1. Roof repair vs. replacing your roof
2. Commercial roofing repair
3. The first signs that your commercial roof needs repair

Roof Repair vs. Replacing Your Roof

Repairing your existing roof versus replacing your roof depends on several factors. A repair can save you time and money, but in most cases, choosing to replace your roof entirely is the best choice. If your current roof is only one layer and there aren’t any problems with the roof deck, you do not need to install a new roof. On the other hand, if your roof has two layers and you attempted to put a third layer on, this may become unsafe and more difficult than it’s worth. In this case, replacing the entire roof would be safer.

It’s also important to think about what your current roof is made of before you make a decision. If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, you may choose to repair it. If your roof is metal, this is much more difficult to repair, and it also costs much more.

You must also consider the pitch and story of your home. For example, a one-story home with a low pitch is much easier to repair than a two-story home with a steep pitch. If your roof is steep, it will cost you more in labor (and time) to repair your roof.

Also important to consider if the ventilation of your attic if you’re choosing to re-roof, as you should take special care in not cutting off any ventilation systems. Don’t cover up an attic fan or leave holes that could affect the heating and cooling of your home.

Many roofing experts believe that repairing an existing roof will not last as long as installing a new roof. The lifespan of a new roof is approximately 25% more than roofing singles. Because this decision is not an easy one, it may be best to rely on roofing professionals to help you decide whether to repair your current roof or install a new one.

Commercial Roofing Repair

So you’ve invested a lot of money into your commercial roof installation, and you have high hopes that it will last you for years to come. This is true, but repairs will also be inevitable.

And avoiding repairs, even the smallest, minor ones, can wreak havoc on your commercial roofing system. Storm damage, wear and tear, and other issues require immediate repair to prevent water leaks, poor insulation, and more.

Punctures in the Roof’s Surface

The most common commercial roof repairs are those that come from punctures or tears on the surface. This can be caused by anything sharp, such as a tree limb, hail storm, debris dropped on the roof, or even just foot traffic across the flat roof’s surface.

One small puncture leaves the roof susceptible to leaks. Depending on the roofing materials, you must limit walking on the roof or loading large items without proper care.

Improper Sealing Around Roof Penetrations

Roof penetrations include HVAC units, pipes, vents, and more. These have to be there, and more importantly, they need to be adequately sealed. These areas require roof flashing and sealant to keep those seams around the edges from letting water in. If these are not done right, every roof penetration leaves itself vulnerable to leaks and damage.

Failed Roof Flashing

To reiterate the importance of flashing around roof penetrations, failed flashing is one of the most common ways water seeps into roofs (both residential and commercial). Flashing doesn’t necessarily last as long as the roofing materials, so it’s critical to check it regularly and replace it when necessary.

mercial flat roofs only last 10-20 years on average, with proper installation and maintenance.

Poor Installation by an Inexperienced Contractor

Last but not least, commercial flat roofs need to be installed by a certified roofing contractor with plenty of experience. Roofs are complicated and can take days to weeks to install correctly, depending on the size of your commercial property’s rooftop area.

Also, always look for contractors who offer a substantial workmanship warranty to cover any issues due to installation. This shows they stand by their work, and if something happens on their account, you’ll be protected.

The First Signs That Your Commercial Roof Needs Repair:

Areas of Pooling Water

If you see spots where water pools or ice forms on your commercial roof, this is a sign that it’s not draining properly. It can also mean any number of other issues are on the horizon. Pooling water on your commercial roof can lead to massive leaks, rust, and rotting and put extra weight on the roof, leading to collapse.

Cracked or Damaged Membrane

If your commercial roof’s top layer is damaged, flaking, or peeling away in places, it will need to be repaired immediately. These cracks and tears can let water seep into the membrane, causing costly leaks to repair. If these membranes aren’t replaced when they’re cracked or torn, your commercial roof won’t work to its full ability and puts your building at risk of further damage.

Blistered or Bubbling on the Roof’s Surface

Blisters on your roof’s surface are a result of high humidity, heat, and extended exposure. Bubbling or blistering in the roofing surface might occur as a consequence of any of these things. Blisters allow moisture to enter your facility’s roof, which can lead to significant damage to the roof’s structure. If left unaddressed and untreated, your business’s roof will be left susceptible to holes, leaks, mold growth, and look unsightly.

High Energy Bills

The roof is one of the first places that heat (and cold) will escape from your building. A poorly insulated or leaky roof will cause heating and cooling bills to rise. This is because your HVAC system has to work twice as hard to moderate the building’s temperature. If you notice higher-than-normal energy bills, get a roofing inspection right away.

