Ten things to keep in mind when selecting or specifying a low slope roof

So, the time has come for you to choose a new roof for you building or facility. Whether you a buying a roof for the first time or going through the re-roofing process, knowing that you are going to get a reliable and durable system to protect your assets will let you sleep well at night. Start off on the right foot by taking in these ten commercial roofing tips from CertainTeed, a leading North American building materials company that has been manufacturing roofing materials for more than 100 years.

Choose the highest possible quality materials from an established manufacturer with an excellent reputation for integrity.

Compare similar products. Evaluate the technical data provided by the manufacturer. Compare the weights, thicknesses and ASTM test results.

Remember, the money saved today on a low cost roofing system can be negated by the need to reroof sooner as the result of poor performance leading to leakage or premature failure. It is wise to consider the investment from a life cycle perspective.

Consider the commercial roofing manufacturer’s warranty. The length of the warranty term (in years) helps gauge the performance of the system selected. Generally, the longer the warranty, the better the system. Is a warranty which covers not only the material but also the contractor’s workmanship available for the roof system selected?

Property value. Is the manufacturer’s warranty transferable to a new building owner? All CertainTeed commercial system warranties are transferable.

Does the manufacturer have an approved contractor program in place? If an enhanced warranty that includes workmanship is selected, will the manufacturer inspect the roof project? With CertainTeed, the answer to all of these questions is yes.

Consider energy costs. Keep in mind that white mineral surfaced cap sheets, light colored gravel surfacing or roofs coated with reflective roof coating will help reduce interior cooling costs. Consider a CertainTeed cap sheet with CoolStar™ reflective coating.

Choose a system manufacturer. CertainTeed provides the key elements of the commercial roofing system — insulation, adhesives and coatings, membranes and fasteners.

Consider building code requirements. Many local and state governments have specific guidelines for specifying roof systems.

Consider adding solar components to your roofing system, such as the Solstice solar roofing system from CertainTeed, which can help you offset your operational costs by putting the excess energy created back into the grid and earning you a credit on your electricity bill.

For more information, please visit CertainTeed’s commercial roofing products page.

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