What is TPO roofing?

What is TPO roofing?

by commercial roofingRoof SystemsRoof Types

What is TPO roofing?

When it comes to choosing the right roofing option, there are so many choices on today’s market it can get a little overwhelming. In this blog post we are going to answer the question ‘what is TPO roofing?’ – as well as dive into the advantages and disadvantages, what it is, how to install it and if it’s the right choice for you. TPO stands for Thermoplastic Olefin which is a single-ply roofing material made from rubber and reinforcing fillers.

TPO is installed in large sheets that are welded together at the seams using heat. This achieves a seamless and water resistant finish. TPO is typically used for commercial and industrial projects but has been gaining popularity in residential projects.

TPO roofing advantages

Durability: TPO roofing is recognized as an extremely durable roofing material. Because of this, it is favoured in climates with different weather conditions such as intense rainfall, strong winds, hail and extreme temperatures – both hot and cold. The materials found in TPO can withstand tears and punctures caused by these weather conditions.

Cost-Effective: TPO roofing is a very popular choice for those looking to keep costs relatively low. The initial installation cost is low and because of its long lifespan, you won’t be spending a lot of money on maintenance or repairs either.

Low Maintenance & Long Lasting: As mentioned above, TPO roofing is low maintenance. If you want a roofing system installed that doesn’t require much upkeep then TPO roofing might be a good choice. TPO is resistant to chemicals and is less likely to support algae growth.

Environmentally Friendly: Because TPO is 100% recyclable, it is considered an environmentally friendly option. So even when the time comes that it does need replacing, your materials will be recycled. So if you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact, opt for TPO.

TPO roofing disadvantages

Limited aesthetic options: TPO roofing materials can be found in some colours but the selection is not extensive. So if you’re looking for a specific colour to match your aesthetic preferences, TPO might not work for you.

Welding Complexity: Proper installation of TPO roofing requires skillful heat welding of seams. If not done correctly, seam failures can occur, leading to leaks and other issues. It’s important to hire the experts at Cambie Roofing as this is not a DIY project.

Variability in Quality: The quality of TPO membranes can vary between manufacturers. It’s crucial to select a reputable TPO product from a trusted manufacturer to ensure the best performance. The experts at Cambie Roofing choose only the best materials so not to worry!
Despite these disadvantages, TPO roofing is a very popular choice thanks to its reliability, cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.

Installation process

It is recommended you hire the professionals at Cambie Roofing to install your TPO roofing system. To do so, this system is installed as a single-ply membrane. Firstly, we will prepare your existing roof surface by extensively cleaning it, as well as remove debris. Then we will install insulation to ensure energy efficiency, while providing a stable layer for the TPO membrane.

Next, we will lay out the TPO sheets and attach them together using professional adhesives. Once laid out, the seams between the sheets will be welded together using heat – this creates a water resistant seal. After this, we will ensure all flashing and detail work is perfected to ensure the entire roof is waterproof. Lastly, our qualified team members will perform an inspection to ensure that the roofing system meets all quality standards.

Final thoughts

There are some factors to consider when choosing a roofing system that is best for you. TPO is suitable for most commercial and industrial projects however it can be used on residential builds as well. Take into consideration your budget, climate, building type, local building codes and your overall aesthetic preferences when considering TPO. This type of roofing is durable, emergency efficient, cost effective and easy to maintain. If TPO does align with your specific requirements, give us a call today and we will provide you with a free estimate. A properly installed and maintained roof will last your home or commercial building for years to come.

Commercial Roofs: Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics.

Commercial Roofs: Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics

by commercial roofingRoof SystemsRoof Types

Commercial Roofs: Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current commercial roof or you’re starting from scratch, it’s important to consider both functionality and aesthetics. The roof of your commercial property plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of the entire building. While the main role of your roof is to protect what’s inside your building, having both a functional and aesthetically pleasing roof can have a positive impact on how people view your business. In this blog post, we will explore ways business owners can balance aesthetics and functionality when building their commercial roof.

Choose the right materials

In order to achieve total functionality, you must choose the proper materials for your roof. If you don’t choose the correct materials, your entire building structure will be compromised. When determining what type of roof is best for you, you should take into account your geographical location and your business use. Because Cambie Roofing is a Canadian-based roofing company, we know how harsh the climate can be on roofing systems. This is why we have a variety of recommendations for commercial projects.

