I’ve been working on quotes for roofing materials.
I added a new drawing detailing the roof membrane and insulation. The drawing is preliminary and will be updated as we proceed (the link to the right of the drawing is a PDF):
It looks like we will install an EPDM (rubber) roof. Our other option was a torch on roof of some description (something like BRAI). EPDM seems to be the best option environmentally … it is even used in food safe applications such as fish farms.
This choice was not as simple as I thought it would be … EPDM, ultimately, continues to be our best option. EPDM roofs are common on industrial/commercial buildings, but they are not simple to install or specify!
I have just requested a price quote so we will be making our final decision soon.
I’ve also updated the initial electrical sketch to include revisions to the rough wiring (notably the kitchen counter plug ins):
I hope to add both these drawings to the plans page linked at the top of the web site soon …
Yeah both the factory and warehouse I worked used EPDM. It’s pretty neat. As long as you have a slope it’s probably not going to leak and if it does it is easy to repair!! The material reminds me of bicycle tire inner tubes. It’s a bit weird though when you stand on a 150,000 sq ft roof covered in it. The insulation underneath makes it hard to walk on. Kinda springy but in an annoying kind of way. Come to think of it, how if your roof insulated? Besides the berming at the back? Rigid insulation on to of the roof decking?
My new boss used to be a roofer and I’ve watched him do some torch on at the condos I’m working on. He has a healthy fear of the possibilty of fire with that stuff. Always keep a spary bottle and fire extinguisher handy!!!
Hi James,
We have a good (I think) slope for a flat roof at 2.5″ in 48″.
We will insulate with rigid insulation (R50) under the EPDM and over the roof deck.