Roofing Systems
Roofing contractor’s talk of roofing systems in different ways, but typically a roofing system refers to all the integrated layers and components that go into a roof. A roof's design, roofing materials, all the different layers used to build it, develop it, treat it, and maintain it ... these all go into a roofing system. The significance of a roofing system is the way it all works together to protect any Orange County building, heat it properly, keep it energy efficient, and, of course, polish off its look with style. Today's roofing industry involves so many different roofing materials and systems, and here are some of the major systems in use today.
Roofing systems in Orange County can be divided and classified in various ways. One of the most common ways of classifying roofing systems is by slope. These two classifications are low slope and steep slope.
Low slope
Low slope roofing systems include roofs that have a very low slope or pitch, such as flat roofs. Two of these include built-up roofs and EPDM.
Built-up roofing system
The built-up roof, or BUR, is a conventional flat roof made of gravel and hot tar. These have a very long history, and have been the most utilized type of flat roof practically since roofs were invented. A BUR is constructed from alternating layers of waterproof roofing material and hot tar, or asphalt, with a layer of gravel. BUR roofs are the most cost effective flat roof there is, making them a better option for both residential and commercial buildings than more expensive materials. They are also fire retardant, which makes them one of the most popular types of roofing system.
EPDM roofing system
EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene monomer, are thermoset membranes, meaning they incorporate principal polymers that are chemically vulcanized (cured to make them less sticky). EPDM is a composite of two compounds derived from the petroleum industry. These, of course, are ethylene and propylene. EPDM roof membranes come in sheets up to 50 feet wide and are typically up to 60 mils thick. EPDM roofing systems are extremely durable, and life expectancy is up to 50 years.
Steep slope roofing system
Steep slope roofing systems, naturally, have a steeper slope or pitch to them. Some of the most popular types of steep slope roofs are asphalt, slate and ceramic, and metal.
Asphalt shingles roofing system
Because asphalt shingles are an inexpensive and durable roofing system, they are the most widely used roofing system available throughout the country today. Asphalt is made from petroleum products and fiberglass, and this helps to make them resistant to wear. Asphalt shingle roofing systems are pretty easy to install, compared to other roofing systems. Asphalt shingles are reported to last from 20 to 30 years, giving them lower life expectancy than some other roofing systems. Additionally, asphalt shingles aren't great for the environment because they're not recyclable due to their fiberglass. Furthermore, asphalt shingles are not the best insulators.
Slate and ceramic roofing system
Slate and ceramic tile roofing systems are often chosen because they are beautiful materials that give a building a unique and attractive look. Slate and ceramic tiles are very heavy and durable. Slate roofs are reported to last hundreds of years, making them the longest lasting roofing system on the market today. Orange County residents and business owners alike love slate for its Mediterranean look. Slate and ceramic tiles are available in many styles and colors. They are, however, labor intensive to install, as well as quite expensive.
Metal roofing system
Metal roofing systems actually can be used for both low-slope and steep-slope roofing applications. Metal roofing is widely used because it is inexpensive and durable. Metal roofing systems come in several materials, with price often being a factor in which type is chosen. Metal roofs can be made of tin, copper, aluminum, or steel. Metal roofing systems can last up to 50 years, making them a popular choice in today's roofing industry.
A roofing system is just that ... it's a unified system of integral components that make up a building's crowning glory. A roof isn't just a roof. In order to perform all of its necessary functions, a roof needs to be a system of gears that, when all put together, work to protect a building from the elements and keep everything inside safe and warm.
Roofing systems in Orange County can be divided and classified in various ways. One of the most common ways of classifying roofing systems is by slope. These two classifications are low slope and steep slope.
Low slope
Low slope roofing systems include roofs that have a very low slope or pitch, such as flat roofs. Two of these include built-up roofs and EPDM.
Built-up roofing system
The built-up roof, or BUR, is a conventional flat roof made of gravel and hot tar. These have a very long history, and have been the most utilized type of flat roof practically since roofs were invented. A BUR is constructed from alternating layers of waterproof roofing material and hot tar, or asphalt, with a layer of gravel. BUR roofs are the most cost effective flat roof there is, making them a better option for both residential and commercial buildings than more expensive materials. They are also fire retardant, which makes them one of the most popular types of roofing system.
EPDM roofing system
EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene monomer, are thermoset membranes, meaning they incorporate principal polymers that are chemically vulcanized (cured to make them less sticky). EPDM is a composite of two compounds derived from the petroleum industry. These, of course, are ethylene and propylene. EPDM roof membranes come in sheets up to 50 feet wide and are typically up to 60 mils thick. EPDM roofing systems are extremely durable, and life expectancy is up to 50 years.
Steep slope roofing system
Steep slope roofing systems, naturally, have a steeper slope or pitch to them. Some of the most popular types of steep slope roofs are asphalt, slate and ceramic, and metal.
Asphalt shingles roofing system
Because asphalt shingles are an inexpensive and durable roofing system, they are the most widely used roofing system available throughout the country today. Asphalt is made from petroleum products and fiberglass, and this helps to make them resistant to wear. Asphalt shingle roofing systems are pretty easy to install, compared to other roofing systems. Asphalt shingles are reported to last from 20 to 30 years, giving them lower life expectancy than some other roofing systems. Additionally, asphalt shingles aren't great for the environment because they're not recyclable due to their fiberglass. Furthermore, asphalt shingles are not the best insulators.
Slate and ceramic roofing system
Slate and ceramic tile roofing systems are often chosen because they are beautiful materials that give a building a unique and attractive look. Slate and ceramic tiles are very heavy and durable. Slate roofs are reported to last hundreds of years, making them the longest lasting roofing system on the market today. Orange County residents and business owners alike love slate for its Mediterranean look. Slate and ceramic tiles are available in many styles and colors. They are, however, labor intensive to install, as well as quite expensive.
Metal roofing system
Metal roofing systems actually can be used for both low-slope and steep-slope roofing applications. Metal roofing is widely used because it is inexpensive and durable. Metal roofing systems come in several materials, with price often being a factor in which type is chosen. Metal roofs can be made of tin, copper, aluminum, or steel. Metal roofing systems can last up to 50 years, making them a popular choice in today's roofing industry.
A roofing system is just that ... it's a unified system of integral components that make up a building's crowning glory. A roof isn't just a roof. In order to perform all of its necessary functions, a roof needs to be a system of gears that, when all put together, work to protect a building from the elements and keep everything inside safe and warm.