Commercial Roofing Systems and Solutions

As a commercial roofing contractor, you're responsible for choosing the right materials for each job. But with so many options available, making a decision can be difficult.Increasingly, industry professionals have been turning to silicone roof coatings for their strength and durability. These coatings can help extend the life of a structurally sound roof and potentially save property owners time and money by delaying a full reroof. Plus, their restoration properties work great with most commercial roofing systems, like EPDM, built-up, bitumen, and metal roofs. What Are Silicone Roof Coatings?Silicone coatings are high-performance, waterproof protective roof coatings. Adding this coating to a structurally sound roof can help extend the life of the existing roof. Silicone is inorganic, so it can maintain its properties in inclement weather conditions. It's also flexible and can absorb most normal roof movement to help avoid cracking and losing its protective features.Benefits of Silicone Roof CoatingsIn addition to flexibility and extending the life of the existing roof, silicone coatings offer several other benefits. Laura Soder, senior product manager for liquids and coatings at GAF, explains that GAF silicone coatings are designed to help protect against leaks and provide related advantages.UV Ray ProtectionThe major benefit of silicone coatings is ultraviolet (UV) ray protection. "GAF silicone is formulated with titanium dioxide, providing exceptional UV stability and high solar reflectance," she says. This UV protection can help lower roof top temperatures, which may translate into more efficient operation of roof top units.Cost-EffectiveSilicone coatings are cost-effective solutions that can help delay the cost of materials and labor needed to replace the entire roof. They work great with most commercial roofs and pair exceptionally well with metal roofs.Restores and Helps Extend the Life of the Existing RoofSoder notes that silicone coatings adhere well to metal roofs, making them an excellent way to extend the service life of metal roofs. Before application, brush away light rust or spot-treat heavier rust. "There are a lot of metal roofs out there, and for those that are structurally sound and require only moderate restoration, you can easily add years to the roof's life by coating them with silicone," she says.Moisture-ResistantSilicone coatings are also known for their moisture-resistant capabilities. Since silicone is inorganic, it resists degradation in areas that pond water, making it an ideal choice in areas that experience rain or snow.Works in Hot and Cold WeatherSilicone has a wide temperature application range. Because it doesn't contain water, you can apply it at lower temperatures than acrylic and other roof coatings. It provides a monolithic, seamless waterproofing layer over existing metal roofs. Silicone will also flex with metal in cold and hot weather.How Silicone Compares to Elastomeric CoatingsCompared to acrylic and other elastomeric roof coatings, silicone has some advantages.Acrylics are water-based protective coatings with UV resistance —but they shouldn't be installed where there is ponding water, as they can break down and start delaminating. Silicone is a moisture-cure material, meaning it reacts with moisture in the air and cures to a finished film.Soder explains that both materials are flexible and appropriate for use over metal. But if you have any standing water, acrylic isn't the best choice. "While silicone is more expensive, it typically weathers at a much slower rate than other coatings," she says. That said, one of silicone's drawbacks compared to other elastomeric roof coatings is that it's slippery when wet.Navigating Installation and ApplicationWhile silicone coatings can help extend the life of an existing roof, Soder notes it's best to install the coating before the end of the existing membrane's service life.Since leaks tend to happen at roof seams, add silicone sealant to these areas. Sealants are formulated differently than coatings—they use different silicone polymers, giving them a heavier body and stronger build. Silicone sealants are formulated for high-stress areas and can help absorb movement at critical points in the roof. They work hand in hand with a silicone coating to protect the roof.Before you apply any coating, ensure the roof is clean, dry, and sound. "Clean means free of contaminants, dust, oils, leaves, and other debris," Soder says. You can use GAF Cleaning Concentrate to power wash your roof.Since silicone is moisture-cure, the roof needs to be dry before applying. Coating over a wet surface can affect adhesion and is often one of the biggest mistakes you can make when installing. You want the coating to start the curing process from moisture in the air, not from moisture on the roof.How to Apply Silicone CoatingsApplying a silicone roof coating involves five steps:Clean any debris off the roof and test that the coating will properly adhere to the surface.Ensure the roof is in sound condition. Repair broken sheet metal, and replace missing or damaged fasteners.Treat all seams and fasteners with silicone sealant like GAF Silicone Mastic. Apply it at 60 mils or 1/16-inch wet thickness with a brush.Use the same sealant on any curbs, penetrations, and drains.Finally, apply the silicone roof coating to the entire roof. Some coatings, like GAF Unisil Silicone, require two coats, while others such as the GAF High Solids Silicone may need just one.Understanding Maintenance Needs and LongevityMaintaining a silicone roof coating is essential. Addressing issues before they become problematic can help minimize the cost of repairs and maximize the service life of the coating.As the roof flexes over time, issues with the seams might develop. A good rule of thumb is to get a roof inspected every six months. Applying a silicone sealant can help address areas with leaks or cracks. Silicone sealant is UV stable and doesn't require a top coat, according to Soder.Adding Silicone Roof Coatings to Your ToolboxWith many benefits, silicone roof coatings should be front of mind when planning roof restoration projects. And with several options available, you can choose the best type for each roof you work on. Have more questions about roof coatings? GAF technical service reps are more than happy to assist you on your next coating project.

