Commercial Roof Repair

The Most Common Commercial Roofs Types and Materials

Here, you can learn about the most common commercial roofs types and materials. There are three main types: flat, low-slope and sloped or pitched.

Sloped or Pitched Roofs

The sloped or pitched roof is most commonly seen in homes. Some modern office parks have this type as well. For warehouses and businesses, the flat or low slope roof is most common for several reasons. A business’ buildings are usually larger than those used for housing. Installing a pitched roof on a large building can be more costly, and the lifespan of a large pitched roof could be significantly lower than that of a flat design. The interior spaces are often more open. This interior design lends itself to the flat roof. A pitched roof limits the use of interior space. In homes, the small areas are often used for storage, like the attic. Businesses would rarely use attic space for long-term storage. Getting in and out of the attic space would be more time consuming than simply retrieving the items from a shelf in the warehouse.

Flat Roofs

Ease of maintenance, access to ventilation systems and other advantages are associated with the use of flat-roof designs. The main disadvantage is poor drainage. Only in arid desert environments is drainage a non-issue.

Since flat roofs are the most common commercial roofs types, selecting appropriate materials has always been important. Waterproofing is considered essential. Slate and other types of shingles are generally not used on the flat roof design, which turns out to be another advantage, in that decorative shingles cost more and need to be replaced more often. Repairing a flat roof is easier in most ways than repairing one that is pitched.

The built-up roof, which is sometimes referred to as tar or tar and gravel, is a system that was popular in flat-roofed buildings. It is rarely recommended by roofing experts today because of the short lifespan, the heat gain within the building, the continuous maintenance necessary and the unpleasant appearance.

Modified bitumen is one of the most common commercial roofs types. It is considered affordable and can last as long as 15 years if properly installed and maintained.

Metal roofing materials are not usually recommended for flat-roofed buildings because of water pooling and the corrosion it causes. Plastic polymers of many kinds are being used to repair, replace or install on new roofing materials. They provide the waterproofing and can last many years. EPDM, PVC and CPE are examples of this type of material.

Those are the most common commercial roofs types today. You should consult a good roofing contractor to get a recommendation concerning the best choice for your building.

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Best Roof Coating – Liquid Roof

Liquid-applied roof coatings have proven themselves as useful tools for the roofing professional to restore and protect existing roofs. They can be extremely durable and used as the first-line of defence in the roofing envelope, offering further protection to other components below. Liquid roof coatings are after market products designed to extend life, seal leaks, provide a heat reflective or aesthetic function over existing roof surfaces. There are many products on the market ranging from asphalt based products, rubber solution (Hypalon, Neoprene, Silicone), water based Acrylic and other emulsions, and chemically curing systems such as Urethanes and now Liquid Roof. Liquid Roof forms a 100% chemically-cured seamless White membrane every bit as solid and attractive as factory-installed sheet rubber. Liquid Roof's simple one-coat application by brush or roller saves you time and money, sealing and protecting your RV from water damage.

As far as application of liquid roof is concerned, it offers compatibility to a large number of surfaces such as metal, concrete, fibreglass, fabric, foam, rubber. It may be applied on roof decks, metal roofs, gutters, structural steel, air conditioner enclosures, cooling towers, galvanized steel, unit heater flues, smoke stacks and chimneys, fibreglass, non porous masonry surfaces, pool liners, underground room waterproofing, and channels. It is also excellent for wood, canvas, cement, or metal roof repair over large surface areas. One most important advantage of using liquid roof is that it does not require a top coat, primer or additional applications like many other roofing products.

Liquid roof ideally can be used for many types of roof repair. One of the most important Liquid Roof Repair applications is RV Roof Repair. Liquid roof sticks to the entire types of facades- canvas, plywood, suds, cement, mass rubber, customized roofing, additional roof coverings, strengthen, timber, top tiles, genuine tiles, solid, and many more. It is the most cost effective and efficient product for solving RV Roof Leaks Repair problem as it does not chalk, shrink, crack, peak and flake.

