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Low Slope and Steep Slope Roofing Systems Explained

Picking out a roof for your business can be serious work. Each option has its own range of pros and cons that are important to consider if you are going to get the best choice for your business. Garlock-French Corporation looks at the characteristics that define each category and how to tell if it’s a fit for you.

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Low-Slope & Steep Slope

St. Paul roofing systems angled at 14° or lower are considered “low-slope” while those above that angling are considered “steep slope.” It’s mostly residences that feature steep slope roofs while commercial properties tend to sport low-slope roofs.

Low-Slope Roofs

There are three things that you would normally find in every low-slope roof. These are the weatherproofing layer, the surfacing, and the interwoven reinforcement. All of these benefit commercial interests specifically because they provide a highly durable, redundant layer of protection that requires less maintenance than their residential counterparts.

At Garlock-French Corporation, we carry two types of low-slope roofing:

• EPDM: Also known as synthetic rubber, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is one of the more durable and flexible commercial options that you can get. We tightly adhere and properly install these long serving and affixes to nearly any roof surfaces.

• TPO: Easily confused for EPDM, the difference between that material and Thermoplastic Olefin is that heat or solvent welding seams the latter. This makes it resistant to puncturing, tearing, and other physical damage. It’s particularly known for its flexibility—adaptable as it is to a building’s setting.

Steep Slope Roofs

Professional roofing contractors in St. Paul, MN will tell you that steep slope roofs feature three parts: the roof deck, underlayment, and the covering. One characteristic that sets them apart from low-slope roofing is that they feature individual pieces that are carefully put in one at a time. This makes it easy to replace in a pinch when one part or another is damaged.

We feature a range of materials here at Garlock-French Corporation:

• Asphalt Shingles: The most common steep slope material, it’s characterized by affordability and a range of customization options.

• Tile: With a unique look and a range of colors, styles, shapes, and textures to choose from, tile is fast becoming popular. It’s especially prized for the ease with which it can be replaced.

• Metal: Energy efficiency and durability are what metal roofing is known for. It can withstand almost anything that nature can throw its way and is very difficult to damage.

• Slate: Arguably the highest end among all roofing options, slate has the longevity to make the investment worth it. It is also very energy efficient, strong, and resistant to damage. Samples of this in the real world have been around for hundreds of years.

It might seem daunting to sort through all our roofing options, but rest assured that Garlock-French Corporation is more than happy to help you pick the one that’s fit for your home or business. Give us a call at (612) 444-8900 and we will gladly help decide the best, economic choice.