S&L REMODELING BEGAN WITH COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MANAGERS THROUGHOUT THE PITTSBURGH AREA

BUILT UP ROOFING (BUR) – Built up roofing is a traditional flat roofing type where layers of felt, or fiberglass and asphalt are alternated and then a layer of gravel or a reflective coating material is applied on top. BUR roofs rely on Bitumen layers, which can be asphalt, tar, or cold adhesive and becomes the waterproof seal. The felt or fiberglass are for reinforcing the roof and are embedded in between layers to fortify the roofing system. The gravel surfacing layer can be gravel, minerals or a UV coating. This layer shields the bitumen from UV rays. If you’re looking for a BUR installer or shopping for a BUR roof in general, you’re going to hear these terms. Built up Roofing is commonly known as “Tar and Gravel” or “Hot Mop and Kettle”. Tar and Gravel roofing is a supremely durable solution, and many commercial building owners choose it for that reason. It’s also waterproof and can last 20-30 years.

MODIFIED BITUMENT ROOFING (MOD BIT ROOFING) – Modified Bitumen Roofing was designed to improve upon traditional Built Up roofing systems. It’s a membrane hybrid of asphalt, rubber or plastic reinforced with fiberglass. It was designed to solve the shortcomings of BUR and improve upon efficiency, lessen difficulty in maintenance, increase resistance to temperature and alleviate the highest cost of BUR installation and repair. The membrane makes the roofing product easier to manage and the combining bitumen with rubber polymers allowed for a more efficient approach.

Mod-Bit roofing uses combines either plastic or rubber with asphalt and comes in two types, Styrene-Butadiene Styrene or “SBS” and Atactic Polypropylene or “APP”. SBS combines a polymerized rubber with the asphalt creating a membrane that is elastic or rubberized. APP combines asphalt with plastic, referred to as “Plastic Asphalt” and uses plasticized polymers to increase UV protection.

You may know Modified Bitumen Roofing as “Torch-Down Roofing” or “Peel and Stick Roofing”, depending on the type of adhesive and method of installation. On residential properties, Mod-Bit roofing might be on a porch roof or additional area outside of your main roof.

THERMOPLASTIC OLEFIN (TPO) - TPO roofing is basically a one-ply membrane made of plastic and rubber. A film of thermoplastic polyolefin covers the roof like any other membrane. It’s distinguishable because it’s one of the few roll roofing types that are white in color. It’s a cheaper, more viable option that is rolled out over the roof and seems are secured with a hot air welder or gun and effectively insulates the roof. About 40% of commercial roofing today uses TPO. There is some disagreement with how long these systems last, and lots of special circumstances affecting the life TPO roofs, but generally they last between 10 and 30 years.

POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) – PVC is the other white roofing. The white color reflects heat instead of absorbing heat, and a great option where your flat roof is above a room or area you want to keep cooler. Roof lifespans, especially flat roof life spans depend on many outside factors including maintenance but in general a PVC roof, well maintained, is expected to last 25 years. Like TPO, PVC roofing are sheets of polyvinyl membranes, heat welded together.

ETHYLENE PROPYLENE DIENE MONOMER (EPDM) - EPMD is extremely durable made of ethylene and propylene. Both derive from natural gas and oil and are and are combined into a synthetic rubber roofing membrane. Known simply as a “Rubber Roof”, these highly durable roofing systems can last 50 years or more with adequate maintenance.

COMMERCIAL METAL ROOFING – While not completely flat, metal roofs can be made into super low slopes on commercial buildings and are a popular choice in industrial buildings. Like residential metal roofing, commercial metal roofs are a system of metal panels seamed together to make a continuous surface. They are loved by businesses and individuals alike for their durability and lifespan which can exceed 50 years.

In our area of Western Pennsylvania, the most common types of flat roofs are Mod-Bit, TPO and EPDM, but you can find all types of roofs on commercial buildings and residential homes. These types are great for the changing weather and temperatures of our region.
Whatever type of flat or commercial roof you’re looking for, S&L Remodeling has the knowledge and expertise to install it correctly.