Tips to Choose the Best Commercial Roof for Your Building in Atlanta

EPDM roofing Atlanta

The humid subtropical climate of Atlanta comes with four distinct seasons and lots of precipitation the year around. These special climate conditions expose local roofs to special conditions and challenges, which also means that the materials used on local roofs need particular qualities. Here are some of the most common choices for commercial roofs in the city:

  • Metal – available in a variety of alloy versions, the metal sheets and panels used for making flat roofs are popular due their affordability, easy installation and low maintenance needs. Metal roofs are also very durable, giving the commercial facilities they are installed on adequate protection for around 30-40 years.
  • Membranes – Economical EPDM roofing Atlanta contractors confirm that membrane solutions are popular due to their resistance to puncture, easy installation and and durability. TPO and EPDM are the two most common examples of membrane roofing materials.  TPO roofs usually come in white, grey and tan, which ensures superior heat reflectivity, while EPDM comes in black, which absorbs heat.
  • Built-up roofs – one of the most traditional solutions used on flat roofs, these structures consist of alternated layers of asphalt sheets and some kind of aggregate, such as mineral granules. The solution is popular due to the low costs and low maintenance needs.

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Why Flat Roofing Is the Type of Roofing Most Atlanta Businesses Tend to Choose?

Atlanta commercial roofing contractor

Although, in the past, the best type of roof was considered to be the pitched roof, nowadays, flat roofs have become much more popular and not only when it comes to commercial or industrial buildings.

A full service Atlanta commercial roofing contractor confirms that the advantages of flat roofs make them very suitable for Atlanta climate, as well as for the needs of local business owners:

  • modern and aesthetic look
  • moderate construction costs
  • low maintenance costs
  • stability of the microclimate in the indoor space below the roof by preventing heat loss in winter and overheating in summer
  • reduced vulnerability to wind and hail
  • potential for a high ecological contribution
  • better use of the space inside the building
  • the possibility to use the roof for various purposes (installation of photovoltaic panels, arrangement of a green terrace, etc.)

The execution of a flat roof is demanding, especially when it comes to waterproofing. It is also essential to plan and execute the drainage system well and to ensure an impeccable vapor barrier to prevent excessive moisture build-up.

Proper waterproofing of a flat roof provides very good protection against water infiltration and moisture. Nowadays, waterproofing membranes are very efficient, resistant to exposure, and very elastic, ensuring a very long lifespan. That is why flat roofs are the type most Atlanta businesses tend to use.

How Quickly Can an Atlanta Commercial Roofer Intervene to Prevent Extensive Storm Damage?

Extensive storm damage to one’s roof most certainly pose many problems to your existing commercial building, and can sometimes even cause undesirable interruption to your business activities, causing you to lose money and other valuable resources, decreasing your employees’ productivity.

This can happen especially in case your commercial roof does not have regular maintenance. We could speak of wind damage, which can lead to granule loss, water infiltration inside your house or water pooling on top of your roof. Water damage can be observed soon after the storm passes, at it implies indoor humidity. Storms can also include heavy rain falls. When a roof was improperly installed, any error becomes more prominent.

In case your roof has missing shingles, it may be difficult to determine if this is the consequence of  wind or if it was caused by something else. For instance, snow and ice in winter can be equally dangerous to your roof.

Superior Commercial Roofing & Contracting

It is recommended that you have your commercial roof properly inspected by Atlanta commercial roofer Superior Commercial Roofing & Contracting, on a regular basis, rather than calling them to intervene only when things get serious. Local roofers know that storm damage can aggravate due to failure to take the necessary measures fast, so they will come to help you as promptly as possible whenever called.

TPO Roofing – Is It a Desirable Option for Residential Buildings?

flat roofing Atlanta

Compared to less durable roofing options, TPO has a lot of advantages. It can last for up to 30 years without needing significant repairs, and most of what you have to do is to remove debris and make sure its reflective qualities are kept intact. These benefits alone make TPO a better option than asphalt shingle roofing, since the latter doesn’t last as long and is less capable of reflecting UV radiation.

TPO is a great cool roof, which makes it ideal for warmer climates. Yet, according to expert flat roofing Atlanta contractors, it’s also good when you need an impact-resistant roof for areas where hail storms are common. That last point pretty much invalidates the idea that a flat roof can’t be a residential roof because it’s flat. Many sloped roofing systems will be less resilient in the face of powerful storms, and will likely require far more expensive repairs compared to a durable TPO roof.

Finally, when it comes to aesthetics, TPO – like any other flat roof – will not beat the beauty and diversity of a metal or natural slate roof. However, it makes up for that through ease of installation, affordable construction and quicker repairs. So basically, if you’re just looking for a resilient and practical roofing system that’s available at a relatively cheap price, then TPO roofing will be perfect for your residential building.