Whenever a business develops a leaking roof, there is often very little time to get things fixed. Water creates dangerous situations where people might slip and fall. A situation that should be dealt with quickly. On top of all of this, leaks in the roof could damage valuable equipment, supplies or the products that the business sells. Thankfully, Roofing Contractors in Gig Harbor are skilled in commercial roofing installations and reliable repairs. For instance, professional roofers know that a commercial roof should be inspected frequently, especially if it has a lot of foot traffic. Walking over the roof or moving items across the aggregate could cut the underlying membrane and let water pass into the building.
One of the most common types of commercial roofs is typically known as the flat roof. Actually, this roof uses a gradual slope to aid in shedding water. One reason for this design is the need to mount equipment on the roof such as an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. Unfortunately, this usually requires a roofing system that is easy to repair. A situation which is usually handled using the BUR (Built-Up Roofing) method. BUR begins with a layer of decking covered with a thin membrane such as roofing felt. This is then covered with a hot bitumen or asphalt product and a layer of aggregate, usually pea gravel or something very similar. Sealants around any flashing or other roofing details are typically a hot pitch or similar product designed to cure very slowly. This means the seal should be there the next time the roof is inspected.
BUR isn’t the best option for every roof, even if it is the most budget friendly one. Alternatives such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin) and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) can create long lasting roofs and many repairs are usually easier than those used in BUR solutions. Roofing Contractors in Gig Harbor install the first two polymer products using special robotic welders. The use of precise tools provides the polymer with a strong bond that easily withstands severe storms. Special treatment may be required to seal around unusual items such as roofing vents and flashing. EPDM is a synthetic rubber designed to stretch over the top of the building. The use of this product should be thoroughly discussed with the roofer because this material may have shrinkage issues in certain weather conditions.