A low-slope commercial roofing system is responsible for keeping the elements out of the building. During heavy rain, water with nowhere else to go may pond on the roof. A roof drain prevents water from ponding by providing a way for it to leave the roof, and regular commercial drain maintenance ensures its continued performance.Although commercial buildings may appear to have flat roofs, some roofs have slopes built into the structure or require added slopes, typically achieved with tapered insulation to facilitate water drainage. This slope is designed to guide water to a drain, so it doesn't sit on the roof and damage the roofing system or structure. Standing water can slowly deteriorate certain roofing materials and cause premature degradation, failure, or damage. It can also promote algae and plant growth and attract nuisances such as birds and insects.Guiding Water off the RoofResidential roofs have gravity on their side—water flows down the slopes into gutters that transport it away from the home. Commercial buildings with low-slope roofs have to work a little harder to remove water, which is where roof drains come into play.The roofing system design can help guide water toward the drains. It often involves using tapered insulation such as GAF EnergyGuard™ tapered polyiso insulation. The two most popular tapered boards deliver a 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch per foot slope. This slight slope prevents water from standing on the roof, forcing it toward a drain strategically installed at various low points on the roof with crickets and saddles.Drain placement is particularly essential when the parapet wall sheds water. To help water arrive at the drain line or gutter, tapered crickets are typically installed in corners and between drains to direct the flow and alleviate ponding. This water must flow down the roof side of the parapet wall and follow the roof slope to reach the drain.3 Common Types of Roof DrainsInner DrainsInner drains are connected to sloped pipes under the roof that carry water off the roof and away from the building. They typically rely on gravity and the roof's slope to get water to the drain.ScuppersScuppers are found at the roof's edge, usually installed through a hole in the parapet wall. They're designed to drain water from the roof into a downspout or may extend out from the building to shed water.Siphonic DrainsSiphonic drains feature a baffle that keeps air out and allows water to fill the pipes. Once the pipes are full, the lack of air creates a vacuum that siphons water from the roof at a high velocity. The baffle also keeps leaves and debris from gathering in the drain and causing a blockage.Caring for and Maintaining Roof DrainsInspecting and maintaining roof drains should be part of your regular roof inspections. Because roof drains are located at low points on the roof, it's easy for debris or leaves to build up in these areas. Clearing debris is essential for the drains to function properly. Clogs encourage pools of water to form on the rooftop, which can cause structural issues for the building. Even just an inch of standing water can add thousands of pounds of weight to the roof, reinforcing the need for regular commercial drain maintenance.Advancing Roof Drain Maintenance with TechnologyGAF recently introduced the Steely Drain™. This is a roof drain solution that leverages technology allowing contractors to build their maintenace relationship by setting up building maintenance reminders to contact building owners or facility managers. This contractor-inspired drain is made of 316L marine-grade stainless steel, making it ideal for tough environments that require exceptional corrosion resistance.Steely Drain™ features a QR code etched onto the top that you can scan with your smartphone to instantly view information about the roofing system. This data can include the contact information of the contractor who installed the system, the architect and consultants for the project, and the roofing system details if all information is inputted.This critical data is managed from a convenient GAF-hosted dashboard and plays an important role in the roof's maintenance plan. Contractors can set up and receive email reminders when it's time to perform scheduled roof and drain inspections. The dashboard also eliminates the need for core cuts since every detail of the roofing system is available through the QR code—from the deck type to the cover board, underlayment, insulation type and thickness, to the final membrane.Knowledge Is Key to SuccessWhen properly installed and maintained, roof drains can keep the rooftop free of standing water for many years. Curious to learn more? Explore how the Steely Drain™ can help you with your ongoing maintenance programs. You can also visit the GAF CARE Contractor Training Center to gain additional tips and access valuable training courses that allow you to learn at your own pace.

