Archive for: Commercial Roofing

REPLACING YOUR EXTERIOR ENTRY DOORS

Both steel and fiberglass doors are popular choices for exterior doors because of their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements. However, there are some differences between the two materials that you should consider when choosing which type of door to purchase.

Here are some key differences between steel and fiberglass doors:

• Durability: Both steel and fiberglass doors are very strong and durable, but fiberglass doors are generally more resistant to dents and scratches than steel doors.

• Energy efficiency: Fiberglass doors are generally more energy-efficient than steel doors because they are better at insulating your home from the outside temperatures.

• Maintenance: Both steel and fiberglass doors are relatively low maintenance, but steel doors are more prone to rust and corrosion over time. Fiberglass doors, on the other hand, are more resistant to moisture and don’t require painting or staining.

• Aesthetics: Fiberglass doors can be made to look like natural wood, which is a popular choice for many homeowners. Steel doors, on the other hand, are available in a wide range of colors and styles, but they cannot be made to look like natural wood.

• Cost: Fiberglass doors are generally more expensive than steel doors, but they offer better insulation and durability, which can make them a better long-term investment.

Ultimately, the choice between steel and fiberglass doors will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize energy efficiency and durability, then fiberglass doors may be the better choice. If you want a wider range of style and color options, then steel doors may be the better choice.

ProVia is a manufacturer of high-quality entry doors, patio doors, and storm doors for residential and commercial properties. ProVia doors are known for their durability, energy efficiency, and attractive designs. They offer a wide range of styles, finishes, and glass options to choose from, allowing homeowners and builders to create a custom look that fits their needs.

ProVia entry doors are available in steel or fiberglass, with options for wood grain finishes and decorative glass inserts. Patio doors come in sliding or hinged styles, with options for energy-efficient glass and built-in blinds. ProVia storm doors are designed to provide extra protection and energy efficiency, and they come in a variety of styles and colors to complement any home’s exterior.

ProVia is committed to using sustainable practices in their manufacturing process, including recycling and reducing waste, using energy-efficient equipment, and sourcing materials from responsible suppliers. Their doors are also ENERGY STAR certified, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Overall, ProVia doors are a popular choice for homeowners and builders looking for high-quality, energy-efficient doors that are built to last.

If you are in the market for a new exterior door, ProVia is definitely worth considering for their quality, durability, and environmental responsibility.

Here in Columbia, TPO roofing is growing in popularity both as it develops and as more people learn about it. This is a thin and reflective roof mostly boosted for its energy efficiency and durability, though it has other benefits we will go over. Learn about the many benefits to see if TPO Roofing is right for your commercial property.

What Is TPO Roofing?

TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin) roofing is a single-ply roofing membrane product used mostly for commercial buildings. This membrane has three layers: a TPO polymer base, a polyester-reinforced scrim, and a TPO compounded top ply. It is the most environmentally friendly single-ply roofing material you can currently choose.

Advantages of TPO Roofing

Below you will find that TPO roofing offers many features that will benefit your commercial property!

• Aesthetically Pleasing

  TPO roofing isn’t restricted to a single look. It can look good on a number of different buildings because it can come in several different colors, like white, black, and grey.

• Easy To Install

  When commercial properties have new roofing installed, they generally have to shut down for a few days while this happens. This makes it important that the roofing job is done quickly and well by professionals, so as not to delay the re-opening of your business and so as to ensure you don’t lose too much money by having to be closed while your roof is replaced. TPO is lightweight and comes in wide sheets, making it easier to install than some of its counterparts.

• Energy-Efficient

  TPO roofs are heat-reflective and energy-efficient. They are resistant to ultraviolet, ozone, and chemical exposure. Because of this, TPO roofing can save you money on cooling costs, by reflecting heat and helping maintain a cooler interior structure.

• Environmentally Friendly

  TPO roofing doesn’t have chlorine in it or any ingredients that contain chlorine, making it more environmentally friendly than some of its counterparts. TPO roofing is also 100% recyclable. Old TPO roofing can be recycled to make brand-new TPO roofing. These, in addition to their energy efficiency, made them a very green roofing option.

