Residential

What is Roll Roofing?


What is Roll Roofing?

Roll roofing is a type of material that can be applied to the exterior of a home or building. It has many benefits, including being an economical and sustainable option for those looking to get a new roof. If you're considering a new roof or a roof repair in Tucson, talk to the pros at DC Roofing of Arizona to get all your questions answered. 

rolled roofing being applied to a flat roof in Tucson, AZ

Is Roll Roofing Any Good as Far as Roofing Materials Go?

Some people wonder if roll roofing is any good because they cannot see it as well as other types of roofs when they are driving past. But in fact, there are many reasons why roll roofing is better than traditional shingle roofs!

Rolled Roofing Defined

Asphalt rolled roofing is a type of roofing material. It is made of something that feels like cloth or fiberglass and something made of tar, and then stones are put on the top. This type of roofing can be used for buildings with low sloped roofs - less than 30 degrees steep.

An asphalt roll roof is made up of two types of materials: a textile and a tar-based material. The textile can be either fiberglass or cloth, while the tar-based material generally comes in one of three forms - black bitumen, white chloroprene rubber, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Stones are then laid on top of the roofing to help reflect light and keep it from absorbing heat.

The textile component is made up of either fiberglass or cloth, and can be laid in a variety of ways depending on what you want your final product to look like - namely, whether you want it flat (which produces an asphalt shingle-like appearance) or ridged (to produce something that resembles traditional tar paper). The other crucial ingredient is the bitumen material; when combined with fibers, this creates a waterproof membrane that protects against water damage. That said, there are three different types: black bitumen for roofs under 30 degrees steepness; white chloroprene rubber for roofs over 60 degrees steepness; polyvinyl chloride for anything else.

Where to Use Rolled Roofing and Why Installing Rolled Roofing Can Be a DIY Project.

Rolled roofing is cheap for a reason - it's not very durable and it is rarely used for residences and other occupied structures. However, rolled roofing can be an excellent choice in light-duty situations like agricultural buildings where the conditions are tough on materials. It is useful for making work sheds, shops, potting sheds, and other little structures.

It is one of a few types of roofs that most homeowners can install without the use of an installer, so it benefits those who know how to do-it-themselves. Rolled roofing (also called MSR) comes in 100 square foot rolls. Rolled roofing is available in all home improvement stores, though they come in different widths. One rolled roofing roll is approximately 36 feet long by 36 inches wide. A square is an item of roofing material that is 100 square feet in size. Roofing roll, which measures about the same size, can be used alternatively.

Where to Use Rolled Roofing and Why Installing Rolled Roofing Can Be a DIY Project.

Rolled roofing is cheap for a reason - it's not very durable and it is rarely used for residences and other occupied structures. However, rolled roofing can be an excellent choice in light-duty situations like agricultural buildings where the conditions are tough on materials. It is useful for making work sheds, shops, potting sheds, and other little structures.

It is one of a few types of roofs that most homeowners can install without the use of an installer, so it benefits those who know how to do-it-themselves. Rolled roofing (also called MSR) comes in 100 square foot rolls. Rolled roofing is available in all home improvement stores, though they come in different widths. One rolled roofing roll is approximately 36 feet long by 36 inches wide. A square is an item of roofing material that is 100 square feet in size. Roofing roll, which measures about the same size, can be used alternatively.

How long should a rolled roof last?

The average lifespan of asphalt roll roofing on low sloped roofs is around 5 to 10 years. With proper maintenance, you can expect to get the maximum life from your asphalt roll roof. This is compared to other types of roofing such as composite shingles (asphalt shingles)

The most important factor in the life expectancy of this type of roofing is how well it's maintained by the owner. If they keep up on their yearly inspections or spot fixes when needed, they'll be able to maintain their asphalt roll roof until its natural end date (usually around ten years). But if not cared for properly, then there will come a time where leaks start developing and the roof will need to be replaced.

Does roll roofing need underlayment?

Installing an underlay  is not mandatory, but it may be practical depending on your budget. Buy a roll roofing  underlay if you have the budget for it. After installing the layer of underlay, make sure that your surface is completely flat before proceeding with actual roll roofing installation.

Some people do not install an underlayment and that's okay, but they will find themselves having to replace their roof much sooner than if they had installed the layer of protection.  The underlay helps with this because it provides a buffer for leaks to pass through before hitting your ceiling below.

What is the best rolled roofing?

The most common type of rolled roofing is rubber. Rubber roofing is the most inexpensive roofing option available.

EPDM is another name for "rubber" rolled roofing and is made of a combination of recycled rubber, sawdust and slate. This is a popular option for people looking to build green.

One of the best features about rubber roofing is that it can be installed over old shingle roofs or composite shakes without any problems.

The downside on this type of material occurs when there are extreme temperatures, which causes the roll roofing to contract and expand with the heat. When this happens, you will need to readjust your seams in order to prevent leaks from occurring.

TPO roofing is a popular option for people who want a new roof without having to spend all their money. It's made of different combinations of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber, but as manufacturing methods vary so does the quality.

Roll Roofing For Flat Roofs

Typically, rolled roofing is installed over primer painted sheathing and applying it to roof felt or primer will give better protection against condensation and leaking. For a flat roof, you can use the double coverage. This means that you will have two layers of roll roofing, one on top and the other on bottom. Make sure to leave an overlap of at least six inches when installing this type of material so that it can cover any seams or gaps in your roof.

low sloped roofs are ideal for rolled roofing materials

With all these benefits, is rolled roofing enough? What are some things to be aware of before purchasing a patch for your home or business? You need to consider durability, installation process, maintenance requirements (such as life expectancy), waterproof integrity over time and cost vs. value ratios…

It's important not only to get information about how much money each type costs but also what kind of quality they offer: does the manufacturer use durable materials like vinyls with UV inhibitors;  and is the warranty worth it?

There are many varieties of rolled roofing available. They come in different colors, thicknesses and lengths so you do have a lot of options when choosing what's best for your home or business.

Rubber Rolled Roofing

Rubber roofing is the most popular rolled roofing material. Rubber roofing, made purely out of recycled tires and sawdust, is one of the most cost-effective types of roofing materials. 

It is a good idea to get quotes from several different contractors and ask them what kind of warranty they offer. A typical estimate for rubber rolled roofing installation starts at $35 per square foot, with the price going up or down depending on factors like your home’s construction, its location and how many layers you need installed.

If you have any more questions about other kinds of rolled roofing materials that are not discussed here but want an answer feel free to contact us! We're happy to help people make informed decisions when it comes time for new roofs!

Is rolled roofing cheaper than shingles?

Rolled roofing is the least costly material, even when compared to composite asphalt shingles. All materials, including nails, are inexpensive. The time and expense of installing a new roof don't have to be a large hassle. You can choose to install mineral surfaced roll roofing, which is easy to transport and quick to assemble.

The cheapest roofing material is rolled roofing.

It's easy to transport and quick to assemble (Which makes this a great option if your home requires a large amount of the product or has difficult access points.)

Still not sure if you want this instead of shingles? No problem...

If you have any questions about other kinds of materials that are not discussed here, feel free to contact us! We're happy to help people make informed decisions when it comes time for new roofs, whether it be rolled roofing or some other kind of roofing material.

Peel And Stick Flat Roofing

Peel-and-stick roofing has flexibility for varying conditions that make it easy to install around valleys, ridges, and hips. For patching and repairing smooth metal or asphalt roofs, peel-and-stick will be an excellent option because it's easy to cut, peel, and stick. It's popular to use on flat roofs.

The disadvantages of metal roofs have more to do with the installation process than anything else-it needs extensive preparation for best adhesion. Metal materials are very durable, but they're also not insulated well which means you'll need better insulation in your attic or crawlspace if you plan on installing one.

Tile roofs provide great protection from rain water and snow melt while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance that many people prefer when dealing with their home exterior. They require less maintenance than other types of tile material because there's no grouting required between tiles. However, these options can be expensive compared to other products like rolled roofing.

Is 90lb Underlayment Needed for Rolled Roofing?

The answer to this question is yes. You need an underlayment that has a weight of at least 90 pounds per square foot in order to be able to support the roll roofing and other materials properly. This is not negotiable what so ever, if you want your new roof to last as long as possible without any leaks then it's important that you follow these guidelines. As we mentioned before, tile roofs are an excellent option but they're also very expensive which means many people would rather get a rolled roof instead because of their price point-it all depends on how much money you have available when getting a new home exterior upgrade!

What is the minimum underlayment for asphalt shingles?

The minimum underlayment for asphalt shingles is 75 pounds per square foot, and there are different grades of roofs so you need to be careful which one you're using-some will require a heavier weight.

You want to make sure that your installation crew has the proper experience when working with these materials because it's not something just anyone can do themselves or hire someone off the street to work on their home improvement project. When hiring an installer, ask them what sort of certifications they have in order to get some peace of mind before trusting them with such an important task!

Hire Experienced Roofing Contractors

Some roofing contractors specialize in one or two types of roofing materials, but may not be as familiar with rolled roofing. One roofing contractor, for example, may specialize in the installation of asphalt shingle roofs and also offer roll roofing services. This is a great option if you're looking to have an entire new roof installed but want something with different benefits than your current material!

