Safeguard Your Business with a New Commercial Roof
What’s the Importance of a Commercial Roof?
The role of a commercial roof cannot be overstated
It’s beyond aesthetics and more than just part of your building; your roof is an investment. If you neglect the care and upkeep of your commercial roof, then you put your assets at risk. Depending on your business type, the machines, employees, patients and customers inside the building are all counting on the roof as a primary defense.
Is your roof a reliable barrier preventing water infiltration and subsequent structural deterioration? Weather may be an obvious top threat, but the right commercial roof will increase your building’s energy efficiency too. With proper insulation, your well-maintained commercial roof helps regulate indoor temperatures.
Which type of commercial roof is for you?
Depending on the slope of your roof, what type of roof was previously on your building, and whether or not you’re completing a full re-roof, you may have a few choices. Steep slope roofs are commonly covered in asphalt shingles, but can also benefit from a metal roof or a single-ply option. Low-slope roofs, visually flat roofs, are often seen on commercial stores, schools, and warehouse-type buildings.
Considerations for your low-slope roofing choices may include modified bitumen (ModBit), Built-Up Roofing, or Single-Ply Membrane. All have their place in commercial/industrial roofing history and current applications. But, for starters, single-ply membrane options do not include hot tar or open flames for installation.
Single-ply comes in a few varieties, including TPO, PVC, or EPDM. Neither these acronyms nor their longer scientific names need to be off-putting if you trust your field technician. These membranes tend to be lightweight (to minimize stress on your building’s structure), flexible (to fit into every nook and around every penetration), and comparatively clean to install.
Long-term Benefits of a Single-ply Commercial Roof
Ease of Maintenance
Here in the Midwest, ease of maintenance has two key seasons of consideration, Autumn and Winter. Consider ease of maintenance when your team needs to remove leaves or snow accumulation from your roof. If dirt and grime build up and attract plant matter to your roof, single-ply membrane makes it easy to notice and clear away. Additionally, maintenance work on or around any stack, interruption, pipe, vent, or access point can be adhered to the original roofing material, further extending the life of the whole roof.
Resistance and Durability
There is a LOT to be said for the durability and resistance of single-ply roofing membranes! These are significant factors making them cost-effective, long-term solutions for many building owners.
First, they are resistant to UV damage. This often-overlooked detail extends the life of the roof. Specifically, these membranes do not breakdown as quickly as asphalt roofs.
Second, they are resistant to high temperatures and flames. You can imagine how this benefits certain manufacturers and allows many building owners to achieve FM approvals.
Third, they are resistant to chemical breakdown. This durability is often desired by restaurants that experience grease accumulation through roof vents. It also benefits manufacturers – anyone creating or using chemicals in a process that gets vented out of your building to your roof.
Decades-long Warranty
Whether the building alone is your investment, or you own and run the business inside the commercial building, the decades-long warranty available for single-ply membrane will provide peace of mind for the long haul.
This of course depends on who is installing the roof and the warranty they offer. Ask us about our 15, 20, 25 and 30-year warranty options!
Give Our Roofing Experts A Call
If you’re unsure about the integrity of the roof on your commercial building, the trained field technicians at Great Lakes Roofing offer health diagnostic roof check-ups.
Let our team assess your roof. They’ll identify what (if any) work may be needed. Then, together we can make a plan to meet your needs, your goals and your budget.
We aim to be your trusted partner in commercial roofing. Don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Great Lakes Roofing Corporation at 800-871-5151. We’ll make sure your roof stays watertight.
