Intelligent construction is built to adapt to its environment. This need for adaptation is also true for commercial buildings. The roofing on commercial buildings that can survive and thrive in the Arizona environment needs to endure its difficult and testing weather conditions on rough days, and calmly gleam on the smooth ones.
The most popular roofs used in Arizona stand up to extreme climate conditions: hot summers with heatwaves and storming monsoons with heavy rains and winds. To endure this and keep the property protected we have the most popularly chosen roofing system for commercial buildings in Arizona:
1. Tar and Gravel Roofing
Tar and gravel roofs, also called built-up roofs, are one of the popular choices for commercial buildings because of their affordability, simplicity, and effectiveness. Many commercial buildings in Arizona can be seen hosting a tar and gravel roof.
Best suited for: Built-up roofs are ideal for flat roofs. They are not ideal for pinched roofs.
Process: Tar and gravel roofs are a multi-layer roof. It is usually made of 3 to 5 laminated layers of asphalt-based sheets, hot tar, and roofing felt. It has an initial layer of roof felt. This is coated with bitumen and built up. Then it is covered with a fine layer of gravel. Finally, bitumen and mineral coating are also added to the top layer.
Why this: The initial layer of roof felt and bitumen provides water damage protection. The layer of gravel protects from intense heat. The gravel weighs down the roofing materials, protects the layers against sun damage. These roofs can last up to 30 years.
2. Tile Roofing
Tile roofing is majorly popular due to its appeal to design and aesthetics. It is one of the oldest and trusted roofing options. It has progressed in its usability, designs, and functioning. This makes it popular among many Arizona commercial buildings.
Best suited for: Tile roofs are ideal for pitchy roofs.
Process: A tile roofing system is installed on a sloped roof by overlapping roof tiles securely attached to a solid substrate or roof deck. Tile roofing is a very specialized field of roof installation and techniques may differ according to various materials and shapes chosen.
Why this: Commercial tile roofs have a natural water shedding and ventilation feature that makes them ideal for very warm climates. It is affordable, lightweight, and durable. It has extensive offers in shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. This allows commercial buildings to achieve any design styles they prefer: new-age, urban, old-world, historic, classy, etc. The average lifespan of concrete roof tiles is about 50 years while clay roof tiles can be expected to last 100 years.
3. Foam Roofing
Foam roofing has climbed the popularity ladder in recent years. It is one of the most popular commercial roofing types not only in Arizona but nationwide. Its multiple advantages make it a preferred option for many.
Best Suited for: Foam roofs are ideal for flat roofs.
Process: A seamless layer of foam is applied to the roof surface. It is applied as a liquid to cover every millimeter of the roof. It spreads over the roof, hugs close to vents, adjoining walls, and seeps into every nook and cranny of the roof. It hardens after some time and forms a solid surface across the roof.
Why this: The liquid foam is a high-density insulation material and it has an elastomeric coating which is a water-resistant membrane. It is designed to effectively protect the roof against UV rays, heatwaves, and heavy rain. As long as a foam roof is properly maintained, it will protect the roof and also help make the property more energy-efficient. Foam roofing can also last upwards of forty to fifty years.
Conclusion
Arizona is full of commercial buildings of different types and multiple seasons. This should definitely be factored in while choosing your roofing option. Choosing a roofing system that is right for you depends on your style preference, your budget, and the requirements of your roof. Make sure you have commercial roofing contractors who understand the nuances of roofing requirements and bring a wealth of expertise and experience.
