Blog Layout

What Kind of Roof Should I Get?

FLOYD MASON • Sep 08, 2020

Choosing the right type of commercial roofing can be difficult. With so many different options out there, you may be wondering where to start. From rubber roofing and PVC to Bitumen and Foam roofing, there are many different types of commercial roofing out there. At ACR-1.COM Commercial Roofing, we’ve put together a guide about the different roofing types and our recommendation for the best roofing type to invest in.


 

Rubber Roofing

EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber roofing material that is typically used on low slope buildings. This type of roofing is available in 45-60 mil thick sheets that are lapped and adhered together. This material is typically black, making it more prone to thermal shock. Rubber also absorbs the infrared heat rays of the sun. This can increase your cooling costs. Rubber will also absorb UV rays, which can accelerate deterioration.

 

This will cause the rubber to shrink, pulling apart at the seams. Since gravel ballast is sometimes laid down for this type of roofing, it can make it difficult, if not impossible, to find and repair leaks in the roof.

 

Built-up Roofing

A built-up roofing system, also referred to as a hot tar or hot asphalt roof, are sometimes left smooth or are covered with gravel. The built-up roofing system is installed by alternating layers of asphalt or tar with 1-4 piles of felt paper, fiberglass or organic, placed directly over insulation and then covered with a base sheet. Cold-applied built-up roofs are installed using cold-applied asphalt emulsion with piles of fiberglass felts.

 

Built-up roofs are installed with mops or squeegees, requiring extensive labor, raising the cost. There are also safety risks caused by the heat of the material, as well as hazardous fumes and vapors that are released. If a gravel ballast is added, extra weight will be added to the structure. Without a gravel top layer, the roof can be damaged by UV rays causing the material to become brittle and crack.

 

SPF or Foam Roofing

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) or Foam roofing is a material that is typically sprayed on the roof as a liquid. It then expands into a foam creating a solid layer on top of the existing roof. With this type of roofing, water can get trapped in the previous substrate, and when the topcoat is not re-coated as needed, it allows water to be absorbed into the foam. This can cause leaking and water damage.

 

PVC/TPO Roofing

PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) and TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) are thermoplastic products that are either mechanically installed or fully adhered to. These types of roofing systems can shrink over time, which can cause the flashings and seams to come apart. This roofing type can also become brittle over time, which can result in costly repairs or replacement.

 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing can be made from copper, aluminum, or steel. For metal roofing, fasteners, crown, and gutter design all play a role in the durability of the roof. While metal roofs feature extended warranties, they do not include leak-through warranties. A metal roof will start showing its age around 20-25 years down the road. Signs of wear include panels becoming loose and fasteners backing out.

 

Rolled Roofing

Rolled Roofing (90-pound felt) is similar to shingles since it is also an oil-based asphalt product. This is a light-duty type of roofing and is used for temporary. In many cases, this type of roofing is used to supplement other roofing materials as an underlayment and is not the best option for occupied buildings. It is recommended for outbuildings or garages. Its light durability means that it won’t last long and will require frequent repairs and replacement.

 

Modified Bitumen Roofing

This type of roofing is similar to rolled roofing and comes in sheets that are stuck together with hot asphalt, roof coating, or torching the rolls. Because of this material’s stiffness, it can be difficult to wrap the material securely around vents, pipes, and walls, resulting in seam failure. The darker colors available can absorb the sun’s heat, causing your cooling costs to rise.

 

Monolithic Roofing System

At ACR-1.COM Commercial Roofing, we offer a monolithic roofing system. This roofing system is seamless, meaning it is one complete piece with no seams. This provides you with many advantages as well as a longer lifespan for your commercial roofing system. This advanced system can be built over most existing roofing systems.

 

Conventional roofing systems do not provide the superior durability, strength, flexibility that the Advantage Systems Commercial Roofing System provides. This roofing material is 3-4 times thicker than the material used by competitors, providing protection against objects thrown onto or falling onto the roof and provides protection against maintenance damage.

 

The monolithic roofing system’s flexibility allows the roof to remain flexible to the movement of the roofing structure, preventing damage. The flexibility of this roofing system comes from the self-flashing ability that allows the material to easily form around 90-degree angles and around items. This eliminates the need to cut and glue materials to accommodate the flashings, like with conventional roofing systems, preventing weak points in the roof.


This roofing system can also be coated with highly reflective maintenance coatings including:


  • Flexbond White Elastomeric
  • Flexbond Chips
  • Flexbond Aluminum Coating


These highly reflective coating can help to lower heating and cooling costs, whereas other types of roofing such as modified bitumen roofing can cause your cooling costs to rise.


Looking for a New Commercial Roofing System? ACR-1.COM is Ready to Help!


Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide you with a high-quality commercial roofing system that you can rely on!

