FAQs | Aztec Construction Services

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS TPO ROOFING MATERIAL?

QUALITY ROOFING FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

When it comes to roofing services, for the average buyer that is shopping for a new roof system, it may seem like it is a continuous pouring of alphabet soup, with TPO membrane being in that bowl of soup. But what exactly is TPO roofing?

Thermoplastic Polyolefin, shorten to TPO, is a roofing type that is a single-ply roofing membrane and is primary chemical composition. The NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) has defined two main categories in the single-ply roofing industry:

Thermoplastic Membranes
Thermoset Membranes

It is the category of the thermoplastic membrane where TPO roofing located. While the average buyer doesn’t have any concern what TPO roof membrane’s chemical composition is made of, they are concerned that it will keep their building dry after having a roof system installed, and for a long time to come.

In our article today, we are going to discuss TPO Roofing benefits, characteristics, expectancies, the comparison of TPO roofing vs PVC, which one wins between TPO roofing and hail, and as well, answer some commonly asked questions, such as: is ”TPO roofing good?”.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PVC AND TPO ROOFING?

In the market of single-ply roofing, currently, there are two popular options are thermoplastic membranes: PVC and TPO. PVC is the most used with great success in both commercial and residential roofing systems, and it has been around the longest.

However, TPO roofing is being pushed as the improved and less expensive alternative to PVC and is becoming more popular. The reality of it though is longevity and performance, and with PVC having more history, it overpowers TPO currently. There are a few parallels between PVC and TPO membranes:

Energy Star Rated
Fire Resistant
Heat-weldable seams
Light Colored
Multiple ways to install
Thermoplastic

Before choosing one over the other, it is recommended that the differences be analyzed carefully to determine which will perform better in the job needed. To that end, the difference that is most significant between PVC and TPO is the chemical composition of each.

PVC is made up of chlorine, which comes from salt, and ethylene, which is a petroleum by-product. TPO roofing is made from ethylene propylene polymers being blended with polypropylene and then polyester is used as a reinforcement.

IS TPO ROOFING FIRE RESISTANT?

The roofing industry was introduced to the TPO roofing membrane in the early 1990s. It was advertised as being less expensive, making it an alternative to PVC and consisted of thermoplastic polyolefin membrane.

If a single-ply roofing membrane is what you’re looking for, TPO roofing is touted as being an energy-efficient product. It is heat-resistant, UV-resistant and heat-weldable, giving both EPDM and PVC roofing a match for their money.

DOES TPO SHRINK?

Both PVC and TPO are durable materials that are resistant to chemical spills, and PVC would be the more durable of the two in that instance. However, when it comes to shrinkage, this is one area that TPO roofing beats PVC roofing hands down – it does not shrink, whereas, PVC can, which could lead to problems.

WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF A TPO ROOF?

In the most recent time, the compounds of TPO roofing have changed, an as such, it is difficult to put a firm lifespan estimate on the product. In general, some experts say that TPO roofing should last anywhere from 10 years to 20 years, others say 22 years to 30 years, based on the climate and environment it is exposed to. This partly because the material’s top layer laminated, which introduces weak points which can cause it to crack, craze, deteriorate, or shrink over time.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A TPO ROOF?

Having a low-slope roof is a careful decision for any building owner, and after it has been installed, a good maintenance regime is needed to extend the lifespan. While routine cleaning isn’t necessary on all roof surfaces, some need frequent cleaning. The following tips are recommended for TPO roofing:

Base flashings, low curbs and other points that may allow water to seep in should be protected.
Protect the exterior façade, plants, and shrubbery from the cleaning solution run-off.
Use 2,000 psi, a low-pressure power wash, for cleaning and rinsing the top layer of dirt and dust.
With a long-handled, soft-bristled brush or floor broom, using a detergent that is mild and non-abrasive with clear water, firmly but with care, brush the TPO roofing membrane.
Thoroughly rinse the roof using the same 2,000 psi low-pressure wash.
Do a visual inspection of the TPO roofing membrane for any damage, repair as needed.

A regular inspection should be made of the electrical and plumbing that comes through the TPO roofing, such as the flash vent stacks and round penetrations, making sure they are in good condition with no cracks around them in the TPO roofing membrane. Where the budget is an issue, the least expensive is TPO roofing. While it is the newer of the two membranes, to date, TPO has proven to be stronger against breaking and tearing and appears to weather better.

IS FOAM ROOFING WORTH IT?

LEARN MORE ABOUT FOAM ROOFING

Your commercial or industrial roof deserves to have durable and protective materials that will last for years to come! With foam roofing, you can expect a firm roofing material that is easy to install and can protect your roof from the influences of everyday wear and tear as well as weather. When you’re wondering is foam roofing good for your commercial roofing than it’s best to get to know the system more before commitment. There are foam roofing pros and cons just like with anything and contacting a professional roofer can give you an idea of what will work with your particular roof’s substrate. In the meantime, here is some helpful information that can give you an idea of why foam roofing can be right for your property!

WHAT IS SPRAY FOAM ROOFING?

Foam roofing is a type of roofing application that is typically sprayed as a liquid and will then expand into a foam which will then cure to the materials of an existing roof and thereby create a solid new layer.

HOW TO APPLY FOAM ROOFING

Foam roofing will need to first have an existing roof underneath it before it can be sprayed on. The existing roof or substrate should be prepared by cleaning it by getting rid of dust, dirt, and other debris. This can be done by vacuuming, air pressure or even sweeping the roof with a broom. As long as it’s clear of contaminants the first layer can be applied by a professional roofer. The liquid spray will expand to foam about 20 times in size of its original state to form to about 1 to 1.5 inches in thickness. It will cure and adhere to the surface of the roof as a solid and seamless surface. Once foam roofing has been completed, generally a layer of acrylic or elastomeric roof coating with embedded granules will be applied on top. This will protect the roof from weather, UV light, temperature changes, fire, and normal wear. The layer is typically 20-30 mils in thickness and will create a durable, moisture-resistant and seamless roof cover.

HOW LONG DO FOAM ROOFS LAST?

Foam roofing has a high roof life and can last over 50 years! To reach this roof life it will require periodic maintenance in order to see if any re-coats are needed. In general, it may need to be cleaned, primed and re-coated every 10-15 years.

CAN YOU WALK ON A FOAM ROOF?

Foam roofing, unlike what’s usually believed, can be walked on and is even able to support a lot of weight. As can be said of any type of roofing material, the catch is with extremely sharp objects which can compromise the system by leaving a hole in it.

FOAM ROOFING PROS AND CONS

Pros
Watertight
Easy Installations
Energy Efficient
Great Insulation
Lowers Emissivity
Minimal Upkeep
Can Stop Leaks
Can Be Applied to Various Substrates
50+ Year Life

Cons
Water Can Pool Without Slight Slope
Can Be Difficult to Remove
High Costs

IS SPRAY FOAM WATERTIGHT?

Foam roofing can be watertight depending on the density of the foam that is used. If you’re interested in watertight foam roofing aim for an option that has both high-density and closed cell as they are water-resistant as opposed to open cell which is not.

WILL SPRAY FOAM STOP WATER LEAKS?

Foam roofing does have the ability to provide some restorative functions as well since it will expand into and fill up punctures and cracks where potential openings for water can leak through. An expanding foam like polyurethane will bond to any surface and effectively stop leaks.

SPRAY FOAM ROOFING BENEFITS

Foam roofing has a variety of benefits that can enhance your roofing material. Firstly, installation is easy as the application of foam roofing involves simply having an even spray. What’s more, the application process won’t interrupt the routines of business, industries, and other buildings as it’s fast. The application is a liquid spray which will expand and conform to any roof shape and type. It’s versatile and can be applied to irregular shaped roofs, shingles, metal, asphalt, concrete and wood. Another benefit to foam roofing is that it’s energy-efficient. It will provide air, thermal and moisture barries to a roof’s insulation and even has the highest R-value per inch.

With polyurethane coatings, it’ll keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer which assists the HVAC in maintaining stable temperatures. With silicone top coatings you can even reflect UV light which lowers emissivity/heat absorption which will ultimately cool a building’s temperatures. Not only will this provide protection from the damaging effects of the sun, but it’ll also conserve energy and therefore lower monthly energy costs!

Finally, once it has been applied you can expect as minimal maintenance as blind repairs with semi-annual inspections in the Spring and Fall if possible. As of such, foam roofing can be expected to last over 50 years with these simple check-ups in order to apply a re-coat if needed.

