are several types of commercial roofing materials available on the market today. Some of these are better suited for certain conditions than others.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are a durable and cost-effective roofing solution. They can protect against fire, wind and hail damage. The roofs are also very energy efficient, keeping a building cooler in hot weather. They are available in a wide variety of colors and finishes to match any aesthetic and design. In addition, they can add a modern appeal to the exterior of your business.
Commercial metal roofs are typically made from steel or aluminum. The panels are produced in giant rolls at a mill and then coated with zinc, galvanized or Galvalume (a mixture of aluminum and zinc). The metallic coatings prevent the iron from rusting and oxidizing. These coatings are separate from the paint that imparts color to the panel. The coatings are very durable, lasting decades or even longer, with minimal upkeep.
Because the panels are fabricated in advance, they can be installed quickly and with less labor than traditional roofing. The metal can be formed into many shapes, allowing for the creation of unique architectural designs. They can even be designed to mimic the appearance of other types of materials, such as shingles or clay tile, without the costly maintenance associated with these kinds of materials.
Due to the durability, versatility, and longevity of metal roofs, they are becoming more and more popular in commercial construction. As more facility executives place a high value on longevity, sustainability, and resilience, metal has become the roofing material of choice.
Metal roofs have a higher upfront cost than other roofing materials, but this initial expense is offset by their long lifespan and energy efficiency. Additionally, a properly installed metal roof is resistant to water damage and can last up to 40 years. This minimizes the need for frequent and costly roof replacement, saving your business money in the long run.
Single-Ply Membranes
Single-ply membranes are a popular choice for flat commercial roofing. They are incredibly durable and have a long service life, making them an excellent choice for any commercial or industrial roof. These roof systems can be ballasted, mechanically fastened or chemically adhered to the roof deck, forming a seamless layer of protection over your facility.
The single-ply membranes available are also resistant to ozone, UV radiation and changing weather conditions. These resilient membranes are easy to maintain and will keep your building safe from damaging environmental influences.
There are several types of single-ply membranes, including thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Both are highly flexible and durable, and can be heat or cold-welded to form seams. TPO is highly energy efficient and can help reduce your air conditioning costs, while EPDM is ideal for low-slope roofs.
PVC single-ply membranes are a great choice for large, lightweight metal deck structures. These membranes have the highest tensile strength, and contain polymers to ensure flexibility at low temperatures. PVC is also resistant to a wide range of chemicals, fire and water-driven debris. These hardy qualities contribute to PVC having the longest service life of any single-ply roofing material, resulting in lower repair costs over time.
Unlike other types of commercial roofing, single-ply membranes are fire resistant and self-extinguishing. This makes them a great choice for any business, office or workplace that is concerned with the safety of their employees and visitors. For additional peace of mind, most single-ply membranes are waterproof and will keep your buildings interior safe from damaging leaks and other water damage.
It’s important to pay close attention to the details when installing a single-ply membrane. For example, make sure the seams of the middle and outer layers overlap with each other properly. If there are any voids at the seams, the water will not be able to drain properly, and you may experience leaking or structural problems later on. In addition, be sure to install a proper patch over the T-joints, and be wary of any voids in the membrane sheets that are not covered by the patches.
Tar and Gravel Built-Up Roofing
Tar and gravel built-up roofs, also known as BUR, are one of the oldest and most reliable commercial roofing types for low-sloped (or flat) roof structures. These time-tested roofs are made of alternating layers of felt and asphalt or bitumen, and they perform well in punishing weather conditions like heavy rains, hail storms, and extreme sun exposure.
The layered nature of this type of commercial roof provides added durability and water resistance, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. In addition, a built-up roof can be easily repaired and patched to prevent leaks that may occur from normal wear and tear or from damage caused by tree debris, winds, or other elements.
Leaks are not common with this type of roof because the overlapping layers form a protective seal, and the top layer of gravel helps to block out sun damage. However, a tar and gravel built-up roof must be properly maintained to ensure that the membranes are in good shape. Also, because these roofs are fairly heavy, the structural deck and joists must be in good condition to support the roof.
Choosing the right roofing contractor in commercial roofing Albuquerque for your tar and gravel built-up roof is essential. You want a reputable roofing company that is licensed and insured, with excellent reviews on Google and and a history of experience working on this type of roof. Get at least three or more quotes from qualified roofing contractors and compare the details of each. You should also verify that the roofing contractor has a state contractor license and certification from the National Roofing Contractors Association or InterNACHI.
While a tar and gravel roof is durable, it can be susceptible to leaking due to cracks or tears in the seams, which can be hard to find. Leaks in a commercial tar and gravel roof can cause health, safety, and sanitary issues inside the building and weaken the structural integrity of the roof.
Replacing a tar and gravel roof can be expensive, but the cost is worth it if you want a long-term commercial roofing solution that will protect your structure from weather conditions. A professional commercial roofing Albuquerque can help you choose the best commercial roofing material for your needs, and they can also provide installation services for a range of other roof types.
Asphalt Roofs
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for homes across Albuquerque and come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, these roofs provide the durability to protect your home through decades of weathering with minimal maintenance. However, when it comes to weighing cost, performance and style, you need to decide which type of asphalt shingle will best suit your needs. If you’re not sure, ask a local roofing professional for advice. Local roofing pros know how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation, ensuring that the roof you get will perform its best for years to come.
Asphalt roofs are composed of felt paper or fiberglass that is coated with asphalt. The asphalt is an end-product of oil refining, and it is blown through the shingles to harden them and increase their durability. Many shingles also have mineral granules added to them for a finished look and additional protection from sun damage.
The granules help reflect the sunlight and reduce the amount of heat transferred from the roof to the interior of the house. This helps lower your energy bills and can significantly decrease the strain on your HVAC system during hot summer months. In fact, some manufacturers now offer a “cool-roof” shingle that is designed to absorb less solar energy and reflect more of it back into the atmosphere.
Choosing the right color for your asphalt shingles can tie the exterior look of your building together and make it stand out from the rest. You can find a shingle that matches the tones in your window shutters, front door or accent trim to create a uniform appearance on your building.
There are three different types of asphalt roofing membranes: BUR, SBS and APP. BUR stands for Built-Up Roofing and is one of the oldest roofing technologies. It consists of redundancy, using multiple layers of waterproofing to protect the roof from leaks and other damages. It is typically installed over a thermal barrier or a BUR base sheet. In contrast, SBS stands for SBS Modified Bitumen and uses a similar process to apply the membranes but includes atactic polypropylene, which enhances durability.
Commercial roofs provide protection from rain, snow, and other elements for the occupants of commercial buildings. They also help with reducing energy consumption, preventing leaks and providing structural support. There are several types of commercial roofing materials available on the market today. Some of these are better suited for certain conditions than others. Metal Roofs…