The type of material used to construct a roof can have a huge impact on the overall strength of the entire building. Each building– and budget — is unique and requires a custom roof to fit its needs. To understand which materials are right for your commercial property, here are the 5 most common commercial roofing materials.

Built-Up Asphalt

Built up roofing, commonly referred to as BUR, is a basic tar and gravel material. The gravel and tar are layered (built up) on top of one another. The number of layers depends on the durability necessities of the property, weather, cost, and other factors. Because built-up roofing is so customizable, it’s a very cost effective and popular option for commercial buildings.

Shingle Roofing

While shingles are typically reserved for residential properties, they can be a great option for commercial properties as well. Many companies use shingle roofing as a design asset because they come in so many shapes and colors. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, shingles are often hail-resistant and are very easy to replace. Shingles come in a variety of materials including asphalt, wood, slate, metal, ceramic and more. Shingles are a great option for commercial properties interested in upgrading the design of their establishment.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has been one of the most popular commercial roofing materials due to its durability and affordability. There are many different types of metal roofing including steel, aluminum, copper, tin and more. Metal roofing offers commercial properties a very clean, finished look, while also being functional. Because metal rusts over time, a protective layer is added to prevent sun-damage and rust.

Single-Ply Membrane

Single -ply membranes are sheets of rubber that are secured to insulation to form a roof. Single-ply membranes can be made out of various synthetics including Thermoplastic and EPDM. If properly installed and taken care of, single-ply membrane roofing can last up to 30 years.

Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic is by far one of the most durable and tolerant roofing materials on the market. Made from polypropylene based materials, thermoplastic is resistant to UV rays, punctures, tears, and most chemicals, including oils, animal fats, and bacteria. This material also offers high-temperature, fire, and wind tolerance. Because of its severe durability and resistance to environmental factors and chemicals, thermoplastic is a great option for restaurants and other establishments that emit oils and fats.  

If you’re looking to replace or install a roof on your commercial property, give our knowledgeable and experienced roofers a call at 303.443.5843.

Spring is right around the corner, which means spring cleaning is in full effect. While decluttering your home and cleaning out the shed are great places to start on your cleaning list, your roof also needs a little extra love this season. By following B&M Roofing’s Roof Spring Cleaning Checklist, you can ensure that your roof stays in good shape for the remainder of the year.

1. Trim Overextended Branches

Long branches can scratch, damage or even completely remove roofing materials. Trim any extended branches that are encroaching your roof.

2. Check Flashing & Shingles

After a snowy winter, flashing and shingles can become damaged. Inspect for any loose or curled shingles and for damaged flashing. These things can get worse over time if unattended to, so catching them early will help your roof last as long as possible

3. Clean Gutters

You gutters have been working overtime to drain all the rain and snow that accumulated on your roof during the winter. Giving them a good cleaning will ensure that water continues to drain properly off of your roof to prevent damage.

4. Inspect Attic

A healthy roof starts on the inside. Inspect your attic for any stains or leaks that may have surfaced over the winter.

5. Remove Mold & Debris

Debris and moss can cause severe damage to your shingles and clog your gutters. To prevent this, make sure to sweep off sticks and leaves from your roof and use control strips to remove moss and algae.

6. Hire an Inspector

After a harsh winter, it’s possible that leaks or structural damage have occurred on your roof. Hiring a professional to inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs is the safest way to protect your home. B&M Roofing is proud to provide roofing service and repair on everything from small residential roofs to complicated high-end commercial properties throughout Colorado and its surrounding areas. Visit our website for a free estimate on roofing services: https://bmroofing.com/free-estimate/

Through Colorado State University’s CM Cares program, B&M Roofing of Colorado, donated supplies and services to reroof the Mochan Family’s house in Fort Collins.

After the tragic death of both parents, the children of the Mochan Family moved in with their aunt and the number of household repairs needed to accommodate the three children soon surfaced. CM Cares was contacted to assist in restoring the family’s home.

