#AskCentiMark: Exploring the different layers of your commercial roof.

Hi, I’m Anne Serzz and I’m here to provide some knowledge about the different components that make up a roof assembly! Commercial roofs have different layers and each of them plays a unique, vital role in safeguarding your facility and its operations. Gaining a deeper understanding of what each of these layers do can help you make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, replacements and the overall selection of the roof that best fits your needs.

Let’s get started! What are the different elements that can impact your roof?

✔ Exposure to elements:
UV rays, fluctuating temperatures and other environmental elements can cause material degradation.

✔ Weather events:
Severe weather like storms, hurricanes, hail, tornadoes or heavy snow can severely damage your commercial roof.

✔ Improper system:
Investing in a roof system that does not meet your needs or align with your requirements can lead to inadequate performance.

✔ Lack of preventative maintenance:
Failing to keep up with the needed maintenance and repairs can result in a roof failure.

Now that you understand how various factors can affect your roof, let’s explore how to maximize its performance by diving into the different components that it’s made of. Together, we’ll examine the role of each layer and its impact on roof performance: 

Deck:

This is the foundational layer of the roof assembly and fills the duty of supporting the entire roof system. In some cases, you can see the deck from within your property if you don’t have any drywall or added ceiling. There are different types of decks with various benefits, stay tuned for our next blog to learn more about them!

Insulation:

Another important layer is insulation which has a significant impact on the heating and cooling costs of your building. Choosing the right roof insulation with an R-value that fits your application and requirements will make a significant difference! In some cases, adequate and properly installed insulation will help combat temperature changes, minimizing the expansion and contraction of materials. 

Insulation materials can be attached to the decking in several different ways. They can be mopped in place using molten asphalt, fixed to the deck with fasteners and plates, installed with low-rise foam or loose-laid when used with a ballasted roof system. 

Membrane:

This layer serves as your frontline against weather and water intrusion. Designed to withstand the elements, the membrane's outer layer can be made from a variety of materials tailored to your roofing needs. The choice of membrane for your commercial facility depends on the local climate, intended aesthetics, your budget and more. Finding the perfect balance between cost, energy efficiency, durability and compliance is key. We are here to assist you with finding an ideal membrane and offer any repairs, maintenance or installations you may need.

Selecting a roof that is optimized for your building and operational needs can feel overwhelming. Our dedicated teams are here to help you navigate the process. We offer comprehensive support, from repairs and maintenance to 24/7 service, ensuring you can make well-informed decisions about your roof which is one of the most significant investments in your building envelope. 

Factors like how long you plan on being in the building, the age of the building, existing roof, building operations, insurance requirements and even your geographic location all play a crucial role in your decision. We offer our cutting-edge roofing configurator, CentiVision, to help you gain a comprehensive grasp of both the current state and proposed solutions for your roof assembly!

Tip:

Even if you don't see leaks now, you may want to sign up for maintenance to keep your roof healthy and maximize its life for years to come! Our Preventative Maintenance Program gives you a customized game plan that can result in long-term cost savings by helping you maintain a high-performing and durable roof. 

With this deeper understanding of what makes up your roof assembly and its function, let's make sure all of those layers are performing to the best of their ability with a comprehensive roof inspection: [link inspections page]

Keep an eye out for our next blog post where we dive deeper into each component.