Roofing 101: Types of Roofs

Single Ply Roofing

Single ply roofing has become the leading low slope option in commercial and industrial roofing. Single ply roofing benefits include low cost installation, reflectivity, and lack of use of non renewable resources. Single ply roofing is available in a wide variety of types, thickness, colors and installation methods.

  • TPO Roofing
    The fastest growing segment of commercial roofing. TPO membranes are the most economical solution. Seams of the TPO membranes are heat welded together with robotic welders for excellent water tightness.
  • PVC Roofing
    Benefits include great flexibility and excellent chemical resistance. Seams of PVC membranes are heat welded together with robotic welders for water tightness.
  • EPDM Roofing
    A long standing reliable option in low slope roofing. When installed and maintained properly, an EPDM roof may last well beyond its expected life. EPDM roofing is also able to be recycled.

Application Methods

  • Mechanically Fasten
    Membrane screws and plates are inserted at the seams of the membrane into the decking substrate.
  • Fully Adhere
    Membrane is attached to the substrate in full coverage of manufacture’s liquid adhesive.
  • Ballast
    Membrane is loose laid and held in place with coverage of ballast rock. Ballast is available in several color options allowing for decorative design options when desired.
  • Rhino Bond
    Specialized plates with membrane coating on top are installed through the substrate. The membrane is laid out on top and attached to the underlying plates with a magnetic welder.

 


 

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Also known as MBR, this is an asphalt based option that incorporates multiple layers of asphalt sheets attached by one of several options. Types of MBR include SBS and APP

Application Methods

  • Torch Down
    Requires the use of open flame torches to adhere multiple layers together.
  • Cold Applied
    Uses manufacturer’s asphalt based liquid adhesive in full coverage spread to adhere multiple layers together.
  • Hot Applied
    Uses hot tar in full coverage spread to adhere multiple layers together. This has the significant drawback of tar kettle fumes during the installation process.

 


 

Built Up Roofing

Also known as BUR, this is an asphalt based option that uses flood coats of hot asphalt, ply felt, and gravel surfacing.

BUR requires the use of tar kettles and results in significant amounts of fumes during the roofing process.

 


 

Decor Roofing

Decor Roofing is a process in which battens are heat welded on a finished membrane roofing system to give the appearance of a standing seam roofing system with the benefits of a single ply rooing system’s water tightness. Decor systems are available in a wide variety of stock and custom colors as well as can be installed in any design desired to create a one of a kind custom look. Decor roofing is an excellent option for reroofing standing seam domes.

 


 

Standing Seam Metal  Roofing

SSMR is available in a wide variety of manufacture’s styles and colors. SSMR is attached to a substrate using hidden clips and has either quick locking or mechanically seamed joints.