Selecting roofing materials is a crucial decision that affects your property’s durability, energy efficiency, and overall aesthetic appeal. Urethane roofing systems can save you the major cost of tearing off your commercial building’s roof and help reduce your energy footprint. Additionally, at All Florida Urethane, we guarantee that our silicones can withstand ponding water on your Florida roof. Today, we will review the differences between roofing materials and compare their features to those of urethane roofing options.
For sloped roofs, the torch-down or mopped-down sheet is a popular choice. These systems typically fail within 3 to 6 years of installation.
There is a simple reason why torch-down sheets fail. Asphalt moves with heat and cold. These systems are a fiber or polyester sheet saturated with asphalt. Some have additional chemicals infused to “slow down movement or break down,” but they are asphalt.
Many times, improper heating during installation can cause blistering within the sheet. The ceramic white granule is usually gray, so you get very little in energy savings. This is why a spray foam roof is a better investment for your commercial building.
Metal roofs are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. They cover billions of square feet of roofing across the US. However, these roofs usually lack insulation. Batten insulation gets crushed and is only 36-40% effective.
Metal roofs experience extreme movement when surface temperatures reach 180–240°F and are suddenly cooled by 70°F raindrops. This rapid temperature change puts stress on the seams and laps, which can tear at the butyl sealant and degrade the neoprene washers under the fasteners.
Another challenge with metal roofs is that as soon as a seam or ridge vent allows moisture in, it can cause rapid deterioration, leading to permanent sagging of the insulation in the ceiling. Our urethane roofing systems offer high insulating properties, reducing thermal shock.
Leaks are hard to find between seams or bolts. It only leaks with certain wind directions. Rake flashing or seams at joints can fail and remain hidden from sight. Our foam & silicone roofing options can stop leaks and prevent water damage, saving you stress and money.
A gravel roof is one of the oldest systems used in the roofing industry. Typically, these roofs were made of two— or three-ply rag felts, mopped down, and then covered with gravel for durability and to help with water evaporation as the rock heated up. Gravel also protects against wind uplift by providing ballast or weight.
One of the biggest drawbacks of this system is that locating the leak can be extremely difficult and, in some cases, even impossible. The additional weight is also hard on the building’s structure. To repair it, you’ll move gravel around, but it is rarely put back where it was. This gravel usually weighs a minimum of 600 to 800 pounds per 100 square feet. So, even a small building of 5,000 square feet can have 17 to 20 tons of weight overhead, stressing even the best-laid system.
With the 1990s and early 2000s hurricanes, the gravel aggregate became airborne debris. This system now usually requires a parapet wall for high-velocity wind zones.
With our roof system, we simply hydrovac the gravel. This is a clean, quick, and efficient way to get rid of excess and useless material. In some instances, we can put the excess somewhere on site at the owner’s request or dispose of it properly if it is unwanted.
With the spray foam, we believe that fastening the existing substrate is highly beneficial after rock removal and before applying the new foam. With FM requirements met, you may receive some savings on your insurance premiums in the future.
Sheet systems typically start as energy-efficient, often due to their white outer covering or color. They are cost-effective, especially for new construction. Many of these come with 20-year NDL warranties. However, the functionality usually begins to break down at 5-7 years. Leaks are very hard to find on these roofs, and the sun takes a major toll on the product.
While they are aesthetically pleasing when new, be aware that they should only be installed on a sloped surface, usually a one-fourth per foot slope. Typically, they are completely removed and replaced before or at the 10-year mark. Remember, a total roof removal is generally required and may disrupt the business.
Another challenge with sheet systems is that the membranes can be punctured if AC or HVAC personnel are not careful during installation. Once poked, cut, or ripped, there is no secondary water barrier or stop. Additionally, the system requires numerous fasteners to secure it, which may lead to more leaks than initially reported, potentially causing any of the seams or breaks in the surface to fail. The insulation installed under these sheet systems does not prevent water intrusion and may exacerbate the issue. Be sure to check the warranties closely.
If you have one of these systems and need to seal it while building reserves, we offer a 10-year or 15-year High Solids Silicone Rubber System that can provide the water-tight integrity you need.
Are you ready to improve your roofing? Contact us to learn more about urethane roofing for your Florida property.
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