Leaks in commercial real estate can confuse tenants and owners, leading to costly damage. The lease agreement determines who handles the leak, but general guidelines exist. Unchecked leaks increase the likelihood of recurring issues, such as poor drainage, tenant installations, or flashing failures, regardless of the source. In this article, we will discuss what hybrid roofing systems are and the types of roofing systems you need to opt for.

Meaning of a hybrid roofing system

A hybrid flat roof waterproofing system uses multiple materials to overcome construction project obstacles. For example, on a bituminous felt roof, PMMA liquid waterproofing resin expedites penetrations and intricate details, resulting in a durable, seamless, and watertight finish.

Polyiso hybrid systems and EPS taper systems

Insulfoam's tapered EPS insulation and Polyiso flat board insulation can be combined to create a hybrid roof insulation system, saving time and money. This system, available up to 40" thick, allows for positive drainage and streamlines job site processes, benefiting assistive building professionals.

Hybrid roofing system video

The Hybrid system uses SBS-modified bitumen products and a Sarnafil G 410 Feltback membrane for long-term substrate adhesion. It features a non-woven fiberglass mat and is suitable for metal decks and lightweight insulated concrete.

Built-up roof

Built-up roofs (BUR) are US-based systems made of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcement fabrics. They have been used for over a century and are typically fully adhered when applied directly to roof decks or insulation. The reinforcing fabrics include glass-fiber mats or organic mats. Built-up roof systems use aggregates, cap sheets, asphalt, coatings, and polymer-modified bitumen membranes. Hybrid roof systems combine a built-up roof membrane with multiple plies.

Numerous roofing systems are available, each with its own set of benefits, materials, and applications. 

Here’s an overview of some of the most common roofing systems:

1. Asphalt Shingle Roofing

An asphalt shingle is a type of wall or roof shingle that uses asphalt for waterproofing. It is one of the most widely used roofing covers in North America because it has a relatively inexpensive up-front cost and is fairly simple to install.

Modified bitumen roofing systems combine asphalt and a chemical polymer, improving flexibility and temperature resistance. Applied using the torch, hot asphalt, or cold process adhesives, these durable membranes feature increased membrane thickness, polyester reinforcements, and coated surfaces.
  • Materials: Asphalt, fiberglass mat, granules.
  • Benefits: Affordable, easy to install, available in various colors and styles, good fire resistance.
  • Applications: Residential homes, particularly in North America.

2. Metal Roofing

A metal roof is a roofing system featuring metal pieces or tiles exhibiting corrosion resistance, impermeability to water, and long life. It is a component of the building envelope. The metal pieces may be a covering on a structural, non-waterproof roof, or they could be self-supporting sheets. Standing seam metal roof.

Polyiso over-top with EPS flute-fill for metal retrofit roofs: EPS and polyiso are ideal for metal retrofit roofs, with EPS as flute fill and polyiso over the top. Precision-cutting of EPS and polyiso can save time on construction sites by eliminating the need for field insulation cutting. Carlisle Syntec Systems claims that polyiso, installed over EPS flute fill, offers energy-efficient solutions for buildings, with significant energy savings and a return on investment, combined with EPS insulation's airtight properties.
  • Materials: Steel, aluminum, copper, zinc.
  • Benefits: Long-lasting (50+ years), lightweight, recyclable, energy-efficient, and extreme weather-resistant.
  • Applications: Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

3. Tile Roofing

A tile roof is a roof made from clay, ceramic, concrete or slate tiles. Each tile is secured to the roof deck by nails. Just like asphalt shingles, a tile roof is completed by starting at the bottom or lower most part of the roof, securing a row of tiles, then overlapping the next or second row of tiles over the first.
  • Materials: Clay, concrete, slate.
  • Benefits: Durable, fire-resistant, environmentally friendly, aesthetic appeal.
  • Applications: Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern style homes, commercial buildings.

4. Slate Roofing

A slate roof is a premium roof system made primarily out of natural slate tiles and other slate roofing materials. It's one of the most beautiful and long-lasting roof systems on the market. Because of its aesthetics, shingle manufacturers make asphalt shingles to mimic the look of a slate roof.
  • Materials: Natural slate stone.
  • Benefits: Extremely durable (100+ years), fire-resistant, low maintenance, attractive appearance.
  • Applications: High-end residential properties, historic buildings, institutional buildings.

5. Wood Shake or Shingle Roofing

There are two types of wood roofing materials – wood shake and wood shingles. Wood shingles are sawn on both sides and are thinner at the butt end when compared to a wood shake. Wood shakes are typically sawn on one side and hand split on the other side, making them thicker than wood shingles.
  • Materials: Cedar, redwood, pine.
  • Benefits: Natural appearance, good insulation properties, eco-friendly if sustainably sourced.
  • Applications: Residential homes, especially in rustic or historical settings.

