Roof System Overview: Steep-Slope vs. Low-Slope
The difference between the inspection of steep-slope roofs and low-slope roofs is mainly one of complexity. Learn how to identify and inspect low slope roof systems in the self paced…
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How Wind Uplift Can Affect a Commercial Building’s Roof
Terms You Should Know: wind uplift: The upward-acting pressure on a roof’s components resulting from wind traveling across the roof. windward: The side of the building that’s facing the wind.…
The Difference Between a Conventional Roof System and a Protected Membrane Roof
Conventional Roof System In a conventional roof system, the insulation is installed under the roof membrane. This is the most common low-slope roof application. Learn how to identify conventional low…
Types of Low-Slope Roof Thermal Insulation
The insulation used in low-slope roof assemblies typically falls into one of the four categories: rigid board insulation; dual-purpose structural deck and insulating planks; lightweight insulating concrete (LWIC); or sprayed…
Advantages and Disadvantages of Thermal Insulation in Commercial Roofing
Thermal insulation helps shield a building’s interior so that it’s less affected by the exterior temperature, thereby substantially reducing the building’s energy usage, as well as energy costs. This can…
Why Low-Slope Roofs Fail
All buildings are capable of having an unlimited physical service life, but not an unlimited economic life. No other building system surpasses roofs as a source of litigation. Roofs may…
Low-Slope Roof Construction and Failure Assignment of Responsibilities
The complexities involved in adequately designing a roof for optimal long-term performance are reflected by the number of factors that a designer must consider, including: original construction and life-cycle (long-term)…
Low-Slope Roof Components
The following information is a general overview of basic and accessory low-slope roof components, their major design factors, functions, and common failures. The three main components of a low-slope roof…
The History of Low-Slope Roofs
Low-slope roofs were a late invention in building construction. This was mostly because steep-slope roofs exhibited superior water-shedding properties. Also, before industrialization, much of the manufacturing of goods was done…
Inspecting EPDM
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber membrane with elastic properties commonly used to cover low-slope roofs on both residential homes and commercial structures. Its manufacture includes the use…