WHAT IS THE BEST COMMERCIAL ROOFING MATERIAL?

LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMERCIAL ROOFING

Commercial roofing can consist of different types of roofing materials that differ from their residential counterparts in various ways. That is due to the fact that commercial roofing has different building specifications, characteristics, and requirements that must be met in order to properly protect underlying substrates. Commercial roofs usually have added protection with roof coatings that act as a first aid to minor wear, damages, and leaks if they ever arise. When you’re looking into commercial roofing consider the many additional protective finishes that can ensure longevity to your roofing system by adding 30 years of additional life. As of such be sure to undergo a roofing inspection to go over the details of your roofing project with a qualified roofing contractor to ensure a professional job is done. Here is some useful information regarding commercial roofing that can assist you in making the best decision for your property!

WHAT DOES COMMERCIAL ROOFING MEAN?

Commercial roofing implies roofing that is used for commercial buildings or structures.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMMERCIAL ROOFS?

Commercial roofing can be sloped or flat with such roofing options as single-ply membranes (TPO, PVC, etc.l;) built-up roofing (modified bitumen, asphalt, coal tar, gravel;) liquid applied systems using high-tech polymers or metal slopes on top of high rises.

WHAT ARE COMMERCIAL FLAT ROOFS MADE OF?

Commercial roofing flat roofs can be made from a variety of flat roofing membranes that encompass different kinds of practices in application, installation, and maintenance that differ from standard residential sloped roofs.

TYPES OF FLAT ROOFING MATERIAL

PVC
TPO
EPDM
Modified Bitumen
BUR
Spray On Coatings

WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF ROOF FOR A FLAT ROOF?

A flat roof can be used for both industrial and commercial roofing purposes and coincidentally can range in benefits depending on the type of protection or maintenance preferred. As of such the best all-around flat roofing membrane can be pointed to the most popularly used as is seen with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) single ply roofing.

WHAT IS THE BEST METAL ROOFING MATERIAL?

The most popularly used metal roofing materials are copper, aluminum, zinc, and steel. Copper roofing consists of long-lasting soft materials that have low melting temperatures. Aluminum roofing is long lasting with resistance to saltwater corrosion which can prove to be good options for coastal areas. WIth zinc you have resistance to corrosion which gives it more of a roof life than other types of metal, it also has the lowest melting point. Steel comes in three variations that have their own strength such as galvanized steel, galvalume and weathering steel (or corten).

BEST COMMERCIAL ROOFING TOOLS

It’s important to keep in mind that roof coatings can provide protective benefits that your roofing system may or may not currently have. They are actually specifically designed per roofing material in order to best provide a coating composition that will not react negatively with that unique roofing materials specifications. They can be added to existing roofing materials to extend their service life, new constructions as well as recoated over previous roof coatings. These roof coatings are commonly used on existing roof coverings such as metal, BUR, single ply membranes, modified bitumen and spray polyurethane foam. Roof coatings are often mistaken as paint, yet they have a higher solids content and are thicker in consistency as they are formulated to protect a roofing system. These protective capabilities include protection against UV light, high winds, water, wear and other effects of the environment and weather. Some are able to contract along with temperature changes in the region while others can be extremely elastic with a high level of top quality resin. Elastic abilities are often helpful for roofing systems that want additional waterproofing and briding small cracks and membrane seams on a roof. Once again, there are many types of roof coatings out there, the most common being asphalt, acrylic, polyurethane and silicone.

BEST ROOF FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDING

The best type of commercial roof will differ according to the region where you live, your building’s specifications, characteristics, and needs. No matter the roofing system you have, be sure to contact a professional for advice and more information.

RELY ON PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

With quality roofing materials, there aren’t many things that will top that commercial roofing installation. If done correctly, your commercial roofing system can expect to last for decades to come. With your commercial roofing project be sure to cover all of the systems necessary for your building like with HVAC or plumbing services. As for your roofing, hiring a commercial roof consultant can assist in more effortlessly determining what commercial roofing material would work best with your roof! Contact your local commercial roofing contractor today!

WHAT’S SINGLE-PLY ROOFING?

