What is Commercial Roofing?

Most of us can identify the basic parts of the roof on a house, or what we call residential roofing. But what about a commercial building? Commercial roofing differs significantly from residential roofing because commercial buildings have different needs. There are several common types of commercial roofing, and each one serves a unique purpose in a specific environment. The Pinnacle Roofing and Restoration team can help you choose the best commercial roofing system for your Mid-South area. Below are some options we can install or perform maintenance on. 

Built-Up Commercial Roofing Systems

Built-up commercial roofing systems have been one of the most popular commercial roofing options for over 100 years. This is because it’s durable and offers many kinds of protection. Built-up roofing systems comprise two principal ingredients—bitumen, known as asphalt or coal tars, an adhesive, and water-proofing. Ply sheets or “felts” prevent tears, punctures, and other damage. The roof will also be coated to protect from UV radiation and early aging and keep indoor heating and cooling costs down. Depending on your budget, there might be some variation in the materials used. 

Built-up roofing systems withstand extreme conditions such as excessive rainfall or blistering temperatures. They can also protect against fire, sleet, and hail. Built-up roofing systems require minimal repairs and are expected to last 20-30 years. There are a few drawbacks to built-up roofs, however. They can take a long time to complete well, and some materials involved produce hazardous fumes and vapors. 

Modified Bitumen Commercial Roofing Systems 

Modified Bitumen roofing systems are like built-up roofing systems, but they have the added benefit of modifiers that provide rubber or plastic-like features. We add one of two membranes to the roofing material: APP (Atactic Polypropylene) or SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) 

APP is responsible for a more plastic-like coating while extending it to 50% of its original length by adding a 30% APP modifier. We then apply it using torching heat welding. It should not be applied to wooden decks because this is a fire hazard. You should also know any stray sawdust in cracks and crevices that could be a potential hazard. 

SBS membranes are installed while hot or as a cold adhesive, making them less of fire risk for wooden surfaces. SBS membranes make the asphalt rubber-like as opposed to plastic-like. SBS membranes are sticky and can adhere on their own but are usually attached to a backing that is nailed on. SBS must be coated to shield from UV rays. 

Both membranes are waterproof and able to withstand extreme weather conditions. 

Single Ply Commercial Roofing Systems 

Single-ply roofing systems are excellent at guarding against extreme weather changes and unusual circumstances like acid rain. It’s made of PVC material, which makes it extremely durable. Single-ply roofing is also lightweight, making it easy to install and affordable. However, there are some downsides to single-ply commercial roofing systems. The thin layers can be easily punctured, and this roof rarely lasts as long as other options. 

Commercial Roofing Coatings

Roof coatings are liquid membranes applied to the surface of the roof to protect them. They can add up to 25 years to the life of your roof. They have properties similar to elastic and use resin to waterproof and protect your roof while also filling in cracks that can cause problems. Different coatings all have other purposes, such as waterproofing or protection against cold weather. 

Not only are coatings the ultimate defense against weather and natural threats, but they can also help you save on energy costs. Reflective roof coatings reflect light, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation to minimize the roof’s temperature, keeping air conditioning costs. It can also reduce the interior temperature in buildings that don’t have air conditioning. Lowering cooling costs in high-temperature areas will help lift the burden off of the electrical components in your building, which can reduce the cost of power outages. 

Contact us at 901-250-2813 to learn how we can help you!