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Commercial FAQ
I am experiencing some leaks, when should I call SRS?
What is Built Up Roofing (BUR)?
Can you repair a leak in my tar and gravel roof?
Why are there granules in my gutter?
Does my new flat roof have to be tar and gravel?
What is Rubber Roofing?
What is Modified Bitumen?
What are my maintenance obligations once I have the new roof installed?
I am experiencing some leaks, when should I call SRS?
Immediately! A small repair can easily turn into a total roof replacement because of water
infiltration. Once the decking starts getting wet, the amount of time and methods to repair your
roof becomes more expensive.
The number one reason for premature failure of commercial roofing systems is ponding water.
Ponding water can deteriorate any roofing system and shorten the expected life span. Our local
building code and most manufacturers specifications now require that a flat roof have a 1/4" per
foot slope. If your roof does not have this slope, it can be achieved using tapered insulation.
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What is Built Up Roofing (BUR)?
This is the old "tar and gravel" system. This system is "built" on the roof when layers of
roofing felts are adhered together using hot asphalt. The felts are then coated with hot
asphalt and gravel is embedded in it. The use of gravel to protect the felts from the sun
is not as popular today as it once was.
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Can you repair a leak in my tar and gravel roof?
Yes. Although the gravel does make finding a leak problem more difficult.
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Why are there granules in my gutter?
Granule loss is a normal process in the weathering and aging of any asphalt shingle.
Common causes of additional granule loss:
- Traffic on roof.
- Shingles applied on very slight slopes (2” in 12” or less), are prone to increased
levels of granule loss due to the poor drainage capabilities of the roof.
- A certain amount of granule loss is to be expected. Shingles are made with an excess of
granules on the surface called “hitchhikers”. If the underlying asphalt is prematurely exposed,
the appearance and service life of the shingle may be affected.
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Does my new flat roof have to be tar and gravel?
Not at all. New technology has given us several systems that are made from rubber and modified
asphalt. These systems can be glued or heated to roofing felts or insulation. In many cases, hot
tar is not used.
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What is Rubber Roofing?
This roof is simply a rubber membrane (like that of a tire inner tube) that is glued to an
insulation board. The insulation board is either mechanically fastened with screws or set in
a layer of hot asphalt. This roof is easily installed and has the advantage of having very
few if any seams. The material normally comes in 20' x 100' rolls. Care must be taken not to
puncture the roof with sharp objects (screw drivers, ect.).
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What is Modified Bitumen?
This is a 3' wide membrane that can be either set in a layer of hot asphalt or "heat welded"
with a torch to a fiberglass base sheet. "Modified" asphalt is the end result of melting rubber
compounds with asphalt to form an extremely tough and flexible material. This material is then
used to sandwich a strong polyester mat. All seams are melted together. This roof can be coated
or it comes with a granular surface. This roof can stand up to traffic and is maintenance
friendly. A special type of roofing "tar" can be purchased at the local roofing distributor
for minor repairs.
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What are my maintenance obligations once I have the new roof installed?
The owner's maintenance obligations on the new roof can vary from nothing more than keeping
drains and gutters free from debris to extensive preventative maintenance programs. Each roof
system and manufacturer has set requirements that are the responsibility of the building owner.
SRS contractors will make sure you understand and know these obligations prior to purchasing
the roof so there is a clear understanding of the total cost of roof ownership.
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