However, not all contractors will be able to take on projects involving other types of materials like rolled or metal roofing because they don't know as much about them-it's always best to ask before signing any contracts. When hiring someone who specializes in only one type of material or specialty area it can make things easier when trying to find qualified people that understand what they are doing.


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Roof Coating Tucson

Best Roof Coating for Flat Roof

Acrylic or Silicone? Understanding the Best White Roof Coating Material for Your Arizona Home

Let's look at and consider the differences between silicon and acrylic white roof coatings made by Henry so you can make a more informed decision on which one is right for you and the roof on your home.

Both silicon and acrylic white roof coatings are popular protective and reflective coatings for flat and low sloped roofs, but the two are very different. Let's compare Henry 887 Tropi-cool 100% silicone with Henry 687 and viral white acrylic in seven different categories.

white silicone roof coating materials made by Henry

Tropi-cool 100% silicone delivers 100% waterproof protection, while a high-end acrylic such as Enviro-white acrylic is ponding water resistant up to 48 hours.

Acrylic roof coatings are not waterproof on their own not even those claiming they're siliconized or urethane-ized.

Tropi-cool 100% silicone offers a lifetime transferable warranty while Enviro-white acrylic offers a 12 year warranty.

Tropi-cool 100% silicone can be applied in as little as one coat. Enviro-white acrylic requires a minimum of two coats

Tropi-cool 100% silicone provides a 100% waterproof seal and high reflectivity to prolong roof life. Enviro-white acrylic on the other hand with its dirt pickup resistant technology reflects more over time, making it the best choice if you're more concerned with energy bill savings than waterproofing.

Tropi-cool 100% silicone creates a strong chemical bond by cross-linking silicone molecules to the existing roof surface, resulting in a 30% stronger bond compared to Enviro-white acrylic, which relies on a physical bond that sticks to the surface of the roof.

Tropi-cool 100% silicone is rain safe in 15 minutes, while in viral white acrylic means 12 hours of dry weather.

Tropi-cool 100% silicon can be applied between 35 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while Enviro-white acrylic should be applied between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

When to go with Silicone Roof Coating

So to sum up Henry 887 Tropi-cool 100% silicone is your best choice if

  • You are looking for 100% waterproofing plus high reflectivity 
  • You need greater durability 
  • You want less work in something more foolproof 
  • You're concerned about adhesion 
  • You need to apply a coating in more extreme temperatures

When to go with Acrylic Roof Coating

Henry 687 Enviro-white acrylic is your best choice if:

  • You are looking for maximum reflectivity and energy savings 
  • You want the lowest product application cost, or labor is not a consideration

Make sure your roof coating projects are done right the first time

Is a flat roof house hotter than other roof types?

Modern flat roofs use innovative materials that can make them more energy efficient and cooler than older, traditional pitched roofs.

Modern flat roofs use innovative materials that can make them more energy efficient and cooler than older, traditional pitched roofs. EPDM roofing (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is very highly energy efficient. In studies at Oak Ridge National Laboratories it was found that roof temperatures can be reduced by 30 to 40 percent with EPDM. With such such significantly lower heat transfer into the home, this can be a smart choice for homeowners in warmer areas looking to reduce the demands on their air conditioners.

Learn more about the Benefits Of White Roof Coating in our other article

How to Apply Henry® Elastomeric White Roof Coatings for Energy Savings

Transcript

in this Henry how-to we're going to help you extend the life of your flat or low sloped roof and help you save on your energy bills by applying a Henry elastomeric roof coating these coatings are also called white coatings cool roof coatings acrylic roof coatings or sometimes even snow roof coatings we're going to use Henry 687 enviro 8 which reflects nearly 90 percent of the sun's heat and UV rays when first applied with it's dirt pickup resistance technology it will still reflect 80 percent as it ages and can save you more than 4600 dollars over the life of the coating before we get started here are the tools and materials you will need for this job of course the Henry 687 enviro white pressure washer or hose with a high-pressure nozzle a non filming detergent such as tsp or tsp substitute scrub brush a leaf blower or broom henry 296 elasto tape repair fabric and henry 289 white roofing elastomeric sealant you'll need this to repair any cracks or holes if you have a metal roof a wire brush to remove rust paint sprayer or deep-pile paint roller with a wooden handle and metal threats paint brushes a drill and mixing paddle so the first step is going to be cleaning your roof you want to make sure that all the drains and gutters are clear before applying the water clean your roof using the detergent and the pressure washer or hose use a stiff bristle brush or broom with additional water and detergent to remove any stubborn dirt grease algae or moss give the roof of final rinse and allow the roof to dry completely using a leaf blower or broom clean any remaining dust dirt and debris the next step is going to be prepping your roof you want to closely inspect for any repairs that need to be made carefully inspect the roof for splits cracks blisters deteriorated flashing or cracked metal edging on metal roofs tighten and seal fasteners prior to applying sealant for best results in bed henry 296 elasto tape repair fabric between two heavy coats of henry 289 white roofing sealant depending on the depth of the repair allow 2 to 24 hours for them to dry and now we're ready to apply the first coat of Henry and viral white envira is ready to use and should not be thinned make sure you mix it well before the use and make sure you're applying it to a warm roof but not too hot to touch apply coatings evenly taking long light strokes in one direction going north and south or east and west apply second coat at a right angle to the first coat so if you went north and south the first time go east and west the second schedule your work so that the coating has two hours to dry before nightfall make sure your elastomeric roof coating projects are done right the first time with Henry and see why we are the number one choice of professionals

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Roof Coating Tucson

Liquid Applied Membrane Roofs

a Tucson roof benefiting from white roof coating

Today we are looking at liquid applied seamless membranes that seal out the elements. With materials engineered for the restoration of most roof substrates, GAF Topcoat resurfacing products are your solution for long term, total roof protection.

Less expensive than a new roof or retrofit, Topcoat systems offer a wide range of warranty options, with up to 20 year full labor and materials protection.

Replacing your old metal roof with a new one can be twice as expensive, and if left unprotected the new roof will eventually leak, just like the old one. Compared to other roofing systems, Topcoat goes on in a fraction of the time, and at a fraction of the cost.

Topcoat restoration products are not just for metal roofs, they also provide a low cost resurfacing alternative for most low sloped asphalt and for single ply roofs.

By resurfacing an existing roof system you can

  • Extend the life of your roof and avoid the inconvenience and cost of a full roof replacement
  • Avoid costly disposal and business disruption costs
  • Gain the environmental and energy efficiency advantages of a highly reflective UV resistant roof membrane
  • Add years to the life of your roofing system at a fraction of the cost of replacement

GAF Topcoat products can save you money by decreasing your cooling costs. The high reflectivity of a Topcoat membranes white surface membrane can greatly reduce rooftop surface temperatures on roofs by as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Topcoat products meet the stringent requirements and are qualified by today's most recognized energy efficiency programs.

Elastomeric and acrylic membranes and coatings cure chemically, a process accelerated and enhanced by the UV rays of the sun. Even on a cloudy day in Seattle, Topcoat can greatly reduce rooftop surface temperatures.

The difference in the thermal heat load between a section of EPDM roof that is not treated with Topcoat and a metal roofing area that is can be very significant. Formulation is one of the most important elements of Topcoats performance. Also, solids content and polymer quality are of critical importance for durability and longevity.

Topcoat membrane is highly durable, will stand up to the harshest weather conditions, and is resistant to most chemical attacks. Topcoat is tough because it has a higher percentage of solids than other liquid applied systems. The binders used to produce all GAF resurfacing products are the best non-chalking grade available. Topcoats water-based products use high quality flame-retardant ingredients, and achieve UL class A and FM class 1 approvals. Colors can be added for a custom tint, and unlike the copycats the pigmented Topcoats product does not contain cheap extenders such as clay.

The polymer is the backbone of any liquid applied product. Low quality polymers will break down from the sun's ultraviolet rays. As the polymer erodes in a low quality product, the powder is exposed and washes away. The result is chalking. Topcoats high quality polymer resists chalking. Extreme temperature changes can cause significant expansion and contraction of metal roof panels. The Topcoat system is flexible, from minus thirty degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Installing a Topcoat roofing system is as simple as prep, seal and coat. The roof must be clean and in sound condition to receive the liquid membrane.