CM Cares is a construction management department initiative that promotes service learning by infusing leadership traits, team building and ethics through community service activities. It focuses on teaming students, faculty, staff and industry partners to assist with construction related projects for people with special needs or local community service agencies needing assistance that cannot be provided by other sources.

“CM Cares would not be possible without the generosity of the construction industry. Not only do they donate construction materials and time, but the biggest impact they provide is mentorship for our construction management students,” said Khristy Jesse, CM Cares & Career Development Coordinator. “Over the past 10 years, the CM Cares program has provided more than 2 million dollars in construction projects improving the quality of life for community members or non-profits in need of accessibility modifications.”

During the home inspection, CM Cares noticed the shingle roof on the home needed to be replaced. With the help of Tracy Spence from American Roofing Supply and Josh Howe from Atlas Roofing Corporation, B&M Roofing reroofed the Mochan Family household’s roof at zero cost to the family.

“By partnering with Colorado State University’s CM Cares, B&M Roofing was given the opportunity to use our skills and abilities to completely change a family’s life,” said Scott Kawulok, Vice President of B&M Roofing. “Thank you to CM Cares, American Roofing Supply and Atlas Roofing Corporation for helping us alleviate the suffering and pain from the Mochan children and give them hope for the future.”  

The Mochan Family House

As we roll into autumn, the clear skies of summer are waning and thunderstorms and snow will be making their way to Colorado. Roof maintenance is often neglected during this time of year, but seemingly small problems can turn into costly repairs down the line. Taking the time to inspect your roof now will save you some cash and a headache in the future. Here are our top 10 roof maintenance tips for fall. 

1. Look out for leaks 

If you see signs of leaking, mold, or dampness in your attic, call a professional ASAP. Catching a leak early will only cost you a few bucks to fix, but the worse it gets, the more expensive it will be to repair. 

2. Get rid of debris

Excess debris can damage shingles, allow algae to grow and clog your gutters. To prevent this, make sure to sweep off sticks and leaves from your roof whenever you’re cleaning your gutters. 

3. Don’t let the snow pile up 

Colorado has been known to see it’s first snow as early as October. When the first snowstorm hits, take a shovel or rake and gently pull snow off the roof to avoid it from collapsing. 

4. Manage the moss

Routinely checking for signs of fungus and algae. Fungus and algae create moss, which can retain moisture and freeze, causing damage to your shingles. If you do happen to find moss, invest in some zinc or lead control strips to get rid of it. 

5. Trim the trees

Long branches can scratch or even remove roofing materials. Removing branches that are getting close to your roof can save you a ton in the long-run. 

6. Inspect your shingles 

After hailstorms, make sure to check for curling or loose shingles and for damaged flashing. These things can get worse over time, so catching them early will help your roof last as long as possible 

7. Never power wash

When you see fungus or debris on the roof, you may get the urge to power wash it all off. Don’t do that. Power washing can push water under your shingles and weaken the roof’s structure. Carefully removing debris and fungus with a broom or rake is the best way to go. 

8. Clean your gutters 

Fall is one of the worst times of the year for your gutters. The leaves will fall from your trees and accumulate in your gutters, leading to clogs. Cleaning these leaves out will prevent damage by allowing rain to drain properly off your roof. 

9. Watch for pests 

Termites, rats, squirrels, and other pests can cause serious damage to your roof. If you see signs of small animals or pests try to remove them immediately. 

10. Install insulation 

Insulation not only keeps your house warm during the cold months of fall, but it can also prevent your roof from warping. It prevents snow from refreezing and causing water damage to your roof. If you don’t already have attic insulation, invest in some as soon as possible. 

Consider these maintenance tips to save time and money on your roof this fall. Give us a call with any questions you have!

When it comes to choosing roofing materials, the answer is a bit less simple than you may be hoping: For better or for worse, the “best” roof type depends on your personal budget and goals.

Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the traditional choice, and for good reason. They’re often the most inexpensive option and can be durable enough to last for 20-30 years in ideal conditions. However, traditional asphalt shingles may be prone to damage from the elements. A single hail storm can permanently damage the asphalt, while other environmental factors like heavy rain can cause the shingles to curl and deteriorate. Additionally, asphalt shingles may be harmed by heat from below if your attic is not properly ventilated. 

When combined in a “perfect storm,” harsh weather conditions can rapidly age asphalt shingles. Because of this, shingles’ lifespans are largely dependent on weather conditions. However, with their lower price and relative durability, asphalt shingles remain a fantastic choice for most homes.

Sheet Metal
Metal roofs are far more durable than almost any other option, withstanding much of Colorado’s extreme weather. These roofs have been known to last 50-60 years (and sometimes even longer) without any issues. That durability costs homeowners up front: In most cases, metal roofing can cost two to four times as much as traditional shingles per square foot, though that number can be much higher if you opt for high-end copper or zinc roofing.

Choosing between shingles or a metal roof ultimately comes down to how much you’re willing to invest and how long you plan on staying in your home. If you plan to stick around for a while, a metal roof is well worth your investment, but if you have plans to sell in the short-term future, going with asphalt singles is a safe and wise decision that remains popular for good reason.

Still torn between roofing options? B&M Roofing has more than 70 years of roofing experience and is here to help. Call 303.443.5843 for all your roofing needs.

When it comes to protecting your investment in your home, your roof is the single most important part of your house. Like most homeowners, you may have concerns about your roof following a storm or just as part of maintenance. While you can assess major damage on your own, a professional roof inspector provides insight and expertise that most homeowners can’t muster.

Following a major storm, start with a quick survey of your roof’s health from the ground. Use binoculars if you have them, and look for the obvious signs of distress: missing shingles, ripped shingles, major damage cased by falling branches. If you spot nothing, but still have concerns, it’s time to call a professional inspector. You’ll benefit from his professional insight:

• Surface assessment: Hail damage may be hard to spot, and experts know how to evaluate the remaining lifespan of shingles, grain levels and locate hail-strike damage.
• Ventilation: Keeping air moving through your attic is important, and experts can quickly assess if vents are working to the capacity your home requires.
• Insurance Claims: If your roof is damaged, you’ll need a professional to itemize and properly describe the damage.
• Structural survey: It’s even more difficult to see the damage under shingles than spot superficial damage. If your roof is losing structural integrity, it can lead to larger problems down the line. Identifying these issues and addressing them is critical.
• Safety First: If you’re not comfortable climbing ladders and walking on a sloped roof, don’t risk your health self-inspecting.

B&M Roofing of Colorado provides free, no-obligation inspections to homeowners in Denver and Boulder. Request a visit from our inspection team with our online form, or by calling 303.443.5843.

Let’s get the worst news out of the way first: If from the ground you can see warped shingles, it’s likely a sign that you’ll need a new roof. Often damage is only visible after climbing up and inspecting a roof.

Asphalt shingles are durable, but are prone to the elements, particularly after the granules on their surface start deteriorating and getting washed away in rainstorms. Once the protective layer is removed, shingles are exposed to ultraviolet light, which makes them brittle or otherwise fragile. Warped edges can be a sign that shingles have reached the end of their natural lifespan.

If your shingles aren’t shedding granules and are cupping – curling at both corners to be concave – it can be a signal that your attic isn’t properly vented. Rooftops soak up a lot of sun and heat, and transmit it to the home below it. A properly vented attic allows some of the heat to escape. Without venting, heat collects in your attic, and can expose the underside of shingles to extreme heat beyond their normal temperature tolerances, which can cause them to warp.

If you’re unsure of your roof’s condition or aren’t comfortable climbing on your roof to investigate, B&M Roofing is there to lend a hand. Call us at 303.443.5843 to request a free inspection and estimate.

Replacing a roof on any home is a large job, which is why we dedicate teams to it. We understand that you want life around your home to be back to normal as quickly as possible. While it should only take a few days to complete your project, depending upon its size and the weather, you’ll want to prepare your home for the job.

