Roofing Systems

 

Single-Ply (Elastomeric) EPDM

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is an elastic synthetic rubber. Because it is fully cured, seams are formed using contact adhesives or tapes. Seams and flashings require careful attention. EPDM is lightweight, flexible, and usually black. It is available reinforced and non-reinforced, fire retardant and non-fire retardant, and varies in thickness from 45 mil to 90 mil.

Single-Ply (Thermoplastic) Heat Welded Membrane Systems

Flexible, reinforced, heat weldable membranes are manufactured from a variety of materials. D. C. Taylor Co. installs a number of PVC, TPO, Elvaloy®, and Hypalon® membrane systems. Most thermoplastics are reinforced and fire retardant. Selection of the most appropriate membrane requires knowledge of the specific conditions on each roof, including the building environment and physical stresses to which each individual roof is exposed, as well as the performance of each membrane. Thermoplastic membranes are lightweight, energy efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. They adapt well to unusually-shaped buildings and to buildings that experience substantial movement. Various membranes exhibit good resistance to environmental contaminants - including animal fats, chemicals, particulates, and liquids - and roof traffic. Heat welding allows thermoplastics to be installed in a wide range of temperature conditions and produces seams and flashings that are judged to be superior to EPDM systems.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

The roofing membrane is built up by alternating layers of asphalt or coal tar saturated felts or fiberglass mat roofing plies. The built-up roof components are insulation board, base sheet, hot- or cold-applied felts, surfacing materials, and flashing materials. These systems are durable and long lasting when carefully installed in multiple layers with quality bitumen, felts, and flashings. Built-up roofing (BUR) can be used in both new construction projects and on existing buildings. BUR systems have low flexibility and are only appropriate on roof decks with minimal movement or where appropriate expansion joints are provided. BUR systems require periodic maintenance to maximize their service life. In some installations, BUR can be designed to be more durable and resistant to casual roof traffic.

Modified Bitumen (MB)

Composite membranes consisting of bitumen, modifiers and a reinforcement such as fiberglass or polyester. The modifiers provide a tough, rubbery property to the product and add flexibility. Modified bitumen sheets are manufactured in a consistent, controlled environment and are generally coated or covered with mineral granules. Modified bitumen systems are more flexible than BUR systems, yet share many of the advantages, including good resistance to roof traffic. They are a good choice as a replacement for a BUR system or on certain high traffic roofs.

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)

A two-part liquid mixture that is spray applied to the roof deck or substrate. It immediately expands from 20 to 30 times its original volume, hardens, and becomes a lightweight, solid insulation. It is used in combination with protective coatings or membranes that are specifically designed for use over polyurethane foam. Spray Polyurethane Foam offers the best insulation efficiency per unit of thickness and excellent waterproofing qualities. It adheres to virtually all types of roof decks, is self-flashing, and has good strength/weight ratios.

Coatings

Synthetic sealants are formulated from a variety of materials to form a strong, flexible seal that will not dry out or become brittle. Selection of the most appropriate coating requires knowledge of roof conditions, coating properties, and cost considerations. Coatings are used to protect spray polyurethane foam, metal, modified bitumen, and certain built-up roofs from ultraviolet damage. Coatings can also be used to waterproof some single-ply and metal roofs.

Standing Seam Metal

A weather tight, standing seam roof acts like a single, monolithic steel membrane. Roof panels are lock seamed together to keep moisture out and assure structural integrity. Standing seam roofs can be durable and very long lasting when carefully installed on appropriate buildings. They can be used in new construction, retrofit of existing or re-cover to create slope. Installation and detail quality are very important. There are a wide range of metal roofs of varying cost and quality that do not perform as well as a high-quality standing seam metal roofing system.