You might check our other article about Best Roof Coating For Flat Roof

Benefits of Roof Coating Systems

Transcript

Roof coatings are a great way to extend the life of your low slope or flat roof they protect the roof from wind rain and Sun that can cause a roof to dry out and crack and can provide energy savings by lowering the temperature of the roof before you coat the roof replace any wet insulation and address any ponding water areas once the roof is sound you're ready for the roof mate system the roof mate system includes all the components needed to restore the roof the system includes roof mate base coat top coat butter grade flashing fabric and seam tape the roof mate coating system can be used directly on most metal asphaltic and single ply roofs restoring the roof with coating is a three-stage process prep seal and coat the prep stage is where you clean and prime where needed pressure washing the roof is recommended taking care not to force any water into the scene once the roof is clean completely dry and free of any debris climbers should be applied GAF has two primers that can be used based on the roof type acryl x400 primer can be used on rusty metal concrete masonry and wood SP primer is a must for single ply loops SP primer on TPO and PVC membranes promote adhesion and prevent plasticizers from staining the coating once cleaned and primed the next stage is to seal the roof it's important to seal penetrations curbs and seams since most roof leaks occur at these locations roof mate scene tape should be used on all of the scenes on a metal roof roof makes butter grade flashing should be used to fill small voids such as alligatored areas on asphaltic roof roof mate butter grade flashing and fabrics should be used for all penetrations and curbs and should also be used for loose scenes on asphaltic and single ply roofs once the prep and seal stages are complete you are ready to coat the roof the roof is coated in two steps each coat is applied at one to one and a half gallons per 100 square feet of roof using a sprayer roller or brush first apply roof mate base coat and allow approximately 24 hours for drying this base coat is light grey in color and contains a bleed blocker to prevent asphalt oil greetings in the white topcoat for the final step roof mate topcoat should be applied perpendicular to the base coat to ensure even coverage once this coat is finished you are done so that's the roofs made coating system a simple and effective professional coating system that will give you years of protection and energy benefit

Step 1 - Prep the Roof Surface

Inspect the roof looking for required repairs such as minor sheet metal repairs. All loose or missing fasteners are re-secured or replaced. The roof is then power washed with water at 3,000 psi and allowed to dry. Sheet metal crickets are installed behind all rooftop units. All rust is treated with Topcoat mp 300 rust inhibitor. Areas of residual asphalt are primed with Topcoat mb+.

Step 2 - Seal Protrusions

Horizontal seams or end laps are sealed with a six inch width of Topcoat flashing grade, reinforced with Topcoat flashing fabric or Topcoats liquid fabric product without reinforcement when conditions apply. All vertical seams are sealed with Topcoat flashing grade. All detail areas including curbs, ridges, pipe penetrations, rakes and skylight perimeters are sealed with Topcoat flashing grade, or Topcoat flex seal, and Topcoat flashing fabric. Fasteners are encapsulated in Topcoat fastener grade or flex seal. Where present fiberglass skylights may also be restored with Topcoat skylight after they have been sealed.

At this point on guaranteed projects the roof receives its first mandatory inspection by a GAF field service representative.

Step 3 - Coat

The base coat of the Topcoat membrane is applied to the entire roof area. The finished coat of the Topcoat membrane, typically white, is installed over the base coat. Now the membrane is fully coated and sealed. The second GAF inspection is performed, and the GAF Topcoat system guarantee is issued.

Existing low sloped roofing systems can also be restored. Even an aged, smooth surface asphalt roof that has already been in place for over 30 years. Even if a lack of maintenance has led to leaks in a few areas. Again follow the basic steps of restoration. Prep seal and coat.

A moisture scan identifies wet or damaged areas. Those areas get replaced as part of the prep phase of a restoration. This step is of critical importance and a required element for GAF guarantee coverage. Without replacing wet roof areas, a coating will blister and peel away from the surface.

Next all the penetrations must get sealed with Topcoat flex seal and Topcoat flashing fabric. Then the roof gets coated with two coats of Topcoat mv+. The temperature difference can be immediately noticeable.

Topcoat products can also help assure watertight system performance when used as part of a yearly maintenance program. High quality sealants membranes and coatings can reduce thermal stress, seal open laps, repair aged caulk, and seal metal flashings. GAF is so committed to the importance of maintenance that they extend the duration of their membranes guarantees up to 25% when a certified maintenance professional maintains your newly installed roof. And including Topcoat products in your maintenance program helps assure the vulnerable areas of your system are properly maintained.

Join the growing numbers of industry leaders who are protecting their buildings with Topcoat. Take the first step in restoring your most valuable asset by contacting a licensed contractor in your area to help you determine which Topcoat system is right for your roof.

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Roof Coatings Tucson

Different Roof Coating Options for Your Commercial Roof - Torch Down, EPDM, TPO Roofing

Although there are many commercial roofing systems to choose from, there are three specific types of single ply roofing systems commonly installed by contractors across the United States. Of the three types, EPDM is the most popular. It has been used for over 40 years. It is the same synthetic rubber membrane used to make inner tubes.

Another type is TPO, which is a thermoplastic polyolefin membrane, and is probably the fastest growing type of commercial roofing product material.

And finally there's modified bitumen, which is an asphalt based membrane that is similar to a Built-Up Roof (BUR) that is used on many commercial buildings.

Let's look a bit closer at each of these membranes.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer)

EPDM is an extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane used in low-slope buildings that are susceptible to water ponding issues. It is widely used in the United States and worldwide . Its two primary ingredients, ethylene and propylene, are derived from liquid oil and natural gas.

EPDM is produced in different thicknesses. They are 45, 60, and 90 thousandths of an inch. Most contractors use the industry standard of 60 thousandths of an inch, which is very near the thickness of a quarter. 

Some advantages for using EPDM on a flat roof are:

  • It is the least expensive system to install per square foot
  • It is simple to install with the use of anchors adhesives and rollers
  • It weighs less than other single ply membranes
  • It is sold in wide rolls of eight to twenty feet resulting in fewer seams

Some of the disadvantages of EPDM are

  • Harmful ultraviolet rays degrade adhesive used on seams and flashing causing very premature separation.
  • The black membrane absorbs ultraviolet light causing shrinkage and brittleness, which decreases its life expectancy drastically.
  • Protective mats are definitely needed because the thin membrane is susceptible to punctures due to foot traffic on sharp objects left behind by maintenance crews.
  • Another reason we don't recommend EPDM is because it's so easily punctured. For example, you may see roofers lay out mats for workmen to walk on, and this is supposed to offer protection, but because there's never enough mats to cover the whole roof, there almost always tends to be issues created by the foot traffic.
  • Repairs to seams and flashing is required long before the warranty of the fifteen to twenty years expires.
  • The surface preparation can be an added labor cost when removing an old roof system, or installing one over a pre-existing one.
  • And lastly, the black color of the membrane absorbs heat, and can lead to the super heating of the structure below, causing air conditioning costs to rise significantly.

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply roofing membranes are among the fastest growing commercial roof coating products in the business and have gained praise across the industry for their many performance and installation advantages.

There are two thickness options to TPO; 45 and 60 thousandths of an inch, which is roughly equivalent to the thickness of a quarter. TPO is composed of laminated layers. Of the three membranes, this one requires more experienced roofing technicians and much more equipment.

Some of the advantages of TPO are

  • The seams are heat welded rather than glued, so they are much less prone to separation.
  • The white surface of the membrane reflects much of the ultraviolet light keeping the structure below cooler as measured by infrared instruments as well as basic temperature readings.
  • If the contractor is certified by the manufacturer, to install the membrane, the manufacturer, rather than the contractor, honors with warranty.

Here are some of the disadvantages of TPO

  • The system is fairly new to the roofing industry, about 20 years, and has a long track record of revisions and improvements due to surface and seam failures.
  • Also, TPO is known to shrink and its rigidity causes stress on seams and flashing.
  • A prolonged period of excessive heat exposure causes ultraviolet light degradation
  • Another con is that contractors must calibrate their welding machines very carefully. Improperly welded seams may come loose during the first freeze and thaw cycle and lead to water infiltration.
  • Lastly, the manufacturer's warranty is only fifteen to twenty years.

Installing TPO Roofing

Transcript

mechanically attached roofing system the Versa weld mechanically attached roofing system uses 45 60 72 or 80 mil reinforced membrane field sheets are either 8 10 or 12 foot wide depending upon wind zone deck type and building height step 1 begin by laying the approved insulation with no gaps greater than 1/4 inch versico recovery board and polyisocyanurate insulation with thickness 1 and 1/2 inches of greater utilize a minimum of 5 fasteners and plates / 4 by 8 foot board when using 4 by 4 foot boards regardless of the thickness a fastener and plate are required every four square feet please refer to the details for specific fastening requirements step 2 for the required perimeter secure meant position the four or six foot wide perimeter sheets over the substrate fast in the perimeter sheet according to the required number of fasteners for the project the project requires 12 inch on center fastening versa goes HPV X fasteners plates must be used to fasten the versa weld membrane to the deck position the next perimeter sheet by overlapping the first perimeter sheet approximately 5 and 1/2 inches fasten the perimeter sheet in the same manner as the first utilizing an automatic heat welding machine weld the two sheets together to achieve a minimum 1 and 1/2 inch Heat welded splice step 3 in the field of the roof position the versa weld membrane over the substrate whether using 8 10 or 12 foot rolls when encountering penetrations cut the membrane to fit as tight as possible around the units utilizing the pre-printed X markings along one edge of the sheet install all of the required fasteners the HPV X fasteners and plates are required for membrane securement and lap splices are set at a minimum of 2 inches to achieve a minimum 1 and 1/2 inch weld no mechanical Sherman is required at this location the sheets are typically fastened a maximum of 12 inches on center this project requires 12 inch on center fastening for the field sheets after the sheet has been fastened in place position the next roll of membrane overlapping the adjoining sheet at least 5 and 1/2 inches step 4 complete all splices utilizing an automatic heat welding machine there are 4 details which require additional membrane securement the pre molded and split pipe seal the filled fabricated pipe seal and the versa weld sealant pocket these four details require the use of HPV X fastener plate located 12 inches maximum from the detail round penetrations less than 6 inches in diameter only require four fasteners and plays pipes over 6 inches in diameter will require fastening 12 inches away from the penetration and 12 inches on center heat weld a piece of versa weld reinforced membrane over the plate to achieve a minimum 1 and 1/2 inch heat welded splice past the plate in all directions after the splice area has cooled probe this place and make any necessary repairs to complete the detail apply a bead of tpo cut edge sealant to the edge of the membrane. This is great for waterproofing as properly applied it is highly water-resistant.

