There are two types of sheet membranes for commercial roofing systems:e thermoplastic (can be remelted) and thermoset (remains in a permanent solid state). One of the most popular thermoset roofing materials today is ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, or EPDM. A durable synthetic rubber membrane used in flat roofs, it contains oil and natural gas ingredients that help enhance its performance. To install these membranes, installers seal the seams using specially formulated tape or liquid adhesives.

EPDM Roofing Benefits

Here are some of the benefits you can get from installing EPDM roofing:

• Weather resistance. Since EPDM is a rubber material, it can resist moisture exposure and general damp conditions. A good choice for commercial buildings in cold and stormy climates,it is not only waterproof but is also able to protect against damage due to the wind as well as aozone and UV radiation. a
• Longevity. Its rubber quality makes EPDM roofing one of the most durable choices for commercial structures, regardless of its style. Properly installed and maintained, it can last up to 50 years or longer.
• Eco-friendliness. Originally developed as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based roofing systems, EPDM typically utilizes recycled products. This means the material can also be recycled at the end of its service life as another roofing product or accessory, such as roofing and walkway tiles. In addition, EPDM roofs can be made reflective with coatings, allowing it to keep passive heating at bay and normalize indoor temperatures. This stabilizes energy use, which helps you cut back on your utility bill while helping reduce strain on the grid.

Did You Know?

EPDM accounts for more than 1 billion square feet of new roofing annually in the United States alone, representing approximately 35% of the entire roofing market. The market share is 12% (and growing) in Europe, with market shares in the Middle East and China notably accelerating as well.

TPO is another popular roofing material used for commercial buildings today. In Part 3, we?ll be discussing the reasons why you should strongly consider this commercial roofing option. Stay tuned!

Metal roofing has become more popular thanks to its exceptional features. Compared to other options, it is easier and faster to install. It is also environmentally friendly because most of its content are made from recycled materials. Let A-Best Roofing explain what makes it the perfect choice for commercial and residential roofing:

Proven Record
Unlike other materials, metal doesn?t deteriorate easily. In fact, it can resist everything Mother Nature throws at it. It is non-combustible and water-resistant, which is why it will prevent mold, moisture, and UV ray damage to your property. It can also withstand wind speeds of up to 140 mph. You can expect it to remain in great shape through the years with minimal maintenance.

Low Life Cycle Cost

Aside from reliability, many people invest in metal roofs because of its low life cycle costs. Asphalt roofs require replacement up to four times because they start to deteriorate as soon as you expose them to weather. On the other hand, metal roofs don?t decompose, which is why they can last for more than 50 years. This saves you a lot of money from installation, repair, and maintenance costs.

Metal also exhibits high reflectivity. It can minimize the amount of sunlight heat entering your property, making your indoor space more comfortable. This reduces the burden on your HVAC systems, which can cut down your energy costs in the long run. All of these qualities make metal the most cost-effective option for residential and commercial roofing.

Versatility

One of the many misconceptions about metal roofing is that it has a dull appearance. This stems from the popular images of old tin roofs on industrial establishments. In reality, it comes in a wide array of colors, finishes, and styles to complement your property?s architectural style. It can also emulate the genuine looks of shingles, tiles, and cedar shakes. It can seamlessly fit in all sorts of roof pitch, making it a versatile choice.

Attic ventilation is not something we often think of when it comes to home ownership. Instead, we may be saving for that new kitchen remodel, a new paint job, or some energy efficient appliances. While all of these things are well and good, we may just want to bump them down on our list until we get that attic ventilated.

Here are three things reasons why:a

Attic ventilation reduces moisture buildup when there is snow on your roof. Living in Colorado, we spend much of the year with two extremes: blazing sun, and snowpack. As far as your roof is concerned, both of these conditions can lead to some serious roof deterioration. But when snow accumulates on your roof, you have more to consider than simply roof damage. Snow holds in moisture, and moisture that can?t escape leads to two things: mold and water damage. How do you offset this? The best way to prevent mold and water damage when snow collects on your roof is to ventilate your attic. By adding airflow close to the roof you prevent the moisture buildup, and help your roof dry out much faster. And as far as your roof is concerned, the sooner you can get the snow off, the better.