Poor Drainage

Signs of poor roof drainage look like water pooling or standing in places on the roof, ice dams, clogged gutters, or leaks on the edges of the roof. Your roof should be able to cleanly allow water and snowmelt to flow to the roof’s edges and safely down the gutters and downspouts. Without this system working together, you face detrimental damage and leaks.

At ShenCorp, we service areas such as Winchester, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Waynesboro, VA, Richmond, VA, and other parts of the mid-Atlantic region. In that time, we have become the leading choice for industrial and commercial roofing services like commercial protective roof coatings for customers throughout Virginia. Give us a call today!

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AGGREGATE

This term refers to granular mineral-based material, aka stone, rock, and/or gravel that’s been crushed or broken down into small pieces. In the commercial roofing industry, aggregate is used as a surfacing material or ballast (see next definition) for certain roof systems.

BALLASTED

Ballasted roof systems employ loose aggregate material as weight (ballast) to hold the roof membrane in place instead of glues or other fasteners. The aggregate’s mass and the force of gravity are strong enough to keep the roof leak-free and protective for many years.

BUR/BUILT-UP ROOFING

BUR is the shorthand name we often use to refer to Built-up Roofing, which uses layers of different materials to achieve durability and waterproofness. BUR is a continuous and semi-flexible membrane that consists of felt or fabric layers (called plies) alternated with layers of other materials like tar/bitumen and aggregate. Often seen on older commercial buildings with low-slope roofs, BUR has been in use for 120+ years. It is still considered one of the most cost-effective roofing systems, and it continues to be installed today.

COVER BOARD

Cover board is used as an insulation board in certain roofing systems, such as single-ply membrane systems, where a barrier is needed between the roof deck and the membrane. It is a substrate (see definition below) to which a membrane is adhered, but it also offers strong protection against destructive forces like hail and external fires. It strengthens a roof to prevent damage from foot traffic, as well, so you don’t have to worry about workers or others walking around on your roof.

ELASTOMER

Think of the term “elastic.” Elastomer is a material that can rapidly return to its original shape and dimensions after being stretched.

EPDM/THERMOSET

EPDM is an abbreviation for the chemical name of the single-ply rubber material used in many flat-roofed commercial buildings today — Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. EPDM roofing systems may also be called Thermoset systems, and these roofs are durable, versatile, and easy to install compared to many others. The term “Thermoset” means that the material cannot be reshaped by heating, and so it is resistant to thermal stress (defined below).

EXPOSURE

In the roofing world, exposure refers to the portion of the membrane that is not overlapped by a ply or course next to it. That is, the top layer of roofing material exposed to the elements after being installed is said to be the exposure.

FELT

Used in the creation of BUR systems, felt is a fiber-based, flexible sheet material meant to be layered. Felt fibers can be made from a wide variety of components including glass, polyester, wood, or even vegetable matter. Felt is absorbent and can be saturated or coated with materials like tar, asphalt, or bitumen for waterproofing.

FLASHING

Not a verb or action word in the roofing industry! Flashing refers to components used to weatherproof and/or seal the edges of roof systems at places where the covering ends (the edge of the roof) or is interrupted, such as at drains, valleys, expansion joints, or around rooftop equipment (see HVAC) and skylights.

GALVANIZED STEEL

When steel is galvanized, it means that it has been coated with zinc to make it more resistant to corrosion – the iron in steel will rust if not sealed with a coating. Metal roofing may be made of galvanized steel, or it may be made of higher-cost aluminum.

HVAC

These letters stand for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. What does that have to do with roofing? Because this equipment is often located on the roofs of commercial buildings, roofers have to work around it. Leaks can often form around places where HVAC equipment is installed, as well, since it connects to system components inside the building through the roof’s structure.

ICE DAM

This is the name for ice formations at the transition between warm and cold roof surfaces. Ice dams form when previously melted snow and ice refreezes during winter. Ice dams need to be prevented, as they commonly back up under roofing materials, which leads to leaks inside your building.

IBC – INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

A model set of building standards published by the International Code Council (ICC), the IBC applies to all construction except low-density residential buildings (detached one and two-family dwellings and townhomes).

MEMBRANE

The flexible or semi-flexible roof covering material that primarily waterproofs a roof system. A membrane may be made of a single material or several materials laminated together.

PLANISHING

An advanced metalworking technique that involves shaping and smoothing sheet metal over a stake. While this is more of a specialty roofing term, commercial roofs can also be specialty roofs that require care and repair.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

This term refers to the act of getting more useful life from your commercial building’s roof by being proactive in caring for it to prevent problems.

