Low-Slope Roof Systems

High-Quality Low-Slope Roofs

For any business property owner, you have to juggle a wide variety of things. You have obligations to your customers and your employees, you have to consistently and reliably provide the service you offer, and you have to maintain your property space for both your needs, and the needs of your clients. Effective property maintenance is a pretty large responsibility in and of itself; things need to look good and clean, as well as function consistently and affordably, because the proper maintenance of your property can have effects on the success and daily functionality of your business.

One aspect of maintaining a property that many business property owners might not think of is the quality and condition of their roof system. There are a variety of pieces of your property that you see everyday and use everyday, but you are rarely looking up at your roof, let alone thinking about its current condition. Many might approach their roof system with a “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” attitude, which can work for a while. But even the sturdiest and most well- made roofs can develop issues over time. Whether it's the seasonal weather in the area, the wear and tear from your business operations, or even just a specific roof design that isn’t very optimal for the conditions it’s under, all roof systems can degrade over time. And for any savvy business owner trying to manage expenses and their budget, a damaged or ineffective roof can lead to much bigger and more expensive problems for your business down the road.

What is a Low-Slope Roof System?

You may have heard of a low-slope roof system before, but you might be unaware as to what a low-slope roof system is. All roofs have a vertical grade that determines how steep their slope is, and this characteristic influences a variety of factors on how the roof operates and how it maintains functioning condition over time. A low-slope roof system is exactly what it sounds like; it is a roof system that is slightly sloped up, looking nearly flat but without being fully flat. The rule of thumb for a low-slope roof is adding a slight pitch of ¼ inch of slope for every one foot of roof. Simply put, in the measurable space of one foot, the roof will rise ¼ of an inch. Few roofs are actually fully flat, as that can make drainage much more difficult, so a low-slope roof system has the necessary pitch to still offer effective draining. Your roof’s ability to effectively drain is somewhat limited with a low slope roof system, but it's a trade-off for some of the other benefits of utilizing a low-slope roof system for your business property.

Is a Low-Slope Roof System Right for My Property?

For a question like this, obviously only you as a business owner knows what's best for your business. A low-slope roof system can offer some incredible benefits for your property, but it comes at the cost of some other features that your specific property situation may require. A business property that utilizes a low-slope roof system can benefit from improved heating and cooling efficiency, as there is less excess air in the attic space which can hinder your buildings ability to heat and cool efficiently. Installation is usually cheaper as low-slope roof systems require less materials and labor, and the near flat slope makes getting on the roof for maintenance much easier and more accessible. However, low-slope roof systems are not as effective at draining water and snow as higher sloped roofs, which means you will need to remove water buildup and debris In order to avoid more severe damage to your roof.

EPDM

EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, which is a highly advanced roofing material. The EPDM on a low-slope roof is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane made of thermosetting rubber material that provides durable weather resistance and temperature control and features. It comes in both white and black depending on the weather conditions of your property and what you are looking for; the carbon black version is more UV and tear resistant, while the white titanium oxide version does a better job of reflecting heat and UV rays. An EPDM low-slope roof system installed by our team at S & S Roofing can last up to 30 years or more with proper maintenance.

Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic low-slope roofing offers similar benefits to the EPDM, but uses a different material and installation process. The thermoplastic is a single-ply sheet membrane that is seen to your roof by solvent welding, using hot air to melt and attach the material to your roof. This membrane material can be heated and cooled repeatedly in order to properly shape and reshape it, whether softening or hardening is required. Thermoplastic low-slope roofing offers exceptional resistance to UV rays, weathering, chemicals, and ozonee, as well as effectively redirecting heat away from the building.

Modified Bitumen

A modified bitumen low-slope roof utilizes a very different material that provides a few different benefits compared to the other low-slope roof systems we offer at S & S. The material is mostly made of tar and asphalt, and this differing makeup offers high-level resistance to hail and foot traffic, which can offer great protection for businesses on the East Coast during the winter, as well as limiting weathering from consistent low-slope roof system maintenance. This material can also provide superior waterproofing that prevails through fluctuating climates and temperatures, and a “cool roof” coating can even be applied to help achieve energy codes while efficiently keeping buildings nice and cool.

Liquid-Applied

A liquid applied low-slope roofing system is one of the more innovative and recent developments for roofing systems in the world. It utilizes a spray-on coating membrane that covers your entire roof, and seeps into all the cracks for extra liquid resistance. Not only does it utilize eco-friendly technology that provides incredible weather and heat resistance for your roof, but you can apply it to a deteriorating or dilapidated roof, and save a lot of money by avoiding an entire roof replacement. Learn more about our liquid applied roofing system here.