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Apex Construction recently performed PVC membrane flat roof repairs on a commercial building in Ocean City, MD. We are certified flat roof installers for several national flat roofing brands such as , but not limited to, Sarnafil and Duro-Last. Apex Construction’s flat roofing professionals are equipped to tackle any Residential, Commercial, or Industrial flat roofing project. Contact us today for more information and a free project consultation!
Thermoplastic PVC roofing is extremely strong, as its heat-welded seams form a permanent, watertight bond that is stronger than the membrane itself. PVC resin is modified with plasticizers and UV stabilizers, and reinforced with fiberglass non-woven mats or polyester woven scrims, for use as a flexible roofing membrane. PVC is often blended with other polymers to add to the performance capabilities of the original PVC formulation, such as KEE – Keytone Ethylene Ester. Such blends are referred to as either a CPA – Copolymer Alloy, or a TPA – Tripolymer Alloy.
PVC Vinyl roofs are inherently fire resistant due to their chemical composition and have a broader range of fire ratings over common substrates.
PVC has been sold for commercial roofing use for more than 60 years. Vinyl roofing membranes' long life cycle – and the associated lower energy consumption to both produce the raw material and process it into useful products – is a significant factor in their sustainability as a building product.
Vinyl roofs provide an energy-efficient roofing option due to their inherently light coloring. While the surface of a black roof can experience a temperature increase of as much as 90 degrees under the heat of the full sun, a white reflective roof typically increases only 10–25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Vinyl membranes can also be used in waterproofing applications for roofing. This is a common technique used in association with green, or planted, roofs.
Apex Construction is increasing the fall of this Ocean City condo’s flat roof to improve the drainage of rainwater. The home owner’s association is being proactive in this preventative maintenance approach. Although there are currently no leaks or damage, the amount of ponding and silt accumulation would certainly lead to troubles in the near future if left untouched.
A correctly built flat roof will drain the rainwater quickly and effectively into the gutters without allowing water to collect in depressions and ‘pond’ on the surface of the roof. Ponding leads to the build-up of silt deposits on the roof and stresses in the membrane when the water freezes (a small amount of ponding is inevitable and it should not reduce the performance of the roof covering).
Ponding will be reduced by ensuring the roof is provided with a decent fall (or pitch) allowing the rainwater to be drained effectively towards the outlets and gutters at the edge of the roof.
Design Falls
When specifying a fall for a flat roof, the designer should take account of:
Because the desired fall may be difficult to achieve in practice, the roofing contractor may need to adopt a design fall considerably steeper (often twice) than the recommended finished fall. The building regulations encourage a minimum fall of 1:40.
A proactive preventative maintenance approach will save you money, time, and headache in the future. Contact Apex Construction if you have concerns that your roof is not performing as it should. We are certified by many national roofing brands and employ skilled professionals who specialize in residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural roofing applications. Contact us today for more information.
