Although easy and practical, the main goal of a roof system is to maintain the leak-proof integrity of a structure and keep its contents dry. Today's range of flat or low slope business roofing options (roofing pitches ranging from:12 to 3:12) is no longer basic and has grown substantially in the last 50 years.
You might ask, "Why have a flat roof on a building?" That's an excellent question! Flat roofs are nothing brand-new, nor are a few of the proven materials that cover these often-expansive roofs such as those found on factories, storage facilities, big and little box shops, apartment structures, big public structures and schools/universities.
Let's explore the following subjects as they relate to the main low slope roof systems: Item functions, benefits and differences Accessory alternatives General upkeep and warranties After a recent review of the Handbook of Low-Slope Roofing Systems * (hereafter described as the Manual), this handbook will be referenced throughout this article.
( Cock) Fricklas and C.W. Griffin, this is one of the most comprehensive composed guides to commercial flat roofing. The (NRCA) offers a robust website and resources tailored for contractors about everything roofing system related. Their easy-to-navigate website offers a detailed introduction of products, applications, courses and other resources for contractors and structure specialists.
The 2015-2016 NRCA Market research http://www. nrca.net/2016-market-survey shows that roofing system types throughout the U.S. continue to reflect the current trends in low slope commercial roof applications. The study results program TPO as the low-slope market leader, garnering a 40 percent share of the new construction market and 30 percent of the reroofing market.
In 3rd place is Mod Bit at 12. 4 percent of the new construction market and 14 percent of the reroofing market. Market share for these and other system solutions follow by percentage in the chart listed below: From here, we'll take a look at these low slope roofing system choices in the chart, from those with the tiniest market share to the biggest.
Liquid applied membrane systems need extensive preparation of the substrate, which must be dry and dust-free with patched cracks. While liquid applied finishings are highly flexible, self-flashing and easily applied to contoured surface areas, they have low permeability and need consistent thickness. The NRCA provides an online course Design Basics for Roofing System Performance: Liquid-applied Roofing Membranes for a thorough take a look at liquid-applied roofing system membrane alternatives - architectural roof shingles.
Lead roofing later signed up with bronze as a popular option for cathedrals and castles throughout Europe during medieval times. Many of today's low slope metal roofs are made from corrugated galvanized steel a steel sheet covered with zinc. Copper, aluminum, stainless steel and tin also are utilized in commercial metal roofing applications.
In addition, metal roofs can stand up to high winds and are largely effect resistant. Nevertheless, the financial investment for a metal roof service likely will be much higher upfront than other flat roofing solutions. The Metal Construction Association (MCA) offers resources for those interested in finding out more about the usage of metal as a low slope roof option - aluminum roofing.
To assist structure professionals, the MCA performs numerous technical research studies and research jobs in collaboration with member and market partners designed. These free resources consist of publications, white papers, manuals and reports. Low slope structural metal roofing is typically known as standing seam roofing and consists of interlocking panels that run vertically along the roofing surface area.
Some metal roofing used on low slope applications requires device seaming during installation to ensure a water tight seal. A seaming device is merely rolled along the panels to crimp the panel seams together (metal roofing systems). A standing seam style guarantees appropriate draining from rain and snow, effectively removing ponding, leaks and associated problems.
This might result in a longer life period and low annual operating costs. In retrofit projects, a sub-framing system is attached to the existing flat roofing surface area to provide a minimum:12 roof pitch. Alternatives for the remediation of a metal roofing system surface area consist of acrylic finishes made of polymers that treat to form a long lasting, constant elastomeric membrane over the surface of the metal roofing system and can be included to metal roof to address your structure's particular requirements around waterproofing, rust and UV defense.
Acrylic coatings are water-based, non-flammable and produce no toxic fumes. These systems can stand up to the most common kinds of roofing system hazards, consisting of ultraviolet light, temperature extremes, mildew, regular foot traffic and building motion. While not on the list in regards to market share, another roof should be discussed the vegetative or "green" roofing.
Vegetative roofing systems can successfully offer a beneficial methods for storm water control. Bear in mind, a roofing membrane as a base to the system is vitally important to maintaining the roof's integrity and water tightness. For additional information on vegetative roof systems, make sure to go to Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.