If you are in the process of designing a new building or making plans to replace an outdated roof on one of your existing structures, you need to know what kind of roofing systems are available. Starting with the low slope commercial roofing systems, you should become familiar with the 3 principal components of each.

1. Weatherproofing layers – components that protect the roof from the entry of water.
2. Reinforcement – elements that add strength, stability and also puncture resistance to the membrane.
3. Surfacing – component that helps to protect and reinforce the roof from weather and sunlight. Its main benefits consist of improved solar reflectivity and fire resistance.

Thermoplastic Roofing

One of the fastest growing commercial roofing systems in the industry is called a TPO (Thermoplastic) Roofing System. This roofing is much more popular today because of its longer lifespan. Since these roofing systems are made of exceptionally durable materials, they have quite a few benefits including being resistant to chemical exposure, ozone, and ultraviolet lights. These roofing systems are also built to last for 20+ years because they can stand up to hightemperatures.

Green Roofs

While TPO roofing is the fastest growing, Green Roofing is known for having the greatest surge in popularity. Perhaps, the primary reasons for this substantial increase is the benefits it provides. Some of these are: reducing the urban heat island effect, a 2 to 3 longer lifespan, and insulation value..

Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Because of the constant increase in energy bills, sustainable energy is also becoming more prevalent over the years. In fact, many building owners are following these trends to ensure they have the best roofing systems, like Photovoltaic Solar Panels. PV solar panels are used to conserve energy, while also saving money. Its main functions are to convert sunlight into energy so that it can power up the building.

APP and SBS Modified Bitumen

During the 1970’s, the roofing industry experienced additional notable advances that changed the face of asphalt science. These changes led to the development of Atactic polypropylene (APP) and Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), which are known as modifiers. With the addition of these additives, builders were able to take advantage of the improvement in the traditional asphalt roofing systems. As a result, they were able to install commercial roofing that had higher performance membranes. It is also important to note that there have been improvements in this industry that have led to more innovative ways of combining this  technology.

BUR (Built-UP Roofing) System

This roofing system gets its name from constructions that are built from layers of base sheet. These roofing systems are built from the ground floor up onsite and will include base sheets, cap sheets, interply sheets, and other types of key surfacing like liquid coating and gravel.

EPDM Roofing

Some roofing systems are much easier and EPDM roofing is one of these. EPDM systems are considered to be versatile, superior in durability and have the reputation of lasting longer than other roofing types.

Green Roofs, Photovoltaic Solar Panels, APP and SBS modified Bitumen, Bur or Built-Up Roofing Systems, EPDM Roofing and Thermoplastic Roofing are all great commercial building roofing system options. Prior to making a choice, it is very important that the owner of the building understands the differences between each, so that they can identify the primary benefits as well as any drawbacks that can be encountered.

The type that a building owner chooses can make a significant difference in how much money that they can save on the initial investment as well as maintenance repairs. Building owners should also keep in mind the cost savings over the years if they choose a roof system that will reduce problems like the urban heat island effect.

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