The Role of Commercial Roofing in Protecting Your Atlanta Business from Natural Disasters

EPDM roofing Atlanta

Flat roofs in architecture and construction appeared at the end of the 19th century, with the advancement of technology, and in particular with the invention of reinforced concrete. Of course, the concept is well known since ancient times, but only in geographically warm areas, without precipitation and snow. The new technology allowed the installation of flat roofs in other areas.

Flat roofs offer many options for arrangement, so it is no wonder that they are so popular. The technology behind them has advanced so much that nowadays there is a solution for almost any type of building and situation.

The most significant aspect, however, is the durability of a flat roof, which is due to modern coating materials (rubber membranes, in particular), which are highly resistant and have long warranties provided by the manufacturers. EPDM roofing Atlanta pros affirm that EPDM, TPO and PVC membranes are unlikely to be damaged by wind and hail, and they also have very high waterproofing properties. Consequently, such a type of commercial roofing option is very effective in protecting your Atlanta business from natural disasters.

Proper compliance and design of a flat roof has beneficial effects in terms of the life span of the building and reducing energy losses. This project must be carried out by specialists, who will take into account the concrete conditions of the building. The main parts of the construction of a flat roof include the optimal design, the proper construction of the insulation and also of the protection against the influences of external factors.

 

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Essential Concerns to Bring Up with Your Atlanta Commercial Roofer

Atlanta commercial roofing contractor

If you are in charge of a commercial building in Atlanta, having the number of a local Atlanta commercial roofing contractor on speed dial is very important. If you have recently started your activity as the building’s manager, it is even more important to arrange for a meeting with your Atlanta commercial roofer to discuss your concerns. Here are some topics that you might want to bring up:

  • The condition of your roof – ideally, your commercial roof should be inspected by a professional twice a year, in spring and in fall, to ensure the continued good performance of your roof. These inspection and maintenance visits are usually very affordable and most commercial roofers also offer maintenance programs that you can enroll your roof into, so if your roof is not yet enrolled into such a program, discuss the option with your contractor.
  • Upcoming roof repairs – knowing what is next is always important if you are a building manager, so another important topic to discuss with your roofer is whether there are any important repairs that should be completed soon.
  • The life span of your roof – having an idea about how long you can expect your roof to stay on your building without being affected by major problems is another important issue. Your contractor will provide an evaluation of your roof based on the roof’s age as well as its condition.

 

Flat Roofing Concerns for Bad Weather Conditions

Flat roofing can be a great choice for commercial and residential buildings, but it’s important to be aware of potential concerns in bad weather conditions. Storms, rain, snow and ice can all do a number on your roof, and all of them are possible, even in a relatively warm and balanced city like Atlanta.

flat roofing Atlanta

Flat roofs are more prone to leaks during heavy rain than sloped roofs. You’ll have to make sure that your flat roof has proper drainage systems in place, including gutters and downspouts. Regular inspections scheduled with flat roofing Atlanta maintenance specialists, along with clearing debris from drains and gutters, can also help prevent water damage.

High winds are yet another stressor that you can experience in the Atlanta area. Even the best flat roofs can be more vulnerable to high winds compared to sloped roofs. To minimize damage from high winds, it’s important to ensure that your flat roof is properly secured and has adequate flashing and sealing around vents and other penetrations.

Most commercial flat roofing systems can be more susceptible to hail damage than sloped roofs. A roofing material that is impact-resistant and that has been properly installed and maintained is your best chance to avoid damage done by strong hail impact.

Finally, flat roofs can absorb a lot of heat, which can lead to structural damage and energy inefficiency. To address this concern, it’s important to choose a roofing material with high reflectivity, such as metal, and to ensure that the roof is properly insulated and ventilated.

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.