Roofers Round Rock TX plays an important role in your business. It protects your facility from the elements, manages water flow and drainage, and helps you hit energy efficiency goals.

A leaking industrial roof can have a major impact on your operations. It can damage equipment and contaminate sterile areas. It can also increase operational costs and present a safety hazard for employees.

Metal roofing has long been a popular choice for commercial buildings and has recently gained popularity in residential homes due to its longevity, low maintenance requirements, and attractive appearance. Typically made of steel or aluminum, metal roofs come in various panel types, thicknesses, and finishes that affect the cost and aesthetic appeal.

Metal roofs can be built as a flat or low-sloped system. They are often installed on industrial buildings with flat or very low slopes, such as warehouses and distribution centers. A leaking or otherwise unprotected roof can cause serious damage to inventory and other assets on the premises, and disrupt business operations while repairs are made. It is important to have an experienced professional roofer handle these projects quickly and efficiently to minimize downtime and lost revenue.

When choosing a metal roofing company, it is important to understand the materials that are used and how they will impact your building’s structure and environment. There are a variety of metal roofing options available, including corrugated panels that look like they belong on sheds and barns or standing seam systems that create a more traditional commercial appearance. Most metal roofing is made from rolls of 24- or 26-gauge steel that are given a metallic coating to protect against corrosion and then covered with a baked-on finish. There are also a few natural metals, such as copper and stainless steel, that do not require the additional coating but have an attractive patina when left unprotected.

Some metal roofing requires the use of underlayment to prevent leaks and to provide added insulation value. Felt underlayment is a good option and is less expensive than synthetic underlayment. Regardless of which type of metal roofing you choose, it is crucial to have an expert roofer install the underlayment to ensure it is done properly and will last for years.

When it comes to flat and low-slope roofing, modified bitumen (MB) roofs are a common choice. These durable and reliable membranes can provide exceptional protection against the elements for your building, helping to keep energy costs down. However, the specific performance of your MB roof depends on the type and quality of the material you choose as well as how it’s installed.

In the past, most commercial buildings used built-up roofing (BUR), a complicated system of alternating layers of asphalt and fabric over a base layer of gravel. But BUR was time consuming, labor intensive, and difficult to repair. Developers of modified bitumen set out to create a simpler and more practical roof system that offered the same protection as BUR but was less expensive, easier to install, and held up better in cold temperatures.

Generally, MB roofs are built using either a 2-ply SBS or 3-ply APP modified bitumen membrane. Both are made with different base materials that can be altered through the use of additives. Depending on the additive, APP membranes can be flexible or hard. In addition, APP membranes may be heat-welded to the substrate or self-adhered. The latter option offers a quicker installation process that eliminates the need for high-heat application and eliminates potential fire risks associated with torch welding.

Modified bitumen roofs are usually installed on low-slope or flat structures, though they can be installed on sloped roofs as well. They can be installed using a traditional “torch down” method or with a cold-applied adhesive (such as with Polyglass’ Polar cap and base membranes, which are designed to be applied in freezing temperatures).

Like most other roofing systems, MB membranes are available in a variety of colors, including black, white, sienna, and grey. Black is the most popular color because it helps to reflect the sun’s rays, which can otherwise increase your building’s cooling expenses. But this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best color for your roof; it all depends on your specific needs, location, and aesthetic preferences. When choosing a color for your MB roof, consult with a qualified roof professional to find the option that’s right for you.

TPO is among the most popular commercial roofing solutions. Its single-ply membrane construction offers a range of benefits, including low installation costs and long lifespans. Its white or light-colored surface also reflects sunlight and helps keep the inside of the building cool. Unlike many other types of roofing, TPO is highly durable and resistant to punctures and tears. It is also a more environmentally-friendly option than most other roofing systems, as it is both recyclable and non-toxic.

TPO roofing is installed on flat or low-sloped roofs, and it comes in a variety of thicknesses. The most common is 60-mils, although 45-mils are also available. The TPO sheets are bonded together using a hot air welding process. The welding allows the seams to be as strong as the sheet itself. These welds also help resist uplift from high wind conditions.

During the TPO installation, the installer will add insulation to protect the building and its contents. This can be done with Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or extruded polystyrene (XPS). The insulator should match the needs of your local climate and roof pitch. A professional will be able to advise you on the best option.

Another benefit of TPO is its ease of installation. However, this can come with a downside. As TPO is a roll-good system, it comes in relatively small rolls that are typically 8 feet wide and 50 or 100 feet long. This creates many more seams than other roofing systems, which increases the potential for human error during installation.

If the seams aren’t properly sealed or welded, the roof will not be watertight. This can lead to leaks and other problems in the building’s interior. When this happens, it is important to call a professional roofing contractor for a roof repair. A roofing inspection can help determine if the problem is caused by the membrane, insulation, or structural deck.

One of the main reasons for TPO leaks is that the seams are not adequately bonded to the insulation and structural deck. This is usually because of improper installation, which leads to a lack of adhesion.

Single-ply membrane roofing has become a popular alternative to traditional flat or low-slope roof materials like hot asphalt. This system is made of a flexible, durable membrane that’s essentially a stretchy skin for your building’s roof. Unlike asphalt, which requires burning torches to apply and has seams that are prone to leakage, single-ply membrane systems come with pre-fabricated seams that are highly resilient and waterproof.

A single-ply membrane is also more eco-friendly, reducing installation and maintenance costs while helping your business cut down on energy costs by providing a reflective surface that lowers air conditioning bills. It’s available in a variety of colors and is able to withstand various weather conditions. Additionally, many single-ply roofing membranes can be recycled at the end of their useful life, further reducing your environmental impact.

The most popular single-ply membrane in the industry is TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin). It combines a synthetic rubber with a reinforcing scrim to provide added strength. TPO membranes are heat-weldable, which makes it easier to repair damaged areas of the roof. They’re also highly durable and resist UV rays, making them ideal for use in warmer climates.

Another option for single-ply roofs is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), a thermoset rubber. It’s resistant to chemicals, ozone exposure and other harsh conditions found in industrial settings. It’s also incredibly resilient in colder climates and offers extra protection against tears, punctures and impacts.

Lastly, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) rounds out the top three most popular single-ply membranes. It’s a durable choice that stands up to ozone exposure, heavy foot traffic, impact damage and UV rays. PVC is also a chemically resistant option, standing up to grease, oils and acid rain.

If you’re in the market for a new industrial roof or need to repair an existing one, contact the experts at AAA Roofing to discuss your options. We have years of experience with commercial and residential flat and low-slope roofs, including PVC, TPO, EPDM and other single-ply membranes. Our team can help you find the best solution to meet your needs and budget. We specialize in new construction, re-roofs, repairs, maintenance and leak detection.