Construction planning through to completion can be tricky to coordinate, especially within an urban area, which can present a range of complications. Building proximity, tall building heights, complex building structures, and densely populated areas are just a few challenges that can make it particularly difficult to consider traditionally heavy or large-sized materials when roofing or re-roofing a building.

When part of your building's roof has a flat section covered with a traditional low-slope roofing material (such as single-ply or modified bitumen membranes), while another part of the building's roof is steep-slope and covered with asphalt shingles, we refer to that as a "mixed roof."

Roof to wall flashing is critical to the performance of every single-ply roofing system. These transition points, where the flat part of the roofing system is tied into the parapet wall, are potentially vulnerable areas for water intrusion. Following the requirements for proper flashing can help ensure that the roof system offers better protection.

Concrete decks are one of the more common types of low-slope roof decks for commercial buildings. Steel and wood roof decks are the other most common types. Concrete roof decks make up approximately 13-14% of the new and retrofit low-slope construction market, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) 2015-2016 Market Survey. This article examines the advantages of concrete roof decks, the various types, and some of the precautions that should be taken to ensure success.

Introduction Wind design of roof systems can be confusing from an engineering perspective. Wind design can also be confusing because the International Building Code (IBC) provides specific requirements, but so does Factory Mutual (FM). If FM is specified, do the IBC requirements need to be followed? What is the wind-design strategy for FM-insured and non-FM-insured buildings? This blog will discuss the following:

Cool roofs can help save you money on energy bills* in the North as well as the South. Here are some cool truths to ponder when planning a new roof.* TRUTH 1: It's All About Reflectivity A cool roof reflects the sun's rays away from the roof, helping to reduce rooftop temperatures. While a sunlight-absorbing black roof can reach up to 190°F in the summer, a reflective roof's temperature can be as much as 55°F lower. Dark surfaces also contribute to the urban heat island effect. (SOURCE: heatisland.lbl.gov/coolscience/cool-roofs)