R-VALUE

If you’ve ever shopped for insulation for your home or commercial building, you’ve heard this term, and you know that the higher the R-Value number, the better. This is because the term refers to thermal resistance, or the measure of a material’s resistance to heat flow. In practical application, R-Value denotes the specific thickness of an insulating material or construction type.

SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE

Roofing membranes that are applied in one layer only are known as single-ply membranes. The EPDM systems we talked about above, as well as thermoplastic systems (defined below), are commonly single-ply membranes.

SUBSTRATE

This term refers to the surface on which roofing or waterproofing membranes are applied. The term may refer to the structural deck of the roof, an underlayment, or a cover board (as defined above), depending upon the roofing system used.

THERMAL STRESS

As external temperatures naturally change throughout the seasons and even day-to-day, your roof system will expand and contract. Over time, this causes stress to the materials as they age, and will eventually lead to damage. Some roofing systems are more resistant to thermal stress than others.

THERMOPLASTIC/TPO & PVC SYSTEMS

If a substance or material is thermoplastic, it means that, by design, it becomes soft when heated and hardens as it cools. TPO, which stands for thermoplastic polyolefin, and PVC, which stands for polyvinyl chloride, are both materials that have this quality. TPO and PVC weather well and are resistant to UV light, punctures, and many chemicals, including oils, animal fats, and bacteria. These systems are great for restaurants and other businesses that vent oils to the exterior.

UNDERLAYMENT

A felt or sheet material that is installed between a roof deck and roof covering (most often in steep-slope roofs) is referred to as underlayment. Its purpose is to separate a roof covering from the structural deck of the roof and provide secondary weather and water protection within a roofing system.

VENTS

It may sound strange, but all buildings need to “breathe” and exchange indoor and outdoor air. Roof vents are openings or devices that permit air to exit an enclosed structure. These vents must allow air and vapors to escape, but must not allow moisture to infiltrate the structure.

WATER INFILTRATION

In short, water infiltration equals roof leaks. If water or moisture is infiltrating, or getting into, your commercial building, you may have a major problem on your roof that requires attention right away.

If you’re searching for a roofing company that specializes in all things concerning commercial roofing, contact us at Shencorp Inc, proudly serving Winchester, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Waynesboro, VA, Richmond, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. Since 1977, Shencorp Inc. has specialized in commercial roofing and commercial protective roof coating services. Since then, we have become the leading choice for industrial and commercial roofing services for customers throughout Virginia.

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1. Gable roofs
2. Hip roofs
3. Mansard roofs
4. Gambrel roofs
5. Flat roofs
6. Skillion roofs
7. Jerkinhead roofs
8. Butterfly roofs
9. Bonnet roofs
10. Salt box roofs
11. Sawtooth roofs
12. Curved roofs
13. Pyramid roofs
14. Dome roofs
15. Combination roofs

Gable Roofs

Also known as pitched or peaked roofs, gable roofs are easily recognized by their triangular shape. They shed water and snow easily and provide more space inside. With their relatively simple design, these roofs are easy to build and cheaper than more complex roof designs. However, gable roofs can be problematic in areas with high winds.

Hip Roofs

These types of roofs slope on all four sides, and the sides are all equal length and come together at the top to form a ridge. These roofs are more stable than gable roofs because the inward slope makes it more sturdy. However, these are more expensive to build than a gable roof because of their complex design.

Mansard Roofs

Also known as a French roof, this type of roof is four-sided with a double slope on each side. These can create much more living space inside the building, and they’re great for people who may add on to their home. However, the low-pitched part of the mansard roof isn’t great for heavy snowfall.

Gambrel Roofs

Also known as a barn roof. Much like a mansard roof, a gambrel has two different slopes. These types of roofs also provide extra living space, but this type of roof is not recommended for areas with heavy winds or significant snowfall.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are – you guessed it – flat! They do have a slight pitch to allow water to run off, though. These roofs are generally used on commercial buildings. They provide extra space on the top of buildings for things like patios, gardens, or a penthouse room.

Skillion Roofs

These are also referred to as a lean-to or a shed roof. Typically, skillion roofs are a single, sloping roof, which is usually attached to a wall. These are mostly used for home additions, porches, and sheds, but there has been a rise in using skillion roofs for modern style homes lately. These are easy to assemble and simply constructed. Because they have a steep pitch, they’re great for areas with high rain and snow fall.

Jerkinhead Roofs

These use elements of gable and hip roofs. They are more stable than a regular gable roof, but the complex design of this type of roof makes building costs increase. These types of roof are more resistant to wind damage, and they provide more space than a traditional hip roof.

Butterfly Roofs

V-shaped roofs that are made up of two pieces that are angled up on the outside. These roofs look like a butterfly in flight, and they are popular for modern, eco-friendly, and tropical home designs. This roof provides more natural light inside the home, which lowers heating bills and brings an open feel to the home. Solar panels and water collection systems can be easily incorporated with this kind of roof, but it is a bit more expensive to build.

