Whether you’re a new building owner or own multiple buildings, you might have asked yourself, “How long does a commercial roof last?” Unfortunately, there is no single answer to the question of your roof’s lifespan. The type of roof typically dictates the number of years you can expect your roof to last. Different roofing materials have varying expected average lifespans. However, regardless of the type of roof, there are steps you can take to get the most years out of your commercial building’s roof.

Read more

High-functioning HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units are important for your commercial building: they provide comfortable air temperatures for everyone inside! But, what’s that have to do with commercial roofing?

Many business owners choose rooftop HVAC units because they eliminate excess sound, improve the look of the building exterior (and are all-around more secure). But, while rooftop placement has many benefits, there is a delicate balance that should be maintained between your commercial roofing and the HVAC system itself. If you move your HVAC unit to the roof incorrectly, it can cause damage to your roofing system. And after installation, it should be a part of your regular roof inspection and maintenance. 

Read more

Built-up roofing, also known as BUR, is one of the most commonly utilized roofing systems for flat roof commercial buildings. BUR is a roofing method that has been in use for well over a century, and it provides excellent waterproofing protection due to the use of coal tar and bitumen. 

A built-up roofing system is typically constructed of alternating layers of reinforcing material and bitumen, covered with a finishing layer of aggregate material, such as gravel or small stones. 

First, a base sheet is fastened to the roof’s insulation or cover board. A layer of bitumen is then applied to the base sheet which binds with the next layer of reinforcing felt, also referred to as a ply sheet. Ply sheets are heavy-duty reinforcing fabrics strengthened with either organic material or fiberglass. Multiple coatings of bitumen and felt are applied, and after the desired number of layers have been placed, a mineral-reinforced cap sheet or aggregate material is used for the top layer. There are three main types of BUR systems:

Read more