Roofing systems in the food industry, especially those of restaurants, can be hard to maintain. Over 80% of facilities in the food industry face the problem of roof deterioration caused by the exhaust fan discharge. The stoves, grills, or ovens installed in restaurants release grease and oils through the vents, which are responsible for harmful effects on most roofing materials. Many roofing systems cannot withstand prolonged exposure such as Built-Up Roofing (BUR) systems, which turn soft and spongy following prolonged exposure to grease, and the Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofing system that has a membrane that blisters when exposed to grease and oil. Many factors such as a desire to cut cooling costs, low maintenance, and increased fire resistance have compelled restaurant owners to look for more innovative roofing solutions.
The restaurant industry needs to strive to improve the efficiency and lifespan of their roofs with innovative roofing materials and systems. On that note, let’s discuss some of the best roofing solutions available today for restaurants.

The Best Roofing Options for Your Restaurant

Polyvinyl Chloride Roofing

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is made to withstand many substances like chemicals and animal fats. Today almost every restaurant has roof vent openings in which grease, oils, and animal fats escape. These toxic materials from vents slowly eat away at the roof membrane, and cause degradation around roof vents in restaurants that use EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) and TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefins) roof systems. This problem has not been seen in PVC roof systems. Other harmful chemicals like lard (animal fats), bleach, phosphoric acid, latex paint, and fruit juice do not affect PVC. Though PVC is slightly more expensive than TPO, it holds better and offers many benefits over TPO.
So if you are thinking about roofing or re-roofing your restaurant, it is strongly suggested that you put PVC roof membranes at the top of your list as this roofing system provides many benefits that are valuable to restaurant owners.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is known for its high resistance, impermeability, and longevity. Metal roofing is one of the most popular options for commercial roofing systems, especially in restaurants.
Whether you want a flat roof or a low-sloped commercial roof, there is a diverse range of metal options, from aluminum to Corrugated galvanized steel. Metal rooftops are specifically engineered to outlast any other roofing material by decades. Aluminum, galvanized steel, or coated metal roofs can last three to four decades without any signs of degradation or corrosion, with minimal maintenance. They have excellent durability against common roofing threats like strong winds, rain, hail, debris, and mold. This is one of the fundamental reasons metal roofing is so popular. Metal roofs are not only fire-resistant but also reflect heat, which means a metal roof can help cut cooling costs by 25% or even 40% in some cases. Metal roofs have several advantages, but depending on the quality of the metal, they can be costly. However, in most cases, these initial costs are offset by the money you save on energy costs. In addition, you will not need to repair or replace your roof anytime soon.

Ketone Ethylene Ester (KEE) Roofing

KEE is an abbreviation for Ketone Ethylene Ester, a high-molecular-weight polymer most commonly used in roofing because of its elastomeric and favorable melting properties.
The seams of the KEE roofing membrane are combined using a monolithic welding technique to seal it properly. As a result, we get a high-quality waterproof fabric that is resistant to shrinkage. Thanks to its intensive formation process, the KEE roofing membrane gets a proven life cycle of 30-plus years with little to no maintenance required. The membrane is composed of heavy, high-density polyester fabric, making it extremely hard to pierce or tear. The most crucial factor that makes KEE roofing a popular choice among restaurant businesses is how well this UV-resistant welded material withstands oil, grease, and other chemicals that may eat away at ordinary roofing materials over time.
KEE roofing initial costs might start may be expensive. However, when selecting a roofing system the KEE system is a popular choice with restaurant owners because of its low maintenance longevity.

Retractable Roof System

A retractable roof system is a motorized waterproof shade sail or fabric which can be extended and retracted along with the roof frame; with a unique high torque motor drive mechanism. Unlike a fixed roof, it can provide the best of both worlds. A retractable roof protects from the outside elements when extended and then retracted back to let sunlight in to give the venue space an open and airy vibe. The glass, Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), or polycarbonate pane used in retractable roof structures allows exceptional natural sunlight to filter into your space, saving you money on your cooling and lighting cost. When retracted, the bright light, sunshine, or fresh air can add to the natural ambiance of your restaurant.
When the weather is too hot, you cover the open space converting your entire venue into usable floor space to maximize revenue. The same can be achieved when the weather is cold by partially or fully retracting the roof to let in the warmth of sunlight. A retractable roof system can withstand wind gusts up to 117 km per hour. It is very safe and easy to use as a retractable roof can be opened and closed at the press of a button.

Conclusion

Installing an efficient and durable restaurant roof is an investment with many benefits to increasing your revenue. In the long term, it offers protection from external elements and adds an appealing aesthetic touch to the entire ambiance of your space, and installing a roof made with quality materials will save you money in the long run since you will not have to do any maintenance or repairs on your roof for many years down the road.

If you are unhappy with your present roofing system and looking for a change, it’s time to book an appointment with Matera Roofing to receive an expert solution for your roofing needs.