This year, thousands of commercial buildings will need a roof replacement. There are many systems and materials to choose from, so it is important to ensure you select the right one for your business. First, address factors such as the building’s use, overall climate, your budget and energy goals. Here are five common systems for low-slope roofs.
Retrofitting Existing Roofs
Consisting of heavy asphalt layers and gravel, a built-up single-ply conversion creates a waterproof barrier when applied over an existing roof. This system is moderately energy efficient, requires high maintenance and receives a low weather defense rating. The system is prone to cracking from temperature fluctuations.
Ballast to Attached Conversion
This method renovates a loose-stone single-ply roof, making it more weather-resistant. It is highly energy efficient, low maintenance and provides moderate weather defense. While this system has high upfront costs, long-term costs are lower.
Shingle Standing Seam Conversion
Shingle standing seam conversion removes existing shingles and replaces them with interlocking metal panels. It is reported to have high energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements and provides high weather resistance. This system has higher upfront costs. Complete tear-offs may cause additional disposal costs.
New Roofing Systems
A built-up modified bitumen roof system blends asphalt with rubber or plastic polymers. It receives a low energy efficiency rating, requires moderate maintenance and provides moderate defense from the elements. This system is complex to install and has extensive costs.
Single Ply
Made up of a single layer of synthetic membrane or rolled metal, a single-ply roofing system is fastened across a roof deck. The cost varies based on three primary materials: TPO, PVC, and EPDM. Reports show it to be moderately energy efficient, high maintenance and providing high weather defence.
Source: Kato Roofing
