Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Single Ply Roofing Options

If it’s time to re-roof your low slope, commercial building, there are numerous things to consider and many options to choose from. Unsure which commercial roofing option to choose? The following may help you get started.

SINGLE PLY SYSTEMS

Single ply membranes are the most widely used products for both new and re-roof, low slope applications. There are several different types of single ply membranes, each with its own features and characteristics.

EPDM (rubber) is a thermoset material, meaning it is in an irreversible, fully cured state when installed. The membrane comes in rolls ranging from 7.5’ x 100’ up to 50’ x 100’. Rolls are seamed together with primer and seam tape or splice adhesives. The product is available in black or white, with the black membrane being the most widely utilized. EPDM is manufactured in both reinforced and non-reinforced rolls, with the reinforced rolls being used less frequently, mostly in mechanically attached installations. On a larger building, an EPDM system utilizing larger rolls will reduce the number of seams thereby reducing the potential for leaks in the future. EPDM was one of the first single ply membranes and for years EPDM had the largest market share out of all the single ply membranes.

TPO is a thermoplastic material, meaning the polymers become softer and more fluid as heat is applied, allowing the membrane overlaps (seams) to be thermally fused at high heat with electronic, robotic welders. Heat welded seams tend to be significantly stronger than taped or glued seams, reducing the potential for seam failure in the future. TPO is reinforced and is available in rolls up to 12’ x 100’. While the vast majority of TPO installations are done with white membrane, it is also available in gray and tan, as well as a variety of other colors. The white membrane is usually preferred, as it lowers roof surface temperatures down to 5 degrees above ambient, which can significantly reduce HVAC load & costs. Black roofs can reach temperatures of 180 – 190 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot, sunny day. While a white, TPO roof would be about 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit on the same day. TPO has more all-around chemical resistance than EPDM.

PVC & PVC Co-alloy are also thermoplastic membranes. PVC is a chlorinated sheet, which gives it resistance to more chemicals than either EPDM or TPO, although there are differences and limits in what chemicals the three membranes can resist. PVC roofing membrane is reinforced and is available in rolls up to 10’ x 100’. PVC is available in white, gray and tan. Other colors may be available, depending on the manufacturer. PVC’s have been around as long as EPDM but tend to be more expensive than EPDM or TPO.

According to Roofing Contractor magazine (Feb 3, 2016), TPO accounted for almost half of all single ply roofing sales. EPDM accounted for 27% and PVC 23%.

These membranes (EPDM, TPO & PVC) can all be installed by mechanically attaching them to the roof deck, fully adhering them to the substrate or ballasting the membranes with river washed stone. TPO & PVC can also be installed with a plate bonded system.

To find out more about these and other roofing systems that are available please contact Matrix Roofing Systems today by calling us at 267-863-4481 or sending an email to Matrix Roofing Systems to get started on your project.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

FAQs about a New Commercial Roof

As a business owner, the last thing you want to worry about is your roof! A commercial roof protects your business investments, so understanding how to take care of it is important. Here are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to a commercial roof.

Q. How much will my new roof cost?

A. The cost of your new roof will depend on a lot of factors and each situation has its own unique challenges that cause the prices to fluctuate. Some factors that can contribute to the price of your new commercial roof include the size of your roof, insulation and installation choices, condition of existing roof, type of warranty, and more. Our team of professionals can provide you with an estimate on your roofing installation.

Q. Does my building need a new roof?

A. It’s often hard to determine visually whether or not a flat roof needs to be replaced. A professional will be able to take a close look at the vapor barrier and determine if it is intact or torn anywhere. Take it as a sign that the roof should be replaced if there are any leakages or if wind has blown off the tar-paper and exposed the undercoat of the roof.

Q. When it comes to getting a new roof for my building, how do I know which type of roof is best?

A. There are many different types of commercial roofing systems. We offer metal roofing, TPO roofs, PVC roofs, EPDM, and modified bitumen. Our thorough, educated and experienced team of professionals will work with you to determine the roof that's right for your building and your budget. If you are considering a roof replacement, give us a call today and we will help you identify the best solution.

Q. How long does it take to install a new roof?

A. The time it takes to install a commercial roof depends on a variety of factors. The size of the job, the type of roofing material, and any existing damage can all affect how long installation will take to complete. You’ll be provided a time estimate as well and cost estimate when you setup a consultation with a professional commercial roofing company.

You can count on Matrix Roofing for your commercial roofing installation and maintenance needs. Our company delivers top-quality products that meet the highest industry standards, and out years of experience have established our credibility among homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic region. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions that you may have on the topic of this blog post – we’re happy to further discuss!