COMMERCIAL ROOFING OPTIONS

Business owners expect their roof to work. It doesn’t matter if you operate a pallet and mulch business or a vehicle repair garage, a leaky roof spells disaster. If clients or customers see a leaking roof, it could lead to them seeing your business as less professional. People may see a damaged or leaking roof as a sign that you can’t be trusted with their business. As a commercial business, you have several options for a new roof installation. Commercial flat roofs come in many materials. You may find yourself asking “Are EPDM roofs any good?” and “What is the difference between TPO and PVC roofing?” There are plenty of options, but all three of those listed roofing materials are single-ply roofing options. Single-ply roofing materials are either thermoplastics or synthetic rubber molded into membranes and placed over flat roofs. It’s a cost effective way to keep the elements out of industrial and commercial areas where a typical asphalt tile, gable-style roof won’t cut it. The following are the types of materials suggested for when you’re looking for single-ply roofing details.

TYPES OF SINGLE-PLY ROOFS

Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) This is a lightweight rubber membrane. Building walls don’t need to be reinforced if this is the single-ply roofing option you choose. It is completely resistant to ultraviolet radiation and changing weather patterns. It also has very few seams which mean it has fewer places where it can leak. It is also possible to install liquid roofing material or rubber shingles over EPDM, making it an incredibly versatile option for single ply roofing installation. It can last between twenty and forty years.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) This is another popular single-ply roofing option. It’s a white material membrane that reflects UV radiation and helps make your building more energy efficient. PVC roofing membranes are also incredibly durable and resistant to impacts, fire, and hurricane-force level winds. They’ll last approximately 20 years with proper care and are completely recyclable after it’s service-life on a roof.

Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) Similar in certain ways to the previous options, TPO is incredibly flexible and lightweight. It also has fewer seams to leak from. It resists debris, impacts, UV radiation, and bacteria and chemical buildup. It is energy efficient and helps business owners as you save on heating and cooling costs throughout the year. For those who still don’t know “What is single ply TPO roofing?” it is one of the cheaper options of single-ply membrane roofing. It also has only been around approximately ten years, so its lifespan is still in question.

SINGLE PLY ROOFING VS BUILT UP

Built-up roofing is another popular choice for business and commercial building owners. Just like people shopping around for heating service in Scranton, PA, want the best available service, you want to know your options. Single-ply roofing is a quick and easy membrane installation. Built up roofing is another thing entirely. It requires layering tar and gravel for several layers to ensure water and weatherproofing. If you’re the type of business owner that asks the question “How much does single-ply roofing cost?” when the time comes for a new roof, then TPO or PVC are better options for you than built up. A built up roof will cost approximately between five and nine dollars per square foot of roof, while single-ply membrane roofing costs approximately three to eight dollars per square foot, depending on your chosen material, with TPO being the cheapest option.

SINGLE PLY ROOFING EXPERTS

We’ve told you the benefits of single-ply roofing. It is incredibly durable, it’s cost-effective, and some of it can be recycled when you’re finished with it. There are plenty of options to choose from when you need a new roof for a business or commercial building. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest option or something that can be installed over an old roof, it really depends on your specific roofing needs. You don’t have to go searching for how to install single ply roofing when there are professional roofing contractors to talk you through the single-ply roofing process. If you’ve made the final decision for a single-ply roof installation, you need quality service. You want a team of roofing contractors that know the proper steps to install single ply roofing on concrete or what material does the best in direct sunlight. Our team knows the best methods for attaching single-ply roofing membranes to your building, no matter where it’s located. We’ll strip away the old material if you want and install your new single-ply membrane quickly and efficiently so you can get back to business. If you’re looking for the best single-ply roofing team to take care of your commercial roofing needs, we’re the team for you.

COMMERCIAL METAL ROOF TYPES

“Are metal roofs good?” That’s a simple, but prevalent question we hear frequently at Jantzi's Roof Restorations. Yes, they’re good! In fact, metal roofing systems are fantastic. Sturdy protection against harsh weather and alluring energy efficiency draw thousands of businesses to this highly capable roofing solution. Depending on which material you utilize for the rooftop, your business could enjoy even more exciting perks!

Today, we’ll discuss some crucial factors to ponder as you consider a commercial metal roof installation.

QUALIFYING METAL ROOFING

Before we plunge into deciding which metal system appeals to your tastes, we need to determine whether or not these roofing solutions actually deserve your consideration. As with any serious company investment, we’ll weigh price, longevity, utility, and opportunity to see if a commercial metal roof installation is worthwhile.

