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Roofing Consultation

With over 18 years of experience in the design and construction administration in re-roof projects; BMA Architects offers comprehensive services for the investigation and resolution of problems associated with existing roofing systems. Below you will find helpful information to get you started including common types of of roofing systems, a list of roofing companies that BMA has worked with in the past, and a list of roofing projects that BMA has completed.

Types of Roofing Attachments:

Mechanically Fastened:

Devices such as screws, plates, battens, or nails, are used to secure roofing materirals.

Loose- Laid:

Roofing Material is attached only at the perimeter and at penetrations and held in place by a ballast or pavers.

Fully Adhered:

Roofing Material is glued or bonded directly to the substrate.

Built-Up Roofing:

BUR roofing membranes are composed of three to six layers of  bitumen and felt. The bitumen material is often coal tar pitch or  asphalt and acts as the main waterproofing agent. The felt is used  to strengthen the system. A mineral aggregate, often gravel or crushed rock, is used as a surfacing agent on top  to protect the bitumen coat from solar radiation.

 

 

Thermoset Roofing Systems:

Like thermoplastic, thermoset  is a single-ply membrane that  allows for a continuous roof membrane.  This systems may also be  loose-laid, mechanically fastened or fully adhered.

 

 

Thermoset  materials become chemically crosslink which increases  its strength and flexibility. This allows for exceptional performance  for a wide range of exposures. EPDM is the most common class  of thermoset membranes.

 

 

EPDM roofing, short for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is typically 30 mils thick. EPDM offers resistance from degradation from the ozone, ultraviolet radiation and certain chemicals. 

 

Thermoplastic Roofing Systems:

Thermoplastic roofing  is a single-ply membrane that employs large sheets that allow for a continuous roof membrane.  This  systems may be loose-laid, mechanically fastened or fully adhered.

 

Thermoplastic forms by heat of fusion and may be seamed by hot  air or solvent welding.  These membranes are single ply flexible materials and can be categorized into two common membranes; PVC and TPO.

 

PVC roofing, short for Polyvinyl Chloride, is typically 45 to 60  mils thick. This membrane may or may not be reinforced. When reinforced, glass fibers or polyester fabrics are used for strength.

 

PVC roofing are resistant to bacterial growth, industrial chemical atmospheres, extreme weather conditions and have  fire-resistant  and seaming capabilities.

 

TPO roofing, short for Thermoplastic Olefin js typically 40 to 100 mils thick and can be either stiff or flexible. Fire retardants and  UV absorbers may be utilized with this system. Like the PVC, they membrane can be reinforced or unreinforced.


 

Types of Roofing Systems:
Types of Roofing Systems:

Below you will find a list of some of the roofing projects that BMA Architects has completed.

 

GTE/Verizon Communications/ Frontier:               

Design and construction administration for over 100 re-roof projects throughout Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio. A fully adhered EPDM  roof  membrane was used for most of these projects.

 

Flushing Community Schools:                                                  

Complete tear off and re-roof of two existing school buildings. A fully  adhered EPDM roof membrane was used.

 

North Branch Area Schools:                                                   

Re-roof and facade improvements to existing district maintenance building. Mechanically fixed thermosplastic membrane roofing was used for this project.

 

Grand Haven Area Public Schools:                                

Re-roof of district wide buildings totaling over 300,000 sq. ft. of  roof area replaced:

Lake Hills Elementary

White Pines Intermediate

Lakeshore Middle School

Grand Haven High School

 

Fruitport Community Schools:                                                     

Re-roof of Beach Elementary School.

 

Baker College of Muskegon:                                                                                      

Re-roof areas needed

 

City of Muskegon- Smith-Ryerson Park Building:            

Replace roof and add insulation for energy improvements. Fully adhered EPDM membrane roofing was used.

Allegan AESA:

Hillside Building

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