Commercial buildings come in all sizes and this is one reason that creating a reliable roof over these structures can be difficult. The most common design for commercial roofing in Joplin MO is the low sloped roof, frequently known as a flat roof. This type of roofing is typically covered using a method known as BUR (built-up roofing). BUR usually begins with a layer of decking placed over a supporting frame. The decking must be sturdy because of the weight it needs to support, which is one reason that engineered materials such as plywood and OSB (oriented strand board) are preferred.
Over the decking is multiple layers of a water resistant membrane covered with asphalt. The typical membrane is roofing felt because it provides a surface for the asphalt to stick onto. A variable number of layers will be placed on the roof depending on its size, but the most common depth for new roofs is between three to five layers. This creates a durable covering that can easily resist most weather damage. A final layer of aggregate such as gravel is used to provide ballast.
There are various issues that a BUR roof can develop such as leaks around the roofing details and damage from people walking over the surface. The former can be repaired with the application of new caulking, but the later may require patching. One of the benefits of BUR is that many major issues can be eliminated by installing an additional layer over the roofing.
There are alternative methods for creating reliable commercial roofing in Joplin MO including the use of polymers such as TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and a synthetic rubber known as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer). TPO is a popular product for larger structures because it is lightweight and reasonably easy to repair. This roofing membrane is installed in long strips so that welding the seams can be easily handled with automated tools. EPDM is often chosen when a more durable alternative to BUR is required, but it is also used as an effective way of reducing heat buildup. The surface layer of EPDM can be coated so that solar rays are reflected and this helps to limit the amount of heat trapped under the roof. Discover more details at Website.com.
