Many homeowners and business owners take their roofs for granted until they need repair work or a re-roofing. Then, they become aware of just how important it is to choose the right roofing materials and a qualified contractor for installation.
A roof is the top covering of a building, protecting against rain, snow, sunlight, and extremes of temperature. It also adds aesthetic appeal. Contact Glacier Roofing for professional help.
A waterproof membrane is essential for a roof to keep water out. Without a waterproof coating, moisture will cause rot and mildew, which can create health problems for residents of the building. A waterproof membrane can protect against these health issues and prolong the life of a roof. It can also prevent moisture from leaking into the ceiling, which can damage the structure of the building.
Several types of liquid membranes are available for waterproofing commercial roofing. Some are more effective than others, depending on the needs of the building and its location. Some of the most common include polyurethane, silicone, and rubber. All of these materials are abrasion resistant and can withstand UV stability. They also resist thermal shock, fatigue, and punctures. They are also able to be applied in low temperatures, which makes them a good choice for commercial buildings in moderate or warm climates.
The best waterproof membranes are made of a combination of ingredients that create a seamless barrier between the roofing and the building. These membranes are also formulated with reflective properties, which help to reduce the amount of heat that is reflected off the surface. This will help to lower energy costs, as the building will stay cooler for a longer period of time.
Many liquid applied roof systems are formulated with high reflective elements, which will reflect up to 90% of the sun’s radiation. This helps to keep the inside of the building cool and comfortable for a longer period of time, and will reduce energy bills. In addition, a waterproof roof coating will also reflect the sun’s heat away from the building, which can help to moderate temperatures throughout the year.
When choosing a liquid applied membrane, it is important to consider the manufacturer’s recommendations and application instructions for maximum performance. These guidelines should be followed closely to avoid problems with the waterproofing system. Many manufacturers offer specialized training to contractors, Product Knowledge meetings to distributors, and Lunch & Learn education sessions for architects and specifiers. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your commercial roofing will remain leak-free and durable for years to come.
Fireproof
With wildfires raging across the western United States, homeowners are concerned about their homes’ fire safety. Even in areas that don’t experience wildfires, homes could be threatened by embers from nearby wildfires or from fireworks or barbecues that can land on the roof. If your roofing is not fireproof, these embers can cause serious damage and potentially make their way into the home. The good news is that most roofing materials can be treated to become fire-resistant. This treatment makes the material less likely to catch or spread flame, and it can add an extra layer of protection if your home is in a high-risk fire zone.
During testing to determine a fire rating, the UL 790 (ASTM E 108 standards) evaluate a material’s resistance to penetration by flame and the ability of that material to withstand the spread of a fire. Many popular roofing options are rated class A in terms of their fire-resistant properties, including concrete and clay tiles and metal roofs. Asphalt shingles are also considered class A, but they have to be supplemented with additional fireproofing treatments to achieve this rating.
While it is true that some roofing materials have a better fire-resistant rating than others, these ratings are based on strict guidelines that determine how well the material protects against a flame, splinters and flying embers. These guidelines are formulated by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories and the American Society for Testing and Materials.
The UL tests include a test that blows hot, intense flames on a roof for two minutes to see how the surface holds up. The splinter test evaluates whether the material will break into pieces that can be blown by the wind and ignite other surfaces. The final test looks for any flame penetration of the underlying structure and attic space.
While clay and concrete are considered fireproof, both options are expensive and add extra weight to the roof. For these reasons, many builders and homeowners opt for asphalt shingles with a fireproofing treatment to get the benefits of a class A fire-rated roof without the extra expense or added weight. However, there are also a number of other roofing options that can look just as beautiful while providing class A fire-resistant properties. These options are made from copper, zinc, steel and other alloys and can be made to resemble the look of a clay or concrete tile roof.
Windproof
Wind, especially strong winds, can cause major damage to homes, and for this reason, roofing that is designed and constructed to be windproof is a priority for many homeowners and builders. This is particularly important in areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes and other high-wind storms.
The shape and design of a roof can affect its ability to resist wind. Gable roofs, for example, have a steeper slope that can deflect wind more effectively than flat or low-sloped roofs. Metal roofs are also renowned for their strength and durability, often withstanding winds up to 140 miles per hour.
Another important factor in determining whether a roof is windproof or not is the quality of the materials used and how well they are secured to the roof structure. Asphalt shingles, for example, are often considered to be among the most popular roofing materials available, and they can offer impressive wind resistance when properly installed and fortified with proper sealing.
Other roofing materials that can provide excellent protection against the forces of wind are corrugated aluminum, steel and tile. Standing seam metal roofing, in particular, offers exceptional resistance to uplift, while its concealed fasteners help to create a sleek appearance to the home’s exterior. In addition, corrugated aluminum and steel are lightweight, which helps to reduce the amount of force exerted on the roof by high wind gusts.
During high-wind events, it’s also common for debris to be blown around, and this can be extremely damaging to the roof. Large tree limbs, garbage cans, patio furniture and old signs are all potential projectiles that can hit the roof with great force, creating significant damage. Some roofing materials, such as rubber roofs, are highly impact resistant and can withstand serious damage from flying objects.
Regardless of the roofing material chosen, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s warranty for details on the specific requirements and limitations regarding wind resistance. For example, many manufacturers treat 3+ story buildings differently when it comes to wind rating and warranty, which is a crucial consideration for apartment building managers who are concerned about their tenants’ safety and the integrity of the roof over time.
Durable
A durable roof is more than just about weatherproofing; it also protects the underlying structure from water damage. In addition, it can help homeowners save money on their energy bills by keeping the heat in during winter and out in summer, thanks to reflective surfaces that reduce the thermal footprint of a building. The durability of a roof is also dependent on the quality of its sheathing and underlayment, which create a stable foundation for the outer layers.
The best durable roofing materials are designed to balance form and function, with the option to achieve a personalized appearance while also meeting or exceeding local building codes and safety standards. Durable roofing materials can range from timeless patterns that stand the test of time to modern designs that are a reflection of the latest architectural trends.
