Types of Low Slope Roofing Systems
Low-slope roofing systems, also referred to as flat roofing systems, are often found on commercial buildings. More people are familiar with sloped roofing systems or the type of roofing systems that are commonly found on homes. This includes materials such as asphalt shingles and ceramic tiles. If you own a commercial building and need to install a new roof, learning about the different types of low-slope roofing systems can help you determine which may be ideal for your building. Here are four of the most common types of low-slope roofing materials and the information you should know about each material.
EPDM
EPDM roofing is a rubber-like material that is made from ethylene, propylene and diene monomer, providing the name EPDM. EPDM is a great choice for flat roofs, as the material works to repel water and has insulative properties, helping to insulate the roof and reduce energy usage. Some types of EPDM roofing can also help to reflect the sun’s UV rays, keeping a building cooler in the summer. EPDM is one of the longer-lasting low-slope roofing materials on the market, and it comes in a variety of colors, making it aesthetically pleasing as well.
Thermoplastic/PVC
Thermoplastic, also referred to as TPO, or PVC roofs, are made from plastic-like materials. TPO and PVC roofs are gaining in popularity because they can be made from recycled materials, and the roof material can be recycled when it reaches the end of its lifespan. These types of roofing materials can come in varying thicknesses which can help to protect the roof in a variety of different weather elements. TPO and PVC roofing materials are some of the newest roofing materials on the market, and as such, no one knows exactly how long they will last. Still, testing has shown they have relatively long lifespans for low-slope roofing systems.
Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing, or BUR, is the oldest roofing system for flat or low-slope roofs. Traditionally, a built-up roof was composed of sheets made from coal and tar materials. Today, BUR sheets are made from fiberglass or asphalt materials. BUR roofing systems involve installing new sheets on top of each other to form a roof. Think about it like overlaying shingles on a roof, only on a much larger scale. BUR roofing is one of the cheapest roofing options for low-slope roofs, but it also has a short lifespan.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen roofing is a roofing material made from polymer-modified membrane materials. This low-slope roofing system has been around since the 1960s and was introduced as a single-layer alternative to built-up roofing. Modified bitumen is the most popular roofing system for low-slope roofs due to its low price, low maintenance needs and ability to keep water out of a building.
If you need to have a new low-slope roof installed, deciding which type of roofing system to install is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Here at Rosie’s Roofing & Restoration, our professional roofers can help you determine if your existing roofing system is at the end of its lifespan and help you decide which may be the perfect new type of roofing system for your building. Schedule your consultation with us to get started.
