Most manufacturers place their proprietary names on the roofing materials they create, to promote them and make them easily recognizable. However, first you will have to get familiar with some basic categories of commercial flat roofing or low slope systems, which will help you identify what is best for your project.

Here is a brief guide:

BUR, or Built Up Roof

This is the oldest form of commercial roofing, consisting of asphalt roof composed of multiple plies. Currently, it is the cheapest flat roofing solution, because asphalt is inexpensive compared to polymer blends. The surface is protected with a layer of gravel or mineral granules.

Modified Membrane Roof

Although similar, this solution is more flexible because of the added polymer modifiers in the manufacturing process.

Cold Process Cool Roofing

The waterproof layer is heated neither during manufacture nor during installation, so it remains cold and flexible and can be surfaced with reflective polymers for better cool roof ratings.

PVC Roofing

This is a modern flat roofing material that relies on plasticizers, being very flexible, stable and durable.

TPO Roofing

This is a newer option than PVC, less flexible but no risk of plasticizer migration, since it does not contain them.

EPDM Rubber Roofing

EPDM is highly resistant, even to chemicals. It is flexible and has a long lifespan, if properly maintained.

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