Commercial roofing uses different materials and techniques than residential roofing. We will help you determine the best options for your business and set you up with a roofing contractor. You may also want to become familiar with the roofing process (see our
Roofing Resources guide). Here are some commercial roofing materials to be familiar with:
BUILT-UP/HOT-MOP ROOFING: A continuous roof covering made up of laminations or layers of saturated roofing felts, alternated with layers of asphalt, and surfaced with a layer of rock in a heavy coat of asphalt or finished with a cap-sheet. This type of commercial roofing is generally used on low-pitched or flat roofs. There are many different built-up and hot-mop roofing variations, with more or less layers and different types of rock and/or cap-sheets.
APP/SBS MODIFIED ROOFING: Modifying premium-grade asphalts by combining these asphalt types with non-woven polyester or glass reinforcements, creates a waterproofing system with good strength, elasticity and weatherability. APP membranes provide superior tension strength while maintaining critical flexibility—even in the coldest environments. APP membranes (coated with a blend of asphalt and atactic polypropylene), are torch-applied. SBS is a rubberized modifier that increases the overall performance of the sheet by providing excellent elongation and recovery characteristics. SBS modifiers extend the service range of the product, so that it can be handled in cooler temperatures without shattering or cracking and without softening in warmer temperatures to the point where it begins to flow. SBS membranes are applied with hot asphalt or cold application cement.
SINGLE PLY ROOFING: There are basically three types of single ply roofing: TPO, PVC, and EPDM.
TPO roofing is one of the latest single ply, flat roofing materials on the market. Current membrane formulations are reinforced with a polyester fabric and manufactured using an ultraviolet-resistant thermoplastic polyolefin formulation. TPO comes in several thicknesses. It’s designed for use in mechanically fastened and adhered roofing applications in new, reroof and recover roof constructions. It is fire and chemical resistant and contains UV inhibitors for added longevity.
PVC roofing materials are a highly-engineered, flexible, thermoplastic membrane-manufactured using a UV resistant poly-vinyl chloride. It provides excellent weathering characteristics, high tension strength and long-term flexibility. It also exhibits resistance to harsh chemicals and industrial pollutants.
EPDM roofing has superior weatherability through a wide range of temperatures and conditions and demonstrates superior ozone resistance. EPDM membranes are available in several thicknesses, with or without polyester scrim reinforcement and can be installed in ballasted, mechanically-fastened or adhered applications.
COLD APPLIED MONOLITHIC ROOFING: Some 30 years ago, cold process waterproofing mastics and adhesives were developed and offered to the commercial roofing marketplace. Again, using felts or layers, the traditional built-up roofs could now be installed using cold process bitumen instead of the hot kettle fired bitumen. These cold process products were solvent-based and acted as the bonding glue and waterproofing of the built-up roof system. Over the years, the cold process materials have been enhanced via new asphalt polymer chemistry. Therefore, cold process materials now are available in economy grades up to high-performing rubberized versions meeting demands of 21st century light-weight roofing construction. By using cold process, all the hazards of the kettle-heated asphalts are eliminated: no fires, limited fumes and odors, and no skin and muscle burns.
To see a complete list of commercial roofing materials, visit our Roofing Resources page.
