Texas’ size spans over 800 miles, so, naturally, it has a pretty wide range of climatic conditions. The eastern portion of the state is a bit more humid, but in the rest, evaporation tends to exceed precipitation, which means that the climate is arid and semi arid, with mild winters, hot summers and periods of moderate to severe drought.
Climate is one of the most important considerations when it comes to choosing a roof.
In general, commercial roofs in Texas are constantly exposed to sun`s heat and UV rays. These weather conditions dry out the oils in the roofing materials, which causes them to crack or to deteriorate prematurely.
To avoid this, it is recommended that the flat roof membranes be of high quality and have a resistance to UV exposure certified by tests. In the case of metal roofs, the paint layer should be at least 40 microns, and to avoid rapid deterioration of the color; also, roofing manufacturers typically use polyurethane paint, as it has a higher resistance to fading and scratching compared to polyester paint.
Do you want a roof that will last you for 50 years?
It is possible, even in Texas’ climate!
A durable commercial roof is not limited to the covering membrane, but also includes professional structures and accessories. A well-built roof system will help regulate the temperature inside your building, saving energy (as you will notice in your monthly gas and electricity bills), repelling moisture to prevent damage and reflecting the sun’s rays even during hot summers.
Here are some types of materials recommended by a trusted roofer Flower Mound TX area contractor for you to consider for your commercial building`s roof in Texas.
FPO membranes
A modern waterproofing system based on FPO is part of the category of premium membranes, far superior to PVC membranes. It sets new standards in terms of security, ease of application and longevity, which has been proven for many years in practice. FPO waterproofing membranes are available in several thicknesses, to make sure they meet the most diverse requirements. They are suitable for all lightweight flat roof substructures: new construction, renovation and green roof.
The light-colored surface (white or gray) of FPO membranes reflects the sun’s rays before they can be absorbed and converted into heat, thus improving the building’s energy efficiency.
EPDM membranes / green roof
The EPDM membrane is obtained from a synthetic rubber composed of isobutyl and isoprene, with excellent resistance to external factors, chemical agents and UV radiation. Despite this, however, you must keep in mind that EPDM membranes are manufactured in dark colors, so there is a risk of absorbing too much heat during hot Texan summers. Therefore, it is best to use them for building green roof systems, being highly flexible and very resistant to root penetration.
Green roofs are one of the most effective ways to reduce the temperature of the environment in urban areas. According to a recent study on climate change, 10% more green areas are needed in cities to reduce the urban island effect. Green roofs have been shown to triple the lifespan of a roof, protecting it from mechanical damage, ultraviolet radiation and extreme temperatures, requiring less maintenance and thus lowering the initial investment, in the long run.
