Commercial Roofing Contractor

Hire Messing Roofing … It Gets Done Right!

Commercial Roofing

Small or Large Business | Multiple Roof Facility

Messing Roofing specialists are experienced, trained, and certified to diagnose and solve diverse problems associated with the restoration and replacement of all flat or steep-sloped commercial roofing systems.

You Are Our Priority

Every aspect of your project, from pre-construction through completion is important for success. We take great care in listening to your needs and suggesting the appropriate solution, whether it’s preventative maintenance, repair or replacement. Because it’s important for your business to continue operating during construction, we make it a priority to eliminate onsite disruptions.

Experienced Roofing Professionals

From apartment buildings, retirement homes, and churches, to industrial, institutional, and medical facilities, Messing Roofing has the roofing experience to create a robust commercial roofing system. You can be confident knowing Messing Roofing always incorporates the highest industry standards to every commercial roof repair or installation project.

Commercial Roofing Systems

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Single – Ply Systems

EPDM, TPO, and PVC are the most common single-ply systems for low slope flat roofs in the commercial market today. They are most commonly fully adhered with bonding adhesive to a substrate, typically ridged roof insulation. Alternatively, they can be mechanically fastened under the seam, requiring no glue and a less expensive install. A mechanically fastened system can flap/billow slightly and can be audibly heard inside the facility depending on building construction and roof design in high wind conditions.

These systems can also be secured with an overburden such as a ballasted system using 2” smooth river rock. A loose laid protective sacrificial sheet is loose laid on top of the finished roof to protect it from damage from the installation and service of overburden. On high end installs roof gardens and roof top paver systems are installed to conceal the roof and make better use of space in urban environments. Roof framing must be adequate to support roof overburden.

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EPDM

(Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer)

EPDM is one of the most commonly installed roof systems on flat commercial roofs today. It is an extremely durable synthetic rubber, similar to that of a tire. Though black is a standard in the Midwest, it also comes in white.

The material comes in rolls, typically 10’ wide but sometimes wider depending on the job. The seaming is done by cleaning, priming, and taping with slice taping between the layers. Sometimes taping over the top of a spliced taped seam with a cover tape, acts as a design enhancing detail providing longer life and warranty period.

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TPO

(Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

With demand increasing for heat-reflective and energy efficient roofing systems, TPO single-ply roofing membranes are among the fastest growing commercial roofing products. If EPDM can be compared to “rubber,” TPO can be compared to plastic. It is most commonly used in white, but gray and tan are available. It can also be made in custom colors if necessary.

This system provides resistance to ultraviolet, ozone and chemical exposure, and is algae-resistant and environmentally friendly. The material comes in rolls like EPDM. The biggest difference is that the seams are cleaned then heat welded by hand or with a robot. These seams are melted together and require no taping.

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PVC

(Polyvinyl Chloride)

To the untrained eye, PVC is almost identical to TPO. It is typically white and is a heat welded system. The main difference is that it is more durable and must be welded together at higher temperatures. It offers enhanced chemical resistance compared to other roof systems and is the natural choice for restaurants that have fryers and the subsequent grease on the roof. Because of their enhanced characteristics they are typically more expensive than TPO.

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Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen roofs are a time test roof system. They are a comprised system that starts with a base sheet, either mechanically fastened or self-adhered to keep the roof stuck down. Then, a cap sheet is added for water proofing. The mid ply and cap sheets can be self-adhered (SA), glued with cold process adhesive, torch applied, or set in hot asphalt. Some systems have a mid-ply for enhanced longevity.

Modified systems are among the most durable roof systems when a roof is going to take a lot of sun or heavy foot traffic. Because it is an asphalt product, it can be expensive. It is also not as resistant to chemicals as the single-ply membranes and can require more maintenance.

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BUR

BUR (Built-Up Roof) systems are one of the oldest and most reliable ways of installing a new roof and have been used in the United States for over 100 years.

They’re commonly referred to as “tar and gravel” roofs. They can have a gravel surfacing embedded in a flood coat or can have a smooth asphaltic surface, typically aluminum coated. They are suitable for all roof decks and are designed to endure harsh weather year around.

The term “built-up” refers to the field construction of the systems. First, a base sheet is mechanically fastened or adhered. Then, ply after ply is set in hot asphalt, creating a layered, “built-up” effect. Most BUR’s are three or four-plies.

Although this is generally considered the best roofing system, because of its high cost, smell of asphalt, and danger of hot asphalt for fire and burns, the system is all but phased out. Many of these roofs are still in service and Messing does repair and maintain them.

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Fastening and Insulation Systems

Underneath most low slope roof systems are a hidden substrate between the deck and roof membrane. Illinois energy code requires rigid roof insulation above the roof deck to be minimum R-30 if the roof is commercial and has climate control. This is usually two layers of 2.6” Poly ISO (Polyisocyanurate) roof insulation.

Sloped crickets made of ISO can be made out of tapered insulation boards and configured between drains in a diamond shape or on a wall between through wall scuppers in a triangle shape. These cricks prevent water from ponding and move it to the drainage system.

Roofs that are “dead flat” or have no structural slope can achieve positive drainage with a tapered insulation panel. They can give your roof a quarter inch per foot slope which is more than adequate to eliminate standing water in the roof.

Generally, roof insulation is screwed down with #14 or greater insulation fastening screws with 3” plates. The metal screws can conduct heat/cold. To avoid a thermal bridge, the first layer of ISO is screwed, and the second layer is fully adhered by setting in a two-part, low rise, polyurethane adhesive.

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Steep Slope

Commercial roofs are often steep slope or have steep slope components. They incorporate many of the same systems seen on residential structures. Common systems are architectural sheet metal, asphalt shingles, or many other options. Steep slope roof and facades add beauty and help buildings blend in with (or stand out from!) the area.

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Metal Roofing

Commercial and industrial facilities incorporate metal in many ways in their roofs and wall systems. From agricultural through fastened wall and roof panels (exposed fastener) to industrial; almost flat low slope, mechanically seamed bare galvalume panels on a structural steel building; metal is important to a myriad of building envelope system designs. Snap-lock and mechanically seamed architectural standing seam systems are popular for facades and steep slope assemblies. The newest trends are seen in aluminum composite panels (ACM) and other alloys and bare metal panels or “cassettes” on walls and facades.