Bonnet Roofs

Also known as knicked-eaves, this type of roof is double sloped, which are not commonly used for modern homes. This type of roof can be seen in regions of Louisiana and Mississippi. Water runs easily off the slopes of bonnet roofs, but this type of roof is more difficult to construct, and therefore more expensive to install.

Salt Box Roofs

These are asymmetrical in design, and they are variations of early Colonial designs. The slope in salt box roofs make water run off easy, but the building costs are higher because the design is tricky.

Sawtooth Roof

A sawtooth roof includes two or more parallel pitched roofs, and the roof resembles the side view of a saw blade. These were once only used on commercial buildings, but now they’re used in modern home design too. Because windows are placed in the vertical spaces of the roof, this allows more natural light inside the building. However, this complex design is more expensive and more high-maintenance than other roof types.

Curved Roof

A curved roof is a lot like the Skillion (or shed) roof, but for a curved roof, the planes are curved. This is a very modern design, making this type of roof very aesthetically pleasing. A curved roof can cover the entire home or just a single section like an entrance. These can be customized, making them a bit pricey.

Pyramid Roof

A pyramid roof is a type of hip roof, and all four sides come up to a point at the top of the roof (like a pyramid). These are usually used for smaller buildings, like cabins, pool houses, or garages. These are extremely resistant to strong winds, but they can be costly due to the complexity of the design.

Dome Roof

A dome roof is polygonal and has an inverted bowl shape. These are great for aesthetic reasons, especially for cupolas, gazebos, or crow’s nests. Dome roofs are beautiful and durable as well, but because of the complex design, they are expensive to construct.

Combination Roof

Finally, a combination roof is combining several types of roofs on one building. This can be for practical and/or aesthetic reasons. Building a combination roof is good for architectural interest, but again, because of complex designs, can be quite expensive to build.

The Bottom Line

There are many other types of roofs that are commonly chosen, but these few will give you a good idea of how different roofing systems can be. At Shencorp Total Roofing Services, we want to help with all your roofing needs. When you partner with us, you’re getting the best industrial and commercial roofing contractor in the mid-Atlantic region. Contact us today!

At Shencorp Total Roofing Services, we specialize in commercial roofing and commercial protective roof coating services throughout Winchester, Charlottesville, Waynesboro, Richmond, and other parts of the mid-Atlantic region in Virginia. Since 1977, we have become the leading choice for industrial and commercial roofing services. Our goal is to deliver professionally managed commercial roofing projects with consistency. We provide installation, re-roofing, repair, preventive maintenance, coatings, and single-ply services.

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1. What is single-ply roofing?
2. What are the main types of single-ply roofs?
3. How are single-ply roofing systems installed?
4. What materials are used in single-ply roofs?
5. What is the longevity of a single-ply roof?

What is Single-Ply Roofing?

Single-ply roofing is classified as flexible sheets of compounded plastic-derived material that are used to cover and protect flat and low-sloped buildings. These prefabricated membranes are manufactured in a factory to strict quality control requirements and can be attached in a variety of methods. In the last 30 years, single-ply roofing has displaced older materials, such as tar paper, as the go-to roofing material for commercial roofing contractors. Properly installed, single-ply roofing systems offer an inherent advantage over traditional materials due to their strength, flexibility, and high durability. 

What are the Main Types of Single-Ply Roofs?

There are three main types of single-ply roofs:

1. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
3. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

PVC membrane roofs have been in use for decades. They are time tested and still a popular roofing system. For many years, EPDM roofing had been the top choice for single-ply roofing. However, TPO roofing is considered the gold standard of roofing materials.

How are Single-Ply Roofing Systems Installed?

There are four primary methods for installing single-ply roofing systems:

• The Mechanically Attached System: This system fastens the flat roofing in place by first fixing mounting plates through the insulation to the roof deck, laying the membrane in place, and then attaching it to the underlying plates.
• The Fully Adhered System: This system can be used in roofs that have a little bit of slope to them. The mounting plates are used to anchor the roof insulation to the roof deck and then the single-ply roofing is bonded directly to the insulation.
• Induction-Welded Roof Installation: When mechanical attachment is not possible, an induction-welded roof system can decrease the amount of penetrating fasteners by up to 50 percent.
• The Ballasted System: This system provides fast coverage at minimal cost. It utilizes large panels of rubber roofing membrane, up to 50 feet by 200 feet, loose-laid on the insulation and then covered by approved ballast, such as river-washed stone.