• Flexibility

  TPO is a very flexible material, which means that it’s able to adjust to a variety of different roofs and can withstand movement and setting. Though commonly used on commercial buildings, it can also be used on residential buildings.

• Leak Protection

  Since TPO roofing seams are welded with hot air, this makes them stand up very well to potential leaks. Because of how the seams are melded together, this also makes repairs easier, so that if they do start to come apart, putting you at risk for leaks, they are easily mended.

Are You Considering TPO Roofing?

Here at Certified Inc. Roofing, we know the importance of having professionals working on your roof to ensure the best possible result. Working with experts gives you confidence in your roofing choices and the longevity and durability of your roof. We offer TPO roofs and are happy to answer any questions about them. For more information about our roofing services, please contact the team at Certified Inc. Roofing in Columbia, MD today!

Among the roofing options to choose from if you are in the market for roof replacement, one popular option stands out for your consideration. Here you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of EPDM roofing in order to determine if this is the best fit for your commercial building. If you are still unsure, you can also reach out to an experienced Columbia roofing contractor for a professional suggestion.

What Is EPDM?

EPDM, commonly known as a “rubber roof” or ethylene propylene diene monomer, gets its name from the chemicals mixed in various proportions to form it. It’s manufactured in large sheets or rolls and is quick and easy to install, on top of being one of the most inexpensive roofing materials around. EPDM roofing membrane is very lightweight, so the roof deck will not need any reinforcement. And because there are few seams, leaks are rare and a good quality EPDM can last for decades.

The Pros of EPDM

• Cost

  Generally, EPDM comes in at the lowest price per square foot for flat or low-sloped roofs compared to other types of roofing. It’s also a great option that is commonly chosen for low-sloped roofs. While the contractor and manufacturer costs will vary, this material is mostly chosen by price-conscious building owners.

• Eco-Friendly

  While the majority of EPDM roofs are black, they can also be white, allowing them to reflect UV rays and even reduce energy costs. They are compatible with rooftop gardens and solar cell arrays. This material is also lightweight, allowing it to adapt to any shape or style of the roof while providing the same advantages.

  In addition, very little effort or materials are required to manufacture this material, and it’s 100% recyclable!

• Fire-Resistant

  Not only is this material fire-resistant, but it actually slows down the progress of fires.

• Long-Lasting

  Provided that it is installed correctly, you can expect an EPDM roof to last around 20 years or longer. In fact, new manufacturing formulas have allowed this material to become impervious to radiation and damage from UV rays. They are also resistant to wind and hail of up to 3 inches. You can also depend on them to be leak-proof, given that the material is fairly new.

• Lower Energy Costs

  EPDM is easily paired with polyiso insulation and it also comes in white color. Properly installed, this material can be great for keeping out the sun’s heat as well as keeping the heat in the building during colder temperatures. EPDM can also be coated to prolong its life and provide additional reflectivity and hence, greater energy efficiency.

The Cons of EPDM

• Installation Cost

  Ballasted EPDM is a relatively inexpensive roofing system when compared to others. However, fully adhered or mechanically attached systems are slightly more expensive than rival products such as TPO. Your contractor must be very knowledgeable about what installation method best fits your building’s unique needs. Many roofers who claim to know how to install this material properly are not trained to do it correctly.

• Relatively Fragile in the Wrong Environment and at End of Its Life

  While reinforced EPDM is offered by many, EPDM is most common in its non-reinforced form and punctures more easily. EPDM is subject to shrinkage as it ages and can shrink up to 4%. This leads to “bridging” where your EPDM roof, and your building, are most vulnerable. Make sure you have your EPDM roof maintained twice a year by a qualified roofing contractor to spot this condition as the roof ages.

• Questionable Appearances

  A black rubber roof is unsightly in certain locations. Consider white EPDM or digital patterned PVC on low roofs on apartment buildings or hotels, for example, which can be seen by people on higher floors. You may be surprised that a little color can go a long way as far as making this material easier on the eyes.

If you think EPDM roofing is the best option for you, contact Certified Inc. Roofing today to get the best in EPDM roofing for your commercial business.