Here are a few commercial roofing terms you should become familiar with...
The term Built-up refers to a system of multiple layers of roofing paper adhered either with hot asphalt or cold application cement. This is the most common form of low-slope commercial roofing in use today.
Architectural sheetmetal refers to any system metal roofing in which interlocking metal panels are assembled to form a roof memberane. Long a staple of industrial building design, this form of roofing has become popular among modern architects and designers.
Single Ply roofing, as it's name implies, is a single layer of reinforced rubber or plastic. The material forms a tough, durable tear-resistant memberane that resists the effects of ozone and UV exposure while it's reflective finish reduces energy costs.
A form of rubber or synthetic-based white coating applied to older roof systems to restore watertightness and to provide a reflective surface that helps reduce energy costs by as much as 35%.
Any roofing system that provides high solar reflectance and high thermal emmittance. In many states, there are a number of tax rebates and other incentives offered to entice owners to install cool roofs, which can also reduce energy costs by as much as 35%.
A roof or building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil, or a growing medium, over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additioanl layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems.
