Flat Roof Systems For Commercial Buildings
When looking for a new roof, the seemingly endless number of options available can be overwhelming. With so many flat roof systems for commercial buildings on the market, it’s critical to evaluate and compare the benefits each could provide to your facility before coming to a decision.
In this blog post, we will look at the most common types of flat roofing systems for commercial buildings to help you decide which is most suited to your structure.
TPO
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a single-ply roofing system that has quickly become one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing systems on the market.
These systems consist of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim made of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that is used to cover flat roofs. They are typically manufactured with fillers such as talc, fibreglass, and carbon fibre to increase their strength and flexibility and come in sheets 10, 12, and 20 feet wide.
These systems offer numerous advantages to commercial properties. These include:
Durability
TPO systems are highly durable and resistant to tears, punctures, dirt and mould build up, and fluctuating weather conditions. The membrane can even stretch and shrink without causing structural damage, making it ideal for areas with varying temperatures.
Energy efficiency
With a thicker membrane and a reflective surface that reflects sunlight, the TPO roofing system reduces heat absorption and keeps buildings cooler in the warmer months. This energy-efficient feature can reduce a commercial building’s reliance on cooling systems, helping to reduce overall energy consumption and utility costs during the summer.
Leak protection
TPO systems are designed to resist being compromised, deteriorating, or having their properties weakened by heavy rainfall. The seams of TPO membranes are welded with hot air, meaning the membranes are much stronger, lowering the risk of costly leaks or water damage in your commercial building.
Require little maintenance
In general, TPO systems require little maintenance, with the materials generally lasting up to 25 years. Commercial property owners who install these systems on their buildings can expect fewer repairs and longer intervals between roof replacements, making it an economically wise choice for protecting their investment.
Learn more about TPO and other single-ply membranes in our previous blog post on roofing materials.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), similar to TPO, is a single-ply white membrane made up of two layers of specially formulated vinyl bonded to a polyester reinforcement scrim layer.
The top layer of PVC contains additives that make the surface resistant to weather conditions and other external factors, making it a long-lasting and dependable choice for commercial roofing systems.
PVC membranes have several benefits that make them appealing to commercial property owners. These include:
Chemical resistance
PVC systems are exceptionally resistant to chemicals. They can withstand exposure to fuels, air conditioning coolants, and other harsh chemicals while not facilitating combustion. This makes them an appropriate choice for buildings where these chemicals are more commonly stored, such as industrial facilities where exposure is typical.
Waterproof
The hot air welded seams installed in PVC membranes are not only resistant to chemicals but also watertight. They can also withstand ponding, which is the condition of water puddling on the roof, reducing the likelihood of mould, bacteria, and plant root growth.
Sustainability
Roofs made of PVC membrane contribute significantly to several major sustainability objectives. They reflect more than 80% of the sun’s rays and emit at least 70% of the solar radiation that a building absorbs, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon emissions from commercial buildings.
Aesthetic appeal
PVC roofing systems are available in a variety of colours and finishes, giving commercial property owners design flexibility. This versatility enables the creation of a visually pleasing, tailored roofing solution that complements the overall architecture of a structure.
BUR flat roof and modified bitumen
The built-up roofing system (BUR) consists of alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt) and reinforcing fabrics. They typically consist of three or four layers of roofing felts applied with hot asphalt adhesives and finished with a stone or gravel coating to form a continuous, sealed surface.
Modified bitumen is a modernised version of this system that incorporates asphalt and a chemical polymer into the material to increase its flexibility and temperature resistance. Due to the thickness of their membranes and coarse surfaces, both methods are known to be extremely durable and long-lasting.
As well as this, these systems have numerous advantages for building owners, which we discuss further below.
Resistance to heavy foot traffic
Due to their multiple layers and increased thickness, BUR and modified bitumen can withstand foot traffic and damage from falling debris, making them ideal for roofs with heavy equipment or frequent maintenance activity. This also helps to protect it from harsh weather and other environmental factors.
Fire resistance
As bitumen is non-combustible, these systems are fireproof by definition. Multiple layers of bitumen-saturated felt or ply sheets in built-up roofing systems form a fire-resistant barrier, adding an extra safety layer to commercial structures.
Reflective top-coat
BUR and modified bitumen systems are finished with a white flood coat that reflects solar rays. Due to this, both systems are energy-efficient and allow buildings to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without overloading the HVAC system, resulting in a stable indoor climate and potentially lower utility bills.
Easy-to-repair
Both of these systems require minimal maintenance and are rarely damaged. Even though these systems may require minor repairs to the flashing or sealants as they age, they are simple to repair, and damage can be easily patched by additional layers of felt and asphalt.
Liquid Roofing
Liquid Commercial flat roofing systems are advanced flat roofing solutions that involve applying a liquid coating to a flat roof surface. These systems offer numerous benefits, including durability, flexibility, and ease of application. Here’s an overview of liquid roofing systems, their types and advantages:
There are several types of liquid roofing systems, each with different compositions and properties.
Acrylic coatings, which can be either water-based or solvent-based, are known for their UV resistance, flexibility, and reflectivity, making them suitable for various roof types such as metal, concrete, and single-ply membranes.
Polyurethane coatings, typically solvent-based, are highly durable, resistant to ponding water, and can withstand foot traffic, making them ideal for flat roofs and areas prone to water accumulation.
Lastly, silicone coatings are also solvent-based and offer excellent UV stability, waterproofing, and high resistance to extreme temperatures, making them the best choice for roofs exposed to severe weather conditions and persistent ponding water.
Liquid roofing systems offer several advantages, making them an attractive option for many roofing projects.
Seamless Application
Liquid coatings create a continuous, seamless membrane, reducing the risk of leaks commonly associated with seams in traditional roofing materials.
Ease of Application
They can be applied using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment, making them suitable for complex roof designs and difficult-to-reach areas.
Flexibility and Durability
Most liquid coatings are highly flexible, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction without cracking.
Reflectivity and Energy Efficiency
Many liquid coatings are reflective, reducing heat absorption and contributing to energy savings by lowering cooling costs.
Maintenance and Repair
Liquid roofs are easy to maintain and repair. Damaged areas can be recoated without the need to replace large sections of the roof.
How DVC Roofing can help you find the right roof for your building
Choosing the appropriate flat roof system is critical for any commercial building. Building design and budget are important factors in the decision-making process. Fortunately, our team of expert roofing contractors are here to guide you through the entire process.
At DVC Roofing, we can inspect your property, advise you on the best type of flat roofing system for your business requirements, and provide you with a tailored solution.
Whether you need a new roof installed or maintenance on your current system, we will ensure that we meet your roofing needs with precision and dependability and deliver a solution that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
If you want to learn more about flat roof systems for commercial buildings and how we can help you find the perfect solution for your business, get in touch with a member of our team today.
