FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Because at Green Roofing we are very familiar with the various types of roofs available, we know which roof systems are better than others for specific types of buildings, and will make recommendations based on your building and budget. We also stay up on the latest developments in roofing materials and can recommend roofing systems based on wide range of knowledge and resources.

The life span of a roofing system can usually be extended with proper maintenance. It is important to make sure all membranes, sealant, caulking, flashings, and penetrations are in good condition and to fix any problem before they begin to leak. Preventative maintenance program can help keep small problems from growing into costly leaks, interior damage, and early replacement. Proactive annual or semi -annual inspections are advised.

Installing a roof system without removing the old system is not recommended. Water can infiltrate the old system without being apparent, causing interiors leaks. The moisture can also cause blisters or defects in the new membrane, and cause interior damage. The insulation of the old roof could be deteriorated which reduces the R-value of your roof system and can increase heating and cooling costs for the building.

Sloping should be implemented if the structure causes the roof to pond water for an extended period of time. Water that evaporates within 48 to 72 hours is acceptable. If standing water occurs for a prolonged period of time and additional drainage is not an option the roof should be sloped and drainage should be added. Certain roofing system warranties require sloping.

In most cases the answer is, “No.” Leaking can occur because individual flashings have come loose or a section of the roof has been damaged. It is best to have your roof inspected by an experienced roofing contractor to determine the extent of the problem and the best way to address it.

Most roofing materials can be installed year round. Experienced roofing contractors understand the weather restrictions for each type of roofing material and can advise you of the optimal installation timeframe.

TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin, a synthetic rubber compound. Unlike other rubber compounds used in the roofing industry, it possesses the ability to be fused together like a plastic PVC membrane over its life. Most other (EPDM) rubber membranes are seamed together using either 2-sided tape systems or an adhesive.

Hot air welded seams have proven to be the most reliable seam in the market today. Fused seams are 6 times stronger than glued seams and three times stronger than tape systems. Once fused together, the TPO lap forms a monolithic homogeneous rubber roof system over the entire field of the roof. Seams are impossible to deteriorate. And in roof systems where seams are always the weakest link in the system, its reassuring to know that the laps are its strongest component.

While TPO can be manufactured in colors, the most obvious choice for the TPO membrane is white. It offers a reflective quality rarely found in roof systems, reflecting close to 87% of the sun’s damaging UV rays OFF the roof. The roof membrane stays close to ambient air temperature, which means heat is NOT absorbed in the roof membrane and transmitted into the interior of the building. If your facility is air conditioned, it lightens the load put on air conditioning units and reduces air conditioning costs. The TPO membrane is also reinforced with a polyester scrim reinforcement, which offers greater puncture and tear resistance than conventional black EPDM membranes.

TPO can be installed in mechanically attached, fully adhered, and ballasted type applications. The most prevalent is the mechanically attached roof system.

TPO is not the cure all for all roof problems. Good roofing practices still apply when considering even a tough TPO membrane. Any wet insulation in the existing roof system should be removed prior to ANY new roof system installed, including TPO. But once all the existing insulation and decking has been inspected and approved, a TPO system can be installed after an insulation board has been applied over an existing built up roof system or other single ply membrane.

Green Roofing and Waterproofing specializes in the application of TPO membranes. We have the trained staff and supervision to provide a professional leak-free installation. In the 10 years of operation, 95% of all our clients have chosen the white hot air welded roof system over black EPDM and built up roofs.

A white roof surface reflects sunlight, keeping it up to 20% cooler than a black roof. If lowering your cooling costs is a concern, then a white roof may help. Some larger cities are making white roof surfaces a requirement to help offset heat generated by asphalt pavement and concrete structures.

EPDM membrane can be used for low and steep slope roofing, as well as unusually shaped structures (such as domes, barrels and other geometrically shaped roofs) due to its versatility. The membrane can be adhered, mechanically fastened, or loose laid. It can be installed above or below insulation (i.e., an IRMA application), and can also be used in below grade waterproofing applications. Green Roofing and Waterproofing is certified in applying and repairing EPDM, but specializes in and recommends TPO application. EPDM is thin and most commonly single-ply. While there are some disadvantages, EPDM roofs do tend to be less costly and are also environmentally friendly as most are made out of recycled materials. These rubber roofs have been known to expand as well as shrink with the building. EPDM can be installed by mechanical fastening, full adherence or ballasting. Rubber roofs can be reusable if they are mechanically applied or ballasted. The average lifespan of an EPDM rubber roof is 15 years. Green Roofing and Waterproofing, has the experience in both TPO and EPDM roofs and is happy to recommend and explain which roof option would be best for your specific roof repair or replacement. Call today and we will come out to give you a free estimate!

Metal is one of the most practical roofing materials on the market today. It offers a lifelong alternative to problem-plagued roofing materials such as asphalt, clay, wood and gravel.

Metal roofing is available today in a variety of styles and colors. Whether you prefer the look of tile, slate, wood shake or traditional standing seam, there is a product to satisfy your taste.

No. Green Roofing and Waterproofing metal roof products are manufactured from Galvalume, which is the most rust resistant coating on the market today. In addition, they are painted with high performance Kynar500 or Hylar5000 baked enamel.

All Green Roofing painted products carry a Lifetime, Non-Prorated Transferable material warranty. The Kynar500 / Hylar5000 finish is warranted against fade for 20 years.

One of the benefits of metal roofing is its light weight, which allows it to be installed over existing roofing materials. We will inspect the roof and depending on conditions may remove existing if it has been determined that it is needed.

This is a common question, and probably one of the biggest misconceptions about metal roofing. When it comes to this, people think of an old barn roof where metal is visible to the interior of the structure. On a residence or building, it is often installed over a solid substrate. Further, attic space and insulation serve as additional sound barriers. Research has proven that metal isn’t any noisier than traditional roofing products.

Metal roofing offers homeowners a lifelong solution. It is an investment in your home’s future. Over the life of your home, metal roofing is probably the most economical roofing material because it will be the last roof you’ll install. Traditional roofing materials have a limited life expectancy before one is faced with the expense of another roofing project.

Metal reflects 70% of the sun’s energy. This minimizes heat retention, and as a result, less heat is transferred into the building’s structure. Additionally, research done in 1985 by the Florida Solar Energy center showed that metal experiences 34% less heat gain than asphalt shingles. Results also indicated that metal roofing offers an effect similar to R-11 insulation on top of the roof during sunny conditions.

Lightning is attracted to the highest point, not necessarily metal. A metal roof has no greater chance of being hit by lightning than any other type of roof. A metal roof struck by lightning can help prevent your home from catching fire because it can dissipate the electrical charge. Very importantly, it is noncombustible.

Metal is a preferred roofing material in hail-prone areas. Hail causes extensive damage to roofs because it can break, split and cause tear-off damage to traditional roofing materials. Hail will not penetrate a metal roof. In the most severe case, the various styles and finishes available in metal roofing can even help camouflage any cosmetic damage