INVESTMENT COST
SAVINGS
REQUIREMENTS

ARE METAL ROOFS EXPENSIVE?

When a business or homeowner comes to our team and asks “What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?”, our first response is always the same: price. Metal roofing costs around double (sometimes triple) the per-square-foot cost of base-tier options (such as modified bitumen). With that being said, metal panel roofing also lasts up to three times as long as those alternatives. Your business could install, repair, tear down, and replace a single ply roof three times in the lifetime of one, well-crafted metal system. Ergo, price levels out when you consider the value delivered over time.

COMMERCIAL METAL ROOF REPLACEMENT

So you’ve determined that metal roofing will meet your business’ basic necessities. Now it’s time to determine which material and style fits best. Of course, that’s all going to depend on your companies functional priorities. Will you hunt for every last scrap of energy-savings to lower your daily operating costs? Or will you prioritize maximum weather protection for better peace of mind during the next thunderstorm?

Whether you’re hunting for LEED certification or superior cost-effectiveness, finding your best commercial metal roof installation is easier than you’d think. Below, we’ll break down your potential metal solutions by material and style.

ARE METAL ROOFS MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT?

Metal roofing offers better efficiency than EPDM, and considerable improvements over traditional dark shingles. When it comes to determining efficiency, remember this: the more reflective the surface is, the better the energy savings. By the way, that’s why non-metallic roofing systems typically come coated in white.

Commercial metal roofs are manufactured for strength and energy-efficiency. While they may not produce the jaw-dropping savings of living roofs or foam roofs, metal roofs have a lot of savings to give. These can be further enhanced with quality insulation beneath the metal, making any metal system much more effective in both warm and cold months. Because of the high sunlight reflection percentages, metal systems also make it easier to keep your building interior cool. Imagine being able to cut back on air conditioning maintenance because you get to run the HVAC less often.

DO METAL ROOFS NEED MAINTENANCE?

In addition to the extended lifespan and energy savings, metal also offers lower maintenance requirements. Apart from the occasional ten-year coating and fastener tightening, metal roofing rarely requires any significant upkeep. That commercial metal roof coating however, enhances elemental protection and energy efficiency. In the unusual event of serious damage, the affected paneling can simply be replaced without issue.

COMMERCIAL METAL ROOFING MATERIALS

For the vast majority of companies, choosing their ideal metal boils down to “Steel or Aluminum?” While some buildings incorporate copper accents, prohibitive material costs make it impractical as a complete roofing system. Steel and aluminum however, offer very capable protection without breaking the proverbial bank.

Steel features impressive value per square foot, making it perfect for large projects. Galvanized and galvalume versions offer hardy resistance against rusting, one of the primary threats metal roofs face. Steel also ages quite gracefully when compared with aluminum, showing fewer signs of fading.

Aluminum on the other hand, specializes in corrosion resistance and maximum light reflection. The metal is practically immune to rusting, and the potential energy savings it provides makes it highly sought after in commercial roofing. Finally, the material is amenable to complex building designs, meaning it can conform to just about any shape you want it to.

COMMERCIAL METAL ROOF STYLES

There are only a handful of metal roofing styles available on the market, though they come with countless customization options for the demanding building manager. There are three primary types of metal roofing:

Corrugated Panels (feat. lowest price)
Metal Shingles (feat. high customization)
and Standing Seams (feat. strongest waterproofing)

Corrugated paneling services as the introductory price point for metal roofing. Panels come rated by gauge (thickness), with lower numerical values indicating thicker panels. Even as the lowest priced form of metal roofing, corrugated panels offer very sturdy protection and relatively light maintenance requirements.

At the top of the price spectrum, standing seam metal roofing boasts some of the strongest waterproofing capabilities out of any commercial roofing. Interlocking, vertical seams prevent rainwater from going anywhere but down to the ground. While installation and material costs run high, so does the average lifetime of this durable commercial roofing solution!

Sitting in the middle of the pricing spectrum, metal shingles feature a homey aesthetic that many businesses find enticing. In this form, shingles can be coated with stone granules to imitate slate, tile, or even cedar. That’s style that many businesses are too enamored with to choose any other roofing solution!