The importance of waterproofing all seams and penetrations can't be overstated. Without paying attention to these small but critical waterproofing details, you are almost guaranteed to have water leak beneath the membrane..

You want to have a qualified roofer do this for you, so you might want to check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for a bit of due diligence before hiring a contractor.

Modified Bitumen Torch Down Roofing

Now, let us talk about the modified bitumen torch down membrane that has been around since the late 1960s.

Torch down roofing (sometimes referred to as “torch on” roofing) is so named because it requires an open-flame propane torch.  The membrane layers of a torch down roof are made of an asphalt compound called bitumen that is modified with either rubber or plastic.

These single ply membranes can be combined to create a two-to-three ply membrane, that offers the best roofing system to date because there's a forty year guarantee.

Some advantages for installing the modified bitumen membrane

  • It is designed to be flexible in extremely hot and cold weather
  • It is a two ply membrane with a thickness of about five quarters, or three-eighths of an inch, which is very puncture resistant.
  • The membrane surface has been embedded with granular ceramics to protect it from ultraviolet degradation.
  • Seams are fused together with high heat to prevent any separation, unlike EPDM and TPO, the 2 to 3 ply system can withstand a heavy amount of foot traffic.
  • This 2 ply system can be installed over any existing roof or surface with minimal preparation.

There are actually two advantages for installing a new membrane in this case.

  1. 1
    There is no cost for stripping and removing the old membrane and
  2. 2
    Fusing an additional membrane over an old one creates a roof that will last well beyond 40 years, unlike the 15 to 20 year life wear expectancy of EPDM and TPO single ply roofing systems.

Some disadvantages to modified bitumen membrane are

  • The installation requires highly skilled roofing technicians
  • The additional layer has an added costs for labor materials

With a 2 ply system, when torched together, the membranes are fused so well together they cannot come apart and the underlying stones never puncture through. Everybody always asks if a simple base sheet is enough, and it is.  It's a fiberglass reinforced base sheet and it is not going to get punctured. You can walk on this kind of roof material all day long. It's what you want in a situation where there are air conditioning units that need maintenance on a regular basis for example, creating a lot of foot traffic, because it's so extremely puncture resistant.

In conclusion we feel the modified bitumen is likely the best, most cost effective and widely useful roofing repair system for the price. The type and condition of your existing roof does not matter as this is a roofing system that will be cost effective and will outlast any other.

When it comes to commercial roof coatings, you have a lot of options and solutions available to you. Whether your looking at options for a new building or an older one that needs a roof replacement or just a roof restoration service, there are a lot of different application that can be used on your property. And whether you have a metal roof, foam or any other material, a good roofing company can help you figure out if an acrylic elastomeric or silicone spray will provide you the most benefits. Either way, when you add a cool roof reflective coating, your building will need less energy to keep it cool during the hot Arizona summer. Building owners are often shocked at how well these work as a shield against the sun's scorching temperatures, regarding the energy costs and money that they save when these coatings are applied to their roofs when they really only thought they were looking for help with roof leaks.

We gladly service the entire, greater Tucson area, including Oro Valley, Marana, Saddlebrooke, Green Valley and Vail, AZ.  Call DC Roofing today! (520) 979-9095

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Roof Maintenance Tucson

commercial rooftop in Tucson, AZ

The Basics of Commercial Roof Maintenance Programs

A new roof is not a set it and forget it project. It requires a plan be put in place for preventative maintenance, just like any other component of your building, whether it's interior or exterior. The relatively small ongoing investment for preventive maintenance will save significant money compared to the cost of sudden, unexpected repairs. 

Most times, people will have their carpets cleaned, or have their windows cleaned, but never think about performing preventative maintenance on their roof assembly. Now, your roofs are certainly exposed to much harsher elements than your carpets, the interior of your windows, but it's easy to forget the things that you don't see every day. But without that preventative maintenance, can be a very costly long-term ramifications.

Here's an example of how that could play out in the real world. In 2011, on the same city block, two identical roof systems were installed. Basically, the roofs were the same size, and had the same specification, in regards to warranty term.

AFter 10 years those warranties expired, and after a few more years, the owners both decided that it was time to renew, or recoat, those roof systems.

One owner had enrolled in a program of annual preventative maintenance, throughout the life of that warranty, and even including the couple years beyond. The other had not performed any maintenance at all.

The owner who had not performed any maintenance, his renewal and recoating price, was 30% higher than the facility-owner who had installed that recoat - or the preventative maintenance. The overall savings was significant.

Regular roof maintenance can prevent various different types of damage being caused to the building.

Regular roof maintenance basically gets somebody on your roof to take a visual inspection of all the different components. It doesn't take much for a small split or tear to develop into a major leak quickly, especially if it's over a weekend, when the facility's not occupied, it can become very costly, very quickly.

Options for maintenance on your new roof can be as simple as a couple of technicians simply walking the roof on an annual, or even semiannual basis, just to clean the vegetation or debris that may have accumulated around drains, or gutters, or scuppers, just to make sure that the water's flowing.

The next level of that is to have them perform a greater, or a more in-depth, survey of all the seams, and the penetrations, and all the flashing conditions, the coping and metal edge conditions plus any penetrations where you might have equipment mounted to the rooftop. This takes a little bit longer. They're on more of a task for actually looking at deficiencies, than generally on the earlier one, just being a type of a cleaning, or just a pure debris-removal project.

The third aspect would be to perform larger and more extensive repairs, which would occur later on down the road, typically once the roof has aged four or five, six years, and older, where at that point, you might have a preventative maintenance program that includes maybe up to a couple of percentage of the square footage of the entire building being replaced, in addition to some of the cleaning and general maintenance that would go on.

Different Types of Commercial Roof Maintenance Programs

We feel that there are four primary types of commercial roof maintenance programs.

They can be as simple as having just a couple of technicians walk the roof, just to clean debris off the roof, and make sure that all the drainage components are flowing properly, make sure there's no debris accumulation around the drains, the gutters, the scuppers. It's a very simple process, generally it only takes a couple hours on the average-size facility, and it's very low-cost, but it can prevent some disastrous results, if you've got backed up drains, and building swimming pools on your roofs.

The next process is the probably the most common, which is combined with cleaning of the drains, and scuppers, and getting debris off the roof.

But it can be taken to the next level of actually looking at all the seams, penetrations, all the flashings... actually looking for items that possibly aren't leaking yet, but could develop into a leak concern within the time frame between this maintenance, and the next annual or semi-annual maintenance that is performed. It takes a little bit longer, and it costs a little bit more than the first option.

But that's generally what is being accomplished - making sure that nothing's letting loose, or going to fail within the next six to 12 months.

The third type is a little bit more extensive, where it might be that a roof gets a little bit older, and is starting to begin to show some signs of age. It might still be under warranty, but the owner might opt for, in addition to the maintenance that was just mentioned above, possibly installing even a sacrificial coating over some of the roof areas.

As the UV starts to break down some of these membranes, possibly installing an aluminized asphalt, or an acrylic, or even a silicone coating, can extend some life and add some peace of mind to that facility owner, that they've got a sacrificial coating, and it's gonna help prolong that roof system for a couple more years.

Another type of maintenance program that can be offered is a program that entails some callback features in it, so that basically, the contractor will come in and do a maintenance program on more or less an as-needed basis. Oftentimes it's difficult to capture all of the maintenance issues in that first call, so the idea is to build into that initial price, a first, and second, and the third return call, so that if not every concern is captured in that first visit, that the owner can call, and know that the contractor will return to continue to work on it two or three more trips, without additional fees running up on time and material basis from port to port, and oftentimes it's more cost-effective. And then it puts the contractor on a little bit higher-level of accountability, because they don't have that open checkbook, knowing that if it leaks again, that they can just come back and bill, and bill, and bill again.

That additional level of accountability is something that many consider a very good option.

Scheduling your maintenance program should be something you're thinking of any time you're doing any capital improvement, budgeting, or sequencing within your facility. Most maintenance contracts are performed, at minimum, annually.

In the northern portion of the United States, where you've got the climate change and heavy snow, anything that's harsh experiencing winter, or any type of repetitive freeze-thaw cycles, maybe a semi-annual basis is more appropriate. Here in Arizona, an annual review is typically adequate.

However, getting up there prior to the powerful monsoon season is a good idea, just to make sure that everything is clean, drainage components are working properly, and there's nothing that's going to cause an issue when the heavy rains and wind come through.

