For commercial buildings, asphaltic low-slope roofing provides the highest level of quality, affordability and reliability on the market. Most commercial facilities use low-slope roofing because it is cost-efficient, maximizes usable space and can be designed to feature value-adding amenities such as HVAC equipment or a roof garden.
Though a flat roof may appear level, it actually must have a slight slope so that water can run off the surface. Asphaltic low-slope roofing is the strongest option for waterproofing because its redundancies and reliability provide added support and protection for a building which water cannot penetrate.
There are two types of asphaltic low slope roofing. Built-up Roofing (BUR) and Modified Bitumen (MB).
BUR is “built-up” of alternating layers of heavy roofing felt and hot mopped or cold-applied asphalt. The surface is finished with a mineral or gravel covering and a special coating, which safeguards it from the sun and adds fire resistance. Recent installation advances have included peel-and-stick self-adhesive products and low-fuming asphalt formulations.
The redundancy of BUR systems make them ideal for hosting overburdens such as solar panel installations.
MB systems are referred to as being ‘modified’ because the asphalt has been blended with polymers—usually either atactic polypropylene (APP) or styrene butadiene styrene (SBS)—to improve the product’s strength, flexibility and resistance to solar radiation. MB provides the features of a built-up roof with the added tensile strength and elongation of a modified bitumen cap sheet, as well as the quality assurance of in-plant membrane fabrication uniformity and control, and reduced labor requirements for installation.
MB systems provide added strength and are affordable & reliable to install.
Asphalt low-slope roofing has a number of beneficial attributes which make it an asset to building owners and facility managers.
Performance:
- Multi-layer protection, redundancy reduces chance of leaks
- Thermal performance
- Fire and uplift performance
- Seals concrete decks
- Versatile; suited to all types of roof decks
- Today’s formulas resist weathering
- Adaptable to meet any penetration or flashing detail
- Most cost-effective choice for commercial structures
Maintenance:
- Withstands high-foot traffic
- Existing systems can be easily repaired by a roofing professional
Availability:
- Easy to find contractors to install
- Versatile systems and products
Price:
- Inexpensive over entire life cycle
- “Best bang for the buck”
- Versatile options – choose the right system for your budget
Enviro-Friendly:
- Existing systems can be modified to become “cool” and energy efficient
- Existing structures can be modified to accommodate “green” vegetative roofing
- New industry advances embracing sustainability of product
- Materials may be recycled
Asphalt roofing is a system above the rest…
Low-slope roofs on industrial and institutional buildings share many common challenges:
- The low-slope of the roof affects its ability to shed water
- High-foot traffic when servicing equipment can cause wear and tear
- Multiple penetrations could affect the waterproofing system
In all of these cases, asphalt roofing offers the solution!
