Many business owners have used flat or low sloping roofs for decades. The fact of life is that your roof can leak regardless of how hard you try to minimize this risk. Like all things on the planet, your flat roof has a lifespan. The chances of leaking will increase as the roof ages. But one of the main reasons flat roofs leak is ponding water. Other reasons are cracks that develope over time or happen due to external structures being fastened on the roof as well as leaky seams. You’ll want a commercial roof replacement expert to determine whether you need a roof repair or replacement service to solve your problem. If the roof is too old, here are the best flat roof replacement options that can help you.
Metal Roofing
A commercial standing seam metal roof is the ideal choice for a building with a roof slope greater than 2 inches. They have proven beyond a doubt that this roof replacement option can last for about 30 to 40 years. You may begin to see a few problems after using your metal roof for more than 30 years.
In the past, manufacturers built metal roofs out of terne, a tin-steel alloy. Sometimes copper was used to create terne. Today, the roofing industry mainly uses aluminum, which is light and corrosion-resistant. Metal is an extremely durable material and is immune to cracks that affect single-ply roofs. However, metal roofs can be susceptible to leaks around the seams and roof edges.
Built-up Roof – BUR
Built-up roofs – BUR are also popular options, and they have also been around since the 1970s. This hot tar and gravel roofing material is an exceptional fire retardant, long-lasting, and affordable. However, a built-up roof is extremely heavy. Besides, before the installation, you may need to reinforce the roof structure, which could require a significant initial investment.
TPO or EPDM
A Thermoplastic Polyolefin, or a TPO roofing system, installed on commercial flat roofs, consists of a laminated vinyl membrane. It’s available in; .045 and .060 thousandths of an inch thickness. EPDM, Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer, is a highly durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane widely used in low-slope buildings. TPO and EPDM are incredibly similar flat to low slope roof replacement options. Even though they have a few subtle differences, we can talk about them as a single option without confusion. They are popular due to the inexpensive price tag, long life expectancy, and quick installation. Many business people love TPO and EPDM due to their “green” nature. The manufacturers make these eco-friendly roofs from recycled materials. Both of them have a lifespan of between 10 and 20 years. However, TPO requires less maintenance than EPDM roofs, as EPDM’s seams are heat welded.
PVC
PVC is the best choice for many roofing contractors despite that it is one of the most expensive single-ply commercial flat roofing solution. Business owners love the fact that the material can deflect up to 90% of the heat that would normally enter the building, resulting in much lower utility bills. Additionally, they appreciate that the material is low maintenance and has a long lifespan. PVC is resistant to impact damage and cracking due to its reinforced membrane that results in a long lasting roofing solution.
Modified Bitumen Roof
Modified bitumen is perhaps the most budget-friendly flat roof replacement option. At the base of the roof is an asphalt membrane. The major drawback is that this base is highly susceptible to cracking and blistering. The lifespan of modified bitumen roofs ranges from 10 to 15 years.
When considering the price, you may agree that modified bitumen to be one of the best alternatives for many businesses.
Conclusion
When you need a commercial flat roof replacement, theses flat roofing systems provide the best solution. It’s your choice depending on your specific quality and budgetary needs. Partner with KSI Commercial Roofing in Dallas for the best workmanship from our professional roofers. We are the team you can trust.