If your commercial building has a flat roof, the day will come when you need the services of a flat roof repair contractor. In selecting a contractor, it’s important to choose one that has expertise in the type of roof you have. Hiring a shingle roofer who mainly services homes can be disastrous, as roofing a commercial building is a completely different ballgame.

Types of Flat Roofs

Flat commercial roofs are a popular choice for commercial and residential buildings, and there are various types of flat roof systems to choose from.

One of the most common types of flat roofs is built-up roofing, or BUR. For a BUR system, the finished membrane generally consists of alternating layers of bitumen (usually asphalt, coal tar or cold-applied adhesive) and reinforcing fabrics. Surfacings used include aggregate like gravel, slag or mineral granules; mineral-surfaced or glass-fiber cap sheets; hot asphalt mopped over the roof surface; elastomeric coatings; or aluminum coatings. Asphalt BUR is a common type and is made up of multiple layers of asphalt and reinforcing plies, forming a redundancy of waterproofing layers.

Single-ply membranes are another common flat roof type. They are factory manufactured and usually classified as either thermoset (EPDM) or thermoplastic (TPO or PVC). Thermoset materials retain their cured form, while thermoplastic materials can be softened when heated and hardened again as they cool.

Modified bitumen is also a common choice for flat roofing. It features polymer-modified membranes composed of reinforcing fabrics that serve as carriers for polymer-modified bitumen while it is manufactured into roll material. Similar to BUR membranes, modified bitumen roof systems may incorporate multiple layers. Installation methods and system configurations vary depending on the product and roof assembly. The surfacings of modified bitumen membranes include aggregate surfacing, metal foil-laminate surfacing, mineral surfacing and smooth liquid-applied surfacing.

Need for Proper Workmanship

No matter what type of flat roof your building has, a Choice Roof Contractor Group member can evaluate the roof and discuss appropriate repair, restoration, or replacement options.

Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide alliance of independently owned commercial roofing contractors. Members meet the group’s current membership requirements, including 3rd Party Training or Certification, Proof of Insurance, Professional Business Conduct, and Commitment to the Group’s Values.

Members bring their own roofing experience and training to their businesses while also benefiting from knowledge sharing, professional connections, resources, and group support.

These contractors offer various repair, restoration, and replacement options depending on the condition of the roof. When an existing roof is structurally sound and otherwise suitable for restoration, a roof coating system may provide a cost-effective alternative to replacement and help extend the roof’s useful service life.

Finding a Trusted Roofer Can Be Easy!

Choice Roof Contractor Group members are independent commercial roofing contractors that perform their own inspections, provide their own recommendations to customers, and perform their own roofing work. Collectively, members bring experience across many aspects of commercial roofing.

To contact a Choice Roof Contractor Group member in your area, call (800) 670-5583 or visit the CRCG website’s contact page.

For commercial and industrial buildings, metal roofing has become a popular choice for a variety of reasons. Commercial metal roofing is known for its longevity and durability; its low-maintenance qualities; its resistance to discoloration and decay; and its robustness in standing up to physical impacts, fire, high winds and more.

If you’re considering a metal roof for your commercial or industrial building, keep reading as we break down some of the most common types of metal roofs and details about them.

Commercial Metal Roof Types

Among the metal roofing materials used for commercial application, some of the most common include:

• Corrugated galvanized steel
• Standing seam metal
• Steel that is coated with a blend of zinc, aluminum and silicon
• Stainless steel
• Copper
• Aluminum
• Painted or stone-coated metal sheets

Metal roofs can be further broken down into five basic profile types:

1. Standing seam
2. CF panel
3. AP panel
4. U-panel
5. R-panel

Standing seam roofs are considered the most attractive metal roofing option—and they are also the most costly.

The name “standing seam” refers to a seam that has been mechanically hemmed at 12- to 24-inch intervals. One of the biggest advantages of a standing seam roof is it has no exposed fasteners; the panels are attached to the roof deck by means of screws and metal clips, which are hidden by the neighboring panel.

CF panel, or concealed fastener, metal roofs employ a lock-joint system that gives a clean and smooth appearance, and the fasteners are hidden. This type of metal roofing is known to be almost maintenance-free as well as fire and hail resistant.

AP panel metal roofing resembles standing-seam roofing but costs a lot less. AP panels use a pass-through system, which allows the screws to show. This type of roof is known to be very durable, low-maintenance, and fire and hail resistant.

U-panel roofing is typically composed of 26-gauge commercial-grade steel, which is heavier than the material typically used on metal roofs. U-panel roofing can often be installed over top of a shingle roof without the need for removal. This type of roofing can resist up to 140 mph winds; has a long life expectancy; and is known to be energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and hail and fire resistant.

