Commercial Roofing 101
Commercial Roofing 101
For the low-slope roofs commonly seen on commercial buildings, the traditional shingled roof won’t cut it. Low-slope roofs require a roofing solution that sheds water coming from any direction – not just water that’s predictably running down the slope of a traditional higher-pitched roof.
Today’s low-sloped roof is best served by a membrane roofing solution – a thin layer of impermeable material that creates a durable barrier between the roof’s structural components and the outside elements.
When properly installed using the right materials, a single-ply roofing solution such as thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) can last for decades, providing a leak-free roof that repels not only rain and snow but also withstands pollutants like acid rain and lowers your cooling costs by reflecting sunlight and heat away from your facility.
TPO Roofing Products
What is TPO?
Most of the roofs we install are single-ply TPO roofs. TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin, an incredibly durable product that’s composed of several different polymers along with other substances that provide additional strength, flexibility, or other desirable properties.
As a roofing material, TPO has several advantages:
- It does not break down when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- It resists mold, mildew, and other types of growth.
- It is sturdy and difficult to tear or damage when properly installed.
- Once installed and all seams are welded, it provides a single, unbroken surface with no way for water to get through.
A TPO roofing membrane has several layers:
- The base layer is made up of polymer materials and serves as the layer that will “weld” the membrane to the roof.
- Above the base is the “scrim,” a layer of polyester-reinforced fabric that gives the roofing membrane its strength.
- Finally, the topmost layer is the TPO layer itself, providing the material’s waterproofing and UV resistance.
A Better TPO Product
TPO products are available in several different thicknesses. Generally speaking, thicker products have a thicker outer layer of waterproof TPO, providing better protection against the elements and a longer lifespan.
At Alan Frank Roofing, we only use the highest-quality products in weights that are capable of withstanding Georgia’s brutal summers, stormy springs, and damp winters without fail. We only offer 60-mil and 80-mil TPO products, ensuring that our roofs provide the best possible protection and longest possible lifespans:
45 mil
- Thinnest commonly available TPO
- Actual TPO membrane is usually 15-19 mils
- Lowest lifespan
- Not available from Alan Frank Roofing
60 mil
- Mid-level TPO product for a balance of lifespan and economy
- Actual TPO membrane is 21-27 mils
- Great longevity for a lower price
80 mil
- Premium membrane for maximum protection and lifespan
- Highest priced option with the best performance
Why 60-mil TPO?
Most Alan Frank customers choose a 60-mil TPO product for their roofing needs, as this weight provides the best tradeoff between protection, lifespan, and price.
PVC: An Alternative to TPO for Food Service
For customers in food service, a PVC membrane roofing solution may be a better option. PVC provides many of the same benefits as TPO, but with additional resistance to the types of oils and grease that food service facility roofing often encounters. Alan Frank Roofing can also provide PVC roofing options for our customers.
TPO Roofing Installation
The quality of a single-ply TPO roof is determined largely by the quality of its installation and maintenance. When a TPO roof is installed incorrectly, secured inadequately, and abandoned from a maintenance standpoint, you’ll experience leaks, wind damage, and premature failure of your roofing system.
When you turn to professional commercial roofers with years of experience – like the team at Alan Frank Roofing – for your roofing installation and maintenance, you can rest assured that:
- Your roof system has been installed correctly, according to the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
- Your custom sheet metal roof edging systems will secure your roof membrane against wind and storm damage.
- If you opt for a maintenance contract with Alan Frank roofing, our team will perform regular inspections to ensure that your roof is being properly maintained.
A Great Roof Starts With Proper Installation
There are multiple ways to install a TPO roof:
Roof Edging Solutions
While a single-ply membrane roofing solution is an effective and affordable way to weatherproof your commercial building, the installation is not complete until the edges of the roof have been adequately secured. Without an adequate roof edge system, wind and rain can easily blow under your protective membrane, damaging not only your structure but your new roof, as well.
The overhangs, fascia, downspouts, coping, and flashing that surround your roof are just as vital as the roofing itself to ensuring the best protection for your building.
Custom Sheet Metal Roof Edge Systems
Our team at Alan Frank Roofing is fully certified to manufacture and install custom sheet metal roof edge solutions for all of our roofing products. Rather than relying on pre-manufactured systems that often require modifications to fit a particular application, we manufacture our roof edging systems in-house to ensure that each roof edge is fully secured.
Alan Frank Roofing is fully insured and will provide certification of insurance upon request.