te number of sheets, your contractor melts the seams together to form a secure bond.
The resulting surface resists extreme temperatures and stands up to hail, fire, and wind.
Single-Ply Low Slope Roof Options
These low-slope roofing solutions are a good choice for most commercial buildings. Contractors can install them quickly and they’re among the most flexible and hardy choices available.
In the simplest terms, they’re made by placing a single layer of roofing material on a concrete roof deck.
You can choose from three main types of single-ply low slope roofing systems:
Polyvinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl Chloride, also known as PVC, is a durable, tough choice for commercial structures. It’s an energy effective choice due to its high reflectivity and it’s lightweight too.
PVC roofing systems resist fire, UV light, wind, tears, punctures, and most chemicals. It’s a good choice for businesses, like restaurants, that emit fat and oil fumes from their rooftop ventilation systems.
You’ll pay slightly more for contractors to install this type of roofing.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin
TPO roofing shares several benefits with PVC roofing, plus its 100% recyclable and thus an eco-friendly option.
These roofing systems comprise a single layer of synthetics with reinforcing scrim and come in sheets of 10, 12, or 20-foot widths. After rolling these strips out in place, the contractor air welds the seams together with a hot air gun.
TPO’s installed on top of a layer of expanded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or extruded polystyrene insulation.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
EPDM’s been around for over 60 years and is well-known for its durability. Being made of rubber, it’s also flexible, versatile, and easy to shape so that it fits any type of roof.
As they’re black in color, EPDM flat roofs work very well in cooler areas. You can also convert your EPDM roof into a cool roof if you want to save on your energy bills.
Metal Low Pitch Roof Options
Metal’s another one of the more popular low slope roofing materials for both residential and commercial buildings. Metal roofs resist tears and punctures and have excellent fire-resistance ratings.
You can choose from a range of colors in all the most popular materials, like:
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Corrugated galvanized steel
- Stone-coated steel
- Copper
- Tin
Without a protective coating to protect it from the elements, metal rusts easily. Applying one of these protective coatings also limits damage from the rain and sun but it does add to the cost of your installation.
Unfortunately, due to the large quantities involved in a commercial installation, this often puts metal roofing well above the budget for many commercial buildings. Another drawback of metal roofing is the noise factor during a rainstorm.
Liquid-Applied Roofing
Liquid-applied roofing comprises a mixture of polyester and resin that’s easy to apply in liquid form. A major benefit of this type of roofing is that it flows easily into every area of your roof, creating a watertight seal.
Contractors pour this type of roof on-site in two layers with a sprayer or roller which is a time-consuming, and thus expensive process. Liquid-applied roofing is easy to repair by applying additional coats when needed.
Roof Coating Systems
Roof coating systems are the best low slope roofing system for easy repair and waterproofing. These silicone or acrylic roofing systems simply adhere to your roof and you can apply them over any kind of existing roof.
Apart from convenience and longevity, roof coating systems also come with other benefits, like reflectivity and environmental perks.
Since it’s also a liquid application, roof coating systems suit irregular-shaped buildings, and you can apply a roof coating instead of installing a new roof.
Green Roofs
Green roofs take the eco-friendly roofing concept to an entirely new level. Flat roofs are the ideal place to grow plants that help reduce pollution and improve your carbon footprint.
Environmentalists promote the idea of growing vegetation on your roof to help reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect. Yet, these roofs haven’t really taken off among business owners.
They’re also time-consuming to install and require some maintenance to stay looking their best.
Are You Ready for a New Roof?
If you think it’s time for a roof replacement, or your buildings had the same roof for decades on end, it’s time to consider your low slope roof options.
A leaky, worn-out low pitch roof can run up your energy bills. Leaks may also damage your equipment and slow production.
Get in touch and we’ll gladly assist you to find the best low sloped roof options for your commercial or residential building.
