What Is the #1 Best Roof Type I Should Choose?
Making an investment in a commercial roof requires careful consideration and professional consulting. Making an ultimate decision on a commercial roof type is a complex process that requires the consideration of several different factors. Parsons Roofing provides industry-leading expertise in consulting and construction and specializes in the application of several different roof types. Here we will explain the benefits of some of the most common roof types in order to help you determine which is the most appropriate fit for your project. The most common roof type options are TPO, PVC, EPDM, Silicone Roof Coatings, Modified Bitumen, Tar, and Gravel or Built-up Roofs, Acrylic Roof Coatings, and Aluminum Roof Coatings.
Roof Type: TPO
TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. This type of application is considered a roofing membrane, made of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber polymerized together. TPO is an attractive choice for flat surfaces and provides excellent durability and flexibility. It is resistant to tears and punctures which makes it ideal for roofs with substantial amounts of foot traffic. Its ability to be flexible proves effective against unavoidable building shifting. TPO is energy efficient as its reflective properties help buildings retain lower interior temperatures. TPO has quickly become a choice favorite in the roofing industry based on its ease of application, cost-effectiveness, and reflectiveness.
Roof Type: PVC
Like TPO, PVC is a single-ply roofing membrane used on flat or low-sloped roofs. Similar to TPO, PVC is a rolled membrane that can be mechanically fastened, fully adhered, or ballasted. It is a common roofing type due to its versatility. It is mostly used in restaurants because it is resistant to animal fats that come from the kitchen exhaust hoods. PVC is a cost-effective application and competes with TPO in the roofing membrane market.
Roof Type: EPDM
EPDM became common in the 1980s and is a single-ply membrane-like TPO and PVC. EPDM is the same material that inner tubes are made of. It provides excellent puncture resistance. However, EPDM has many flaws. The seams are glued together unlike TPO and PVC, which are chemically bonded with heat. EPDM seams tend to fall apart over time, which is the main source of leaks on that roofing type. Also, most EPDM is black, and it absorbs a lot of heat from the Sun. This type of roofing is becoming obsolete as time passes.
Roof Type: Silicone Roof Coatings
The application of Silicone Roof Coatings has become an increasingly popular alternative solution to roof repair and even replacement. This cost-effective substitute for membranes allows for a noninvasive solution that saves clients time and money. Silicone coatings carry warranties that are favorable to single-ply membranes because they do not have exclusions for ponding water.
They are the ONLY UV-stable roofing system, which means that they do not deteriorate ever. They are considered roof maintenance; thus, the entire cost can be written off in the 1st tax year because it is not considered a capital expenditure. The downside to silicone coatings is that they cannot be applied over rough surfaces such as ballasted roofs or tar and gravel. Also, if there is moisture in the existing roof insulation it must be alleviated before a coating can be applied.
Roof Type: Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified Bitumen Roofing is designed for flat or low-sloping roofs but is an asphalt-based product. It features incredible durability and strength. There are two individual types that are common among roofs in the United States and in Europe. APP (Atactic Polypropylene), is a durable and flexible membrane that is applied with heat welding.
This type of application creates a super-sealed, plastic-like membrane that resists wear and tear from the elements. SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene), is another membrane applied with the use of heated asphalt or a cold adhesive creating a rubber-like membrane. This type of membrane requires the application of a coating to protect against UV rays. Modified Bitumen roofs are still very popular in the northern/colder regions of the United States because they are very thick and provide excellent resistance to snow and cold weather.
Roof Type: Tar and Gravel and Built-Up Roofs
In the mid-20th century, there was only one type of roofing system, built-up roofs (BURs). Many buildings still have BURs on them today because of how long they last. BURs are created by using hot tar and felt. BURs are rarely installed anymore in our region, but they are still a necessary system to know because they are commonly called on when in need of repair. Due to the cost and danger of application, BURs are a system of the past.
Roof Type: Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic coatings were the first reflective elastomeric coatings to become widely used. Although they do have their place, Acrylics are flawed when compared to silicone coatings. They do not withstand any ponding water and deteriorate in UV light, unlike silicones. Acrylics are best suited for sloped metal roofing projects with lower budgets. They will last for 5-10 years normally before they need to be re-applied.
Roof Type: Aluminum Roof Coatings
Aluminum coatings are also known as aluminum roof paint. They were the first roof coating to make a splash in the roofing scene and are still used today. They are cheap and don’t last nearly as long as acrylics or silicones, but they still have a purpose. Many building owners who need a cheap, fast solution will turn to aluminum coatings for a 1-3-year fix on a roof. The Sun will eventually deteriorate and crack them, so re-application is common.
When we evaluate a roof, we do not come up with a preconceived idea of what system we should use. We will always give our best opinion on what is right for your situation. Contact our professional team today for an estimate for your next roofing project!
