Industrial building roofs are often flat, but should have a slight slope to allow water runoff. Clogged drain points, however, could cause water retention that may lead to leaks, so your roofing system must offer superior water resistance. Since 1921, McDonald & Wetle has been offering expert industrial roofing service throughout Washington and Oregon, including Tacoma. Depending on the slope and complexity of your roof, we can help you determine which roofing system works best for your situation. We offer three of the most common types of roofing systems in the industrial building industry.
BUR Industrial Roof Systems
Traditional built-up roof (BUR) systems have been around the longest and due to their proven, time-tested performance, are the best choice for industrial building owners. Their simplicity also makes them very inexpensive. BURs typically consist of several layers of hot tar with gravel as the top layer. The redundancy of layers provides added strength against the elements and foot traffic. Modern BURs can be hot-mopped or cold-applied and gravel-surfaced or smooth-coated, to create the most durable, water-resistant surface.
Modified Bitumen Industrial Roof Systems
Modified bitumen roof systems are similar to BUR systems, but are rolled onto the roof surface in sheets with additional polymers for added protection and extended lifespan. The material is heated with a blowtorch during installation, which creates a good seal. Due to the fire danger involved, these systems should only be installed by industrial roofing companies with vast experience like McDonald & Wetle. Modified bitumen doesn’t withstand foot traffic as well as traditional BUR systems, but it’s one of the more environmentally friendly flat industrial roof options. Due to its reflective nature, it helps reduce energy costs by keeping your building cooler.
Single-Ply Industrial Roof Systems
There are several types of single-ply roof systems, but the three most common are EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) and TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin). All three are durable, long-lasting and cost-effective options. While each system is similar, each offers unique properties in different conditions. We can help determine which one best suits your specific needs, budget and performance requirements.
We Install Them All
McDonald & Wetle is a family-owned, professional roofing company that specializes in installation, repair and maintenance of industrial roofing systems. We offer roofing solutions throughout Oregon, Washington and beyond. In the Tacoma area, contact our industrial roofing experts at our Portland office and let us help you choose the right system for your roofing project today!
