How to Choose the Right Commercial Flat Roofing for Your Washington DC Property
If you own a commercial property in Washington DC, it’s important to make sure that you choose the right commercial flat roofing to protect your investment. A good quality flat roof can last for years and provide great protection against the elements. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to choose the right commercial flat roofing Washington DC, so you can make an informed decision about the best option for your needs.
The Different Types of Commercial Flat Roofing Systems
When it comes to commercial flat roofing in Washington DC, there are several options to choose from. Each type of roofing system has its own advantages and drawbacks, and understanding these differences is key to making an informed decision. Here’s a look at some of the most popular commercial flat roofing systems in Washington DC:
Built-Up Roofing: Also known as “tar and gravel” roofing, built-up roofing is the most common type of commercial flat roofing in Washington DC. It’s composed of alternating layers of tar-based adhesive, felt paper, and asphalt, with a protective gravel or mineral finish. This system is cost effective, durable, and can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) Roofing:
EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane designed for both residential and commercial flat roofing applications. It is extremely durable, resistant to hail and punctures, and can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Roofing: PVC is the most costly type of commercial flat roofing available in Washington DC, but is also one of the longest lasting. It is constructed from heat welded plastic membranes, which provides exceptional durability and flexibility in extreme temperatures. PVC roofing can last up to 30 years with regular maintenance.
The Pros and Cons of Each System
When it comes to commercial flat roofing in Washington DC, there are several different types of systems available. Each system has its own pros and cons that should be considered when deciding which is the best option for your property.
The most common type of commercial flat roofing system used in Washington DC is a built-up roof (BUR) system. BUR systems are constructed by layering several waterproof membranes and asphalt-based sealants on top of each other, which makes them highly durable and long-lasting. The downside to this type of system is that they are labor-intensive to install and can be costly.
Another popular commercial flat roofing system used in Washington DC is a modified bitumen system.
Modified bitumen roofs use a base layer of either polyester or fiberglass reinforced with asphalt and additional layers of weatherproofing protection. This system is relatively easy to install and requires minimal maintenance, however it may not be as durable as a BUR system.
Lastly, single-ply membrane systems are also commonly used in commercial flat roofer Alexandria VA. Single-ply membranes are made from synthetic rubber compounds and provide superior protection from UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and moisture. While single-ply membranes may be more cost-effective than other options, they are more prone to puncture damage than other systems and require more frequent inspections.