Industrial Roofing experiences more wear and tear than other roofing. Different chemicals, smoke, exhausts, and residues from the manufacturing process can increase the speed of wear and tear in roofing material than season changes.
Other factors you can consider while choosing the best fit for industrial roofing are weather conditions and ventilation systems. Most industrial roofs have skylights to help get more natural light inside. Penetration in the roofing system can make it vulnerable to roof leaks.
Here are the 10 most common types of industrial roofing:
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are considered a solid and durable material against harsh weather. Due to advancements in the roofing industry, metal roofs made nowadays are highly resistant to hail damage and can last more than 40 years without major repair or replacement.
The price of metal roofing depends on the material. There are different types of metal roofing: Aluminum, zinc, and steel. Metal roofs are not ideal for flat roofs, and they perform better with a low-slope roof to ensure water drainage.
Benefits:
- Heat resistant
- Fire Resistant
- Durability
- Eco-friendly
- Efficient
- Long Lasting
- Wind Resistant
Modified Bitumen – Mod Bit
Modified bitumen is also known as mod bit; it is asphalt with a modifier like plastic or rubber-like properties to make it more durable. It is applied to roofs with little to no slope. It can be smooth or granulated. Granules protect the roof from UV rays and provide an extra protection layer.
Mod Bit roofing is highly durable, and its expected life is up to twenty years.
Benefits:
- Highly Resistant to weather conditions
- Durable
- Anti cracking properties
- Low maintenance
- Easy Installation
- Wind Resistant
Built-up Roof – BUR
BUR has been around since the 18s and is known as a built-up roof. BUR is not so popular but is still being installed today. The durability of this system is up to 50 years or longer in some cases. Built-up roofing is uncommon due to inefficient installation practices.
It’s one of the toughest roofing types available. It is expensive, but you can control the price of it by reducing the number of layers.
Benefits:
- Exceptional waterproofing
- UV Resistant
- Highly durable
- Low maintenance
Thermoplastic Polyolefin – TPO
TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is a roof membrane with a single ply. TPO are sheets in different sizes and thicknesses. This new technology uses rubber and reinforcing scrim to manufacture sheets and has a lifespan of 10 to 25 years.
TPO roofing systems are used only on flat roofs. They are bright white, which reflects the sunlight and keeps the building cooler. TPO roofs are resistant to oil and fats, which makes them a better choice for ventilation systems that emit oils.
Benefits:
- Fire Resistant
- Wind Resistant
- UV Resistant
- Durable
- Resistant to algae, dirt, bacteria, and dirt
- Resistant to chemical exposure
Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer – EPDM
Like TPO, EPDM is also a single-ply membrane that comes in different widths and thicknesses. It can last up to 40 years. Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer is made from a rubber-type material and is considered durable. EPDM roofing is cost-effective, long-lasting, 100% recyclable, and eco-friendly.
Benefits
- Fire, Cold, UV, and Acid Resistant.
- Solvent and Alcohol Resistant
- Easy to install, repair, and maintain
- Eco friendly
- Energy efficient
Polyvinyl Chloride – PVC
The life expectancy of PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is 15 to 30 years, and it is made of synthetic plastic polymer. It looks the same as TPO. PVC roofs are stronger due to their hot air welded seams. PVC is expensive, but it can save a lot in the long run on repairs and maintenance.
Benefits:
- Chemical Resistant
- Durable
- Wind Resistant
- Fire Resistant
- Strength
- Eco Friendly
- Long Service life
Spray Polyurethane Foam – SPF
It is around 40 years old technology but is a less commonly known roofing material. Spray polyurethane foam roofs can last over 50 years and be used in any weather conditions.
SPF comes in liquid form and turns into foam once sprayed. It can stick to any surface and be installed on any roof slope.
Benefits
- Waterproof
- Easy installation
- Durable
- Lightweight
Roof Coating Systems
Silicone, acrylic, and urethane are known as the most common roof coatings. Liquid-applied roofing systems are installed directly on the roof surface. It makes a rubber-type layer on the roof that protects the roof substrates. Application methods are different for different coating materials. There are several roof coating materials available in the market which claim to restore your roof to perfection.
Benefits:
- Increases roof life
- Protect roof
- Leak Prevention
- UV Protection
- Prevents roof damage
- Reduce repair costs
Concrete
Concrete roofs are more expensive than traditional materials available in the market. It is the most long-lasting material. A concrete roof requires a solid structure to support it. This type of roof works best when the building consists of support columns and concrete walls.
A number of contractors are moving towards this roofing option and have figured out how to make sloping roofs using concrete.
Benefits:
- Fire Resistant
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Last longer
- Energy Efficient
Green Roofs
Green roofs are special types of roofs used on buildings. They have many benefits and are very versatile. One of the main advantages is that they protect industrial buildings from harsh weather while also helping with water drainage and making the building use less energy.
Green roofs also look nice and are good for the environment. They help make industrial buildings more sustainable and eco-friendlier. These roofs can last a really long time, around 50 to 75 years, or maybe even longer.
Benefits of green roofs:
- Help the environment
- Improve how water drains
- Make the air cleaner
- Don’t soak up a lot of water
- Easy to take care of
- Look nice
- Keep rainwater on the roof
There are different industrial roofs, each designed based on what the building needs and budget. A roof is essential for keeping the whole building in good shape. Choosing the best fit for your needs is challenging, but talking to an approved contractor like Big G Roofing & More Inc. can save time and money.
If a roof is leaking or not taken care of, it can cause problems for the things stored inside, like equipment and even the people who work there. If you’re unsure which roofing material is best for your industrial building or if you need someone to check or fix your roof, you can contact Big G Roofing for help.