Different roof types do better with different roof systems. For example, a steeply sloped roof wouldn’t necessarily work best with the same system that a flat roof would. Additionally, the type of building will lend itself to certain roofing styles. What would work best on an industrial food processing center may be different from what you want on your home.
Few people are particularly knowledgeable about roofing systems, so an overview of some of the systems Sully-Jones works with might be helpful for better understanding of the options.
Flat Roofs
Flat or low-slope roofs are defined by a slope that is less than 3:12 or roughly less than 3 inches of drop for every foot of roof. Flat roofs are wonderfully open and allow for a lot of space for HVAC units, vents, and other installations.
One of the primary issues flat roofs face is ponding water due to the low slope. Waterproofing the roof is critical in the prevention of leaks and the reduction of damage to the interior. The systems that work best in this scenario are highly waterproof.
KEE Based Single-Ply Roofing. KEE or Ketone Ethylene Ester is manufactured by FiberTite and was used as the benchmark membrane for the development of ASTM standards for KEE based sheet roofing. FiberTite is proud to report that their KEE single ply roofing systems have been lasting for over 35-years and are still going strong. FiberTite KEE is the premium single ply product on the market today.
PVC Based Single Ply Roofing. PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is vinyl based single ply roofing membrane that can be fully adhered or mechanically attached to your existing roofing system, in most cases. PVC is considered the mid-range single ply product available today. Highly waterproof and reflective, it also offers increased energy efficiency for your building.
TPO Based Single Ply Roofing. TPO or Thermoplastic Olefin is a vinyl based single ply roofing membrane that was developed to compete with built-up roofing (BUR) when California’s new Title 24 roof reflection regulations took effect. TPO can be applied by either fully adhered or with mechanical attachment methods. TPO membranes are strong, highly reflective, energy efficient and take very little maintenance.
APP Heat-Welded Membranes (Torch-Down). An evolution from asphalt roofing, torch-down combines asphalt with a variety of rubber modifiers/solvent. It can be connected in different ways, including a heat application, where the seams are heated, and the asphalt is literally melted together to form a seal. Hot-mop applications are comparable to convention built-up roof installation. Finally, there are also cold-applied adhesives and self-adhesive membranes to consider. This system is also known as APP, SBS and SEBS.
Coatings. Coatings come in different chemical compositions, with the most common being based on silicone or acrylic. Coatings begin life as a liquid, which is sprayed onto the surface of the existing roofing system. As the coating dries it forms a seamless, monolithic layer of waterproof protection across the entire surface, including roof/protrusion interfaces. Acrylic is specifically noted for its highly reflective nature and can reflect up to 85% of solar heat rays away from the building, resulting in lowered air conditioning costs.
Sloped Roofs
Sloped roofs are any roof with a greater than 3:12 slope. Common in areas with high rain or snow levels, this roof style is also popular on many residential homes.
Shingle Roofs. Shingles are primarily made of asphalt with a fiberglass scrim sheet reinforcement for strength and stability. They have ceramic granules of various colors embedded on the surface for reflection and appearance. The asphalt works as a repellent to water and also holds the granule surfacing in place. Manufacturer prorated warranties generally cover from 20-50 years.
Tile Roofs. When people think of tile roofing, Spanish and Mediterranean architecture come to mind. Today, there are concrete and clay tile roofs that are as varied and unique as the homes or buildings they cover, making tile the right choice for a wide variety of architectural styles. With a wide array of colors, finishes, shapes and styles, tile roofing gives you the beauty and style you desire and the durability you will appreciate for many years to come.
For more information on roofing systems and which would work best for your home or building, call the Sully-Jones professionals at 619-444-0150 or 800-611-3110 and schedule your consultation.