Modified bitumen

Modified bitumen roofing is a very popular choice for commercial roofs in Canada. Using various layers of polymer and asphalt, this is a cost effective and durable option.

Thermoplastic olefin

Next, thermoplastic olefin (TPO) is an energy efficient roofing material that has grown in popularity. TPO roofs are made of single-ply membranes that are welded together to form a seal. This means no moisture is able to penetrate, allowing for a resistant roofing system.

Ethylene propylene diene monomer

Another popular roofing material used on commercial projects is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). EPDM is a synthetic rubber which is great at protecting against the elements. Whether it be harsh winds that rip through a city for an afternoon or a scorching week-long heat wave, EPDM will protect your building.

Polyvinyl chloride

Another roofing material we thought we should mention is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This system is wonderful at deflecting the sun’s rays so if you live somewhere with plenty of sunlight, this might be the best option for you. PVC systems are also very lightweight which makes them easier to install on roofs of all sizes. Take advantage of energy efficiency for your commercial building after installing a PVC system!

Metal roofs

Lastly, if you want a low maintenance energy efficient roofing system, you should consider installing a metal roof on your commercial property. While they can be costly to install, they have a very long lifespan which will save you money on repairs down the line. Metal roofs have become very popular among Canadian business owners because they are great at withstanding harsh environmental conditions. On the other side, metal roofs have a modernized feel and can make your building stylish, energy efficient and functional.

Roofing aesthetics

Once you’ve picked out the right roofing materials and systems for your commercial building, the next step is to figure out how to make it look appealing! Whether your building has a flat roof or a sloped roof, there are simple things you can do to achieve your desired look! Are you going for a sleek and modern design or do you want your building to stick out from its surroundings? Either way, there are ways you can achieve your desired look.

Colours and designs

Do you think your roof is lacking colour? Consider installing tiles or shingles that compliment the rest of your building’s appearance. You can add various accent colours to your roofing scheme to make it stand out or just one neutral colour if you’re looking to achieve a more sleek appearance. If you want to take it a step further, consider adding designs/artwork to the roof. This has become very popular among business owners with artistic backgrounds and companies focused on things like graphic design and exterior decorators. You can search for local artists in your area who might be interested to take on an outdoor challenge.

Solar panels

Solar panels have become increasingly popular among commercial building owners. You can get the panels installed in ways that compliment the look of your building while also showing your potential customers that you care about your carbon footprint. There are plenty of ways to integrate solar panels into your roofing system while also adding style.

Inviting features

If your employees and/or customers regularly access your roof, adding some lighting can make your roof that much more inviting. This includes things like string lights, lantern lights and LED strips. Some other ideas include comfortable seating options, water fountains and greenery. These things will help improve the experience people get when they visit your roof.

Green roofing systems

One of the coolest ways you can improve the aesthetics of your commercial building is installing a green roof. Not only do these systems provide beautiful alternatives to regular roofing systems, they positively impact the environment, promote biodiversity, improve air quality, regulate your building’s temperature and so much more.

Conclusion

Balancing functionality and aesthetics may seem challenging when it comes to your commercial roof. It is important to consult the professionals before making any changes to your existing roof or before designing a brand new roof. The experts at Cambie Roofing can assist you with choosing the most functional materials for your project while also giving you recommendations on how to make your roof look its best. Cambie Roofing makes roofing easy, thanks to more than 75 years of experience in the industry. Contact us today for a free estimate or if you have any questions about your project.

A green roof - one of the many ways to make a commercial roof more eco-friendly.

How Can I Make My Commercial Roof More Eco-Friendly?

by commercial roofingRoof Types

How Can I Make My Commercial Roof More Eco-Friendly?

Every construction project whether it’s big or small has some sort of impact on the environment – roofing included. If you’re the owner of a commercial property, choosing an eco-friendly roof upon building or replacing your current roof will not only lower your carbon footprint but it can also save you money down the road. As a business owner, the impact your roof has on the environment should be something you consider. In 2023, many builders are taking into consideration things like climate change and increased prices on supplies and energy costs. Because of this, many people with both residential and commercial buildings are seeking eco-friendly options when it comes to their roofs. In this blog post, we are going to discuss eco-friendly roofing options for commercial buildings.

