Commercial roofing applications can present difficult challenges. We at Apex Construction have over 150 years experience on staff to handle any type of commercial application. Are commercial roofing staff is extensively trained TPO, Modified Bitumen, CSPE, EPDM, PVC and Metal.

Modified Bitumen / "Built-Up"

Overview
Modified Bitumen Built up Roofs are hybrid Conventional Built-Up Roofs in that they both consist of alternating layers of roofing felt and hot asphalt to “build up” the waterproofing layer. The difference is found in the material’s physical makeup– a polymer modified asphalt instead of a “straight-run” oxidized asphalt. There are two forms of modified bitumen; APP and SBS. APP & SBS Modified Bitumen

APP (atactic polypropylene) and SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) are the two polymer additives that create the “modified bitumen”. Each has its own unique features, but both serve the same purpose; to dramatically enhance the weathering capabilities of the waterproofing asphalt.

Thermoplastic Single-Ply

Overview
Thermoplastic Single-Ply Roofing has been growing rapidly in popularity over the past several years as the United States edges toward becoming a “greener” country. Thermoplastics can take the form of either “PVC” or “TPO”, and are known as Cool (White) Roofs due to their unique energy efficient design. Also, being a true "single-ply" system, these roofing systems can cost substantially less than any type of conventional built-up system.

TPO and PVC are "Cool Roofs"

To understand the concept of a cool roof, there are two factors that need to be explained; reflectivity and emissivity. Reflectivity describes the amount of solar energy that is reflected back by the roofing membrane into the sky. A white membrane would reflect the most while a dark membrane would reflect much less. Emissivity is basically a measure of how well the membrane can repel heat. For example, a white surface will repel the most heat while a black surface will absorb the most.

The higher the emissivity and the higher the reflectivity of the membrane, the more energy efficient the design. Thermoplastic roofs have the highest reflectivity and emissivity values, explaining why they have increased in market share so substantially in recent years and are becoming great alternatives for Chicago buildings.

System Types / Design

While there are two forms of thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems, the specification design will only take one of two forms; mechanically attached or fully adhered. The only difference between the two is the fashion in which the membrane is attached to the underlying components. In a mechanically attached system, the membrane is fastened at 12" O. C. in the leading edge of the sheet with the overlap of the next sheet covering the fasteners. In a fully adhered system, the membrane is laid in a bed of special adhesive and the fasteners in the leading edge of the sheet are unnecessary. To the eye, the only note able difference between the two will be that the fully adhered system will have fewer "wrinkles" and a more "tight" look.

All of the seams are performed using hot-air welds. A welding "robot" is used in the field of the roof while handheld hot-air welders are used for flashings and detail work.

A thermoplastic single-ply system from Roofing Solutions can carry a guarantee for up to 20 years and provide an alternative to building owners looking to put a high-quality roof on the building and save thousands in the process.

Elastomeric Liquid Systems

Overview

Elastomeric Roofing Systems can be a great option for building owners that need to make the current roof last longer because a full replacement or recovery system is not in the budget for the near future. These systems can be used over many membrane types including conventional "built-up", smooth/granular surfaced modified bitumen, EPDM rubber, sprayed polyurethane foam, select thermoplastic single-ply membranes, and most metal roofs. The elastomeric system is spray-applied to create a fully adhered coating with an expected service life of up to 10 years- depending on the specification used.

What are my options for an elastomeric system?

It is important to note that there are many different variations of coatings that can be applied to an existing flat roof. Some coatings are designed to provide greater reflectivity to an existing system with one or two coats of a white acrylic creating a "cool roof". This approach will improve the building's energy efficiency and lessen surface temperature, but may not necessarily add another 10 years to its service life. On the other hand, there are SEBS elastomeric systems that will produce a cool, white roof while at the same time functioning to add years to the existing roofing system.

Is an elastomeric system an option for my building?

While there are many "coating" contractors that promote these systems to everyone and make claims that they will work with virtually any roofing system in place, the best answer is that an elastomeric system may be an option for you, depending on several factors. It is true that you can spray apply a coat or two on an existing roof, no matter what the membrane looks like, but unless the current roofing system is not holding any water, this option will only shoot you in the foot.

The concept is the same as installing a third roof or installing a second roof over a roof that is currently holding water either between the membrane layers or in the insulation. These systems can only be effective if they are used over a roofing system that does not contain moisture and has a surface capable of accepting a uniform, smooth coat. Some built-up roofs with embedded gravel in the top flood coat may not be good candidates for these systems because that surface would not allow for a uniform coat to be spray applied- unless you were to triple the coverage rate, not very cost-effective at all. The best way to find out if this is an option is to have an expert from Roofing Solutions come out to your building and examine the roof. This process comes without a price tag nor an obligation. Making this simple phone call could potentially save you tens of thousands if the system is a match for you.

For metal roof owners

If you have a metal roof and it is determined that an elastomeric system is compatible, this approach is absolutely the most cost-effective alternative. An elastomeric liquid system installed by Roofing Solutions has great elongation properties to accommodate movement within the structure and at panel ends and horizontal seams while retaining maximum puncture resistance. All of the flashings (penetrations through the roof), end laps, and horizontal seams are reinforced with alternating layers of SEBS mastic and polyester felt. Each fastener head is also coated with a dollop of the mastic before the two coats are spray applied to the entire roofing surface. The end result is a dramatic bright white surface with a 10 year labor / material warranty.