WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ROOFING?

Malone Roofing differentiates commercial and industrial roofing based on the building’s function, specific roofing needs, and the unique challenges each property presents. When we think of commercial flat roofing systems, we’re talking about buildings like offices, retail stores, and schools, focusing on aesthetics, durability, and energy efficiency. 

Industrial roofing, however, is for facilities such as manufacturing plants and warehouses, where the roofing must support heavy machinery and withstand harsh conditions. Design-wise, commercial roofs tend to feature more amenities like rooftop gardens and can sometimes prioritize curb appeal over strict functionality. On the other hand, industrial roofs are built to bear heavier loads for equipment like HVAC units, electrical boxes, advanced ventilation, and other features for managing industrial emissions. Maintenance for commercial flat roofs involves regular inspections and repairs to extend the roof’s life and maintain its appearance. Industrial roofing maintenance is more intensive, focusing on the roof’s ability to support heavy loads and resist industrial wear and tear.

Often, an industrial roof will need to adhere to stricter regulations related to environmental and workplace safety due to the industrial processes they accommodate.

Top Industrial Roofing Types

There are dozens of different flat roof types that are used on Industrial roofing properties around the country. While Malone Roofing doesn’t specialize in everything on the market, we offer the finest industrial roofing solutions that are ensured to keep our clients’ property watertight and functioning optimally.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR): This type of roofing consists of multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics that create a finished membrane. BUR is known for its durability, waterproofing capabilities, and resistance to foot traffic, making it suitable for industrial buildings that require a robust roofing solution.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Roof Membrane: EPDM is a durable rubber roofing membrane known for its long service life, resistance to UV radiation, and flexibility in low temperatures. Its resistance to acids, solvents, and alcohol makes it a good choice for industrial facilities.

Thermoplastic (PVC & TPO) Roof Membranes: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and TPO (thermoplastic olefin) roofing materials are favored for their durability, resistance to chemicals, and reflective properties, which can help reduce cooling costs. They are also resistant to punctures, tears, and water infiltration, making them suitable for industrial roofing settings.

Modified Bitumen Roofing: This is an evolution of asphalt roofing, designed for buildings with low-slope or flat roof structures. Modified bitumen roofs are known for their tensile strength, flexibility in varying temperatures, and resistance to foot traffic, which is beneficial for industrial buildings requiring frequent roof access.

INDUSTRIAL ROOFING MAINTENANCE

An effective industrial roofing preventative maintenance program is essential for prolonging the lifespan of a roof, averting significant damage, and safeguarding the safety and productivity of the industrial activities it covers. This means scheduling semi-annual inspections, typically in the spring and fall, to evaluate the roof’s condition and pinpoint any early signs of potential issues, with additional inspections following severe weather events to assess damage.

Malone Roofing will document and maintain detailed records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities, including photographs and descriptions, to monitor the roof’s condition over time and facilitate informed maintenance and industrial roof repair decisions.

Malone’s maintenance programs help keep the roof and drainage systems clear of debris, such as leaves, branches, and dirt, to prevent drainage blockages that can lead to water pooling and increased leakage risks.
Regular cleaning and inspection of gutters, downspouts, and internal drainage systems are necessary to avoid water accumulation and mitigate leakage risks. Of course, the program includes inspecting the roofing materials for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, blistering, or splitting, and checking metal roofs for rust, corrosion, and loose fasteners to prevent minor issues from escalating into major industrial roof repairs.

Industrial roofs typically bear heavy loads or equipment on top of them, so Malone’s expert roofing technicians will assess the roof structure and decking for signs of sagging, distortion, or other structural stress indicators. We’ll also examine sealants and flashings around roof penetrations, edges, and terminations for deterioration signs, as these areas are prone to leaks.
Controlling vegetation growth on or near the roof is another aspect of the program, as roots and moisture from plants can damage roofing materials.

Lastly, Malone Roofing works with our industrial clients in developing an emergency response plan for roof leaks or failures, complete with steps for damage mitigation, industrial roof repair service contact, and damage documentation for insurance purposes.

Regulatory Compliance

At Malone Roofing, we recognize that industrial roofing projects demand a higher level of expertise and attention to regulatory compliance compared to other types of roofing. Our approach is uniquely tailored to industrial environments, ensuring that every roofing system we install or repair meets the stringent regulations that govern industrial operations.

We opt for highly durable materials that withstand harsh conditions and employ specialized roofing systems when necessary, such as increased ventilation for factories or reinforced structures to support heavy machinery.

While aesthetics and cost-effectiveness are important, they never compromise the functionality and compliance of our industrial roofing solutions.

Malone Roofing conducts regular audits to verify ongoing compliance with all relevant regulations. We maintain detailed documentation of our compliance efforts, including records of the materials used, maintenance performed, and any repairs or modifications made.

Finally, we’re committed to the highest standards of safety and training for our team. Our training and production practices are specifically designed to address the hazards associated with industrial roofing, from working around and handling hazardous materials to working in potentially dangerous environments.

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Malone is here to help. Malone Roofing goes the extra mile to take care of our customers! Don’t hesitate, contact us today at 1-833-7-MALONE

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