What Materials are Used in Single-Ply Roofs?

There are two types of roofing materials used in single-ply roofs: thermosets and thermoplastics. First, thermoset roof systems are usually made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). This type of material is excellent for roofing because it is flexible and very resistant to abrasion damage, weathering, high heat, and ultraviolet light. EPDM material is very similar to rubber. It is considered low maintenance and easy to repair. Typically, EPDM is black but may be available in white as well. Black EPDM membranes absorb solar energy effectively, which can reduce heating costs during the winter. 

Next, thermoplastic roof systems use thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes. Both of these membranes are very resistant to weather and ultraviolet light, as well as holes. TPO roofing systems are becoming more popular in the commercial roofing industry, especially in southern climates. Reductions in energy consumption and costs have been attributed to light-colored TPO membranes. Typically, TPO membranes are white but may be available in other colors as well. PVC roofing systems show potential for decreases in energy costs too. PVC provides efficient resistance to chemicals. Most PVC systems are white as well, though other colors are also available. 

What is the Longevity of a Single-Ply Roof?

A typical single ply membrane flat roof system can be expected to achieve a service life of at least 30 years. Care should be taken to distinguish between the durability of the single ply membrane by itself, and the expected service life of the flat roof system incorporating the membrane.

As the components are exposed to the elements and any foot traffic, the single ply membrane has a role in protecting the components immediately below it. However, the performance and durability of the complete roof system depends on all materials being stored and handled correctly, installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, and fixed in accordance with wind uplift calculations etc.

How do other components contribute to the service life of a flat roof? In isolation, any of the other components in a flat roof are capable of offering a similar, if not longer, durability to the single ply membrane. Thermal insulation, for example, is often quoted as having a potentially indefinite service life.

The key is really in compatibility of products and quality of workmanship, to make sure that durability is not compromised by poor installation, inadequate fixing, or poor drainage – anything that could put unnecessary stress on the flat roof system and its components.

At ShenCorp Inc., we often recommend that our customers install single-ply roofing for their homes and businesses. Single-ply membrane roof systems are lightweight, affordable, and flexible. If you’re interested in installation or repair of single-ply roofing systems – commercial or industrial – we can help. 

Whatever your roofing needs, we are here to help! Since 1977, ShenCorp Inc. has specialized in commercial roofing throughout Winchester, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Waynesboro, VA, Richmond, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. Call ShenCorp for your total roofing services.

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Our complete guide of roof coatings includes the following:

1. What are roof coatings?
2. Why are roof coatings important?
3. Roof coating materials
4. Choosing the right roof coating

What are Roof Coatings?

Roof coatings are designed to protect and extend the service life of roofs. While roof coatings are used for new construction, they are more commonly used to protect existing roof coverings, such as BUR, modified bitumen, metal, single ply membranes, and spray polyurethane foam. Roof coatings are thicker than paint, and they’re made to help protect roofs from the damaging effects of weather and the environment. This includes UV light, excessive water, and excessive wind. They contain a high level of top-quality resin, which means they are able to provide protection for many years.

There are many types of roof coatings that can benefit any type of roof (see section below for more information). Roof coatings are applied to low slope roofs on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This helps to extend the life of a roof by preventing damage, which in turn causes the building’s owner to save money. Some roof coatings even help waterproof the roof when applied correctly. Roof coatings are also the most effective (and least costly) option to make buildings more energy efficient.

There are many other benefits to applying a protective roof coating to your roof. They reflect visible light, infrared, and UV radiation, which leads to lower roof temperatures. In turn, this helps to reduce cooling costs. Roof coatings also reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect, which is a regional elevation in air temperature. This is usually gauged by the difference between urban and rural air temperatures (click here for more information). Finally, roof coatings help prevent tear-off and waste. Instead of completely tearing off an existing roof to repair it, roof coatings can be a solution to extend the life of a roof. For more information about roof coatings in general, click here.

Why are Roof Coatings Important?

There are two main aspects that we notice when observing a roof: one is its shape and size; the other is its material, which we refer to as its coating. The most common types of domestic roofing are asphalt shingles, ceramic tile, slate shingles, wood and cedar shingles or shake, and metal roofing. 

Roofs are affected by an array of factors, such as sunlight and inclement weather. Some roofing materials, such as asphalt, will be easier to treat because they’re more durable. Metal roofs in particular are also known for their durability.

