When you research flat or low-slope roofing materials, you’ll find a list of everything from rubber to self-adhered roofing. One material you might come across during your research is atactic polypropylene (APP) modified bitumen. Since the 1970s, roofers all across America have been laying APP-modified bitumen roofs (source). Whether you’ve just found out that your roof is made out of APP-modified bitumen or you’re thinking about making the switch, take the pros and cons of APP-modified bitumen into consideration.
BUR Roofing Maintenance
Built-up roofs (BUR) are certainly investments. With their layers of asphalt, felt, and gravel, the materials add up and so does the cost. However, by practicing good BUR roofing maintenance habits, your roof should be in great shape for years to come. Learn how to protect your BUR roof and its sturdy layers from the elements, no matter what type of climate they must endure.
Rubber Roof Maintenance
What’s not to love about rubber roofs? They are affordable, long-lasting, energy efficient, and fire resistant. In addition, rubber roof maintenance and repair is fairly easy. For these reasons and more, rubber roofs are found on many flat commercial buildings. Familiarize yourself with how to keep your rubber roof in the best shape possible to protect your building from water damage. [Read more…]
TPO Roof Maintenance
Are you the proud owner of a building with TPO roofing? Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is an eco-friendly, synthetic material commonly used on commercial roofs. In fact, one of the most energy-efficient buildings in Canada, the Earth Rangers Centre in Woodbridge, Ontario, has a TPO roof. It uses 90 percent less energy than other buildings of its size, thanks to the reflective roof. TPO membranes also reflect UV radiation, so they help keep buildings cool during the hot summer months, saving you money on your cooling bill (source). Finally, TPO roofs are extremely durable and water-resistant, which are both huge pluses if you live in a region that experiences heavy rain or snowfall. To ensure that your roof can last for decades, it’s important that you stay on top of TPO roof maintenance.
EPDM Roofing Pros and Cons
Did you just purchase the perfect mid-century modern home? Or are you looking for the best solution to keep your office building’s roof in great shape? Finding the best roofing material for a flat roof is a whole different ballgame than choosing material for a traditional roof. Luckily, flat roofs on buildings are discrete, and homes with flat roofs are a statement of their own. This means you don’t have to worry about choosing the trendiest type of material on the market. Instead, you can focus on durability and quality. One option that many property owners turn to is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofing. Explore EPDM roofing pros and cons to ensure you make the right decision for your commercial or residential property.
The Importance of Hiring an Insured Contractor
Some things you just have to learn the hard way: Don’t microwave metal. Separate your dark and light laundry. Cutting your own hair is harder than you think. However, the importance of hiring an insured contractor should not be one of those things. In the event that your contractor or an employee becomes injured on the job or causes damage to your roof, you’ll want to make sure that they are insured. If you hire a contractor who doesn’t have adequate insurance, you may be held liable for on-the-job injuries and property damage. However, if the contractor has appropriate insurance, the insurer will pay for covered risks.
What Does Roof Hail Damage Look Like?
When a storm sends hail into town, many people worry that the icy pellets will damage their vehicles. While this is a valid concern and you should certainly check for dents on your car’s hood and roof, don’t forget about another piece of property that isn’t so easily seen: your roof. After a hailstorm, you need to look for damage on your roof. So what does roof hail damage look like? And why is it so important to get your roof checked for damage after a hailstorm? Let’s discuss . . . [Read more…]
Questions to Ask a Roofer
Updating, repairing, or replacing your roof can be a big commitment. Combine that with the intimidation factor of selecting a roofer, and the process can be downright perplexing. For that reason, it’s important to equip yourself with essential questions to ask a roofer before diving into the contracting process. With the help of these questions, you’ll be able to proceed with confidence on your roof update.
What Is a Built-Up Roof?
Options for roofing are plentiful, whether you’re buying a new roof for your home or a commercial building. What is a built-up roof? A built-up roof is created by “building” layers of bitumen, a viscous substance that is gathered as a byproduct of the petroleum industry, with other materials. You typically see bitumen used to smooth the surface of the road, but its tough, sticky consistency makes it a great material for flat or gently sloped rooftops as well. [Read more…]
Benefits of Skylights
You can’t underestimate the importance of good lighting. Some simple sunlight can transform a drab and depressing room into a bright, inviting space. If you want to bring more natural light into your home, you might consider installing skylights. In addition to letting in more light, skylights can add visual height to a room and lower your energy consumption. Scroll down to explore the many benefits of skylights.
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