Roof coatings

If you are looking for ways to make your existing commercial roof more eco-friendly, a great option to consider is adding a sustainable roof coating. These coatings are designed to reflect sunlight which means you’re spending less money to keep the inside of your building cool, especially during warmer months. There are various types of coatings but the most common ones are silicone and acrylic. Restoring your existing commercial roof is a lot less expensive than replacing the entire thing so if you’re looking for a cost effective treatment, roof coatings are the way to go. Installing a roof coating not only makes it cheaper to regulate the temperature inside of your building, it will also increase your roof’s lifespan and reduce your carbon footprint. A win-win for a commercial building owner looking to be more eco-friendly! Some roof coatings are specifically designed in lighter colours so they can reflect even more sunlight while lowering your energy bills. These simple techniques are also known as cool roofing methods and oftentimes you can find them from recycled materials which makes it even better for the environment.

Green roofs

Recently, green roofs have gained popularity among commercial building owners. These roofs are typically installed on flat roofs and when complete, they have numerous positives on the environment. Similar to roof coatings, green roofs can moderate your building’s temperature. They also promote clean air, beautify areas that might lack greenery, collect rainwater runoff and promote biodiversity. If your building can accommodate a green roof, there are plenty of things you can do with it such as creating a park for customers to enjoy, a garden to grow fresh fruit and vegetables or just a place to unwind on your own. Green roof installations are complex and require plenty of upkeep which can be costly but if you are willing to take on the challenge, you will benefit greatly from it while also making your building eco-friendly.

Consider installing skylights

A roofing addition that many people often overlook is skylights. Compared to a normal window in your building, a skylight can produce three times as much natural light. If your skylight is installed in an area that gets plenty of sunlight, this can improve energy costs as you won’t need to rely so much on artificial lighting. Depending on how they’re installed, skylights can also improve your heating and HVAC efforts. In addition, skylights provide a great opportunity for people wanting to benefit from natural sunlight throughout the work day. More natural light means happier employees and lower energy bills!

Solar panels

Converting sunlight into energy and not having to rely solely on fossil fuels is one of the best ways to make your roof more eco-friendly. This is done through the installation of solar panels, one of the largest growing trends when it comes to constructing and restoring both commercial and residential roofs. While solar panels can be pricey during initial installation, they will give you the power to produce your own energy without any greenhouse gases. Depending on where you’re located, many areas have started providing incentives and rebates for people looking to turn to solar energy because of the importance of renewable energy when it comes to fighting climate change. A good thing about solar panels is that once they’re installed, they don’t require a ton of maintenance.

Conclusion

By being more eco-friendly with your commercial roof, you are guaranteed to reduce your energy costs, increase the lifespan of your roof, see a positive return on investment and lower your carbon footprint. Sustainable roof coatings, green roofs, skylights and solar panels are just a few of the ways you can make your existing or new roof more eco-friendly. While the population starts doing their part to combat climate change, the focus shouldn’t just be on making residential roofs eco-friendly because commercial roofs are just as important. So what are you waiting for? If eco-friendly commercial roofing techniques is something you’re interested in, reach out to the experts at Cambie Roofing to learn more and discuss your options.

How To Protect Your Commercial Roof from Vancouver Storms, commercial roofing system

How To Protect Your Commercial Roof from Vancouver Storms

by commercial roofing

You know how critical the role of a commercial roofing system is to your building’s overall structural integrity. But it, too, needs protection from the elements. This is especially true during the storm season. Let’s find out How To Protect Your Commercial Roof from Vancouver Storms.

The next major storm that passes through can leave in its wake one of these three conditions:

  • Complete removal of the protective membrane
  • A breach in the protective membrane
  • Permanent deformation of the roofing materials

Any of those scenarios result in an expensive roof repair project, something you can’t afford right now. Because storms happen every year, you need comprehensive protection from the elements that won’t break your budget or require an overhaul of your commercial building.

Preventive Measures

Protecting your commercial roof from storms begins with preventive maintenance. If you make sure your roof is clean, well-maintained, and free of leaks, you’re off to a good start. Below are some other ways you can help keep it protected:

  • Hire an experienced commercial roofer to inspect your commercial building every year or two for damage that may have occurred due to ageing or neglect.
  • Ensure your roof is strong enough for the kind of weather it’s exposed to. Asphalt shingles, for example, aren’t designed to withstand high winds and heavy storms.
  • Use commercial roof coatings that protect and beautify your building at the same time.