R-panel metal roofing is low-maintenance and durable and presents an alternative to conventional roofing, as it can be retrofitted over top of existing roof material. It is also resistant to winds up to 140 mph, is fire and hail resistant, and is often made from 26-gauge steel.

Find the Right Professional to Install Your Metal Roof

We’re a nationwide association of endorsed, verified roofing contractors that have satisfied certain qualifications in order to gain membership, including having a good track record with customers, being insured, and abiding by sound ethics in all work performed. 

To locate a trusted endorsed member in your area, call (800) 670-5583 or visit the contact page of the Choice Roof Contractor Group website.

The age-old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has definite application to commercial roofs. Keeping up on routine inspections and maintenance can help identify problems earlier and reduce the risk of more costly repairs or premature replacement.

Flat roofs are a common type of roof found on commercial and industrial buildings. While they have their benefits, flat roofs can also develop problems that may shorten roof life if ignored. Proper and proactive maintenance can help reduce the risk of premature flat roof replacement.

Common Flat Roof Problems

Some common problems associated with flat and low-slope roofs include blistering, ridging, splitting, and ponding water, or water that remains on a roof for a prolonged period of time. Repair costs can become significant if these issues are allowed to worsen, which is one reason regular inspection and maintenance are important.

To properly maintain a flat roof and help reduce the risk of common problems, building owners can consider these maintenance practices:

• Proper drainage: Low-slope roofs depend on properly designed and maintained drainage systems. If water does not drain as intended, prolonged ponding can contribute to deterioration and may lead to leaks or other damage. Keeping drains, gutters, scuppers, and other drainage components clear and functioning can help reduce these risks.
• Remove snow & debris: Accumulated leaves, branches, and other debris can block drainage and trap moisture. Snow accumulation can also add substantial weight to a roof. Debris should be removed as part of routine maintenance, while snow removal should be handled carefully and when conditions warrant it to avoid damaging the roofing system.
• Maintenance of trees: Trees near a commercial roof can contribute leaves and debris, and overhanging branches may contact or damage the roof during wind events. Branches should be maintained so they do not rub against or threaten the roof, while allowing for the needs of the specific property and tree.

Finding a Dependable Roofing Professional

When you’re looking for a commercial roofer to perform flat roof maintenance or repairs, Choice Roof Contractor Group provides a way to connect with independent commercial roofing contractors in different areas.

Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide alliance of independently owned commercial roofing contractors. Members meet the group’s current membership requirements, including third-party training or certification, proof of insurance, professional business conduct, and commitment to the group’s values.

Members are independent contractors that perform their own inspections, provide their own recommendations to customers, and perform their own roofing work.

To learn more or to contact a member, visit the contact page of the Choice Roof Contractor Group website.

Flat roofs are a common choice for commercial and industrial buildings—unfortunately, they are prone to a common set of problems. The following commercial flat roof repair tips can help building owners reduce their flat roof repair costs and extend the life of their roof. After all, it makes much more sense to protect the roof you have than to pay for an expensive roof replacement because it wasn’t properly cared for.

1. Attend to Water Issues

The term “flat roof” is somewhat misleading, as nearly all flat roofs are actually slightly pitched to help with water drainage. Ponding water is one of the most common problems associated with a flat roof because the slope is so low. Insulation compression, foot traffic and minor roof deck imperfections can all cause water to accumulate on a flat roof. Persistent ponding water should be evaluated by a roofing professional so that drainage problems, damaged insulation, or other underlying conditions can be properly addressed.

2. Protection from the Sun

Like other types of roofs, flat roofs are prone to sustaining damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat and ultraviolet radiation. Different roofing materials respond to these conditions in different ways. When a roof is a suitable candidate, a high-quality reflective roof coating system may help reduce solar heat absorption and protect the existing roof surface. A roofing professional should first determine whether a coating is appropriate for the roof type and its current condition.

3. Keep Up on Maintenance

No matter what kind of roof you have, regular maintenance is crucial for keeping it in good condition and helping it reach its full life expectancy. In addition to semiannual inspections, have your roof examined by a professional after significant storms or other events that may have caused damage. Have any identified damage promptly repaired.

Finding an Expert You can Trust

Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide alliance of independently owned commercial roofing contractors. Members meet the group’s current membership requirements, including 3rd Party Training or Certification, Proof of Insurance, Professional Business Conduct, and Commitment to the Group’s Values.

Members are independent commercial roofing contractors that perform their own inspections, provide their own recommendations to customers, and perform their own roofing work.

For more information or to contact a Choice Roof Contractor Group member in your area, call (800) 670-5583 or visit the contact page of the Choice Roof Contractor Group website.