Author: Floyd Mason

Born and raised in farming in Iowa

Worked in and around construction since 1977

BS in Corporate Finance and Financial & Estate Planning from Brigham Young University. Involved in Boy Scouts of America for more than 35 years, Scoutmaster 15 years Estimator, Project Manager, Sales Representative, Crew Leader, Laborer, Territory Manager, District Manager, Regional Manager, National Sales Manager,

ACR1.COM Sales & Marketing Manager since 2013.

13 Feb, 2024
Flat roofs can be a great choice for buildings due to their affordability and durability. However, if not done correctly, flat roofs are prone to water damage. Proper drainage is essential for the longevity of a flat roof, and selecting the correct drainage system is critical. Here we will discuss three common flat roof drainage systems - gutters, interior drains, and scuppers - as well as their pros and cons. Gutters Gutters are the most common form of flat roof drainage because they are low-cost and efficient when it comes to redirecting water off the roof. Gutters should be installed at a certain angle (approximately 1/4” per foot) to ensure proper water drainage. Gutters also need to be maintained over the years, as debris and leaves from storms or rain water can clog them up and create standing water. Pros: Low-cost installation and maintenance Easy to install Can direct water away from the foundation of the building Cons: Prone to clogging Requires periodic maintenance and cleaning Overflow from rain storms can cause damage to surrounding areas Interior Drains Interior drains are often seen as the higher-cost alternative to gutters. They are installed directly into the flat roof’s membrane and include a network of pipes that drain water off the roof into a downspout. Pros: Low maintenance More reliable than gutters in terms of preventing roofing damage Can be adjusted to fit any size of flat roof Cons: Expensive installation and maintenance costs compared to gutters May require frequent adjustments depending on the environment surrounding the building Can be difficult to install if the roof does not have the right slope Scuppers Scuppers are metal or plastic openings that allow water to drain off flat roofs. They generally come in square or rectangular shapes and are installed along the perimeter of a roof. The size and shape of scuppers should be adjusted accordingly in order to prevent water from overflowing onto the sides of a building. Pros: Easy and cost-effective installation Low maintenance costs compared to gutters or interior drains Can be adjusted to fit any size of flat roof Cons: Prone to clogging due to debris and leaves Overflow from rainstorms can cause damage to surrounding areas Can be difficult to install correctly if the roof does not have the right slope When it comes to selecting the best drainage system for your flat roof, there are a few things to consider. Gutters, interior drains, and scuppers all offer their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select the right drainage system for your needs in order to ensure the longevity of your roof and protect it from water damage. Flat Roof Repair and Inspection Services If you are looking to repair or replace your flat roof, make sure to contact a certified roofing professional who can assess your current roof and provide the best solution for your needs. At ACR1 Commercial Roofing, we specialize in flat roof repair and installation . Our team of certified professionals has years of experience working with flat roofs, so you can be sure that your roof is in safe hands. Contact us today to learn more!
Flat roof with pooling water
13 Feb, 2024
Learn about the unique challenges and solutions for flat roofs when it comes to handling rain, and how ACR1 can provide expert commercial roofing services for your building.
By FLOYD MASON 11 Sep, 2023
Flat roofs can be a popular choice for homes and commercial buildings, but they must be maintained and managed correctly to ensure that rainwater doesn’t cause damage or unwanted leaks. That’s why it’s important to understand the components of a flat roof drainage system and how they work together.
Can You Use Silicone on a Flat Roof?
By FLOYD MASON 30 Aug, 2023
Learn why silicone roofing is becoming more popular with flat roofing and the benefits it can provide your roof from the experts at ACR1.
Common Commercial Roofing Problems for Florida Businesses
By Floyd Mason 14 Jul, 2023
Florida businesses need to be aware of these common commercial roofing problems! Prevent damage to your roof with these tips here.
Why Flat Roofing is a Popular for Chicago Businesses?
By FLOYD MASON 22 Jun, 2023
Designing your commercial building? Learn why flat roofs are becoming increasingly popular among local businesses and how you can benefit from them.
Flat Roof Maintenance for Spring
By FLOYD MASON 22 May, 2023
Are you in need of commercial roof maintenance as we move into spring? Find out the best preventative steps you can take to make sure your roof is ready.
How Hail Damage Can Impact Your Roof
By FLOYD MASON 29 Apr, 2023
Learn how hail can cause serious damage to the roof of your commercial property, and what steps you need to take in order to protect your investment from future storms.
How to Create a Commercial Roofing Budget
By FLOYD MASON 29 Mar, 2023
Planning for your commercial roofing project has never been easier. Learn how to create a commercial roofing budget, from the experts at ACR1 Commercial Roofers.
What is My Commercial Roof Made Of?
By FLOYD MASON 27 Feb, 2023
iscover the materials that make up your commercial roof with ACR1 Commercial Roofing. 🏢🌧️ Learn about the benefits of each type and keep your business protected.
More Posts
Share by: