As a business owner, learning about the vital parts of your building can save you time and money in the long run. Since your roof is one of the most important parts of your commercial property, knowing the basics will assist you in understanding what it should look like and help you or your staff to spot problems.
Read on to understand more about your roof and how you can protect it.
Commercial Roofing Components
The basic parts of your roofing system, starting at the bottom, include:
1. Structural Deck
This innermost layer is what supports the weight of your commercial roof. Steel is the most common roof deck surface, but wood, concrete, and gypsum are additional options. If you go into the highest point you can get to inside your commercial property and look up, you’ll be looking at the bottom side of the structural deck of your roof.
2. Vapor Control Layer
A thin layer is located between your structural deck and your insulation. It’s called the vapor control layer, and it helps safeguard your insulation from moisture build-up. This vital ingredient to your roofing system keeps your insulation from unhealthy, harmful mold and mildew growth. It also prevents damaging water leaks from your building. This protective layer extends the lifespan of your commercial roof.
3. Insulation
To ensure the energy efficiency of your commercial building, a layer of insulation is located on top of your structural deck. Rigid insulation helps with climate control and your roof’s durability. This maximizes your building’s energy savings and lowers your use of your heating and air conditioning units, extending their lifespan and saving you money over the years.
4. Adhesive
The next layer applied to your commercial roof—on top of your insulation—is your adhesive layer. It’s a durable rubber bond adhesive product installed in a thin layer and has two primary functions. First, your roof’s adhesive connects its insulation layer with the waterproof cover. And second, it protects the top of your insulation from moisture build-up to prevent leaks, mold, and mildew.
5. Weatherproof Membrane
The top layer on your commercial roofing system is your weatherproof membrane. It’s the visible layer of your roof and protects your investment from being harmed by the elements.
There are a variety of weatherproof membranes you can choose from when it’s time for a roof replacement. Each of them has different pros and cons, so do your research and talk with a reputable team of roofers (like us!) to discover the best long-term solution for your building.
You can choose from a variety of weatherproof membranes. Single-ply materials are common for commercial roofing. These include:
- Thermoplastics (PVC or TPO) – Thermoplastics are made from polymers that soften when heated and harden when cooled. PVC roofing is seam-sealed with hot air and performs well in high-heat conditions. TPO roofs are noted for their reliable performance. They are cost-effective and streamlined to install.
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) – This reliable roofing product is made from rubber polymers called EPDM and is another excellent option.
- Built-up Roofing Systems (BUR) – Asphalt-based material such as BUR is another option if your roof deck allows for this material.
- Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems (Mod Bit) – This commercial roofing material takes the BUR and modifies it with polymers for added flexibility, strength, and longevity. APP and SBS are two common examples of Mod Bit roofing.
How to Safeguard Your Roof from Unnecessary Problems
Understand your roofing system
Damage to your roof can affect its performance and shorten its life. Knowing its anatomy can help you be proactive in preventing minor problems from turning into major ones.
Have your commercial roof inspected regularly
You should have your commercial roof inspected twice a year and after any major storms in the Kansas City area. Preventing problems or catching them while they are small can save you time and money over the lifespan of your roof.
During a roof inspection, a professional roofer will look for any trouble brewing with your roofing system. They can repair any damage promptly to keep your building well-protected from leaks.
Durable Roofing for Your Kansas City Area Commercial Building
At Christian Brothers Roofing, we go the extra mile to ensure your commercial roofing system is installed with precision, so you get the high performance you deserve for the lifetime of your Kansas City property’s roof. We know a long-lasting roof is what you want. That’s why we help educate you on the value and benefits of our roofing products and installation.
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