The third part of that is, you really wanna get a professional looking at your roof after any significant weather event. Whether it's a thunderstorm, a hail activity or event, or a micro-burst as we know can happen during the summer, it's always good just to get some trained eyes, if your facility doesn't have maintenance guys who can handle that type of activity, just to get another look at it, and generally that's just a walk through to make sure that something as minor as a panel on an HVAC unit hasn't fallen off and rolled across your roof, and you haven't noticed it leaking yet, but it's near it.

So if you have any questions regarding roof inspections, roof replacements, and more importantly, roof maintenance, feel free to get in touch with us here at DC Roofing of Arizona.  As licensed and insured roofing contractors, we'll give you an honest assessment of your roof.

An experienced commercial roofing company analyzes a particular building and identifies unique solutions, from making use of an energy audit to recommending a highly energy-efficient solution for your rooftop. It is best to hire a licensed, professional roofer to carry out the inspections and maintenance of the roof, as typically the plant owners have no knowledge or experience in the commercial roofing trade.

There are a lot of commercial roof options for your flat roof when it comes to materials, some of which include metal roofs as a common commercial roofing system, restoration options over your existing roof include spray foam, modified bitumen, reflective coating roof, builtup roofing (BUR), single-ply coating systems, Torch Down, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), single ply membranes, TPO Membrane Roofing system, TPO over gravel and more. For more information on the best commercial roofing products and services, contact us today.

Tearing down the roof usually means limiting your business activities for at least a few days, which can cost you even more in revenue. If you want to maximize the life expectancy of your roof and get the most out of your investment, consider implementing a commercial roof repair and maintenance program. 

When it comes to roof maintenance compared to roof repair or replacement, the money you pay compared to the work and money you'll save on a full new roof installation makes for an easy choice. Whether you decide to schedule a maintenance plan where qualified roof contractors with professional equipment will provide regular, complete service inspections to ensure your roof is in good shape is up to you. But it's a top point to understand that having a professional inspect your roof today rather than waiting for some big storm to call your insurance company to learn what kind of best estimate they'll offer you can take a lot of future stress out of your business life. Don't wait to see water leak or other problems develop - get regular roof maintenance team on your roof at least once a year and prevent future damage before it's too late.

We gladly service the entire, greater Tucson area, including Oro Valley, Marana, Saddlebrooke, Green Valley and Vail, AZ.  Call DC Roofing today! (520) 979-9095

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Roof Coating Tucson

flat roof coated with white elastomeric roof coating in Tucson

Roof Coating Specialists

In hot weather climates with a lot of flat roofs like in Tucson as well as the rest of Arizona, you hear a lot about roof coating, especially elastomeric cool roof reflective coatings (or some combination of those terms).  This material is exremely popular in the roofing industry and has many benefits worth considering.

When you hear the term elastomeric, think elastic - it can stretch and contract back to its original shape.  This is a great quality to have in roofing material, especially in the desert where the temperature fluctuations can vary so greatly.  This type of material comes in liquid, but as it is applied to a roof surface, it creates what is known as a monolithic roofing membrane, meaning it’s a single entity as it binds to itself and the roof, making a watertight seal against moisture (when properly applied). 

One of the variables that determine whether you get a true, single waterproof seal has to do with how the material is applied. Another factor in its water resistance is the quality of the material itself.  

Quality elastomeric material such as APOC 252 applied with a ¾ in nap roller, followed by a second coat once it’s cured, will give your roof a solid seal, and you don't need to put down primer coat first. If you use the bright reflective white, you will reduce the heat absorbed by your roof and into your home.  Studies have shown that cool roof coatings can lower rooftop temperatures and reduce air conditioning bills.  See this video for what  difference it can make

Benefits of Elastomeric Roof Coating in Arizona

Transcript

okay we want to show the comparison with the coating the elastomeric coating versus the non coating this temperature is 95 degrees on the heating unit that has no elastomeric on it and if we go down to the ductwork which I just did 46 degrees a huge difference in in comparison so that means all of your cold air the air conditioning is now going to be insulated even more than what the ductwork has so in the middle of the summer when this is the case this ductwork won't maybe a hundred degrees versus 150 degrees makes a huge difference for your heating bill and after the roof the difference the roof let's go over here so here before we coat the roof the temperatures about 85 more or less that's on the on the surface that's not been coded if we go up onto the white onto the last merit it's 54 degrees big big difference and again in reflectivity as far as the heat and also the sealing process so that's why that you want to get the thicker the coating of the elastomeric the better and the longer-lasting against the UV rays but also the more reflective and better insulation as well big difference and long lasting

Have Questions About Roof Coatings for Your Home?

How many gallons of roof coating do I need?

What is the best elastomeric roof coating?

How to apply roof coating?

How much does roof coating cost?

What is cool roof coating?

The thing with these kinds of materials used in roof coatings is that the product and application process described above is not what every roofing contractor will do.  Some roofing companies have been known to use lower cost, lower quality products, sometimes even diluting them with water.  On top of this, they may use a spray application leaving you with the appearance of a white, cool coated roof, but giving you no more benefit than a white paint job.  So… know what materials are being used and how it is being applied before settling on a bid simply because it’s the lowest price.  

You must also distinguish between roof coatings and deck coatings.  While you are certainly able to walk on a roof surface with elastomeric roof coating without any problem, they’re not designed for high foot traffic. For an area with any kind of regular, ongoing use, whether by people, cars, bicycles, there are specifically designed materials known as deck coatings that offer more structural protection that should be used. 

It's clear to see why this relatively easy to apply material that does an excellent job waterproofing your roof is a popular option for roof repairs.  But it is not ideal for all situations.  For example, it does not work well and is not recommended to be used over existing shingles of any kind, and in particular, asphalt shingles and built-up roofs.  

rolling elastomeric roof coating on commercial roof by a Tucson roof coating specialist

In fact, the National Roofing Contractors Association’s (NRCA) director of technical services has stated "The roofing industry is aware of a number of issues that could have negative consequences for field application of silicone coatings over asphalt shingle roof systems. Anyone considering this type of application should be aware of the concerns so they can weigh them against the benefits claimed in coating product promotional materials."

One area where roof coatings may not work quite as well as initially anticipated isn’t so much a failure on the part of the material, but on the challenges of flat and low-slope roofs.  With a flat or nearly flat roof, there is a high likelihood of depressions that can cause water to ‘pond’, especially around scuppers or drains.  When subjected to ponding, coating materials may not last their full expected lifetime.  

When looking for the manufacturer's warranty on the roof coating you choose to use, check whether it covers areas of ponding.  Also, check your roof on occasion to see if you have ponding issues.  A ponding issue can be fixed more easily than a leak.  When you hire a skilled roofing contractor, they look for areas of ponding and address them as part of the job.

Roof coatings, especially reflective coatings in Arizona, are a great option for your residential roof.  It will seal up any leaks you may have when it’s properly applied, it will also extend the life of your roof by reducing the transfer of heat into your home, thereby reducing the load on your air conditioner.  The reflective, heat reducing properties also reduces what is known as ‘thermal shock’; the expansion and contraction of your roof which helps extend the lifetime of your roof.  

elastomeric roof coating applied by the Tucson roof experts at DC Roofing

A properly applied roof coating can last up to 10 years or more, depending on the quality of the material and the thickness and method of application.  When the roof coating degrades, as everything will over time, especially when subjected to the brutal heat of Arizona summers, you can apply a fresh coat over the top of the existing coat, re-sealing and regaining the benefits that may have been lost over time.

When it comes to your Tucson roof coating, there can be confusion by consumers between an elastomeric roof coating specialist and rubberized roof coatings. Elastomeric is simply a generic term for “rubber-like” roof coatings, so don't let it throw you!