But roof coatings are different from the underlying material used to build a roof. Coatings are what help maintain your roof in the face of external factors. There are many benefits to roof coatings. These include:

• Improved protection: Roof coatings can help protect your roof from severe weather, especially hail. Hailstones can cause extreme damage to your roof, but roof coatings add an additional layer of protection. 
• Cost savings: A new roof can cost you thousands of dollars. Roof coatings typically only require about 30% to 40% of the price of a full tear-off. 
• Energy savings: These coatings can help reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home. Most roof coatings have reflective properties, which means that the coating will reflect the ultraviolet (UV) rays that hit your roof and cause it to heat up instead of absorbing the heat.

Roof Coating Materials

Silicone Roof Coatings

A defining feature of silicone roof coatings is that they are moisture-cured. In some applications, the use of silicone can also eliminate the need for a primer. Since silicone formulas advance curing, silicone roof coatings will weather better than others with nearly no erosion issues. Silicone roof coatings work best for commercial buildings in wet locations. However, silicone formulas hold onto dirt and dust, but rain and water can easily clean the roof system right up. Unfortunately, this can cause the roof to lose its reflectivity faster. It is also hard to adhere to silicone, so when a roof needs re-coating, you must re-coat with a compatible silicone.

Cool Roof Coatings

These are an excellent option to keep the roof cool and energy efficient. The pigments applied in cool roof coatings are thick like paints, which make them resilient to the sun’s rays and heat. They help reduce electricity bills considerably by preventing prolonged air conditioning use. They are also resistant to the adverse effects of chemicals and safeguard the roof against water damage.

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Acrylic roof coatings are produced from an elastomeric membrane which offers a type of seamless defense to the roof. They are extremely popular because they are inexpensive, durable and, lightweight and provide these benefits to the roofing:

• They are resistant to dirt and weather changes
• They prevent leaks and seal the seam
• They maintain the roof’s original shape for a long time
• They protect the roof from the UV rays damage
• They keep the property cool in summers

Single-Ply Membranes

Single-ply membrane coatings are useful for low-sloped roofs because the membranes used in this procedure are pre-manufactured to help roll off the roof smoothly, creating a uniform layer. Many products like chemical adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or ballast are excellent for keeping the single-ply adhered to the roof.

Elastomeric

Elastomeric roof coatings can withstand a range of weather conditions because of their resilient formula. Elastomeric coatings are generally less expensive than other coating types. Though the reflectivity is great this formula is not UV stable for as long as silicone is. For this reason, elastomeric are usually used for positively pitched roof systems or as a base coat. Combining elastomeric with another coating will make it extremely durable. It will also stay cleaner and more resistant to water and humidity. However, elastomeric roof coatings can have a stronger odor compared to other formulas.

Reflective Roof Coatings

A reflective roof coating is applied to roofs to help reflect more sunlight from the surface, thus reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the structure. Also known as cool roofing, these roof coatings are available in a number of colors, surfaces, and thicknesses and can make a huge difference when it comes to saving money on energy costs and usage. On top of that, they also aid in creating more comfortable indoor environments, and play a role in prolonging the life of roofs and roofing materials.

So how does a reflective roof coating work? Cool roof coatings work to keep your home cool in two distinct ways. The first is by solar reflectance, or the coating’s ability to reflect sunlight away as soon as it hits your structure. Instead of absorbing the sunlight and heat like a traditional roof, a cool roof reflects the light and heat away from your home, keeping your home cooler in the process. The other way that cool roofing helps to keep your home cooler is through thermal emittance. These roof coatings are now made with special materials that increase your roof’s thermal emittance level, or your roof’s ability to radiate absorbed heat back into the atmosphere instead of down into your home. It’s this potent combination of high solar reflectance and thermal emittance that make these roof coatings so effective at keeping your home cool and your energy costs and usage down.

Do reflective roof coatings actually save you money? Yes! It’s important to realize that the amount of benefits you get from your reflective coating will vary depending on the shape of your home, the coating you choose, how energy efficient your home already is, your local climate, and whether you use air conditioning or not. However, if you live in a hot climate that experiences warm temperatures and sunny days for a substantial portion of the year, you can expect energy savings of up to 70%. If not, your energy savings from applying a reflective roof coating could range anywhere from 20% to 70% when it?s all said and done.

For more information on reflective roof coatings, click here.

Choosing the Right Roof Coating

It is vital to know the ingredients of the roof coating product you select because it can adversely affect your roof. Take stock of your existing roof material and your exact goals which might include roof restoration or repair, energy conservation, or reflecting UV rays. This will help you select the most suitable coating for your roof. The most significant thing is to get the coating that meets your specific roof style and type.

At ShenCorp, we service areas such as Winchester, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Waynesboro, VA, Richmond, VA, and other parts of the mid-Atlantic region. We have become the leading choice for industrial and commercial roofing services like commercial protective roof coatings for customers throughout Virginia. Give us a call today for all your commercial roofing needs!

