A commercial roof is an essential structural feature that protects a property and its occupants from external conditions and elements. Going for high-quality commercial roofing materials and exceptional installation methods can successfully extend a commercial roofing system’s longevity.
At Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co. Inc., we specialize in commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing services. We also strive to keep our strong foothold in the roofing, waterproofing, and sheet metal industries by consistently meeting or exceeding all our client’s expectations with our quality service.
Anatomy Of A Commercial Roof
The elements that make up a commercial roof structure are more than just rafters, beams, and trusses. Therefore, it is critical to understand the different components of a roof to easily identify areas that require repairs, cleaning, and maintenance.
Knowing these components gives you a more accurate idea of what materials you are paying for and ensures that your roofing contractors are staying on top of crucial elements your commercial roofing needs.
The following are some of the components that comprise the anatomy of a commercial roof:
Structural Roof Deck
The structural roof deck is a critical component that supports the whole roofing system. It carries all the live and dead load, foot traffic during and after installation, rain, wind, and snow load. Steel is the most commonly used material for roof decks, but other options include concrete, gypsum, and wood.
Vapor Barrier
Vapor barriers are installed under the roof insulation directly to the structural deck. The vapor barrier is a thin sheet that keeps moisture from accumulating and reaching the building walls, ceiling area, crawlspaces, and other interior components of your roofing system.
Roof Insulation
Roof insulation keeps heated or cooled air inside while enabling outside air temperature to pass through. This component also contributes to lower heating and cooling costs. Some of the most preferred materials for insulation include expanded or extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, and high-density gypsum or ISO boards.
Roof Adhesive/Fasteners
Adhesives or fasteners serve two purposes: they hold the roofing system together and most importantly, prevent the roof system from blowing off the roof deck. These functions also aid in the prevention of leaks, mold, and mildew. Moreover, the adhesive is usually a long-lasting, rubber bond adhesive applied in a very thin coating.
Roof Cover Board
A cover board is a thin outer layer to which the roof membrane is attached. It is a crucial component that helps extend a roof’s life. The most preferred cover board materials are non-combustible gypsum and glass mat because they help to reduce fire hazards and the impact of large hail. Besides that, they offer a flat, smooth texture to install roof membranes.
Roof Membrane
The roof membrane is the exposed surface that encases the internal structural features from external elements. TPO and EPDM single-ply membranes are the most commonly used, but other options include built-up and modified bitumen.
In addition to the roof layers, a commercial roofing system also includes the following components:
- Drainages: Typical roof drainage systems include commercial-grade gutters, drains, downspouts, and scuppers.
- Edge Flashing: This is where the roof cover meets the structure’s edge and serves as the cover board’s first protective barrier against strong winds.
- Penetration Flashing: A roof penetration is anything that necessitates a break in the membrane and roof deck, including skylights, HVAC, and vents.
- Roof Covering: This includes rock ballasts, coatings, or concrete pavers and is only applied when necessary.
Common Commercial Roofing Materials
A roofing system’s materials and construction methods are critical in protecting a building’s structure. They also help improve a structure’s fuel economy, aesthetic value, and tenacity. The following are some of the most common commercial roofing materials:
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a widely used commercial material due to its incredible durability, lasting anywhere from 40 to 75 years. It is available in zinc, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and other metals, resulting in a visually appealing finished surface with high fire resistance.
Knickerbocker Roofing offers ES-1-compliant fabrication in various metals such as copper, stainless steel, galvanized iron, and pre-finished metal in a wide selection of colors.
TPO Roofing
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing systems feature long-lasting air-welded edges, flame resistance, and the capability to withstand extreme temperatures and winds. They are also light, heat-reflective, and puncture-resistant.
Knickerbocker Roofing’s high-quality TPO roofing services are appropriate for flat or low-slope roofs that require specialized installation experience and care.
PVC Roofing
Like TPO, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roofing systems are extremely resistant to harsh weather conditions. Moreover, this material’s membrane has a long service life, with most PVC roofs lasting more than 20 years. They are also one of the least expensive materials and are simple to install, either directly or mechanically.
There is no better roofing resource than Knickerbocker Roofing when it comes to installing flat and low-slope PVC roofs using heat welding, mechanical fastening, or adhesives.
Built-up Roofing
Built-up roofing is primarily tar, and gravel poured on a flat roof and is constructed in various layers. It is a low-cost roofing system with a life expectancy of 15 to 30 years. In addition, it is UV resistant, easy to repair, and can be coated to reflect heat.
EPDM Roofing
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) is a roll-based, long-lasting synthetic rubber roofing membrane that is highly resistant to solar radiation and contamination. Furthermore, EPDM is resistant to many common solvents, including alcohol and acids, and is available in black and white rolls.
Knickerbocker Roofing’s EPDM systems are a low-cost, durable, and environmentally friendly option for flat or low-sloped roofs.
LAM Roofing
Liquid-applied membrane (LAM) roofing systems can resist UV radiation better, save energy, extend roof life, and help avoid fires while remaining extremely cost-effective. The liquid application fills any cracks and gaps with a waterproof layer that perfectly forms the roof’s shape. In addition, LAM can be a huge help for flat roofs.
If you’re looking for a roofing service provider to install a liquid membrane roofing system, Knickerbocker Roofing has experts for LAM roofing, making us the right fit for the job!
Green Roofing
Green roofs comprise a tough waterproof membrane covered by green plants and can last between 30 and 50 years. They also have advanced water and drainage management, climate control, and sensor capabilities.
At Knickerbocker Roofing, we provide a comprehensive range of green roofing services, including extensive (shallow soil) and intensive (deep soil) installations.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified bitumen (MB) roofing methods are asphalt-based and are closely related to built-up systems. It has greater adhesion than pure bitumen, lower thermal sensitivity in the operational temperature range, and adequate viscosity at implementation temperature.
Knickerbocker Roofing has been a reliable source of modified bitumen roofing services for leak, UV, and heat resistance that are also sustainable and cost-effective.
How To Properly Care For Your Commercial Roof
Commercial building owners will require a roof repair or replacement at some point. However, the need for either is greatly reduced with proper maintenance and prevention. Here are the three most important things about proper commercial roofing care:
Roof Inspection
A thorough commercial roofing system inspection should always include assessing all possible problem areas, such as roof membranes, vents, decks, gutters, downspouts, and drainage pipes. This procedure can help to avoid structural damage, detect problems early, and save money on future maintenance.
Furthermore, working with a professional roofing services provider like Knickerbocker Roofing is critical to ensure everything is carefully checked. You can also benefit from our free roof inspection.
Regular Maintenance
Maintaining a commercial roof is critical for extending its life. This aspect involves cleaning debris, treating leakages, tears, or water damage, repairing flashing and HVAC systems, and preparing the roof for seasonal changes.
At Knickerbocker Roofing, you can trust our experts to conduct regular maintenance and ensure that your roofing system is always in peak condition.
Roof Repair, Replacement, or Installation
A commercial roofing system’s repair, replacement, and installation methods can vary greatly depending on the material, pricing, labor hours, and difficulty level. Knickerbocker Roofing provides full commercial roofing services and support, backed by a two-year contractor guarantee and over 15 years of manufacturer warranty coverage.
Partner With Knickerbocker Roofing For Exceptional Commercial Roofing Services!
Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co., Inc. is a leading commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing service provider in the Midwest! Our mission is to offer the best solutions by promptly delivering high-quality products and services. We also have the knowledge, certification, and expertise to handle any roofing service you may need.
Contact us today to learn more about us or request a quote for your commercial roofing project. We are excited to collaborate with you!