Commercial Roofing Maintenance and Material FAQs
Let’s face it—with all the types of roofs, materials, and services, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a guide of frequently asked questions to help you navigate the commercial roofing process. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Does the Quality of Materials Matter for My Roof?
The quality of your roofing material matters for one key reason: Roofs are your first line of defense from the elements. Low-quality roofing materials are more likely to cause major issues like leaks, high utility bills, and more. To make matters worse, poor roofing materials require more upkeep and maintenance, which ends up hurting your pockets over time.
What Are the Most Common Roof Materials in Philadelphia?
Most commercial buildings in Philadelphia use two main roofing types—EPDM and TPO—let’s explore the advantages of each material.
- EPDM: Ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM, is a synthetic rubber material popular for commercial buildings with flat roofs. Because rubber is naturally hydrophobic, EPDM roofs are renowned nationwide for helping businesses avoid water damage.
- TPO: “TPO” is an abbreviated name for thermoplastic polyolefin, a plastic-based membrane typically seen in commercial business throughout the Midwest and Northeast. Because the membrane is composed of plastic, it helps reduce heat absorption. In most cases, the temperature of TPO roofing is around 30%-40% lower than standard roofing materials, helping you save money when monthly utility bills roll around.
What’s The Difference Between Architectural Shingles vs. 3 Tab?
Simply put, architectural shingles provide higher levels of protection compared to standard shingles. In fact, they’re almost 50% heavier than your basic 3-tab design. This makes architectural shingles a top-choice for businesses looking for sturdy roofing materials while simultaneously maintaining the classic look of standard shingles.
How Often Should I Be Investing in Commercial Roofing Maintenance?
As a general rule of thumb, most experts recommend you invest in commercial roof maintenance at least once a year. However, several factors can shorten this timeline, including:
- The age of your roof
- Roof debris (leaves, branches, etc.)
- Excessive wind
- Strong rain/hail
Regardless of the status of your commercial roof, regular tune-ups are an essential part of keeping your system healthy. When you neglect commercial roof maintenance, small problems can quickly snowball into major issues.
Luckily, most professional roofing companies in Philadelphia offer commercial roof maintenance services, meaning they’ll send contractors to your business to resolve any potential issues. This extends the longevity of your system and helps you avoid the costs of a premature replacement.
Seal Roofing: Holistic Roofing Services That Keep You Covered
At Seal Roofing, when we say we’re a full-service provider, we mean it. Whether you need new construction roofing, annual maintenance, or spray coating, you can rest assured knowing we have the perfect solution for you. Start a conversation with our experts, and let’s build a relationship.