Flat Roofs Must Be Waterproofed

Flat roofs are particularly vulnerable to damage when intense storms hit during the summer months because they heat up under direct sunlight, creating a thermal expansion in the roofing materials. Repairing a damaged flat roof is an expensive undertaking that’s best avoided by investing in commercial rubber roof coating that will protect your building for years.

Sloped Roofing is Prone to Storm Damage

High winds and falling debris can also damage asphalt shingles and other types of sloped roofing. Before the next storm season arrives, make sure any weak areas on the roof are repaired as well as any gutters and downspouts that may be clogged or blocked with debris.

Protecting Tile and Slate Roofs

Tile roofs are popular for commercial buildings because they’re durable and attractive. They can stand up to strong storms if appropriately installed – but only if their waterproofing system is maintained regularly. There’s no excuse not to, considering moisture intrusion causes more damage to tile roofs than wind-driven rain itself.

Slate roofs, too, can stand up to storms if their waterproofing system is in good working order. They’re also more fire-resistant and energy-efficient than other roofing systems.

Reinforce your EPDM Roof

EPDM rubber roofs are easy to install, durable and attractive. They can also withstand high winds if they’re correctly reinforced. Start by applying a commercial-grade silicone sealant around the perimeter of your building’s roofing membrane. Also, consider installing a metal drip edge flashing along all eaves and rakes, as well as at any penetrations – including roof drains and roof vents. The flashing should be no less than 24 inches in width and overlap the membrane by at least two inches.

Commercial roof coatings can also help prevent wind damage to your building’s EPDM rubber membrane, as well as seal leaks which may allow water infiltration over time. This helps ensure the optimum performance of the waterproofing system.

TPO Roofs Need Protection, Too

TPO roofs can also take a beating during heavy storms. This is especially true if they aren’t correctly installed and maintained. Then again, even if they are properly installed and maintained, TPO membranes can still suffer significant damage from hail impact.

For the best protection against wind-driven rain, use a commercial-grade sealant to bond the seams and all penetrations in your TPO membrane together. Also, consider installing metal drip edge flashings over all eaves and rakes.

Cut or Trim Trees Nearby

If your commercial roof is exposed to strong winds during storm season, then you need to take steps to protect it. One of the most effective strategies is to remove all trees within a hundred feet of your building. If that’s not possible due to property lines, cut back overhanging branches at least six feet from the roof.

Even small branches and twigs can cause significant damage to your commercial roofing system during heavy storms, so don’t ignore the presence of trees in proximity to your commercial building.

Dealing with Rooftop Equipment

Some commercial buildings have rooftop equipment, i.e., HVAC. The problem with this setup is that it can be damaged easily by a strong storm, causing a major headache and expensive repairs. A solution is to install special roofing anchors that secure rooftop equipment while making it more wind resistant.

Ask your HVAC installer for details on how to protect your building from the effects of storms. In fact, ask everyone you work with – from your roofing contractor to your roofing supplier – how you can help keep your building safe.

Your Location Matters

Some locations are more exposed than others. For example, roofs of buildings near the beach or in hurricane zones tend to get hit more often and harder than those in inland locations. Roofing professionals determine which areas of your state are more likely to experience windstorms, so it makes sense to work with them in adding protection to your commercial roof.

Prevent Instead of Fix

Make sure your commercial roofing system is in good shape and will stand up to the worst Mother Nature can throw at it. If you neglect it, you’ll be faced with a costly repair project – perhaps even having to replace your roof entirely.

While residential roofs don’t cost that much to repair or replace, the same can’t be said about commercial roofing. It’s much more expensive, given the size and scale of most commercial buildings.

The thing about storms is that they don’t spare anything – even the most durable or expensive roofing material. So, you’re only option is to give your roof an added layer of protection to have a fighting chance against the storm.

Prevention is your best option. Of course, it’ll cost you money, but a little upfront will go a long way to protect your investment in a commercial building. After all, there’s no way to control or stop storms – the best you can do is prepare for them.

Conclusion

Whatever your commercial roofing material, you can’t afford to wait until the end of the season to address damage, no matter how minor. The next storm that comes along could be too much for your roof to handle. Call a commercial roofing contractor now and protect your building from storms before they happen.