How climate has changed commercial roof design and materials

Climate change is here for the foreseeable future and the effects are being felt across the globe. Here in BC, commercial buildings in our towns and cities now endure more extreme weather patterns, including waves of atmospheric rivers, heat domes and increasingly intense wildfires.

What does all that mean for our commercial buildings? Well, the roof is the first line of defence against these aggressive environmental stresses. So commercial roof design and materials are changing to meet these new challenges. And commercial roofing services in Vancouver are ready to bring them to your buildings.

Commercial roof changes to meet climate change challenges

• Updated regulations
• Sustainable materials
• Shift toward cool roofs

Updated regulations

Cities across Canada have implemented climate action plans to address climate change. These new rules and regulations increase the resilience and robustness of commercial building roofs in ongoing efforts to reduce and conserve energy.

Vancouver has implemented its own green building policy aimed at cutting carbon pollution and preventing further warming, some of it through new building construction and repair/replacement initiatives. It’s therefore vital that you hire up-to-date commercial roofing services in Vancouver to ensure all relevant regulations are met.

Sustainable materials

There are a number of excellent options for using sustainable roofing materials. Metal roof, plant-dense green roof, and single-ply membrane “cool” roof materials are all recyclable. 

Additionally, these eco-friendly roofs have superior heat absorption properties which reduce energy consumption. Not only do these types of roofs lower greenhouse gases, they save you money in cooling costs.

Shift toward cool roofs

• Metal roofs
• Green roofs
• Coated single-ply membrane (PVC/TPO)

These 3 types of roofs excel in shedding excess heat. Both metal and light-coloured coatings reflect sunlight off the roof to keep the building cooler. Green roofs, like the one on a Vancouver office building in today’s picture, consist of living plant material that absorbs heat, keeping it out of the building. A reduction in cooling costs every summer is one of the big advantages of these roofs.

Laurentian Roofing professional contractors will gladly come to your business to help you determine the best climate-resistant roof for your situation. Call 604-345-7663 for a free estimate.