Roofing NJ

All roofs less than 4 inches of rise for every foot of run are categorized as low slope roofs. These roofs are often leaky, and replacing them usually generates a tremendous amount of waste. They’re also costly to repair.

Metal Roofs

Metal is likely the most environmentally benign low slope roofing choice due to its recycled content, recyclable nature, and long service life (warranties of up to 50 years are available on some products). Metal roofing can be installed on roofs at slopes as low as 1/2 inch per foot, although some experts claim a more appropriate minimum slope is 2 inches per foot. Steel is the only low-slope roofing option that is fully recyclable. Tips: Look for powder coated steel products. This painting process is efficient and does not result in air pollution during production. It is also friendly to water quality. Avoid roofing products that have exposed galvanized elements: the zinc in these products can harm aquatic life. Have metal roofing cut to size at the fabrication plant rather than on site: this will reduce waste.

Built Up

Overlapping layers of roofing felt (tarpaper) are coated with asphalt (a byproduct of petroleum processing) or coal tar (a byproduct of coal refining). A service life of 20 years is common. Asphalt and coal tar are both non-renewable products. Tips: Coal tar roofing pitch has self-healing properties due to its quality of being semiliquid at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This also limits it to application on very flat roofs (less than 1/4 inch rise per foot of run). Asphalt roofing has different formulations that allow it to be installed on roofs with up to a 3-in-12 slope.

Membrane

Bituminous membranes combine bitumen (coal tar pitch or asphalt) for adhesive and waterproofing qualities with plastic and synthetic rubber sheet. Polymeric membranes include PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). Roofing membrane products often contain chlorine (usually in the form of PVC which is 50% chlorine by weight) or a fire retardant such as bromine. In a fire, chlorine-containing products can produce dangerous toxins like hydrochloric acid and dioxin.  Bromine and other halogenated fire retardants destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer.  Tips: TPO is considered the most environmentally benign roofing membrane. TPO membranes are relatively new to the marketplace and concerns have been raised as to their durability. Be sure to research options carefully and evaluate warranties. Since membrane roofs consist of a single layer of material, damage to the membrane is very likely to result in leaks. Look for non-halogenated fire-retardant products that meet fire code requirements.  Consider a green roof (see page 10) on top of a membrane roof for increased durability and environmental benefits.

Roll

Roll roofing is asphalt saturated roofing felt with a surface layer of granules. Roll roofing is applied in overlapping layers. Tips: Pay particular attention to seams during installation: this is the most common point of failure with this roofing product. Recycle old roll roofing at asphalt shingle recycling facilities: find roofing recyclers in the Recycling Database (look under
Construction, Demolition, and Landclearing), at www.resourceventure.org.

Tags: asphalt roofing, low slope roofs, metal roofing, metal roofing nj