With the growing popularity and versatility of PVC roofing systems, GAF has responded by building a team of PVC experts to aid architects, specifiers, and the design community in project success. These highly trained and experienced professionals offer 1:1 support to help answer customers' questions and unique needs when working with PVC on roofing projects, and are here to help you!PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a single-ply thermoplastic roofing membrane. The material's characteristics help it thrive in particularly challenging applications. In fact, PVC roofing systems have a proven track record in the US, first introduced in the 1970s after making their debut in Germany a decade earlier.Here's a look at the benefits of PVC roofing systems as well as the guidance and support offered by the PVC experts at GAF.PVC Roofing Advantages and ApplicationsWhile several materials are available for use in roofing systems, PVC has been identified as a particularly long-lasting option. Accordingly, it's steadily grown in popularity nationwide.David Allor, senior area PVC specialist, joined the GAF team in 2022 as a PVC expert. His role was created specifically to support roof designers. Allor has an extensive background in the commercial roofing industry and extensive knowledge about PVC as a high-performance roofing solution."The industry refers to it as a very spec-driven product, and I believe what they're speaking to is a specifier's preference to work with a product that's been well established in the market and field tested," Allor shares. "It has the ability to provide protection against chemical exposure* and stand up well to challenging environments."While PVC may be a spec-driven product, it's also application-driven. Allor explains that PVC roofs may help provide protection for restaurants, food manufacturers, and packaging plants—any facility using animal fats where oils may be exhausted.* He also says that even if the building itself isn't exhausting gases, grease, or chemicals, it's important to consider the buildings and structures that surround it, as their exteriors may be subjected to exhaust that could degrade roofing systems.*Supporting the Design CommunityAs North America's largest roofing materials manufacturer, GAF has equipped teams with the resources and specialists needed to supply customers with more than just products. In recent years, the company built a solid team of PVC specialists that cover the entire US. These specialists assist customers with PVC specifications, roof system designs, and whatever else designers need to ensure successful project outcomes.Whether your project or design firm is based in the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, or West Coast, a PVC specialist is positioned to help. Allor explains the team of GAF PVC specialists is active in the organizations specifiers belong to, including the American Institute of Architects, the Construction Specifications Institute, and the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants.Allor describes the team's role as supporting the customer and connecting them to other GAF project support teams that can help. For instance, he said he called on a leading architectural design firm in the Boston area—and two months later, someone reached out for assistance with a specific project needing a tight turnaround."Literally within 12 hours of them reaching out to us, we replied and committed to three pertinent deliverables, those being a Tapered ISO Design Package, an Assembly Letter confirming all FM Requirements, and last but not least, a conference call the next day with the Building and Roofing Science team to go over three critical transitional details." Allor says.Committing to Successful Project OutcomesThe PVC specialists at GAF are focused on one goal: helping architects, specifiers, and the roofing design community achieve successful project outcomes through a high-performing PVC roofing system. With professionals like Allor providing insight and guidance, you can rest assured your PVC project will be in good hands.Ready to get started on your next PVC roofing project? Explore the different PVC roofing solutions available, and visit this page to find your local PVC roofing specialist who is ready to assist you.*GAF warranties and guarantees do not provide coverage against exposure to chemicals, grease, oils, animal fats or exhaust. Refer to gaf.com for more information on warranty and guarantee coverage and restrictions.