There are some tips which must be kept in mind before applying liquid rubber on your roof. Be aware that it is a 3 to 6 hrs process, excluding the surface preparation time. Once the liquid EPDM Rubber is applied, it takes around 16 to 20 hours to dry up. Therefore proper management of time is necessary. Careful planning regarding weather conditions should be done as well, i.e. one should plan to work on days when the rain is not expected because although Liquid Roof will immediately waterproof, even when wet, avoid heavy rain until it is completely dry to the touch which means 16 - 20 hours after application. To be on the safe side, one can say that a full cure will be achieved in 4 - 10 days after application, in consistent 70 deg F.

The Common advantages that Liquid roof coatings offer are countless. It is waterproof, has high compatibility with almost all types of surfaces, very flexible and elastic and can withstand a large temperature range from -62 degrees F to 300 degrees F without cracking. All I can say about liquid roof is that It’s the best and roof is the most important aspect of a house and liquid roof is the one which can take care for it properly.

The Many Types of Elastomeric Coatings and Uses of Them

The types of elastomeric coatings and uses of them are numerous. Here you can learn a little bit about each type and the purposes for which they are most often used.

Modified Asphalt

A modified asphalt coating consists of asphalt and rubber-like polymers. This material is most often used on roofs, although there are a few other applications. It is not suitable for sealing driveways or for covering other asphalts, as it does not adhere directly to asphalt.

There are several disadvantages of this material. It is only available in black, which absorbs and transfers heat, making the building hotter if it is used on the roof. Softening and deterioration occurs over time due to exposure to solvents, grease and UV light.

Polyurethane

There are several categories of polyurethane coatings. They are used to cover spray-foam, wooden decking and other building materials. None are exactly waterproof, although they do help to prolong the life of wood by preventing rot.

Aromatic polyurethanes are one type. The disadvantages include discoloration and chalking over time. They are often used as a base coat for other polyurethanes, although when used as a final coat, the appearance is initially pleasing. Modified and single component polyurethanes are also available.

Silicone

Silicone types of elastomeric coatings and uses are limited. They are recommended in situations where “breathability” is desired. Moisture vapor can pass through the coating.

Silicone is not compatible with other materials. For example, an EPDM coating will not adhere to silicone. Since the coating allows the passage of water vapor, it is not recommended for roofing or similar applications.

Neoprene

Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber made by DuPont. The coating is fast drying and retards vapors, but a top coat is required when the coating is used on exterior surfaces. Thus, there are numerous limitations to types of elastomeric coatings, roof coatings and uses of them.

Hypalons

Hypalons are another type of synthetic rubber also made by DuPont. The Hypalons have more applications than the Neoprene material. They can be used as fire retardant and waterproofing agents. They are often used in roofing and for coating tanks and coolers.

The Hypalons are compatible with other coatings and can be used on top of many of them, but it is necessary to check with the manufacturer about that.

Butyl Rubber Types of Elastomeric Coatings and Uses

Butyl rubber is the most water resistant coating, which makes it a good choice for applications that are very wet or very cold. The coating is often used in coolers, freezers and cryogenic storage units, water storage units, ponds, pools and roofs.

There are limitations of this type of coating. It can be damaged by hail, foot traffic or flying debris. It has a tendency to become chalky and is more sensitive to weather than some of the other options.

EPDM

EPDM is yet another type of synthetic rubber. It has the widest range of applications and the highest compatibility with other materials. Only asphalt and silicone cause problems with adhesion. The coating can be used on those surfaces if an undercoating is used.

 Flame retardant materials can be added to EPDM if fireproofing is desired. The UL listing on the manufacturer’s label will reveal the fire resistance of the coating.

EPDM is often used in roofing as a waterproofing agent. It is long lasting when exposed to weather and can serve as a top-coat with no additional treatment. EPDM is among the best types of elastomeric coatings and uses of EPDM are nearly unlimited.

Liquid rubber and its benefits

A Look at Liquid Rubber and Its Benefits

Here’s a look at liquid rubber and its benefits for business and home owners. Whether you have a leaky roof or you want to extend the life of your garage floor, this is a product worth considering.

Sound Reduction

When applied to concrete floors, there is a significant reduction in sound. The noise reduction is also noticed when the material is applied to metal roofs. It is particularly popular among RV roof repair and trailer owners for muffling the sound of pouring rain.

Heat Reduction

When used on a roof, the standard white color reduces heat transfer to the interior of a building, trailer or vehicle. This may be a cost saving advantage when it comes to keeping an RV cool. The air conditioning will work more efficiently, reducing maintenance and other costs.