6. Synthetic Roofing

Synthetic roofing is composed of multiple materials that are pressed into tiles or shingles. Since it's made of materials like laminate, fiberglass, slate, or other products, a synthetic roof is also called a composition roof.
  • Materials: Polymer, rubber, plastic composites.
  • Benefits: Lightweight, durable, often designed to mimic natural materials like slate or wood, low maintenance.
  • Applications: Residential and commercial buildings.

7. Flat Roofing Systems

A flat roof is a roof which is almost level in contrast to the many types of sloped roofs. The slope of a roof is properly known as its pitch and flat roofs have up to approximately 10°. Flat roofs are an ancient form mostly used in arid climates and allow the roof space to be used as a living space or a living roof.
Single Ply Roofing systems use EPDM, PVC, and TPO membranes, thermoset or thermoplastic materials resistant to weathering. They can be installed in all four seasons and secured through ballast, adhesion, or mechanical fastening.
  • Types: Built-Up Roofing (BUR), Modified Bitumen, EPDM Rubber, TPO, PVC.
  • Benefits: Cost-effective, easy to install and maintain, can support equipment like HVAC units.
  • Applications: Commercial buildings, residential buildings with modern or industrial designs.

8. Green Roofing

  • Materials: Vegetation, soil, waterproof membrane.
  • Benefits: Reduces heat island effect, provides insulation, manages stormwater, extends roof life.
  • Applications: Urban buildings, environmentally conscious projects.

9. Solar Roofing

Also called vegetated roofs, eco-roofs, and living roofs, a green roof is simply a planted area on a flat or sloped roof. You can grow everything from low grasses, herbs and sedums to trees and shrubs, depending on the type of green roof.
  • Materials: Solar panels, solar shingles.
  • Benefits: Generates renewable energy, reduces energy bills, tax incentives available.
  • Applications: Residential homes, commercial buildings looking to incorporate renewable energy.

10. Thatch Roofing

Thatch roofing is a traditional method of roofing that involves covering a structure with layers of plant material, such as straw, reeds, grasses, or palm leaves, to create a synthetic thatch waterproof and weather-resistant roof.
  • Materials: Straw, reed, palm leaves.
  • Benefits: Natural insulation, aesthetic appeal, environmentally friendly.
  • Applications: Cottages, tropical and rural structures, historical buildings.

11. Membrane Roofing Systems

Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system for buildings, RV's, Ponds and in some cases tanks. It is used to create a watertight covering to protect the interior of a building. Membrane roofs are most commonly made from synthetic rubber, thermoplastic (PVC or similar material), or modified bitumen.
Polyvinyl chloride: PVC roofing materials feature hot-air welded seams, polyester reinforcements, and colour options. They offer chemical and UV resistance, flexibility, fire resistance, and long-lasting durability.
Single Ply Roofing systems use EPDM, PVC, and TPO membranes, thermoset or thermoplastic materials resistant to weathering. They can be installed in all four seasons and secured through ballast, adhesion, or mechanical fastening.
  • Types: EPDM, TPO, PVC.
  • Benefits: Waterproof, durable, flexible, resistant to chemicals and pollutants.
  • Applications: Commercial buildings, flat or low-slope roofs.

12. Stone-Coated Steel Roofing

What is Stone Coated Steel Roofing? Stone coated metal roofing blends the strength of granite and steel with the traditional styles of shingles, shakes, and tiles to deliver a weather-resistant system that improves commercial property values.
  • Materials: Steel coated with a layer of stone chips.
  • Benefits: Durable, attractive, lightweight, resistant to severe weather.
  • Applications: Residential homes, commercial buildings.

13. Standing Seam Metal Roofing

A standing seam metal roof system is a series of metal panels locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. This allows the panels to expand and contract freely when the metal goes through thermal expansion
  • Materials: Metal panels, typically aluminum or steel.
  • Benefits: Sleek appearance, durable, excellent weather resistance, minimal maintenance.
  • Applications: Modern residential homes, commercial buildings.

Choosing the Right Roofing System

When selecting a roofing system, consider the following factors:
  • Climate: Some materials are better suited for certain weather conditions.
  • Budget: Costs can vary significantly between different types of roofing.
  • Aesthetics: Choose a roofing style that complements the building's architecture.
  • Durability: Consider the lifespan and maintenance requirements of the roofing material.
  • Environmental Impact: Look for sustainable and energy-efficient options.
You can choose the roofing system that best fits your needs and preferences by evaluating these factors and consulting with a roofing professional.


Conclusion

When looking for the right roofing system, you first need to know the types of roofing systems to choose the right ones. In this piece, we have listed various roofing systems, as you do; in your search, you will know what type of roofing system you need to consider.