Coating a Roof - APOC Shades Of Green

Transcript

these roof restoration experts are dedicated to creating long-lasting structures while conserving energy and protecting our environment you've noticed your monthly electric bills keep rising Americans are using record amounts of electricity and paying record high prices today we're going to look at the problem and a solution that works on almost any kind of building cool roofing buildings use approximately forty percent of all the energy consumed in the US of a third of all the energy used by buildings can be ascribed to the energy efficiency of the roofing systems because the surface of a cool roof is highly reflective the surface of the roof remains cool the roof will last longer second benefit is less energy from the roof is being transferred into the building and the air conditioning equipment for that building runs less cool roof coatings were developed to reduce energy usage in a building by reflecting and emitting heat what makes a roof coating good these coatings have to be stronger they have to stretch more they have to be more resistant to UV and they have to be resistant to washing away through erosion cool roofs save money for homeowners and for businesses when the Sun is between 100 115 degrees you need something reflect off your roof if you do not do that you're going to feel the heat inside your living space but also your air conditioning will have to work twice as hard to try to cool off your area inside if you don't use white roof coatings on your roof eventually you would have to replace the roof after a certain time they work really well for retail for office buildings you don't have that the odors associated with hot asphalt built up roofing you'll see how cool roofs help cut your monthly electric bills and make roofs and air conditioners last longer as a bonus cool roofs make our world cleaner and greener by reducing global warming improving our air quality and cutting landfill waste besides impacting just a single bill cool roofs also act communities temperatures within the urban center of the city and to be much much warmer than those in the surrounding communities this phenomenon is called the urban heat island if you take 100 cities change every energy absorbing surface in those cities now you can talk about reducing the global temperature which would have an offset on global climate change as a building owner we save money by installing a cool roof because we're utilizing the existing roof system and applying a system onto it that elongates it it's useful life at the end of that useful life you have several options one would be to tear off that roof and replace it with a new roof fortunately today we have a coding restoration system which can actually extend the life of that roof the net effect or customer and many times is he saving money on his cooling costs he'll make a more comfortable work environment as you're reducing surface temperature some you know 60 70 degrees one company that has taken the lead in promoting cool roofs and energy savings is a POC the division of Gardner industries a POC has always been the industry leader we spent significant resources maintaining the highest quality control standards in the industry we continually look to improve our company through the implementation of new technology as well as improving our operational efficiencies lastly we have the number one research and development program in the industry we've recently developed and launched the highest-rated independently tested and certified cool roof coating manufactured in the world a POC is a company that has made a great investment in research and development for as you may imagine there are a vast number of materials if it can be used to make coatings they are also changing on a day to day basis as well which means that you need to do a good deal of research and development in order to keep up with changing raw materials but also to continuously improve your coatings and make them some of the highest reflecting and emitting coatings in the industry in supplying white roof coatings there are many markets that we serve we serve residential customers through the sale of our coatings through big box and retail stores we also serve many contractors through larger building supply houses and roofing supply houses that sell these products directly to contractors who would apply them on commercial buildings apoc recently partnered with the city of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Vice President Al Gore and promoting cool roofs throughout the city on a hot summer day the temperature on a heat reflective cool roof can be as much as 60 degrees Fahrenheit lower than on a dark surfaced roof the internal temperature on the top floor of a building can be 10 to 20 degrees cooler and that translates into substantial savings on the cost of air conditioning we're building owners saving as much as fifty percent in a one-story building and ten percent and a five-story building because they less stressed by extreme heat cool roofs last five to ten years longer air conditioning units last longer to all of which saves building owners money actions that help to solve the climate crisis also have found economic benefits putting people to work saving on energy costs making our buildings and our economy more efficient one of our clients is in a distribution building of 130,000 square feet and they were complaining that it was too hot in the summertime so we applied the apoc product and the following winter they're complaining it was too cold

Polyurethane and other roof coatings

As you can see, roof coatings can be beneficial to your roof whether you currently have acrylic, metal, modified bitumen over your head. Polyurethane foam and other types of product used for roof coatings such as EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer) can provide you protection against all kinds of wear from the wind, sun and hot weather. Having a professional roofing contractor do this kind of coating service is the best bet to ensure it's done right and that your roof will keep doing its business for you for the long haul. DC Roofing of Arizona are your roof coating experts.

We gladly service the entire, greater Tucson area, including Oro Valley, Marana, Saddlebrooke, Green Valley and Vail, AZ.  Call DC Roofing today! (520) 979-9095

Answers to Questions About Roof Coatings for Your Home

How many gallons of roof coating do I need?

A good rule of thumb is that every 100 square feet of roof equals one gallon of coating. Be sure to allow for roofing on parapet walls, garages, and porches. Take a simple sketch of your roof with dimensions to your coating dealer for help.

What is the best elastomeric roof coating?

When you talk about “the best” of anything, you’re going to get a lot of varying opinions. Without a doubt, a very good choice of elastomeric coating for your residential roof in Tucson would be APOC 252 Sunwhite Premium.

How to apply roof coating?

  • Thoroughly clean the surface of any large debris using a broom or blower, followed by pressure washing.
  • Make necessary repairs, especially around roof penetrations or low areas that creates ponding.
  • Use a ¾ inch roller to apply a thick, even coat across the roof surface. Allow to dry completely and repeat.

How much does roof coating cost?

Ballpark pricing for elastomeric coatings can range between $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot. This includes labor.

What is cool roof coating?

Cool roof coatings are a white roof coating material designed to reflect away the sun’s heat. It can have a dramatic effect on lowering the temperature of the roof, thereby reducing the energy requirements of the air conditioner to cool the building.

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Residential Roofing

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Getting Familiar with Materials and Terms Used by Residential Roofers & Contractors

When it comes to having a roof over your head, you want to have a solid one. When there are questions or issues with the roof on your home, you need to have a qualified residential roofing contractor in your corner.  We are here to provide you with some general roofing information to help you get a good understanding of the industry and to help you form the most appropriate questions for your needs when you deal with a local Tucson roofing service expert. 

Whether you want to design the home of your dreams with a brand new home construction, retrofitting a fixer-upper or just need to understand what’s involved with your existing roof that may be leaking, the subject can quickly get confusing for someone who isn’t familiar with all the variables.  Domestic roof construction of roofs on residential homes can vary a lot, from the pitch to the materials used and how they are put together. Talking to a professional roofer about what you want and need for your particular home or business is an excellent idea. Before you do, you may first want to look at and become familiar with some of the different materials found on home roofs.

Common Types of Residential Roofing Materials Used in Arizona

  • Ceramic or Concrete Tiles
  • Different Roofing Shingles including Asphalt Shingles, Wood Shingles or other Composite Shingles to Mimic the Look of Cedar, Slate or other natural materials.
  • Flat Roof using Bitumen, Built-Up or PVC materials (among others)
  • Metal Roofing (because DC Roofing doesn't currently work with metal roof buildings, we won't be going over that option here).

Roof Tiles - Ceramic or Concrete

Benefits of Tile Roofing

The look of a tile roof is very appealing appearance to many people. Reminiscent of Mediterranean style homes, as far as roofing products go, they are very long lasting and stand up to the elements such as heat and salt water air, making them very popular along coastlines such as California and Florida as well as in the hot, dry areas of the Southwest, Another benefit for areas that get heavy rains in short bursts is their ability to drain a lot of water quickly, due to their shape.

The durability of tiles is another very attractive quality.  Some manufacturers say you can expect tiles to last 50, 75 or even 100 years - time frames that are otherwise never talked about in the roofing industry.  While the original tiles were typically made from a fired clay or terracotta, today many tiled roofs use concrete that has been tinted and molded into a variety of different shapes.  

Looking for more good reasons to go with tile? Well, they are impervious to insects, rot and are non-flammable and don't require much of anything in the way of maintenance.  That doesn’t mean you can’t still have some roofing problems due to underlying wood and other roofing materials, but for a great looking outer layer, tile is pretty hard to beat. 

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Something else to keep in mind with regard to tile roofs is that while the tiles themselves do perform a critical function of draining water quickly, they are not the real reason a roof will be water tight.  They really act as the cosmetic overlay to the true waterproofing, which is the underlayment beneath the tiles.  If water is starting to enter your home, it is this underlayment that will need to be replaced.  

That being said, there are some downsides that you need to consider before committing to a tile roof. 

Downsides of a Tile Roof

As far as roofing products go, tile roofing can be considerably more expensive than other material options. Compared to an asphalt roof, you may end up paying 2 or three times as much. Something to consider with these higher costs though are the long life that roof tiles offer, as outlined above. 

Another difficulty regarding tiles is that they are heavy and therefore can be more difficult (and expensive) to install.  Consider that the weight per square, (a square is industry term for 100 square feet of area), for tile can be around 850 to 950 pounds for clay vs concrete material respectively.  For the same surface area, and asphalt roof will weigh in the neighborhood of 225 to 325 pounds. 

As you can imagine, you can’t simply swap out your asphalt shingle tiles for concrete tiles because they look good.  Making such a drastic change in your building would require consulting an engineer, which would definitely add to the entire cost of the roof.

Also, as mentioned, roofing with tile is more difficult.  It takes an experienced, professional roofer to know how to properly lay the tiles to make sure there are no gaps that could allow moisture to get through and to make sure water drains properly.  On top of that, while these tiles are durable, they are also brittle.  That means if they’re not properly handled or carelessly walked on, they could easily break.  Again, more expenses adding up.  

A tile roof is not any kind of weekend DIY project for a bunch of buddies!

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingle roofing is the most commonly used residential roofing material in the United States, and for good reason.  It’s affordable, easy to work with so virtually any roofer knows how to work with it.  Plus, it’s easy enough for many homeowners to do DIY repairs and maintenance on it, and it has good durability.  

Asphalt tiles, made from a fiberglass base and mineral and asphalt granules, usually have a 20 to 30 year warranty because the material is so good at flexing and contracting as the weather changes. As long as it’s properly installed and isn’t subjected to any unusual situations or conditions, there’s no reason an asphalt shingle roof won’t easily last 10 to 25 years or more.  

Beyond just the functionality, another nice benefit is the fact that you can get asphalt shingles in a variety of different colors to match or create the look you want for your home.  

While you may default to thinking of the black/grey asphalt shingle, they also come in a variety of shades of grey, brown and red.  Some people mix in a variety of light and dark tones to create an aged, vintage look to their roofs.  

