A Whole-System Approach to Low-Slope Roofing

When installing a new roof, commercial property owners must consider the employees,
equipment and inventory they are protecting. With many different asphalt roofing products and
installation methods available on the market, it is important to understand how to choose the
right system and get the most from an investment.
What Types of Roofing Systems Are Available?
A whole-system approach to low-slope roofing utilizes
long-term durability and redundant layers to provide
some of the best protection and reliability available.
Options include the following:
• Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
• Atactic Polypropylene (APP)
• Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) modified systems
How Do These Roofing Systems Protect a
Building and its Assets?
Base sheets, interplies and cap sheets work
with asphalt and adhesives to create a longlasting, durable and redundant installation
comprised of multiple layers that provide a
water-resistant barrier.
What Are the Different Installation Options?
Different roofing systems can be applied in a variety of ways, including:
• cold-adhesive technology
• heat-welding
• hot asphalt
• self-adhering
How Do I Ensure My Roof is Installed Properly?
Prior to work beginning, ask your installer for the manufacturers’ system specifications to make
sure products are compatible. You can also request documentation of conformance to the
industry testing requirements from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), FM Approvals and ASTM
International. This documentation will demonstrate that the various components used in the
construction of your roofing system have been properly evaluated.