The global roofing materials market continues to grow in 2023. Among the reasons spurring the growth are programs encouraging cities, including Vancouver, to reduce emissions. Research and development into more eco-friendly products and demand from younger generations also play key roles. The result is select choices for industrial roofing trending to the top. This year, look for increased interest in cool roofs like green roofs, as well as PVC and TPO single-ply membranes.
Cool roofs are so called because they reduce heat absorption, thus defraying some of the costs required to heat and cool a building’s interior. This defrayment can reach up to 30%, which is a significant, ongoing savings. Industrial roofing materials like plants and light-coloured membranes or coatings have high thermal emittance and reflect the most heat.
Green roofs are a type of inverted roof. Rather than reflecting light through light colours, the plants absorb the heat, preventing it from reaching the interior. We have our own shining example of this type of roofing system on the Vancouver Convention Centre: the first double-platinum-certified LEED building in the world. Green roofs are heavy and require the expertise of professional Vancouver commercial roofers for proper installation. Laurentian roofers can answer any questions you may have about installing or replacing a green roof on your business, including all the additional benefits.
PVC and TPO are light-coloured single-ply membranes. They reflect heat better than darker roofing materials and thus have a higher thermal emittance rating. The membranes are made of a synthetic polymer and designed to be both flexible and durable–an excellent and popular choice for commercial roofs. Single-ply roofing systems are quick and easy to install, and are recyclable.
BUR roofs are constructed in layers which in itself adds greater insulating properties. To further improve the thermal emittance rating, commercial building owners can choose reflective cap sheets, light-coloured ballast, or apply a light-colour coating.
Light-coloured paints and coatings can be applied to a number of different roofing materials to improve energy savings. Talk to Vancouver commercial roofers, who have the expertise to advise building owners on the right choice for their buildings and their budgets.
Laurentian Roofing Vancouver offers high-quality, cost-minded installations and repairs for commercial roofs in Vancouver.
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