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Metal Roofing vs. TPO Roofing – Which Is Best for Atlanta?

metal roofing Atlanta

When it comes to the materials used for constructing commercial roofing in Atlanta, metal and TPO are the two most popular options. Here are some features that you should know about before choosing one of the two options over the other:

  • Roof life – according to manufacturers and to the studies performed by independent research groups, metal and TPO roofing materials differ considerably in terms of service life. High-end metal roofing Atlanta contractors confirm that structures built from zinc-coated aluminum can last for around six decades, however, the warranted service life of TPO membranes is usually around 25 years.
  • Wind resistance – TPO roofs being constructed from membranes that are fastened very tightly to the decking, they are considered to be stronger when exposed to high winds than metal roofs, especially when compared to standing seam metal roofs that more readily allow wind gusts to reach underneath.
  • Snow load – TPO roofs might have a hard time when exposed very thick layers of snow, metal being a better option for areas that get heavy snowing.
  • Maintenance needs – metal and TPO are both considered to be low maintenance materials. They both need to be regularly cleaned and inspected by a professional, but in most cases those maintenance visits will not reveal any major fault that needs expensive repairs.

 

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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.

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How to Care for Rubber Roofing in Atlanta

Atlanta commercial roofing contractors

Rubber roofing consists of vulcanized membranes, offering unmatched ozone and ultraviolet radiation resistance. Because these membranes do not contain flame retardants or plasticizers, their characteristics stay unchanged and stable over time, making them durable solutions to be used for roofing.

The main advantages of a rubber roof include:

  • High flexibility and elasticity – These membranes remain flexible up to temperatures of 45°C and have an elasticity of over 300%, which ensures their resistance to building movements and temperature changes.
  • Low operating costs – Rubber roof membranes require a low level of maintenance. Even after a long period of exposure, they can be easily repaired.

In this context, should you worry about caring for your rubber roof? Shortly, yes! If your roof has minimal maintenance requirements, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it.

Caring for your rubber roof in Atlanta should involve a periodic maintenance contract with a licensed roofing company. Practiced Atlanta commercial roofing contractors will check the roof once or twice a year to make sure everything is in order, and if minor problems are identified, they will be fixed before they get worse. The roof will also be cleaned.

Extra care is required when there are roof penetrations (HVAC units, solar panels, etc.).

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3 Flat Roofing Products You Will Need for Better Energy Efficiency

flat roofing Atlanta

The ideal roof would be 100% reflective in summer and 100% absorbent in winter, but a roof cannot change its reflective and emission properties. As a result, the overall energy efficiency of a roof must be assessed by comparing the energy saved from temperature regulation during the hot summer months with the energy consumed in the cold season.

TPO membranes – Roof systems that reflect the sun’s rays can save energy and money. They are suitable year round in warm environments, in the hot summer months, and in temperate areas. Reflective roofs are metallic or very light colored, and TPO membranes are typically white or light gray.

In addition to reducing the cooling demand for the entire building, a low roof temperature also increases the efficiency of the installed photovoltaic system. Where there is a HVAC system installed, the efficiency of transporting cold air throughout the building is also dramatically increased. According to flat roofing Atlanta experts, this leads to low energy consumption, an environmentally friendly impact.

PVC membranes can be manufactured in light gray or slate gray, so they have similar properties to TPO membranes when it comes to energy efficiency. Their advantage is better resistance to very high temperatures.

EPDM membranes are dark in color, making them suitable for cold areas with less sunshine.  Energy efficiency can still be achieved when they are installed in sunny areas by covering them with a layer of white liquid coating. This will also deliver additional protection.

 

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