Selecting a roof for your St. Charles, IL, apartment building can be daunting with so many things to consider: roof style, type of roofing system, cost, and safety. Knowing your budget and priorities as you consider the following will help make the decision easier.

Roofing Style

If your project is new construction, then you will have more options. However, if you are looking to replace a roof on an existing building, you won’t really have a choice on style. Most apartment buildings are built with flat or low-slope roofs because they offer many benefits, including:

• Cost effectiveness – Flat roofs cost less since the surface area is less than a sloped roof. This means you will need less product. In addition, it is cheaper to install, inspect and maintain.
• Aesthetics – Flat roofs are typically found in urban environments, because they offer a sleeker, modern design.
• Space – Apartment building roof space may have solar panels or house equipment such as HVAC systems. In addition, apartments sometimes build outdoor living spaces or gardens as extra amenities for their tenants, making a flat roof ideal.

There is on downside to flat roof, however. Since the roof collects rain, you should consider the amount of rainfall and snow for the St. Charles, IL, climate. A flat roof style can still be a great option, especially with so many flat-roof systems to choose from.

Roofing System

If you have a flat roof on your St. Charles, IL, apartment building, you will want to consider the best option for your property. Here are four options to consider:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) – These two materials offer similar advantages as both are budget-friendly. While PVC offers many color options, TPO typically comes in white. Choosing TPO or a light colored PVC offers energy efficiency, saving even more money over the long-term.
• BUR (Built-Up-Roofs) – Just as it sounds, this roofing system is made from layering asphalt between ply sheets, sealed by asphalt or tar. This creates a durable, seamless roof, which holds up to the elements and protects against water damage.
• EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) – Made from synthetic rubber, this roof is highly durable and cost-effective as it is less expensive for materials, installation and maintenance. Proper installation of a roof made with EPDM is important, however, to ensure there are no leaks. This roof is also more heat absorbent, which can drive up energy costs.
• Modified Bitumen – This single-ply system is great for keeping out water. The product is rolled onto the roof and, because it doesn’t have seams, makes it resistant to leaks. This roofing system is not as durable as other systems, however, and is susceptible to damage from severe weather, such as hail. Because it is more fragile and damages more easily than other roofing systems, it is not a great option for apartments that use the rooftops for outdoor living.

As you consider the roofing system that is right for your St. Charles, IL, apartment, check out a list of pros and cons for the top three roofs in a recent article from This Old House.

Cost and Safety

Cost and safety are two huge considerations when selecting the right roof. While staying within budget is important, looking at the cost over time should also be considered. This includes expenses for maintenance, repair costs for labor and materials, as well as energy efficiency.

Safety is the most important factor in choosing a roof and, while all roofing options are safe, knowing what’s right for your building is important. Ask yourself these questions:

• What roof will best keep out the elements? Consider the weight of water, snow and ice that could accumulate, as well as what types of more severe weather might occur.
• What other functions does my roof serve? Does your roof store equipment and/or is it designed to be used as a common area for tenants?
• How will I maintain the roof? Will I be able to have the roof checked for leaks or damage on a regular basis?

Landmark Roofing can help you select the right roof for your St. Charles, IL, apartment roof and ensure that the installation is done correctly, saving you money. Learn more here or call us at  847-587-0872.