A Quick Guide to Commercial Roofing Systems

Commercial roofing comes in many forms. This allows commercial property owners and managers more flexibility to choose the roofing system that addresses their building’s needs and fits their budget. In today’s post, commercial roofing contractor Adams Roofing Professionals, Inc. share a quick guide to popular commercial roofing systems.

modified bitumen roof being installed by commercial roofing contractor

Built-Up Roofing

Built-up roofing, or BUR, is the oldest type of commercial roof that is still being used today. It is “built up” on top of a specially-prepared substrate with alternating layers of bitumen and adhesive, which are then covered by gravel or similar material. In addition to acting as a ballast and protecting the top layer from UV radiation and solar heat, the top layer also helps protect the roof from impact damage.

Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen roofing is installed like a BUR, but instead of a top gravel layer, a commercial roofer installs a cap sheet. This type of roofing retains the qualities of BURs, such as resistance to impact damage and high winds. Combined with a relatively smooth outer surface, modified bitumen roofing is ideal for roofs with moderate foot traffic.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing systems work in both residential and commercial applications. Sloped commercial roofs are most efficient when installed with standard standing seam roofing. It’s lightweight, wind and impact-resistant, and does not retain radiant heat. The reflective coating can be applied to its outer surface, which can help reduce heat absorption. Alternatively, you can choose to have it painted with any color to match your company branding.

Single-Ply

There are many types of single-ply roofing systems, the most popular of which are EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), TPO (thermoplastic olefin), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). They have one thing in common: they are installed as a single layer of material over the substrate. The seams can be welded with heat, adhesive, and/or mechanical fasteners. Depending on your roof’s requirements, single-ply roofing can be installed fully adhered to the substrate, mechanically fastened to the substrate, or loosely laid and weighed with ballast.

Explore the benefits of these roofing systems with Adams Roofing Professionals, Inc., your leading provider of roof repair and installation services. Give us a call at (847) 354-4312 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

I wanted to let you know about an experience I had with one of your employees. I live at 1200 Knottingham Court in Kingsport Estates and apparently, your company is servicing our condo association. My building has had a leak in the entryway for several months and Eddie was dispatched out to have me show him the source of the leak inside. I met him on Friday, September 21st and just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with his friendliness and professionalism. He immediately found the source of the leak and even went up on the roof to show me. He assured me that someone would take care of it as soon as possible and told me he would give the report priority to avoid any further damage. As someone who used to be in Customer Service, I always value a company that hires people that are not only skilled at their trade, but also skilled at interacting with people. Eddie is a great example of that and I wanted you to know so you could tell him what a great job he does! I am so glad that Alma Management chose Adams Roofing to be our roofing contractor!... [more]

Jeremy Q, CMCA, AMS

Adams Roofing has a great team to work perfectly with condo and townhome Associations. We are currently in the middle of a 6 year, 49 building tear-off project. Adams works hand in hand with the engineers, delivers according to the specifications, and provides great customer service to the homeowners and management team.... [more]

Sue T.

Good Afternoon, I am writing to you on behalf of the Mission Hills M-8 Association. I would like to tell you how happy we are with the work that you completed for our Association. Your supervisor Eddie was great. We liked his professionalism and his work ethic. He kept us informed, and delivered on all his promises. Please make sure that any other jobs you do for us include him. Best regards, Joey Mission Hills Management... [more]

Brett K.

Charlie, Thanks very much for replacing the gutter! No one has been out to do it, at least before I left for work this morning. But I will definitely let you know whether it’s done correctly. I am very satisfied with your roofing job. It looks great, and more importantly, there were no leaks when it rained (even though we haven’t gotten really hard rains yet). So, I have been very pleased with my experience with Adams, especially with the professionalism and responsiveness of you and Dan. Thanks.... [more]

Keith M.

I wanted to take a moment to comment on your technician, Eddie. Eddie was assigned to inspect a roof leak I am having in my home in Cobblestone Circle. He was prompt, professional, courteous and informative; everything a customer could ask for when inviting a contractor into their home. Eddie represents Adams Roofing Well; and clearly he is an asset to your company. Kudos to him! Thank you.... [more]

Rick H.