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As it’s out of sight and usually out of mind, you might not think too much about your commercial roof. Here are a few misconceptions about commercial roofing systems. Myth: The roof on my commercial building is flat. Fact: “Flat” commercial roofs are constructed with a slope so that water can flow toward the building’s perimeter that has gutters and downspouts, or toward drainage systems that are located in the interior of the roof surface. If water doesn’t flow, but “ponds” on the rooftop, it can promote mold growth, increase the possibility of leaks and, if not addressed, eventually lead …

When it comes to commercial roofing systems, building owners have lots of options. Some have been around for more than a century; others are more recently developed. Here’s a brief look at what’s available on the market today. Built-up roofing (BUR) systems have been used in the U.S. for well over 100 years and are still commonly installed today. So-named because they are literally manufactured or “built-up” on the rooftop by the installing contractor, BUR systems consist of alternate layers or “plies” of liquid tar or asphalt and roofing felt or another synthetic fabric. They are typically covered with a …

Downpours from summertime storms can be disruptive, and even disastrous, as we’ve seen in 2021 from the weather events that affected southeast Michigan. Flooded basements and closed freeways were at the top of the news, but it’s worth considering what might have happened on the top of your building – specifically to your commercial roof. If your building has a flat or low-sloped roof, be aware that collected or “ponding” water has the potential to create problems. Although it’s not uncommon for puddles to linger on the rooftop after a rain, if it’s not drained or dissipated within 48 hours …

Installing a new commercial roofing system is a multi-faceted project that requires a team effort to ensure success. Make sure you understand the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved so that your roofing project is planned and installed properly to protect your commercial building for 15-20 years or more. For most re-roofing projects, there are three primary members of the team. The first and perhaps most important is the commercial contractor. Regardless of the roofing system selected, the contractor is responsible for getting it installed properly, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Despite the fact that all commercial roofing systems perform …

Your commercial roofing system has the important responsibility of protecting your building from the elements. If it’s installed and maintained properly, a new roof should provide years of guarding your commercial facility against the forces of nature. And if you’re in the market for a new roofing system, there are other benefits you can realize by installing a highly reflective, “cool” roof. The market for cool roofing has grown strongly in recent years, primarily driven by single-ply thermoplastic systems. In contrast with more traditional dark or black roofing products, these membranes are white or light-colored and highly reflective. Reflective single-ply …

When your new commercial roof is installed, you should expect it to provide weather-tight protection for your building for 15 years or even longer, depending on climate conditions and if you are attentive to rooftop maintenance issues.  In Michigan and other parts of the Midwest, roofs are subject to the full gamut of weather, from intense heat in the summer to rainy and windy springs to wintertime freeze and thaw cycles. All have an impact on the roof system, especially as it ages. Eventually your commercial roof will need replacing and it’s a good practice to do periodic inspections of …

If you have a flat standing seam metal roof deck on your commercial building, now is a good time to inspect it to see if winter produced any problems that could lead to leaks. There are basically two types of standing seam metal roofing systems. Architectural metal systems are designed to be an attractive – possibly colorful – part of a building’s exterior. On the other hand, structural standing seam roofing systems are commonly installed on flat commercial facilities at the time of construction, because they’re economical and provide reliable weather protection for years. They’re typically not visible from ground …

Timing is everything when it comes to maintaining an efficient heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Making smart decisions about your HVAC system can affect utility bills and comfort significantly. As a business owner or owner of a rental building, comfort plays a huge role in keeping your occupants content. To maintain an efficient HVAC system, or when you should pay extra attention to your HVAC system, consider the following: When rooms feel too hot or too cold, inadequate air sealing or insufficient insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficient your heating and cooling system is, if …

A membrane roofing system is an option for buildings with flat or low slope roofs. While they are most commonly used for commercial properties, their residential use is growing. Membrane roofs serve the same general function of preventing leaks and helping to move water off the roof to reduce ponding, but they have advantages over traditional, asphalt-based roofing systems (also known as built-up roofing – BUR) for flat roofs. There are many benefits to flat roof membrane systems: Flat roofing membrane sheets are made from a variety of compound materials, but most likely either synthetic rubber (EPDM), thermoplastic (PVC or …

If you’re a commercial building owner or manager in the market for a new roof for your facility, you have a lot of choices available. Several factors could impact your roofing decision and whether your new roof installation will be a long-term success. Here are a few considerations. Obviously, commercial roofs vary widely in their construction and composition: low-sloped and steep-sloped roofs; standing seam metal or concrete decks; new construction compared with roof retrofits; roofs that are open versus those that have multiple penetrations. These are just some of the variations that can present challenges for a new or replacement …