Winter is here, which means facility managers can expect rising heating costs and high-maintenance landscaping after the first snowfall. In addition, your roofing maintenance needs will likely change in the winter. Heavy snow and ice will put pressure on your roofing system and can cause damage that won’t be visible until spring. This can also cause problems with your building’s climate control if the roofing is not well-insulated.
Choosing the right roofing insulation for all seasons is critical if you want to maintain energy efficiency during the summer and winter months alike. MaintenX works with facility managers to help them choose the right insulation for their commercial roofing because not all options are ideal for every building design. Below are some of the most common options, along with the pros and cons for each:
Expanded Polystyrene
Expanded Polystyrene is made of a special type of plastic, and is considered an affordable, quality option for most commercial facilities. It provides a strong barrier over a large surface area, making it ideal for commercial facilities on a tight budget. It can be used for flat or sloping commercial roofing.
Extruded Polystyrene
This type of insulation is on the higher end of insulation options but is one of the longest-lasting and thermally insulating. It is made of the same material as Expanded Polystyrene, but is even denser. This type of insulation is excellent at preventing structural damage, which is essential for any facility that must weather harsh winters or stormy seasons.
Polyisocyanurate
Polyisocyanurate is a “happy medium” between expanded and extruded polystyrene. It is made of a foam plastic between layers of felt or fiberglass. This provides excellent thermal insulation and durability, but is more affordable than extruded polystyrene. For facility managers looking for a long-lasting insulation option that fits within a budget, this is one of the best options.
These options are the most common for commercial facilities, and can be easily laid down with the installation of a new roofing system. The choice of roofing insulation should be given as much thought, if not more so, as the roofing material. The roofing material itself will be easier to replace down the line, so be sure to choose the right insulation for your building before choosing the metal sheets or shingles.
MaintenX specializes in roofing installations and maintenance. We take pride in the quality customer service we deliver, and can guarantee long-lasting performance from your roofing installed by our team. To learn more about our services and pricing, contact your local MaintenX team today!