ASK FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL ROOFING ESTIMATE!

Ready to learn more about metal roofing and the benefits your business could enjoy? Talk with one of our seasoned professionals at Jantzi's Roof Restorations! Our courteous team would be happy to answer questions about maintenance requirements, pricing, and other elements.

WHY USE EPDM ROOFING?

If you have been looking to install a single ply roofing system to your commercial property, you can’t go wrong with EPDM roofing. What EPDM stands for? EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. What is EPDM roofing made of? This type of roof membrane is made of ethylene and propylene, making is a synthetic rubber. Because of the materials that are used to make EPDM roofs, they are incredibly durable. So, Are EPDM roofs any good? The answer is yes and for many reasons.

Energy-Efficient: One of the most popular reasons for choosing an EPDM roof is that they are very energy-efficient. When you choose EPDM roofing, you can save up to 25% on energy savings.

Resistant: Because your roofing is outside all day every day, it can become damaged to inclement weather, outside elements, UV rays, and temperature. Fortunately, the materials that makeup EPDM make it very resistant to UV damage, temperature damage, outside elements, and severe weather.

Eco-Friendly: Because of the way EPDM roofs are applied, as well as the materials that are used to create it, it is one of the more environmentally friendly commercial roofing options to choose from.

Low Maintenance: EPDM roofing is made from rubber which makes it a more flexible roof to take care of. It should be inspected annually, but it does not need as much maintenance as most commercial roofs do.

Long-Lasting: When an EPDM roof is taken care of the best way possible, it is able to last up to 50 years. This is because its rubber membrane is very flexible and durable.

EPDM ROOFING VS TPO

When deciding on a single ply roofing system, the two types that are always compared with one another are EPDM and TPO roofing. Many people want to know if TPO better than EPDM. It’s important to note that both the roofing membranes are different–EPDM is thermoset and TPO is thermoplastic. Choosing whether EPDM or TPO is better for your roof is going to depend on what you are looking for in a roof. Both have their different advantages and disadvantages. Looking at different factors and how they differ can give you a better idea of what single ply roof is the best for your commercial building.

COST

The cost of TPO is going to be more expensive than EPDM. EPDM roofing only costs between $1.80 to $3.50 in materials, whereas TPO costs $1.90 to $3.50. You also have to take into account the cost of installation, with EPDM also being cheaper than TPO.

INSTALLATION

The cost of EPDM is less than TPO and the time it takes to install an EPDM roof is also quicker than installing a TPO roof. That is because TPO roofing uses chemicals to put on the roof, as well as a hot air gun to fuse the roofing seams and EPDM roofing is mechanically installed and only requires seam tape.

REFLECTIVITY

When a roofing system reflects UV rays, it means that it makes the building colder. TPO roofing is able to reflect sunlight from the roof, whereas EPDM roofing retains it. This means that EPDM roofs are better at warming buildings than keeping them cool. This is due to the fact the EPDM roofing comes in a black material and TPO is typically a white material.

MAINTENANCE

Because of the way that TPO roofing is installed, it is going to need more maintenance in order to ensure that the seams don’t come up. However, it is important to note that EPDM roofs, while they don’t need a lot of maintenance, must still have proper maintenance in order to keep it in good condition.

LIFESPAN

When it comes to which single ply roof will last the longest, that also goes to EPDM roofing. EPDM roofs have been around since the 1960’s so they have had time to perfect the material, whereas TPO is still a new type of single ply roof. How long does EPDM last? EPDM roofs will last anywhere between 20 to 25 years and a TPO roof will last 15 to 20 years.

IS EPDM RUBBER WATERPROOF?

One of the great things about EPDM rubber roofing is that it is waterproof. This means that if your roof suffers from poor drainage, it can really benefit from having EPDM installed. Because of its material, many people want to know what is EPDM rubber used for? In addition to being a very durable and long-lasting roofing material, it is also used for HVAC and automotive purposes. This is actually beneficial because if other industries are using this type of material, then it must be a great material for a commercial roof. Because saving money on heating and cooling bills is very important, one of the best colors for a roof material is white; does EPDM roofing come in white? While it can come in white, it is more commonly a black, rubber material. Although EPDM material is black, it is still an energy efficient roofing system.

