More than likely, you have a building with a low-sloped roof or a steep-sloped roof. How can you tell the difference? As defined by ASTM Standard E 1918-97, a low-sloped roof has a surface with a slope of 2:12 inches or less and a steep-sloped roof has a slope greater than 2:12 inches.
Low sloped roofs are sometimes referred to as a flat roof; however, the pitch on a low-sloped roof is greater than that of a flat roof, which is 0 inches to 2 inches. Low-sloped roofs are designed with some pitch, to allow water to flow off the rooftop into a proper drainage system. A dry rooftop ensures the roof will remain durable and watertight. Ponding of water can increase the likelihood of a leak, and can promote algae, mold, or other plant life to grow, causing damage to the roofs surface.
Often times, low-sloped surfaces have one of the following roofing products on them: Roof coating systems, single-ply membranes (EPDM, Hypalon, TPO and PVC), asphalt, built-up-roofs (BUR), modified bitumen or mod bit, spray polyurethane foam (SPF), or metal. A low-sloped roof also has components such as flashings, copings, and drains.
Low-sloped roofs can greatly benefit from reflective roofing products by creating a cooler indoor ambient air temperature, lowering energy utility bills and lengthening the lifespan of the roof. The easiest and most cost effective of these products to install would be a Cool Roof Coating System because it can be installed directly onto the existing roof membrane without needing to tear-off the existing roof. Cool Roof Systems also do not require businesses to close during installation as they are non-disruptive.
For additional information on roof coating systems, reflectivity and Cool Roof Coatings, download our FREE Product Brochure.