Commercial Flat Roofing

Commercial flat roof options in Central Massachusetts

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While most Central Massachusetts homes are roofed with asphalt shingles, commercial roofing often uses a variety of other products. LJ Construction in Dudley, MA has many years of experience in installing, repairing and maintaining these commercial roofing systems.

Many Worcester area commercial roofs are relatively flat compared to residential roofs (often as low as 1/8 inch of slope per horizontal foot of roof, as compared to 6 to 12 or more inches of drop per foot in a standard roof). To prevent leaks, flat roofs call for products designed for low slope situations, including:

  • PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – PVC roofing has been available for over 50 years. Good for large commercial products, PVC roofing is rolled out in sheets and the seams are welded tight with a special heat gun. Naturally light in color, PVC has excellent heat-reflection properties.
  • TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) – Like PVC, TPO is another membrane roofing material but uses newer technology. It can be fully adhered or mechanically fastened and offers more resistance to UV degradation than PVC.
  • Asphalt – The oldest flat roof technology consists of layers of asphalt products. This can consist of multiple built up layers of tar paper and asphalt, with a top layer of gravel or UV reflective coating, or rolls of modified bitumen sheets with the seams sealed with asphalt. Although asphalt options can be less expensive, they are heaver and can be less durable than PVC or TPO.

In the harsh weather of Central Massachusetts, flat commercial roofs need special attention to maintenance. If you suspect a leak or need a repair on an older roof, contact LJ Construction for an inspection of your Worcester area commercial roof.