Attic ventilation reduces risk of mold. With the combination of fierce hailstorms and heavy snowfall Colorado gets every year, we shouldn?t be surprised that one of the biggest challenges we face is preventing mold. Anywhere moisture collects and airflow is reduced mold can grow. For this reason, the more ventilation you can put in your house, the less likely you are to face a mold problem down the road. And yet when ventilating a home, the attic is typically one of the last places people consider. But this is also why you should put attic ventilation first on your list of ways to prevent mold.

Attic ventilation is needed with asphalt shingle roof systems. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) website, asphalt shingle manufacturers? warranties may make coverage conditional on meeting their minimum ventilation requirements. For this reason, the NRCA recommends that homeowners consult manufacturers for specific ventilation requirements when selecting an asphalt shingle product.

Areas like Dallas are known for a few things. Barbeque, hot summers, southern hospitality, and spring hail storms. Just last year a massive hail storm ? one of the area?s largest to date ? blew right through several homeowners? roofs.

It?s events like this that often leave homeowners wondering: Who do I call?

While the natural answer is a roofing company, obviously not just any roofing company. In this case, and as is the case for most residents of counties like Frisco, McKinney, and Ft. Worth, what is needed is a roofing company that doesn?t just specialize in hail damage, but also insurance claims.

A new roof can cost as much as $70,000 depending on the size of the home and the material required. That is money that for most residents, just not possible. And yet on the other side of the equation, insurance companies can be hesitant to pay claims ? especially after storms. For this reason, many write separate policies for storms, or even exclude storm damage from the policy altogether. Homeowners can often be left hanging.

And yet when storms like last year?s hit, without emergency response, the home is subject to additional damage.

So back to that question: Who do you call? Here is what you should look for in a Dallas area roofing company:

• Specializes in hail damage
• Is licensed in Texas
• Has an emergency response team
• Handles insurance claims
• Has positive customer reviews and testimonials

a

Your roof is the largest investment you will make in your home. For this reason, it pays to ensure that who you call to repair or replace it is fully prepared to handle the job.

a

Fall is a busy time of year for all of us. With school, sports, holidays and family gatherings, home improvements tend to be put on the back burner. The truth is that fall is an important time of year to pay attention to your home.aa It is easier than you may think to be mindful of your home during this busy season.

Be proactive.

It is always better to find out about a problem at your home on your own terms. What do I mean by that? Wouldn?t you prefer to know that you have a potential issue prior to it becoming a major problem? For example, catching a roof problem early, before it shows up inside your home, can save you thousands of dollars in interior repairs. Being proactive can also help you plan and budget any major projects that may be heading your way. It is always easier to have a plan of attack against expensive repairs instead of being caught off guard with an emergency project.

Get priority service.

We are still in hurricane season (even though it has been extremely quiet recently).If a hurricane, tornado, thunderstorm, wind, or other storm event hits our area, you can bet that roofing contractors and home repair companies will be inundated with calls.aa When that happens, the contractors will typically put calls on a ?first come , first served? basis. That could mean days of waiting before a roofing contractor can make it to your house. Why would you want to risk being in the middle of the line, waiting on a professional to have your problem addressed? Not to mention the additional damages that could be racking up as the problem is exposed to the elements. Jump to the front of the line and get priority service by calling before the storm hits.

Gain peace of mind.

A professional roofing contractor or exterior home remodeler can help you assess your needs and put a plan together for you. Being responsible for your home and family tends to bring along certain worries and stress. Knowledge can help you to eliminate some of the stress and worry. I promise you that ?knowing where you stand? is a better approach to procrastination and unnecessary doubts.aa Gain peace of mind by consulting with a professional that is willing to give you good, objective information.

The plan.

Many professional roofing contractors provide free inspections/evaluations. This is a safe, convenient and easy way to get good information about the existing condition of your home and recommendations about how to handle any potential future needs. Put yourself at the front of the line by planning ahead. Have a plan for the maintenance of your home. Avoid door to door or pushy ?sales types?. This is YOUR HOME and guests at your home should be invited! Get the peace of mind that you should have. Prepare questions to ask your specialist and don?t be afraid to ask them for their opinions about anything that you are unsure of. Call us today to set up a free evaluation with an objective, experienced, friendly professional.