With consumers becoming more environmentally aware, roofing material manufacturers have rolled out new, more green and energy efficient options, including in the realm of asphalt shingles.  The new “cool roof” shingles are designed to absorb less heat from the sun, thereby transferring less of it into your home, reducing how hard your air conditioner has to work during those hot months. 

When you consider the lower costs per square foot, plus all the other benefits that go along with it, it’s easy to see why asphalt tiles are such a popular option for home roofs. 

Composite Roof Shingles

In Tucson and other parts of southern Arizona, some traditional roof materials that people may have been familiar with in other parts of the country (or world), aren't so applicable here.  For example, cedar wood shingles or slate.

For people who long for a specific look and the unique corresponding colors that come with those kinds of materials, the good news is that today's composite material shingles can have you covered. 

CertainTeed offers a luxury line of composites under the brand name Symphony. Made of polypropylene and calcium carbonate, CertainTeed’s well-regarded product is a ‘dead ringer’ for slate. Arguably, the lightweight and fade-resistant Symphony shingles improve upon the genuine article. Aside from being cheaper to buy and less costly to install, they are backed by a 50-year warranty and boast Energy Star certification.

DaVinci Roofscapes, LLC, offers perhaps the most comprehensive line of composite shake and slate-type products. Polymer-based, with top impact and fire ratings and a strong warranty, Davinci shingles come in multiple widths and colors, enabling homeowners to create blends with realistic textures and shade variations.

Flat Roofing Materials

In Arizona, there are a lot of homes with flat roofs, from ranch style homes built years ago to more modern, southwester style homes.  With a flat roof, your options don’t include the materials mentioned above, but there are still options to consider.

Modern flat roofs use innovative materials that can provide better insulation than many people might think, and make them more energy efficient and cooler than older, traditional pitched roofs. EPDM roofing for example, (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is very highly energy efficient. In studies at Oak Ridge National Laboratories it was found that temperatures can be reduced by 30 to 40 percent with EPDM. With such such significantly lower heat transfer into the home, this can be a smart choice for homeowners in warmer areas looking to reduce the demands on their air conditioners.

Built-Up Roof (BUR)

Built-up roofing, also referred to as BUR, is one of the most common types of roofing systems you’ll find on low slope roofs and is the business that keeps a lot of local Tucson roofers in business. It is made up of alternating layers of ‘built up’ reinforced fabric and asphalt or bitumen.  Typically the top most layer is some kind of aggregate such as stone or small gravel.  One of the reasons this is a preferred material for flat or low-slope rooftops is because it creates a continuous seal, as opposed to other materials such as shingles or tiles that are independent pieces.  This is important because water will not drain off a flat roof as quickly as a more pitched roof, so having good waterproofing is critical. 

Built up roofing tends to do better and be more popular in hot climates like we have here in Arizona.  The average lifespan of a built-up roof is usually 15 to 30 years, but they can last even longer if properly maintained.  

Membrane Roofing

Another option for flat roofs is membrane roofing - a material that used to be used much more in commercial roofing than for the residential customer, but is starting to be used more and more in residential roofing, and for good reason.

Compared to BUR roofing, a membrane roof makes it easier to create a complete, waterproof seal on the roof, providing years of hassle free experience.  This is because it can be difficult to create really good binding between seams of BUR material.  The newer materials used in membrane roofing allow for either a seamless installation, or else the seams are actually just as strong as the body, thereby eliminating most issues regarding leaks developing.  

Furthermore, these membrane materials attach directly to the roof.  The asphalt in BUR roofing actually just rests on top of the roof, and is not actually attached to it.  The gravel or aggregate added to it is in part necessary to weight down the bitumen, as well as to protect it from UV rays from the sun, which tend to deteriorate asphalt.  None of this is necessary with a membrane roof.  

  • There are a number of different materials used for membrane residential roofing systems, including:
  • Neoprene (polychloroprene)
  • EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)
  • PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
  • Chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated polyethylene sheets
  • Polymer-modified bitumens

Probably the best and most popular choice of these is EPDM, which is a synthetic material. While it is long lasting and can give you a largely trouble free roof, it should be noted that if any kind of repair does need to be done, you must use the proper materials.  EPDM is not compatible at all with any kind of asphalt based coating.  So make sure whoever is working on your membrane roof is well aware, informed and prepared to work with the materials at hand.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofing is another popular roofing membrane material choice because it’s known for its durability and affordability. Since it can be prefabricated for your specific roof, it means less scrap and waste at the job site. 

Another added benefit is that PVC is fire resistant. It is also solar heat reflective, helping to reduce the heat transmission of the sun into your home, creating less work for your air conditioner when it’s hot out and reducing your energy bill. 

You can expect a membrane roof to last you between 20 to 35 years.  You can read more about different membranes roofing options throughout our website. 

Basic Residential Roofing Components

Transcript

hi everyone in this video we're going to be talking about basic roof components the idea of this video is for you to learn what elements are needed and have a visual understanding of each element that gets used by a roofing company first we're going to be talking about the asphalt roof shingles itself it is the most common roofing product available it is the most cost efficient also comes in different profiles and also for different weather conditions let's say that your house is in a very high wind area there's shingles for that just specifically for wind problematic areas also if your area is susceptible to hail storms there there's also a shingle that is hail resistant so they're also easier to locate leaks and deficiencies they last roughly between 20 and 25 years just depending on the type of roof ventilation where the house is located and and stuff like that also the cost is a third of a cedar or rubbery or rubber roofing system also they come in a lot of colors so it can blend pretty good to any color scheme of a home now the insurance starters and rich caps these are complimentary parts of a properly installed roofing system starters serve as the first course of shingle helps the first shingle not blow off by the wind you see the image on the right hand side that is the starter and you see those little thar lines those help the first shingle adhere properly and that way it doesn't blow off the ridge caps serve as a finish type on the top of the slopes for a smooth transition it looks good and keeps the water out there's also high profile Ridge caps which make the house have a little bit more depth in the roofing system you will be able to see the the lines of the hips and the ridges pretty pretty easily and it's just for looks oh it does look better too a little bit more expensive then we have the underlay the underlay is one of the key components of a properly install roofing shingle it is a secondary protective layer of a the underlay we always use underlay a synthetic underlay because it has the following benefits it is 12 times stronger as a traditional petroleum-based underlay it is inert to mold growth it does not absorb water or wrinkle it is you we protect resistant and it is slip resistant so you know before they used to use petroleum-based ones which they would absorb water they would tear easy easier than the traditional that then the monolithic ones that are typically used so if somebody is going to do your roof just make sure this is an aesthetic underlay and that they do install the underlay not everybody does it and it's just a good review practice next is the the roof fence there's two fundamental benefits of a effect of an effective roofing ventilation system the first one is a cooler attic in the summer which will help the shingles last longer just because they don't overheat and the other fundamental benefit is a dry attic in winter this helps avoid at a condensation if you don't know what attic condensation is we created in another video talking about this common issue that we have here in Calgary just due to our Chinooks freeze files and and stuff like that but basically at a condensation is moisture gathering in your attic space when it's super cold outside and it's warm in your house Moisture collection your attic it freezes and then if you don't have proper ventilation proper insulation that that moisture will start to melt during saw cycles and it will appear that you have roof leaks and they'll appear on the ceiling around the the washroom fans and stuff like that so yeah these two benefits of having the cooler attic and the dry attic both result in energy savings greater home greater homeowner comfort and higher integrity of the house now we're going to be talking about the pipe jack the pipe jack is a preformed flange that is placed around the plumbing stack so that black PVC that you see on the image is actually part of the plumbing system and it's meant to be open that way and the pipe jack is just a flashing that helps the pipe transition from the inside of the house to the exterior and you know they can't they come like that just pre-made they come to size there's different sizes and that basically they all come in in plastic for shingles and stuff so next we have the goose neck the goose neck is a is basically a venting another roof vent that is used to transition from the from the flex pipes that go from a washroom fan or a kitchen fan or another could be from a dryer it also helps for attic venting so basically you know you tie in the Flex pipes from those fans into on the bottom of the roof deck and this is where they come it comes out and they have two presentations one in metal and the other one in plastic and that's their basic function now the metal Valley well the valley on a roof is one of the most vulnerable areas of your roofing system if it's not properly protected a valley can channel water directly into your house causing interior damage installing a sheet metal as in the image will help add extra protection to this critical area of your roofing search and we'll ensure that you know you have no issues in the valley also it helps the shingles not deteriorate in this area since the water collects from the two slopes into that valley the shingles tend to deteriorate faster in that area and it's also a critical part of your roof so you've got to make sure that you are extra protected in that in that area now the drip edge the drip edge I've seen in the image is um it's a metal strip that goes just below the on the roof line just below the shingles and it helps it it helps the water get into the gutter easier it also helps prevent the the roof deck just under the shingle to deteriorate or to curl over time because it does get wet if you don't have that drip edge installed finally we have the ice and water protection the ice and water protection is the self adhesive resilient non-woven glass fiber mat which serves to waterproof under the shingles preventing water penetration due to ice dams and driven wind driven rain rights it also is used to protect critical areas such as skylights chimneys and valleys so this is a pretty sticky product and it is and also it's used if you have a very low pitched roof so it's the slope of the roof is very minimum we recommend installing it on the whole house that way if you have any ice damming or any any anything like that you make sure that that your whole roof is protected and also it's recommended by the manufacturer to install it on the entire roof to get that warranty that they provide. Many people researching a new roof ask about whether they should be concerned about choosing a hot roof, a warm roof, or a cold roof and what the differences are. The different types of roof are created simply by applying the layers of the roof in a different order. Namely the insulation layers. In a cold roof, the insulation is applied between the rafters, but in a warm roof, the insulation is applied on top of the existing roof surface. The term “hot roof” is something of a misnomer, as the attic space will only be a few degrees warmer than in a traditional roof. a Hot Roof is a system most likely to be found in newly built homes.