Secure Loose Items
Our teams will be on your roof, hammering, moving piles of materials and generally working quickly. This is likely to cause vibrations in your home. The extent of these disturbances varies by how your home is constructed, and they are often barely noticeable. However, preserve breakables such as hung pictures, mirrors and fragile items on shelves by removing them to a place where vibrations won’t knock them over.

Clear Your Driveway
Typically, our teams park their vehicle in your driveway during the project. That gives us the fastest and most effective place to load shingles and, if you need old roofing removed, to collect discarded materials. Having a driveway free of cars and other clutter helps us get your project done quickly.

Prepare Your Yard
Our teams take great care to prevent any damage to landscaping or other property during our roofing projects. Items such as nails and old roofing inevitably fall during construction. Remove any items such as barbecues, boats, patio furniture and statuary that may be damaged by falling material.

Mind Children and Pets
Your home will be an active construction site as our teams work to put your new roof on. It’s no place for children or pets to be around. Protect your loved ones by keeping them inside during the project.

When it’s time to get a new roof, many homeowners wonder which roofing type is ideal for their home. Many consumers explore many roofing types rather than merely replacing their existing roofing system. While many considerations weigh into the decision, including covenants and personal esthetic preferences, each type of roofing has its own advantages.

Asphalt Roofing

By far the most popular choice for roofing material, asphalt shingles are available in many colors to suit many homeowners’ tastes. While asphalt shingles are more susceptible to Colorado’s severe weather than other materials, they’re typically the most affordable option. Expect a lifespan of 20-30 years, barring weather damage, from most asphalt shingles.

Metal Roofing

A more durable solution than traditional shingles, metal roofing systems also offer more leeway for architects’ designs to flourish, making it a favorite among high-end builders, though are typically much more expensive than other options. Lightweight and virtually fireproof, metal roofs withstand extreme weather well. Homeowners can reasonably expect to get 50-60 years of service life from a metal roof, though that means you may be investing in a roofing system that will be around a lot longer than you’re in the house.

Wood Roofing

Many homeowners prefer the more natural look of cedar shakes and shingles for their roof. While more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, you can expect them to last 30-40 years if maintained well. Cedar shakes and shingles are more resistant to extreme weather and more energy-efficient than asphalt options, but are also more costly.

Tile and Slate

Homeowners who demand high style often choose tile or slate roofing systems. Concrete or clay tiles are available in numerous styles, from classic Tuscan tiling to fire-resistant concrete replicas of shake roofing. While many tile and slate roofing systems are engineered to last up to 50 years, and are highly resistant to Colorado weather, the roofing underlayment may need to be replaced every 20 years, requiring maintenance many homeowners don’t foresee. Also, because of the weight of these roofing systems, many homes must be structurally reinforced to accommodate them.

Are you looking to purchase your first home? Moving to a new house? Protect your investment by knowing about your roof to keep your property in great condition. Here are 3 things you need to know:

• Get a professional inspection…or two — It’s never a bad thing to have more than one person inspect your roof so you can learn what will be best for your home. Do not overlook your inspection report! Dismissing roofing red flags can come back to haunt you. If the inspection mentions issues with the roof, make sure you take that into account when breaking down budgets for future repairs.

Through RoofSave, our roof asset management program, we will inspect your roof and identify any conditions that need repair.

• Know your warranty & insurance — many properties will come with transferable roofing warranties. With this, you may not have to worry about repair and replacement costs. If your property is without insurance, think about getting a plan to give you extra peace of mind.
• Get a roofer to take a look — Home inspectors are great at what they do, but they’re not roofers. If your inspection report looks good, after purchase, consider asking a professional roofer to come look at your home. This way, you can catch any small problems that may lead to larger problems in the future.

Request a free estimate today from our experienced roofing specialists.

Not sure what to look for in your inspection report? Are you worried your roof may be damaged? If you are a first-time homeowner or have recently purchased a home and have questions about your roof contact B&M Roofing at 303.443.5843 for all your roofing needs.