How EPDM Systems Can Suit the Needs of Any Commercial Flat Roofing System

Oct 04,2018

The majority of commercial buildings have flat roofs, and they have been the popular choice since ancient times. Even today, there are a number of benefits to having a flat roof including; cost efficiency, allowing space for rooftop gardens and living, and for practicalities such as mounting industrial heating and cooling systems. Security concerns and business codesdo not usually allow these units to be placed on ground level, so a flat roof is the ideal solution. Ultimately, a sloped roof for a large commercial building is impractical. Roofers would have to build a slope with a very large peak, or multiple peaks, to make the roof effective. This is why most large, commercial buildings have flat roofs.

For over forty years, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) has been the trusted choice for architects, roofing contractors, and consultants for roofing system material. Whether a client is building a structure from the ground up, or replacing an existing roof, EPDM has been shown to perform best under actual field conditions, especially high winds and hail. EPDM has one of the longest life spans of all materials, and also has a range of benefits including:

• Hail resistance
• UV radiation resistance
• Flexibility in low temperatures
• Superior resistance in heat and fire.

EPDM roofs are typically have a warrantee for 20-30 years but can easily last up to fifty years. There are a number of different EPDM roofing systems for commercial buildings including:

The Ballasted System

This system of EPDM roofs are still the most common with approximately 35% of customers opting for this type of installation. The ballasted system is defined by using very large panels, which may be as big as 50 by 200 feet wide, to cover a roof fast, and without incurring too much cost. After the panels are laid over the insulation they are held in place with stones or concrete pavers. This system is used mostly on new construction projects, but it can also be used for a replacement roof.

The Mechanically Attached System

This type of EPDM is beneficial for all commercial building types due to being lightweight and workable with all sizes and structural configurations. The mechanically attached system can be installed with large panels like the ballasted system. The panels however, are attached to the membrane, or with more narrow panels, to the side laps. Non-reinforced or scrim reinforced membranes can be used, and attached with round plates or batten strips to the underlying deck.

The Fully Adhered System

Using panels up to 30 by 100 feet, the fully adhered system bonds the membrane to the insulation with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and stress plates. While non-reinforced membrane is common for most installations, scrim reinforced can also be used. The fully adhered system is lightweight and ideal for all sizes, even sloped roofs. Recent technological advances have made the fully adhered system more popular than ever before.

A Calgary roofing contractor from Royal Roofing Ltd will provide an assessment and a no-cost, no-obligation quote. We can determine which type of EPDM system is required for your commercial flat roof. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of EPDM roofing systems.