Ask an Atlanta Commercial Roofer Rubber Roofing Solutions That Last Longer

rubber roofing Atlanta

Rubber roofing Atlanta contractors provide solutions for commercial buildings that offer durability and longevity. There are also many options to choose from. For one thing, EPDM is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane that is highly durable and resistant to weathering, UV radiation, and ozone exposure. It can withstand extreme temperatures and has a lifespan of 30 years or more when properly installed and maintained.

TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) roofing is a single-ply membrane made from rubber and plastic. It offers excellent resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and punctures. TPO roofs have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) roofing is another type of single-ply membrane that combines durability and energy efficiency. It provides strong resistance to chemicals, UV radiation, and fire. PVC roofs can last for more than 20 years.

Modified bitumen roofing systems consist of asphalt and synthetic rubber modifiers. They offer flexibility and superior resistance to extreme temperatures, punctures, and tears. Proper maintenance ensures that a modified bitumen roof lasts around 20 to 25 years.

Rubber shingles represent another viable solution. They are a durable alternative to traditional asphalt shingles. They are made from recycled rubber and resist weathering, wind, and impact. Rubber shingles can last up to 50 years or even more.

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Why Drone and Thermal Roof Inspections Are a Thing of the Future

Superior Commercial Roofing & Contracting

Aerial thermal imaging services with the help of drones equipped with special cameras are addressed to purposes other than standard filming and photography. The most frequent uses of drones with infrared cameras are related to rescue operations, search, inspecting installations, pipes, power lines, and even roofs.

According to Superior Commercial Roofing & Contracting professionals, drone and thermal roof inspections can be an extremely effective method of roof maintenance. Checking a roof is not easy because it involves working at height, so you need professional protective equipment. In addition, identifying problems with the roof (small cracks that allow water to seep in) is not easy to do with the naked eye, but a thermal imaging camera installed on a drone will do the job without any problems. Thermal scanning provides information on the percentage of roof sealing and areas that allow water infiltration, generating thermographic images.

Be careful. However, this method does not eliminate leaks but will only help to identify them! Once you know exactly where the problems are, the repairs will be more efficient, and they will extend the roof’s life span.

Drone and thermal roof inspections are a thing of the future and have meager costs compared to repairing or replacing roofs, so it is efficient to use them in the regular roof maintenance process. This way, you will prevent much more costly incidents.

Is Flat Roofing the Only Type of Roofing You Should Use for Your Atlanta Building?

Superior Commercial Roofing & Contracting

While flat roofing is the most common type of roofing used on commercial buildings, preferred for its capability to support food traffic as well as for providing extra space for your commercial facility to install features like outdoor AC units, flat structures are not your only option. Highly regarded Atlanta contractors at Superior Commercial Roofing & Contracting confirm that there are some other roof types to choose for your commercial facility in Atlanta:

  • Sloping roofs – the types of roofs that you can mostly see on residential buildings, the ones that consist of either one slope meeting a wall at the top or consisting of two or more slopes that meet at their highest points, can be used on commercial facilities as well. The option will give you the benefit of creating an attic-like space underneath the roof, suitable for creating offices or for storing archives. Getting a sloping roof for your building can also come for your facility an appearance that makes it similar to residential buildings.
  • Arched roofs – this type of roofing structure is very popular for warehouses and for other applications that need extra height. Arched structures can take special forms that allow for opening the roof as well and they can be constructed partially from glass or from plexiglass to let even more light in.

Different Types of Rubber Roofing, With Pros And Cons

For waterproofing flat roofs, recommended rubber roofing Atlanta specialists can provide you with waterproofing systems with different types of durable materials.

rubber roofing Atlanta

There are several types of rubber membranes, each with its advantages.

PVC membranes

  • Verified technology
  • High degree of fire resistance
  • The possibility of obtaining customized architectural solutions (colors, profiles and roof logos)
  • Easy to handle and install
  • Suitable for different climatic conditions
  • Fast installation, independent of climatic conditions (it can be installed at low temperatures, and even when it is raining)
  • Good vapor permeability
  • Great flexibility

Con: over time, the additives in the polyvinyl chloride evaporate and the membrane can become brittle.

TPO membranes

  • High chemical resistance
  • Suitable for direct application to substrates such as bitumen, EPS insulation and XPS
  • No plasticizer (no migration/contamination or transpiration)
  • Easy to maintain
  • Suitable to be used and exposed in severe climatic conditions
  • Installation without the use of fire sources
  • Environmentally friendly product
  • Proven performance and durability for 35 years

Con: TPO is a fairly new coating solution, so manufacturers are still working on improving the formulas in its composition. Consequently, not all TPO membranes have the same qualities.

EPDM membranes

  • Excellent stability against the influences of weather, sunlight, acids and caustic solutions
  • Long lasting flexibility and elasticity
  • Traction resistant
  • Suitable for uneven substrates
  • Membrane adjustment is possible up to 30 minutes after fixing
  • Easy application in the corners
  • It does not require additional mechanical fixing
  • Resistant to ozone and UV rays
  • Durability 50 years

Con: They are more expensive than other types of rubber roofing