Low-slope roofing trends in commercial buildings
The low-slope roofing market is poised to take off, according to many experts. This type of roof is either almost completely flat or features a slight pitch, just enough to allow water to drain. It is referred to as a low-slope roof because the roof rises less than three inches vertically for every horizontal foot. However, many people remain unaware of this roofing option, as it doesn’t get much fanfare.
Low-slope roofs come with two basic options. Choose an asphalt roof altered for low-slope situations or a polymer-based roofing material. Which low slope commercial roofing material should be used depends on several factors, including the location, anticipated foot traffic, and the owner’s ability to maintain the roof.
BUR
Built-up asphalt roofing (BUR) has been around for a while now. Roofs lay several plies of material down much as they would shingles and they layer this material with asphalt. Melted asphalt is applied with a mop before being covered with a cap sheet. The cap sheet includes a reflective coating or mineral surface.
Roofers have been using this material for over 100 years, although the product has changed over time. The changes made have led to BUR being used less frequently today. Not only must the components be assembled on-site, but the roofers must be skilled in using this material. Additional drawbacks come with using this material.
It cannot contract and expand significantly. As a result, it is prone to damage. It is heavy, hard to maintain, and difficult to repair. For this reason, many roofers now turn to modified bitumen products.
Mod-bit roofing
Mod-bit roofing consists of asphalt mixed with chemical plasticizers and stabilizers. The end product is more flexible and durable than BUR. Roofers reinforce the asphalt with one or more fabric layers before applying a cap sheet over the base sheet, in most cases. These products are economical and durable. They resist damage with ease and can be readily repaired.
Roofers might recommend either APP or SBS products. Both items fall under the category of mod-bit roofing. The difference lies in the modifiers used in the manufacturing process. The roofer may install the product using heat-activated adhesives or hot or cold asphalt.
Polymer-based roofing
Today, however, many roofers recommend polymer-based roofing materials for those roofs not subject to mechanical damage, such as that seen with heavy foot traffic. Cleaning these roofing materials is a breeze and roofers can inspect them with no difficulty. If a repair is needed, the owner can do a temporary fix until the roofer comes out, and this roof goes on in little time.
TPO and PVC are other options to consider for low-slope roofs. Over the years, these products have become more durable and reliable. They hold up well when the temperature swings drastically and extreme solar exposure won’t do them harm.
EPDM, also known as rubber roofing, should not be overlooked. In the past, this roofing material only came in black, so it was not widely used in the Southwest. Today, manufacturers offer it in both black and white, so everyone can benefit from EPDM roofing materials. However, black EPDM is more likely to suffer damage when it expands and contracts. It also doesn’t hold up well to extreme solar exposure.
The main consideration with any roof is adequate drainage. Water intrusion can do significant damage to a building in little time. The roof should never be completely flat. If it has an adequate slope, leaks are rarely an issue. Consider this when working with the roofer and choose the appropriate slope and roofing material for the project. The roof is one area where you never want to cut corners.
