Replacing a Flat Commercial Roof? What to Know about Two Popular Materials
Need a new flat roof for your commercial building? If so, you'll have a few different options to pick from. Here is what you should know about two commonly used materials for a commercial roof replacement so that you can make a more informed decision.
1. EPDM Rubber
Of all the flat roofing material available, you'll find that EPDM rubber is a very popular choice among property owners that have a flat roof. The rubber is made with the same type of material used to make rubber inner tubes and made in a variety of different thicknesses. The material installed on your flat roof will be about the same thickness of a coin.
EPDM rubber is a popular choice because of how affordable it is to install when you look at the cost per square foot of material. This can make EPDM rubber an affordable choice for a very large commercial building. The installation process is also very simple since it uses adhesives and anchors to attach it to the roof. The material is also manufactured in very wide rolls, so there will be a minimal amount of seams on your flat roof.
The drawbacks of EPDM rubber are that the material can shrink over time due to exposure from the sun. It is possible where the material can deteriorate in areas where it is stretched during the installation. The thin membrane of the material is also more susceptible to damage from people walking on a flat roof. If you need to access the roof to maintain an HVAC system, it is recommended that you place protective mats on the surface to avoid causing any accidental damage.
2. TPO Vinyl
TPO vinyl is made with three laminated layers and is about the same thickness of EPDM rubber roofing material. Rather than gluing down the material, TPO vinyl is heat welded to form a better seal on your roof. It will prevent more leaks over time due to the nature of the installation. The white color of TPO vinyl also makes the material more reflective, so the roof will be cooler and absorb less heat during the summer.
However, TPO is also prone to shrinking over time, just like EPDM rubber. More care must be put into the installation as well, because the heat welding process may be done improperly. If so, the first freeze cycle can cause the seams to come undone, leaving gaps in the roofing material that can be easily spotted. If not caught, water can get underneath the roofing material.
Learn more about these options by contacting commercial roof replacement companies.
