The most common method for covering the flat roof of a commercial building is known as BUR. BUR or (built-up roofing) is a combination of a water resistant membrane and asphalt that provides a tight seal under normal conditions. Covering the BUR system is a ballast material such as gravel to provide the weight that holds the roof in place. People may be thinking that a flat roof must have problems draining water and this would be true if the structure were actually flat. However, the flat roofing system used for Commercial Roofing in Nassau County NY actually uses a minor slope to allow the water to shed.
A more accurate name for the flat roof is a low sloped roof. One benefit of low sloped roofing is that it can be much easier on the budget than most of the alternatives. Another is that damage to the roof is a lot easier to repair. A rip in the roofing can usually be patched. Even if the damage is severe, BUR is still easier to repair than many other types of commercial roofing in Nassau County NY because the roofer can install one or more layers of membrane and asphalt until the roof is functional again. One of the downsides of BUR is the weight of the various materials. Too many layers of BUR can stress the joists and decking, which may cause other roofing issues.
There are alternative solutions for commercial roofing and one of them is known as TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin). TPO comes as a rolled sheet of polymer that is easily installed. Securing the TPO sheets together is normally handled with robotic welders because this creates a tight, durable seam. Of course, sealing around any details such as vents, dormers or comfort appliances will need to be done by hand. While sealing these areas is vital, it is also important to check the for signs of damage. A leak on a TPO is more likely to occur around those details than anywhere else unless the roofing material has been damaged by the elements. An alternative membrane is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer). EPDM is a synthetic rubber that is normally found in solid form, but it is also available as a liquid that is very useful in sealing a variety of roofing materials. Click here to learn more about commercial roofing.
