Roof penetrations are the single greatest threat to the integrity of the performance of your commercial flat roof. These protrusions affect everything from water flow to pooling and increase the risk of water-related structural damage. They’re the reason you need a regular roof maintenance plan for your commercial building. Thankfully, multiple commercial roofing accessories help you protect your investment from water and weather-related damages.
The second installment of this two-part guide details additional commercial roofing accessories that eliminate these risks.
Metal Gutter Systems
Commercial metal gutters are the best way to drain rainwater from your commercial property. At 6 to 8 inches wide, commercial gutters are bigger than residential gutters and can move a significant amount of rainwater in a short time. Properly installed metal gutters prevent water from pooling on the roof of your commercial building. They prevent flooding, structural roof damage, mold, and wood decay.
Commercial gutters are typically strong, durable, and reliable because they’re made from aluminum, galvanized, or stainless steel. Aluminum gutters are available in different colors, are rust-resistant, and can hold a lot of water. However, they are lightweight and susceptible to physical damage.
Steel gutters are the best choice for commercial properties because they can easily withstand anything mother nature throws at them. Galvanized steel gutters are strong, durable, and reliable. Galvanized steel is coated with a protective zinc layer to prevent rusting. Stainless steel commercial gutters stand a cut above the rest because they’re rust-resistant. Routine repair and maintenance are crucial to preventing rust and physical damage to your metallic gutters.
Two-way Venting Systems
Installing two-way air vents on your commercial roof extends the lifespan of your roof’s membrane. The air vents reduce condensation and alleviate the pressure that often builds up between the roof deck and the membrane.
Blisters will form if moisture or air is trapped between the roof deck and the membrane or between the layers of the roof membrane. Since hot air expands, the blisters will grow bigger whenever the sun heats the roof. Eventually, the membrane may crack and expose your roofing structure to water damage.
Two-way air vents allow the roof to breathe – they equalize the air pressure in your roofing system, which prevents blistering of the roof system. Air vent installations extend the lifespan of your commercial flat roof by maintaining its integrity and preventing water damage.
Two-way air vents can be fabricated from exterior vinyl or lightweight metal such as aluminum. The vents are cylindrical and resemble a traffic cone with a flat cap. They should be installed at the high point of your roof between the roofing deck and the roofing membrane and sealed tightly.
Typically, you need at least one two-way vent for every 1,000 square feet of the roof, but each vent must be further than 7 feet from the building’s edge. The installation often entails heat welding the air vent’s skirt to the roof deck membrane.
Custom Features
The roofs of commercial buildings are punctured with a myriad of penetrations ranging from pipes, chimneys, skylights, vents, exhaust fans, and air conditioning units. Our custom roofing features ensure that any protrusion on your roof will not compromise the roof’s integrity. You can have as many roof penetrations as you need to maintain the building’s comfort and functionality while ensuring your building envelope remains intact.
Vanguard Roofing’s range of custom features includes prefabricated stacks, deck sheets, parapets, and curb flashings. Our custom products save you time, money, and effort. We guarantee exceptional results whether the roof penetrations are installed on the roof before or after construction. You can easily install retrofitted penetrations without any structural work on the rooftop.
Vanguard Roofing provides custom features that are lightweight to allow quick installation without heavy lifting equipment and that comply with local building regulations. They’re guaranteed to optimize your installation process since you can install several protrusions in a day. Since they’re custom-developed for your roof, our custom features provide lasting, watertight flashing.
Make the Most of Your Commercial Roof
With proper installation, roof penetrations allow you to bring out the best in your commercial building. You can retrofit the roof to install exhaust fans, HVAC units, skylights, or any other feature likely to increase comfort, safety, and livability.
Working with Vanguard roofing experts can ensure each roof protrusion works seamlessly and doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of your building. Our knowledgeable staff will help you pick the right roofing accessories to protect your commercial building from the elements. From choosing the proper metallic gutters to installing two-way air vents and custom features, we’ll help you keep your commercial roof in great shape.
Contact us today if you have questions about roofing accessories for your commercial property in the northeastern United States. Vanguard Roofing provides comprehensive commercial roofing services in seven states, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. You can count on our services from snow removal to metallic roof installation and everything in between.