If your roof is needing frequent leak repair, it might be time to consider a new roofing system

WHY COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS LOVE FLAT ROOFS?

If you have ever looked at the roof of a public building, you have probably noticed that their roofs are flat. This is because the taller that buildings get, the more dangerous it becomes to have sloped roofs that residential homes have. Commercial buildings are often double the size of what a large residential home would be, too, so the width of the space couldn’t support an angled roof as easy as it could a flat roof all across. So while flat roofs are better for safety, they don’t do great on leak protection.

PROS AND CONS OF FLAT ROOFS

Walkable Yet Fragile Rooftop: Depending on what type of commercial flat roof you have, there might be tons of rooftop storage space to use and walk on, or it may be too fragile. If there is not a whole lot of rooftop storage but you are tight on space, opt for necessities that hardly take up any room like tankless water heaters.

Affordable But Leak Prone: Flat commercial roofs are made of cost effective materials which lowers installation prices dramatically. But the materials are cost effective because they are not extremely strong, so repairs and replacements happen much more frequently than residential roofs. The most common repair for flat roofs are patching leaks, because water has nowhere to drain to on a flat roof, so it pools and seeps through the roof.

Wide Variety of Materials But Shorter Lifespans: There are so many flat roof options, from single ply membranes, modified bitumen, built up, cool, green, metal, and more! Flat roofs like built up and single ply have one layer of roofing, so damages make their lifespans around 20 years. Restorative roof coatings can extend them by more than 10 years.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ROOF RESTORATION?

Regardless of how well you maintain your roof, the day will come when it needs replacement or restoration. Though employed to resolve the same problem — an aged or compromised roof — these two processes are widely different in their cost, implementation, and effects. Roofing replacement, or re-roofing, represents a complex, involved, and expensive project. Roof restoration service, on the other hand, can occur quickly at an affordable price. If possible, Jantzi's Roof Restorations always recommends that clients pursue restoration.

ROOF RESTORATION SERVICE BENEFITS

When we perform a roof restoration, you can count on a host of benefits. If you’re interested in this service, make sure to pursue it quickly, as roofs damaged beyond a certain point are no longer eligible.

Affordability: A roof restoration runs less than half the cost of full replacement.
Cool Roofing: The roof coatings used in restoration work improve a roof’s reflectivity to raise the energy efficiency of your structure.
Tax Savings: Restoration counts as a maintenance expense, which provides tax benefits.
Fire Resistance: A roof coating can greatly improve your roof’s resistance to fire.
Monthly Savings: The cool roof characteristic will put less demand on your ACs, which can save on both monthly bills and repair or replacement costs.
Less Disruptive: Restorations involve a small crew performing quick, clean work. This is a drastic improvement over the intrusiveness of replacement.
Environmental Benefits: Restorations will lessen your structure’s carbon footprint, and result in less waste sent to the landfill.

WHICH ROOF COATING IS RIGHT FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL ROOF?

There are so many types of roof coatings, and they all seam geared toward commercial roofs. So what is the big hype about these products? Well, while each commercial roof coating will have certain advantages over another, they all share the same common qualities that make them so beloved. Roof coatings are energy efficient, meaning that they absorb and reflect the sun’s rays, helping to cool your business and lower your energy bills. They also are all seamless when they are finished installing, making them impenetrable from weather, chemicals, and fire!

Roof coatings can come in paint, spray, or roll form. Some coatings are designed specifically to restore failing buildings, while regular roof coatings are used as an added layer to protect and reapply when needed. All roof coatings are extremely budget friendly, and will save you thousands of dollars in commercial roof replacement fees.

PROS AND CONS OF DIFFERENT ROOF COATINGS

Acrylic

can handle any climate
water based, so easy to install and UV resistant
cannot be applied in freezing temperatures or the membrane won’t work
loses thickness over time, so needs more recoats

Silicone

won’t get brittle or hard
resists erosion and water ponding on flat roofs
gets dirty easily, but doesn’t tear easily
difficult to adhere to, so have to remove silicone and reapply with recoats, or have compatible chemicals
loses reflectivity over time

Polyurea

won’t crack or tear under heavy foot traffic
won’t fade as much as other roof coatings from sun damage
more expensive

TPO

environmentally friendly and produces no roofing landfill waste
can withstand chemical and ultraviolet exposure

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