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1. Grow a roof garden
One of the best ways to keep the roof cool is by growing your own rooftop garden with green grass and potted plants. The green roof shades the building from direct sunlight while the mud within the potted plants and the lawn absorbs most of the heat that hits the roof.

Before going for a roof garden, make sure that the roof is properly waterproofed so as to prevent any type of water seepage through the external walls or roof slab, which may cause damage to the building.

2. Paint the terrace white
Heat gain can be considerably reduced by turning the roof into a reflective roof surface. How?

• Paint the concrete floor with cool roof paints. These paints provide good thermal insulation by reflecting the sun’s rays and keeping the indoors cool.
• For a more permanent solution one can install white ceramic or porcelain tiles on the roof.

3. Add shade
The roof slabs are made of concrete, which is a very dense material – it retains heat for a very long time and then transfers it to the indoors. The temperatures can be controlled by creating shade on the rooftop because shaded areas are cooler than the surroundings.

• Go for high walls or trellises along the perimeter of the roof; this is an interesting way to shade the roof.
• Introduce design features, such as pergolas with creepers, to create shade.

4. Go for heat-resistant flooring

• Go for flooring materials such as wooden deck tiles or terracotta tiles that do not absorb or transfer as much heat to the lower floors and are comfortable to walk on even during the peak summers.

5. Install solar panels
Alternatively, one can cover the roof with solar panels. The solar panels comprise photovoltaic cells, and block the heat from hitting the roof, as in his example. Instead, these panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity.

At ShenCorp, we service areas such as Winchester, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Waynesboro, VA, Richmond, VA, and other parts of the mid-Atlantic region. In that time, we have become the leading choice for industrial and commercial roofing services like commercial protective roof coatings for customers throughout Virginia. Give us a call today, and let us know if you’re interested in trying to make your home/roof more energy-efficient.

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Though homeowners have now begun to really understand and celebrate the benefits of having a green roof, it’s not a new concept. In fact, it can be traced back to the 1940s in Germany. Regardless, the green movement has continued to gain momentum, making it an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. Below, we’ve outlined three different types of green roofs and how to choose the right one for you.

How to choose the right green roof 

Green roofs consist of several layers, which include a growing medium—allowing plants to grow on the rooftop. The first step is to take into consideration whether you’ll be able to maintain your green roof frequently or just leave it be so that nature can take its course. There are three types of green roof systems to choose from. We’ve outlined them below. 

There are three different types of green roofs

1) Intensive green roof 

If you want your roof to function as a garden and have large plants and even water features, then the intensive green roof is for you. With this type of roof, planting mediums are much deeper, which can be between seven and 24 inches, and can consist of lawn, shrubs, trees, and perennials (for example). Make sure the roof is easily accessible, since frequent maintenance will be needed. Adding a walkway makes it easy to maintain, while adding some benches and tables can give you the opportunity to relax in your own personal piece of nature.  

2) Extensive green roof 

With an extensive green roof, vegetation is thinner (1.6 to five inches thick) and lighter—with appropriate plants that will make them low-maintenance and self-sustaining. Any large slope or flat roof that’s hard to reach makes a great area for this kind of vegetation, as nature will take care of itself. Plants that are used often with this treatment are ones that are tolerant to droughts, including certain sedums, succulents, a few types of grass, and mosses.  

3) Semi-intensive (or hybrid) green roof 

With this treatment, choices in vegetation are much broader than with an extensive green roof. Plus, not much maintenance is required. This green roof can be described as a combination of an extensive and intensive roof, and therefore is also called a hybrid roof. A variety of plants that grow well in a soil depth of five to seven inches are good to use, including certain perennials, ornamental grasses, herbs, shrubs, and sedums. Because irrigation is only needed from time to time and it requires a medium amount of maintenance, most rooftops can benefit from a semi-intensive green roof. 

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There are two types of single-ply roofing: thermoplastics and thermosets.

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastic roof systems use TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) membranes. Both materials provide excellent weathering performance and are highly resistant to UV, tears, punctures, and most chemicals. Thermoplastic membranes are seamed using hot air welders to melt the plastic and pressure to join sheets together.

TPO Roofing Systems

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is the fastest-growing segment of the commercial roofing industry. Fueling this growth is the increasing use of TPO in southern climates where cooling costs significantly outweigh heating costs. Most light-colored TPO membranes are ENERGY STAR® qualified and Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) certified and have been directly attributed to reductions in buildings’ energy consumption and costs by greatly diminishing the need for air conditioning. While white is the predominant color used with TPO, other colors are also available.

