While you may never have given it a second thought, commercial roofs are different than residential roofs. The design, materials and even the structure of the roof is different. If you’re a business owner and haven’t given your roof much thought, you really should. Proper maintenance of the various types of commercial roofs can save you thousands in the long run.
Types
In Florida, the most common types of commercial roofing systems are BUR, TPO, EPDM and metal panel roofing systems. Here are the main features of each:
• BUR: The Built Up Roof is made by layering bitumen layers and roof felts. These roof felts can consist of fabrics, coated, polyester or bitumen coated felts. Once they are layered together, they’re laid out in cross sections and fastened to the roof deck. Asphalt, gravel or slag, or other elements are used to protect the layers from weather damage.
• TPO: Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single ply roofing membrane that has an extremely good resistance to ultraviolet rays and ozone. This energy efficient and heat reflective roofing system is becoming increasingly popular.
• EPDM: If your building has a low-slope roof, it’s probably an EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer roof. This rubber material is relatively inexpensive, easy to install and can last up to 25 years depending on the weather conditions which your building withstands.
• Metal Panel Roofing: This type of roofing is probably the most popular for commercial uses because it can last up to 50 years. The metals that can be used for this type of roof include copper, aluminum, coated steel, lead and tin. Although metal roofing can handle harsh weather, dents from hail storms and rust from exposure to rain and sun, a surface layer or coating can be applied to minimize the damage.
Caring for Your Roof
Living in an area where extreme weather conditions exist may force you to check on the condition of your roof more often. Make sure you always have a professional fix any damage to your roof. The entrance of water into a roof can cause structural damage to the building. That’s something no business can afford.
For a roofer you can count on in Jacksonville, Visit the website Storm Force of Jacksonville’s installers can repair or replace the roofing for your commercial building.
