Commercial Roofing

TPO, which stands for Thermoplastic Olefin, is a type of roofing material commonly used in commercial and residential applications. TPO roofing systems are known for their durability, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Here are some key points about TPO roofing systems:

Material Composition: TPO roofing membranes are made of a blend of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR). This combination results in a flexible, lightweight, and durable roofing material.

Energy Efficiency: TPO roofing systems are designed to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, helping to keep buildings cooler and reduce the energy required for air conditioning. This can contribute to energy savings and lower cooling costs.

Durability: TPO membranes are resistant to UV radiation, ozone, and chemical exposure, which makes them less prone to degradation over time. They also have good puncture resistance, making them suitable for areas with foot traffic or occasional maintenance.

Installation: TPO roofing systems are typically installed using mechanical fastening, adhesive, or heat welding methods. The seams between TPO sheets are typically heat-welded together, creating a watertight and durable bond.

Cost-effectiveness: TPO roofing systems are generally considered to be cost-effective compared to other roofing materials such as PVC or EPDM. They offer a balance between affordability and performance, making them a popular choice for commercial and residential applications.

Maintenance: TPO roofs require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their longevity. Common maintenance practices include checking for damage or punctures, keeping the roof clean from debris, and ensuring proper drainage.

PVC, which stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, is another type of roofing material commonly used in commercial and residential applications. PVC roofing systems share some similarities with TPO roofing systems, but there are also notable differences. Here’s what you need to know about PVC roofing systems:

Material Composition: PVC roofing membranes are made of a synthetic thermoplastic polymer called polyvinyl chloride. The PVC sheets are reinforced with various additives and polyester or fiberglass for increased strength and flexibility.

Durability: PVC roofing systems are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to weathering. They have excellent resistance to UV radiation, ozone, chemicals, and fire. PVC roofs can withstand extreme temperatures, high winds, and hail, making them suitable for various climates.

Energy Efficiency: Like TPO, PVC roofing systems are designed to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. They typically have a high solar reflectivity index (SRI), which helps to minimize heat transfer into the building, leading to energy savings and reduced cooling costs.

Installation: PVC roofing systems are installed using various methods, including mechanically fastening the sheets to the roof deck, adhering them with adhesive or hot air welding the seams together. Heat welding creates strong, watertight seams that are highly resistant to leaks.

Cost: PVC roofing systems tend to be more expensive than TPO systems, primarily due to the higher cost of the PVC material itself. However, the long lifespan and durability of PVC roofs can make them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Maintenance: PVC roofs require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their performance. Maintenance practices include checking for damage, ensuring proper drainage, cleaning the roof surface, and repairing any punctures or seams that may have become compromised.

Roof coating systems are protective layers applied to existing roofs to enhance their performance and extend their lifespan. These coatings can be applied to various types of roofs, including flat or low-slope roofs, metal roofs, or asphalt shingle roofs. Here’s what you need to know about roof coating systems:

Types of Roof Coatings: There are different types of roof coatings available, each with its specific properties and applications. Common types include acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, and bitumen-based coatings. The choice of coating depends on factors such as the roof type, climate, and desired performance.

Benefits: Roof coating systems offer several benefits. They provide an additional layer of protection against UV radiation, weathering, and water penetration. Coatings can also improve a roof’s energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight, reducing heat absorption, and decreasing cooling costs. Furthermore, they can help seal minor leaks, extend the lifespan of the roof, and enhance its appearance.

Application: Roof coatings are typically applied in liquid form using spray equipment, rollers, or brushes. The existing roof surface must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared before the coating is applied to ensure proper adhesion and performance. Multiple coats may be necessary to achieve the desired thickness and performance level.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for roof coating systems. Periodic inspections should be conducted to identify and address any damage, cracks, or deterioration. Additionally, coatings may need to be reapplied or recoated after a certain number of years to maintain their effectiveness.

Compatibility: It’s important to ensure that the chosen roof coating is compatible with the existing roofing material. Different coatings work best on specific roof types, and compatibility should be verified to ensure proper adhesion and performance.

Modified Bitumen (Mod Bit) APP (Atactic Polypropylene) roofing systems are a type of roofing material commonly used in commercial and residential applications, especially for low-slope or flat roofs. Here’s what you need to know about Mod Bit APP roofing systems:

Material Composition: Mod Bit APP roofing systems consist of a base sheet made of polyester or fiberglass mat, which is then coated or impregnated with a mixture of asphalt and Atactic Polypropylene (APP) polymer modifiers. The asphalt provides waterproofing properties, while the APP modifiers enhance the material’s durability and resistance to UV radiation.

