Single-ply membrane roofing, made from plastic polymers such as TPO, TPE or EPDM, is a practical and widely-used solution for commercial buildings with flat or low slope roofs. However, while single-ply membrane roofing is cost-effective, it is also vulnerable to damage caused by puncturing, heavy impacts, or extreme weather conditions. It can also be tough to repair, and badly damaged single-ply roofing may need to be replaced entirely.
If your commercial building has single-ply membrane roofing that needs to be replaced, consider choosing built-up roofing (BUR) to replace it. BUR is slightly more expensive than most roofing membranes, and takes longer to install, but it has a number of advantages over membrane roofing that make it well worth the extra investment:
Improved Durability
Built-up roofing is a multi-layered roofing product, which is constructed from alternating layers of asphalt and reinforced roofing felt. The asphalt is applied hot in semi-liquid form, and bonds with the layers of felt to create a thick, fused layer of roofing. Modern built-up roofs are also usually fitted with a reflective top layer to minimize heat gain, and are topped with gravel or aggregate ballast to increase wind resistance.
This multi-layered approach creates a finished roofing product that is significantly more durable than the toughest single-ply roofing membranes. A well-constructed built-up roof created by a reputable commercial roofing contractor will last many years longer than single-ply membrane roofing, making it an excellent long-term investment.
Built-up roofing is also more resistant to physical impacts than membrane roofing, and is almost impossible to puncture. If your commercial building is a low building overlooked by large trees, or taller buildings with shingled roofing, a built-up roof will shrug off impacts from falling tree branches or roof tiles.
Because the individual layers of a built-up roof are bonded together, they are also less likely to be ripped off by high winds than a membrane roof.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Because built-up roofing is so durable, and is protected by a layer of aggregate ballast, it requires very little maintenance once it has been fully installed. BUR's seamless surface means you won't have to worry about removing debris around seams and edges to prevent leaking, and it is less vulnerable to mold and algae growth that can damage single-ply roofing and mar its appearance.
Easy Rooftop HVAC Access
Many flat roofed commercial buildings are fitted with rooftop air conditioning and/or heating units. These rooftop units can be installed on a membrane roof, but reaching them to perform maintenance and repairs without accidentally damaging the membrane can be difficult.
Built-up roofing has excellent load-bearing strength, and most built-up roofs can be walked on safely without risking damage. If your commercial building relies on roof-mounted HVAC units for climate control and ventilation, replacing your damaged single-ply roofing with built-up roofing will make it easier to access the rooftop units when necessary, speeding up HVAC repairs and reducing expensive downtime caused by HVAC system failure. Look more into built-up roofing to see what works for you.
When you have something you like inside a jar, you probably put a lid on it — right? In a way, you can think of your house in the same manner. You like and value the items inside, along with the inside of the house itself. So, it only makes sense that you would protect the interior of your home with a lid. That lid is your roof.
Keep that perspective in mind as you read this blog. Learning more about roofing will feel more interesting if you remember what a roof does: it protects the inside of the home and the people who live in it.