The same benefit has been seen in buildings with pre-existing asphalt-based black roofs. The white coating reduces electricity costs during the summertime and the cost of maintaining the HVAC units.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is a benefit in roofing and in flooring. Waterproofing is usually number one on a list about liquid rubber and its benefits. Pools of water simply cannot penetrate through the coating when it is applied correctly. The pools can be left to dry up or swept away.

Rust Reduction

Because of the waterproofing benefit, the coating is often used to reduce rust on metal roofs of all kinds. RVs, trailers, metal house roofs, free-standing garages, carports and awnings are just a few of the items that can be protected from rust, usually with a single coating.

Long Lasting

This is one of the most long-lasting materials available. Some products are guaranteed to last for ten years without adding more layers. It has been estimated that the coating can last as much as three times longer than other materials.

Ease of Use

Second or third on a list about liquid rubber and its benefits would be ease of use. Other materials are difficult to install. It usually calls for a professional. Most do-it-yourselfers can do the job in a day, depending on the size of the job to be done. Application is much like painting. Few tools are needed.

Affordable

This is an affordable alternative for repairing leaks or as general preventative maintenance on new roofs. On garage and other concrete floors, the coating protects against cracks and chips caused by dropping tools or other items. In general, what you can say about liquid rubber and its benefits is that it extends the life of anything to which it is applied correctly.

Liquid Roof and Its Benefits for New Construction

For new building construction, applying the liquids increases the lifespan of caulks and sealants used to waterproof around flashings, vents, HVAC units and other protrusion points. If the new roofs are made of steel or aluminum, the liquids prevent rust and effectively extend the life of the roofing material.

If you choose white, which is the base color typically provided; the coating reduces heat within the building and also helps to protect the surrounding environment from excessive heat. Black and dark colored roofing materials are partially to blame for the high temperatures seen in southern cities during the summertime. By reducing heat within the building, the coating helps reduce air conditioning costs.

Liquid Roof and Its Benefits for Existing Construction

When applied over the entire area, the coating provides the same benefits for existing roofs as it does for new ones. It can also help to reduce noise from rain falling on metal roofs.

For repairing leaks and general waterproofing, the coatings are the least expensive and most effective choice. So, there you have the facts about liquid roof and its benefits. It’s a money-saving environmentally friendly alternative.

Tips on Sealing Some of the Leakiest Areas

If you notice a draft through an outside wall electrical outlet, it must be sealed. (Some inside wall outlets can also provide leakage paths, so check them as well.) Turn off the power to the outlet by turning off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse. Check to make sure the power is disconnected by turning on a lamp.

You will obtain a better seal if you caulk the gasket before installation. Place child safety plugs in seldom-used outlets. Some foam pads come with a gasket that fits on the safety plug.

If you are installing an electrical outlet during a renovation, get a good seal by placing it in a special plastic box that is available from many hardware or electrical supply stores. Caulk the penetration for the wire, and seal the new air and vapour barrier to the edge of the box.

Planners and roofing companies still face a big challenge in finding an inexpensive, timesaving and durable sealing system for flat roofs on industrial buildings. Particular problems are presented by roofs leaks with complex shapes and a large number of breakthroughs, such as airshafts and pipe supports. It is hard to get around these problems using conventional roof sheeting, especially as it is usually around the breakthroughs that the roof begins to leak.

Liquid Roof Is A True Epdm Rubber

Liquid Roof is a true EPDM rubber and therefore could be described as a liquid version of the single ply EPDM membrane which has been established as an outstanding performance record of over 30 years. The EPDM chemistry has two unique features not possessed by any other rubber -it is unaffected by ultra-violet and ozone, and can tolerate continuous exposure at temperatures over 300 degrees F. The latter feature is also what gives EPDM rubbers the best aging properties [retain flexibility longer] of all the elastomers.

Liquid Roof is the only EPDM product currently in the market. It is priced higher than the Acrylics but this one disadvantage is more than outweighed by Liquid Roof's performance advantages and nearly total absence of conditions, which can result in disastrous failures. Many roofs will pond water. The gulf states all experience sudden afternoon showers. The northern states experience rapid temperature drops late in the day during Spring and Fall. These kinds of situations might only result in minor cosmetic surface distortions to the Liquid Roof® while the acrylic coating-based products could be partially or totally destroyed.