A Wide Variety of Roofing System Choices
Midwest Roofing Services, services and installs a wide variety of roofing systems. Our commitment to quality, education and training allows us to provide long term warranty’s backed by leading manufacturers in the industry. Our company does not employ the one-size-fits-all practice of recommending the same type of roof assembly to all projects we encounter. Each installation is unique, clients needs vary. Don’t know what your needs are? Midwest Roofing will take you through our 4 step process to eliminate the confusion. Our process will inform and educate the client to make the right selection that fits the clients needs.
The following is a brief description of the most common roof systems.
THERMOPLASTIC (PVC and TPO) Heat Welded Systems:
Flexible, lightweight, reinforced, highly reflective, fire retardant single ply membranes that have been in use since the 1970’s. These membranes are highly resistant to chemicals, ozone, ultraviolet light, tears, puncture resistance, and superior seam integrity. Thermoplastics have gained much popularity over the past 10yrs due to energy efficiency of the roof system. Heat welded membranes can be installed in a wide range of temperature conditions. Thermoplastics have a variety of application methods to suit the clients needs. These membranes also come in a variety of mil thicknesses. Selection of the appropriate membrane thickness along with the type of installation method requires knowledge of the specific building characteristics.
EPDM:
Lightweight, elastic synthetic rubber. These systems are resilient, high tensile strength, elongation, resistant to ozone, ultraviolet light and ponding water. EPDM systems have been installed in North America since the early 1970’s. EPDM is available in reinforced and non-reinforced. These products are offered in fire retardant and non-fire retardant. EPDM systems require very close attention to detail. EPDM systems can be installed in a variety of methods, fully adhered and ballasted being the most common.
Modified Bitumen:
Modified bitumen membranes have been utilized in the roofing industry since the mid 1970’s. These membranes are composite consisting of bitumen, modifiers and a reinforcement of fiberglass or polyester. Top surfacing of the systems is either smooth or granulated with many color options to choose from. Modified bitumen systems are more flexible than traditional BUR systems while maintaining some of the same characteristics. These roof systems are very durable and are very good at resistance to foot traffic. Modified bitumen systems must have positive drainage to achieve full installed value.
Built Up Roofing (BUR)
Built up roof is a multiple layer system consisting of alternating layers of asphalt saturated fiberglass felts in a solid bed of hot asphalt or cold process. These systems are commonly surfaced with gravel, mineral cap sheets or coatings. Built Up Roof systems have very low flexibility and should only be applied where minimal movement is to be expected and or with expansion joint provisions. These systems require periodic maintenance to maximize the expected life of the roof system.
