Commercial Roofing

The category “commercial roofing” is not always specific to commercial buildings, but is more common to a type of building.  Commercial roofing is sometimes just a term used to describe a type of roof construction that uses techniques that are common on building that have commercial uses.  These techniques can include those used on flat roofs as well as roofs with a pitch designed to shed water.  In most cases, commercial buildings have flat roofs that need specific materials or special types of work to prevent leaks.

Historically speaking, the most common type of flat roof was constructed using tar and gravel.  The roofers would put down a layer of hot tar and cover it with gravel.  As the tar cooled, it would harden and the roofers would then place several more layers of tar and gravel.  These techniques are still in use today, but the materials used are more advanced.  Now, the materials used include everything from tar paper to specially designed spray-on foams and polyurethane membranes.

Some of the new roofing materials that include various types of materials for commercial roofing applications use composite materials that not only last longer, but will help to reduce utility costs with added insulation and heat reflection.  These materials require a roofer to employ a variety of methods and have extensive knowledge in a plethora of different skill sets.  Commercial roofing in today’s environmentally friendly atmosphere is best done by those in the business that understand all of the new innovations in roof construction.

A lot of new architectural designs incorporate commercial roofing application, whether the building is used for commercial purposes or not.  In Southern California it is best to consult an experienced roofer that knows what types of roofing materials are best for a particular type of roof construction.