We gladly service the entire, greater Tucson area, including Oro Valley, Marana, Saddlebrooke, Green Valley and Vail, AZ.  Call DC Roofing today! (520) 979-9095

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Commercial Roofing

commercial building rooftop with AC units in Tucson

Understanding Different Commercial Roofing Material Options

When it comes to commercial roofing, there are a handful of materials that are most commonly used. We'll have a look at each of them and consider the benefits and drawbacks of each.  

First, the roofing materials we'll cover here are:

  • Spray Polyurethane Foam
  • Single-Ply Membrane
  • Metal
  • Tar and Gravel
  • Shingle

We'll come back with another article to address PVC roofing (polyvinyl chloride), which is a single-ply roofing solution used on many commercial and industrial roofs that are flat or low sloped. PVC or polyvinyl chloride, is the third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer

Spray Polyurethane Foam

Spray Polyurethane Foam, more commonly referred to as SPF, is a material that is sprayed as a liquid so it can expand into a foam, creating a solid layer across an existing roof.

An SPF Roofing system can be used in any climate, and when properly installed and maintained, can last over 50 years.

The energy efficient properties of Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing contributes to significant energy savings throughout the life of a building. SPF delivers thermal, air, and vapour barriers and delivers the highest R-value per inch of any cool roofing insulating material available. 

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • Energy efficient
  • Easy maintenance
  • Seamless and waterproof
  • Renewable and sustainable

Cons

  • Specialized contractors required
  • Limited installation window
  • Overspray potential
  • Regular maintenance needed

What is Spray Foam Roofing?

Transcript

spray polyurethane foam aka SPF is a material that's made by combining two liquids a resin and an isocyanate as it sprayed onto the existing roof substrate it creates a foam that expands 20 times in size to form a seamless foam roof surface when the foam is expanded this layer can be between 1 & 1 & a half inches in thickness when the installation is complete it will create a durable renewable foam roof covering SPF roofing is not the most well known type of roofing material the technology has been around since the 1960s for industrial commercial and residential facilities

Single-Ply Membrane

Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be ballasted, mechanically fastened or chemically adhered to insulation creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility. While Single-Ply Membrane Roofing is one of the most well-known types of commercial roofing material, there are several types to fit your budget and facility needs.

There are two main types of Single-Ply Membrane Commercial Roofing: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM). They differ in their chemical makeup, how they are installed and their energy efficiencies 

Pros

  • Proven track record
  • Options for insulation materials
  • Choice of reflective or retentive properties
  • Easy installation on a flat roof
  • Lightweight and flexible

Cons

  • Membrane is easily punctured
  • Roofing accessories can prolong installation
  • Seams are vulnerable to leaks
  • UV Rays can degrade adhesive

What is Single-Ply Membrane Roofing?

Transcript

single ply membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetic that come in rolls and are cut and adhere to your facility roof on top of the insulation there are two main types of single ply membrane commercial roofing PPO and EPDM they differ in their chemical makeup how they are installed and their energy efficiencies there are three ways to attach the single ply membrane to the cover board ballasted with rocks or stones which may be more prone to leaks adhesion with a rolled on adhesive or mechanically fastened with equipment

What is TPO Membrane Roofing?

Transcript

thermoplastic polyolefin is not your father's pvc. a single ply roofing membrane that is one of the fastest growing commercial roofing systems on the market TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforced scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs known as white roofs tpo is generally manufactured white and highly reflective PPO membrane can be attached to the cover board with a bonding adhesive or mechanically fastened when the membrane is rolled out the contractor then returns to use a hot air gun to hot air well the seams together

What is EPDM Membrane Roofing?

Transcript

ethylene propylene diene monomer is a single ply membrane that consists of a synthetic rubber compound that allows it to be flexible EPDM has been used on commercial roofing facilities since the 1960s and is considered a time-tested option with EPDM you have the option of choosing from 45 60 or 90 ml thickness and either black or white for the color while tpo has a natural white color EPDM results in a dark gray or black color for your roof the darker colour is not helpful in reflecting UV rays it does retain heat for those in cooler weather

What is a Silicone Restoration Membrane?

Transcript

what if I told you there was another option to paying for a full roof replacement a silicone restoration membrane or SRM can save you time and money when facing a commercial roof project a silicone restoration membrane is a fluid applied silicone coating sprayed directly on to an existing roof system an SRM system is a great option for buildings that have age groups that are still in good condition the roof needs to be in better condition than most roofs at the end of their life the SRM can be applied to restore the waterproof barrier on your roof

Built-Up Roofs (Tar and Gravel)

Built Up Roofing (BUR) Systems have been in use in the U.S. for over 100 years. These rooftop systems are commonly referred to as “tar and gravel” roofs and is often used for flat roofing jobs.

The first layer can adhere directly to the roof substrate. If needed, a base sheet can be fastened to the roof to create a flat and safe work space. A Built-Up Roof System is installed by alternating layers of modified bitumen and reinforced fabric.

Bituminous waterproofing systems are designed to protect residential and commercial buildings. Bitumen (asphalt or coal-tar pitch) is a mixed substance made up of organic liquids that are highly sticky, viscous, and waterproof. These systems are sometimes used to construct roofs in the form of roofing felts or roll roofing products.

Property owners and managers can choose three, four or five ply roofs to meet their needs and budgets.

The last layer is rock or stone; this layer protects the underlying layers from UV rays, extreme heat or cold, and wind damage. 

Pros

  • Seamless and waterproof
  • Reflects UV rays
  • Low- maintenance

Cons

  • Hazardous fumes and vapors when installing
  • Adds extra weight to the building structure
  • Slower installation time frame

Metal

Metal Roofing is one of the oldest commercial roofing systems on the market.

Most Metal Roofing Systems use corrugated galvanized steel, although other materials such as aluminum or tin can also be used. After a metal roofing system is installed, an acrylic or silicone coating can be added for waterproofing, rust protection, and UV protection.

Since material on metal roofs is rather light in weight, it can be installed right on top of the existing rooftops. A contractor will install a frame, or substrate, with trusses and purlins for the metal roof to be fastened to. 

Pros

  • Variety of material choices
  • Ability to hold up to high winds and snow
  • Sheet metal can be made from recycled steel
  • The metal panels will not burn in the event of a fire

Cons

  • If water ponds on the roof it can cause severe damage
  • Roof frame is difficult to work with
  • Metal panels create seams that are prone to water leaks
  • Weather such as rain, hail or wind can create a lot of noise

Shingles

Shingles are not only for residential roofs. Many facilities with a high-slope roof will choose to install shingles rather than the other roofing types.

Asphalt Shingles are used for commercial roofing, they are made of a base material (felt or glass-fiber mat), asphalt (or some other kind of filler), and a top layer of granules.

The most important layer of the Shingle Commercial Roof is the underlay or insulation. This layer is what provides insulation while the shingles, sealants, flashings and edge metal provide the weatherability. 

Pros

  • Cost-effective
  • Variety of colors and designs
  • Lasts 20-50 years

Cons

  • Regular maintenance required
  • Can’t install in cold weather
  • Impact can crack the shingles

Commercial Roofing Basics - Take-aways

  • Spray Polyurethane Foam is a material that is sprayed as a liquid so it can expand into a foam.
  • Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be ballasted, mechanically fastened or chemically adhered to insulation. 
  • Built-up Systems are installed by alternating layers of asphalt or tar and supporting fabrics directly onto the roof. 
  • Metal Roof Systems use corrugated galvanized steel, aluminum or tin. An acrylic or silicone coating is added for waterproofing and protection.
  • Shingles are not only for residential roofs. Asphalt Shingles are commonly used for commercial roofing.

In Arizona it's important to find a top quality roofing service that knows the solutions that work best in the desert heat. Having a team that has the experience to work any job, large or small, from giving a fair quote, to performing quality repairs to having a solid company warranty, striving for the best customer satisfaction in the industry is the most important job.

Whether it's for residential or commercial roofing clients, new construction or repairs, experience matters. Professional service, worker safety, affordable costs for customers, projects remaining on schedule today and for year to come, a company that ticks all these boxes is worth searching for. DC Roofing of Arizona, while a recently established new business, is that professional roofing contractor company with the skill, crew and quality products that you can count on. 

We gladly service the entire, greater Tucson area, including Oro Valley, Marana, Saddlebrooke, Green Valley and Vail, AZ.  Call DC Roofing today! (520) 979-9095

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