Types of Roofs

EPDM is a very long lasting rubber roofing membrane  (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) widely used in low-slope buildings in the United States and throughout the world. EPDM is available in both black and white, and generally in three thicknesses, 45, 60 and 90 mils. EPDM can be installed either fully adhered, mechanically attached or ballasted, with the seams of the roofing system are generally sealed with a specially formulated tape. EPDM has a proven track record of over 40 years showing that it is very durable and resistant to ultraviolet rays and weathering stressors.

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply roofing membranes are among the fastest growing commercial roofing products and have gained broad industry acceptance for their many performance and installation advantages.  TPO is available in a variety of colors, the most common being, white, grey, and tan. It is also available in a variety of thicknesses including, 45, 60 and 80 mils. TPO is generally installed in fully adhered or mechanically fastened systems, not ballasted, as this allows the system to take advantage of the reflectivity of the membrane. The seams between the TPO sheets are sealed by heat welding the edges together, limiting the number of components that can fail. As demand increases for heat-reflective and energy efficient roofing systems, TPO single-ply roofing membranes continue to provide exceptional resistance to ultraviolet, ozone and chemical exposure

A Fully Adhered (FA) Roof System is a roofing method that has its membrane "stuck" to the insulation below. This type of system is installed by first preparing or installing the substrate, depending if it there is new insulation being installed to the roof. Once the substrate is prepared, it must be securely fastened down as this is what will hold the roof in its place. Once the substrate has been fastened, sheets of the membrane are adhered to it and the membrane sheets are sealed together, forming a continuous, watertight membrane.

A Ballasted Roof System roofing method that has its membrane weighted down (ballasted) to keep it in place. This type of system is installed by first preparing or installing the substrate, depending if it there is new insulation being installed to the roof. Once the substrate is prepared, sheets of the membrane are loose laid over it and the membrane sheets are sealed together, forming a continuous, watertight membrane. This membrane is then weighed down (Ballasted), generally using round river washed stones or pavers. A ballasted roof system is appropriate for any building that has been designed to accommodate the added weight of the ballast. Due to the membrane being loose laid and the ballast holding the membrane down, this roof system will require more maintenance over its life.

A Mechanicaly Attached (MA) Roof System is a roofing method that has its membrane fastened to the roof deck to hold it in place. This type of system is installed by first preparing or installing the substrate, depending if it there is new insulation being installed to the roof. Once the substrate is prepared, it must be fastened down. Once the substrate has been fastened, sheets of the membrane are loose laid over the substrate. Then, the membrane is wither fastened down to the roof deck, or it is welded to the fasteners in the substrate, depending on what kind of MA system is being installed. Finally, the membrane sheets are sealed together, forming a continuous, watertight membrane.

This is a type of roof that has plants installed over the top of one of the above types of roof systems. Once the base roof system has been installed there is usually a sacrificial membrane layer that will protect the roof membrane allowing it to maintain its integrity better, preventing maintenance. Over this sacrificial layer the green roof top system is installed. This will usually include a form of a drainage system and then the growing medium which the vegetation is planted in. This type of roof system can help provide LEED points for certification.

A Solar Roofing System is a roof that has solar panels installed over top of it to generate power. The advantages of installing a solar array on a roof include reducing energy bills, creating a cleaner environment, and reducing the dependence on fossil fuels. With many people looking at these benefits and many locations supplying tax credits or other subsidies, many people are beginning to take advantage of the unused space on their roofs to cut their energy costs.