PVC Roofing Systems

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a trusted membrane that has been performing admirably for decades in the European and North American markets. Most PVC membranes are ENERGY STAR qualified and CRRC certified and offer building owners the potential for decreased cooling costs. PVC also offers excellent resistance to rooftop chemicals, including acids, oils, and greases. While most PVC roofing systems are white, other colors are also available.

Thermosets

Thermoset roof systems are typically EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber. EPDM is easily formed around shapes like corners and is extremely resistant to ozone, ultraviolet light, weathering, high heat, and abrasion damage, making it an excellent roofing material. EPDM membranes are seamed using pressure-sensitive tapes to join two sheets together.

EPDM Roofing Systems

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is basically rubber. EPDM has a reputation for low maintenance, easy repairability, and top-notch weathering characteristics, which make it an ideal roofing option for many climates. EPDM is traditionally black in color but is also available in white. In northern climates especially, black EPDM membranes absorb solar energy, leading to reductions in heating costs during the winter months and helping melt snow and ice on the roof.

There are lots of options for single-ply roofing for your business. If your business is located in the trans-Atlantic area in Virginia, give Shencorp a call today to get started. We always recommend applying protective coatings to your roof; it will save you time and money in the future. Let us help you help yourself!

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At ShenCorp, we service areas such as Winchester, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Waynesboro, VA, Richmond, VA, and other parts of the mid-Atlantic region. Since 1977, we have become the leading choice for industrial and commercial roofing services like commercial protective roof coatings for customers throughout Virginia. Give us a call today! 

Pros

1. Saves money

Most people who are thinking of making the switch to solar energy may have read that it can be quite expensive. While the initial set-up is higher than average, users can expect their investments to return by incurring low electricity costs and maintenance fees. Additionally, investing in solar panels can also increase the value of one’s home so if ever they decide to sell their house, they can reap the benefits of its feature later.

2. Renewable

Solar energy gets its sources from the sun which has been a staple in the universe since the beginning of time. Unlike fossil fuels which will eventually diminish, scientists proclaim that the sun will still continue to shine for another 6.5 billion years.

3. Environmentally-friendly

What makes investing in solar panels so enticing is the fact that using solar energy doesn’t cause any pollution. While there’s emissions related to the production and installation of panels, the use of energy itself doesn’t emit harmful gases. This reduces the harmful greenhouse effects that has since plagued the ozone layer. 

Cons

1. Differences in quality

Not every commercial solar panel option is made the same. As such one may have to make a choice between monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels:

● Monocrystalline panels – the oldest form of solar panels which produce the largest amount of electricity power.

● Polycrystalline panels – less space sufficient compared to monocrystalline panels but also offers great quality.

● Thin-film panels – the most affordable option but has the least amount of efficiency.

Aside from quality, users should also consider the reputation of the brand they’re buying to ensure they get the best product and service available.

2. Intermittent energy source

Since the sun isn’t out at night and have different intensity levels of providing heat, users may expect that they have to store some of the solar energy they gathered for later use. While developments have been made on the storage problem, certain areas of the world who have the least amount of sunny days may find it hard to procure solar energy properly.

3. Requires large spaces

The most efficient solar panels require space in order to generate electricity. Unfortunately, the density of certain houses and buildings in certain cities may make this project harder to achieve.

If your business is located in the trans-Atlantic area in Virginia, give Shencorp a call today to get started. We always recommend applying protective coatings to your roof; it will save you time and money in the future. Let us help you help yourself!

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How do you know when it’s time to replace your roof? Well, there are some obvious and not so obvious signs.

Physical damage like splits, tears, and holes in your roof are a sure sign that the roof has been damaged by the weather, physical debris, or wear and tear. Shingles can buckle or fall off, and metal roofing can bend and snap, exposing a gap or hole. 

Age is a not so obvious sign that your roof needs to be replaced. On average, a roof needs to be replaced every fifteen years, even if it doesn’t show clear signs of damage. This is a protective measure that will give you ease of mind for the next fifteen years.

Why summer is the best time to replace your roof

• Weather: While the occasional rain does happen every so often in VA, most days in the summer are pretty dry. This allows for experts to quickly come and repair, replace, or quote anything roofing related.
• Cost- Because summer months aren’t considered peak season for roofing, you might find that some roofing companies charge less. It’s the perfect time to hop on that opportunity! 
• Efficiency- Because heat can further harm an old or damaged roof, replacing in these hot months will not only ensure your business is protected but it also means you can lower the cost of your AC bill every month. 

So, if you’ve been on the fence about replacing your roof, this is your sign to take advantage today. If your business is located in the trans-Atlantic area in Virginia, give Shencorp a call today to get started. We always recommend applying protective coatings to your roof; it will save you time and money in the future. Let us help you help you and your business!

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