Understanding the Different Types of Warehouse Roofing and Roofing Materials

Are you looking to replace, repair, or upgrade your warehouse or other commercial structure? If yes, what type of roofing do you think is the best for your structure? Well, there are many commercial roofing structures available, and every roof is different. Below is a detailed list of the most common roofing types and materials that you may consider for your warehouse structure. But first, it’s important to ensure that you’ve installed proper fall protection on your roof, such as a barrier for flat roof, to enhance your safety when accessing the roof for installation, inspection, maintenance, and repairs.

1. Liquid-Applied Roofing

Liquid applied roofing is among the fastest-growing systems in Europe and refers to a fully-bonded, monolithic, liquid-based coating normally used for a variety of roofing applications. When this coating is applied to a roof, it cures to form a rubber-like waterproof membrane that’s elastomeric. It can be applied over concrete, bitumen, and asphalt substrates. The coating can be painted on or around nearly existing structures and can fill in seams, cracks, and other gaps in the roof hence enhancing the roof’s water resistance. When installing liquid-applied roofing, you won’t need to reinforce it with fabrics. Below are two common roofing materials under the category of liquid-applied roofing:

• Acrylic Coatings

These coatings can be applied to the roof surface in similar ways as paints – sprayers, rollers, and brushes. However, acrylic coatings are chemically distinct from paints. They’re perfect for low-slope roofs with the positive flow and minor pooling. These coatings can also provide superior resistance to dust erosion, impacts, and foot traffic.

• Silicon Coatings

Silicon coatings are similar to acrylic systems except that they provide better resistance to water leakages, especially for roofs with more pooling. Despite the fact that they are less durable than acrylic systems under physical stress, they hardly fail under stagnant water.

Both materials are quite stressful from the installation and labour perspectives. They’re highly sensitive materials that may require high expertise and special conditions for installations. Installing these materials is normally expensive. Experts also discourage installation during severe weather conditions.

2. Single-Ply Membranes

A single-ply membrane is a rubber-like material normally rolled out over low-slope roof structures using ballasts, fasteners, or chemical adhesion, or a combination of the three. There are three basic types of single-ply membranes: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). These membranes have unique characteristics and applications. One type can do better in a particular situation than other types. For instance, PVC membranes provide greater resistance to chemical exposure in polluted or industrial areas whereas TPO membranes offer superior erosion and puncture resistance.

3. Multi-Layer Membranes

These methods use similar fastening methods like the single-ply membranes but require multiple overlapping layers. More common materials are bitumen, fibreglass or fabric sheets, liquid polymers, and reflective top layers. The installation often takes a little bit more time owing to the multiple layers and seams required.

4. Metal Roofing

This is the most expensive warehouse roofing option. The system can last for about a century, or even more hence outliving other roofing systems. The roofing is available in three basic types: tiles, sheets, and look-alikes (made with metal but with a different design like a cedar shake). The installation process can also take quite some time, but once installed properly, you’ll require minimal repairs and maintenance.

5. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a flexible system that’s more affordable and the materials required are most available. The shingles can be strip, dimensional, and premium. The system has its cons, as well. The shingles can last for about 20 years under stress and may not do well in bad weather.