The Ideal Materials for Commercial Flat Roofs: Insights from a Commercial and Residential Roofing and Tuckpointing Company in Wrigleyville, Chicago

Have you noticed that many commercial establishments have flat roofs instead of the traditional steep-pitched design? One of the main reasons why commercial establishments use flat roofing in Wrigleyville, Chicago is that they’re generally more affordable to install than sloped roofs.

In some situations, attempting to install a sloping roof over a wide area can be difficult, impractical, and dangerous, which makes flat roofing the better option. Commercial establishments also use flat roofing to store multiple A/C units on top of building to free up more space below.

If you plan on opening a commercial establishment in Chicago, you might be able to save money by installing a flat roof. But regardless of the type of roof you install, it’s important to partner with a reputable commercial roofing and tuckpointing company in Wrigleyville, Chicago to carry out the work. Once you’ve found your company, the next step is to get familiar with the different roofing materials that are available. We’re going to review the pros and cons of each type below:

Built-Up Roof (BUR)

Many commercial establishments are roofed using BUR. BUR uses the traditional hot-tar-and-gravel combination to pile up layers of roofing. The advantage of using BUR is that it is the cheapest roofing option, and the final surface is attractive, especially to windows and decks that overlook it. Moreover, gravel is a very good fire-retardant.

However, BUR has more disadvantages than it has advantages. The multiple layers of tar and gravel become very heavy, and you may need to strengthen the roof joist. It can be very hard to detect any leaks, and you may end up resurfacing the entire roof area. Another disadvantage is that hot tar is very messy and can be hazardous to apply. As a result, most modern projects on flat roofing in Wrigleyville, Chicago, no longer use the BUR method.

Modified Bitumen Roof

Modified Bitumen Roof is a better alternative to BUR and has long since replaced BUR as a roofing material. Bitumen Roofing is a single-ply asphalt-based material that retains the advantages of BUR but removes the disadvantages, especially in the installation process. Bitumen Roofing may also be applied with multiple layers.

This type of roofing will absorb a lot of heat from the sun, making it ideal for flat roofing, which is frequently visited by cold winter temperatures. However, Modified Bitumen Roofs need torches or the involvement of a heating process to install, which may be dangerous for unskilled roof installers. Likewise, flat bitumen roofing may not be as aesthetically pleasing when seen from above.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer or EPDM

EPDM is like modified bitumen roofing in its installation process, and in the fact that it’s a single-layered roof. However, EPDM is made from repurposed rubber. As a result, EPDM roofing materials are tear-resistant, waterproof, flexible, easy-to-maintain, and energy-efficient. However, EPDM roofing materials are installed using adhesive or mechanical anchors instead of a heat-welded bond. As a result, EPDM roofing is susceptible to having its adhesive loosen because of extreme weather conditions.

PVC Roofing

PVC is the popular material of choice by establishments and homeowners looking for eco-friendly flat roofing in Wrigleyville, Chicago. PVC are single-ply membranes that are specifically engineered for strength. Likewise, their hot welded seams make PVC roofing durable and impervious to moisture. If installed properly, PCV roofing can have a lifespan of more than 20 years.

Looking for the Premier Commercial and Residential Roofing and Tuckpointing Company in Wrigleyville, Chicago?

Deciding to install a flat roof on your residential or commercial property is a major decision. Knowing about the advantages and disadvantages of the different flat roofing materials will help you determine the right material for your needs.

If you’re ready to partner with the most reputable commercial roofing and tuckpointing company in Wrigleyville, Chicago, Expert Super Seal Roofing & Tuckpointing is ready to get started. Contact us today at (773) 993-5668 to discuss your options.