Durability: Mod Bit APP roofing systems offer excellent durability and resistance to weathering. The APP modifiers provide enhanced flexibility, making the roofing material less prone to cracking or splitting under temperature changes. This flexibility allows the roof to accommodate structural movements without compromising its integrity.

Waterproofing: Mod Bit APP roofing systems offer excellent waterproofing capabilities. The combination of asphalt and APP modifiers creates a highly water-resistant barrier, protecting the underlying structure from water infiltration and potential damage.

Energy Efficiency: While Mod Bit APP roofing systems do not possess inherent reflective properties, coatings or surfacing options can be applied to enhance their energy efficiency. Adding a reflective coating or surfacing material can improve the roof’s solar reflectivity, reducing heat absorption and contributing to energy savings.

Maintenance: Mod Bit APP roofing systems require regular inspections and maintenance. It’s important to monitor the roof for any signs of damage, such as punctures, cracks, or blisters. Routine maintenance practices, such as cleaning debris, ensuring proper drainage, and addressing any issues promptly, can help extend the roof’s lifespan.

Modified Bitumen (Mod Bit) SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) roofing systems are another type of roofing material commonly used in commercial and residential applications, particularly for low-slope or flat roofs. Mod Bit SBS roofing systems share similarities with Mod Bit APP systems but have some key differences. Here’s what you need to know about Mod Bit SBS roofing systems:

Material Composition: Mod Bit SBS roofing systems consist of a base sheet made of polyester or fiberglass mat, which is then coated or impregnated with a mixture of asphalt and Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) polymer modifiers. The SBS modifiers enhance the material’s flexibility, durability, and resistance to temperature extremes.

Flexibility and Elongation: The SBS polymer modifiers in Mod Bit SBS roofing systems provide enhanced flexibility and elongation properties. This allows the roofing material to withstand thermal expansion and contraction without cracking or splitting, making it more resistant to damage from temperature changes and structural movements.

Waterproofing: Mod Bit SBS roofing systems offer excellent waterproofing capabilities due to the asphalt and SBS modifiers. The SBS modifiers enhance the material’s resistance to water penetration, making it suitable for areas prone to heavy rainfall or moisture exposure.

Durability: Mod Bit SBS roofing systems are known for their durability and longevity. The SBS modifiers improve the material’s resistance to UV radiation, weathering, and chemical exposure, helping to prolong the roof’s lifespan.

Energy Efficiency: Mod Bit SBS roofing systems can contribute to energy efficiency when combined with reflective coatings or surfacing options. By adding a reflective coating or surfacing material, the roof’s solar reflectivity can be increased, reducing heat absorption and lowering cooling costs.

Maintenance: Similar to other roofing systems, Mod Bit SBS roofing systems require regular inspections and maintenance. Checking for signs of damage, ensuring proper drainage, and addressing any issues promptly are essential for preserving the roof’s performance and longevity.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR) systems, also known as tar and gravel roofs, are a traditional type of roofing system commonly used in commercial and some residential applications. BUR systems have been in use for over a century and are known for their durability and longevity. Here’s what you need to know about Built-Up Roofing systems:

Material Composition: BUR systems consist of multiple layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and reinforcing materials. The layers are alternated between bitumen and reinforcing felts, commonly made of fiberglass or organic materials such as felt or rag paper. The number of layers can vary depending on the specific BUR system and desired performance.

Layering and Waterproofing: The multiple layers in a BUR system provide redundancy and enhanced waterproofing. The bitumen layers act as a waterproofing agent, while the reinforcing felts add strength and stability to the roof system. The layers are typically hot-applied, with each layer being mopped or spread over the previous layer.

Gravel or Surfacing: BUR systems often have a top layer of gravel or mineral granules embedded in a flood coat of bitumen. This layer serves as a protective barrier, shielding the underlying layers from UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and physical damage. Alternatively, a reflective coating can be applied as a surfacing material to enhance energy efficiency.

Durability and Longevity: BUR systems are known for their durability and long lifespan. When properly installed and maintained, they can last 20 to 30 years or even longer. The multiple layers provide added protection against water infiltration, fire resistance, and resistance to punctures and other types of damage.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance is important for BUR systems. Inspections should be performed to identify any signs of damage, such as cracks, blisters, or loose gravel. Proper drainage should be maintained, and any necessary repairs or maintenance work should be conducted promptly to prevent further damage.