1. Heat contributes to the breakdown of the composition of many roofing systems, those with tar and bitumen components and those with glue and tar applications. When the weather is hot, the typical roof reaches 160º on a 90º day. Over the "life" of the roof, the material looses its resilience and weakens.
2. UV Radiation breaks down the roof from day one. In traditional roofing systems, the sun dries the oils in the materials as heat releases the hydrocarbons. It becomes brittle and flaky and looses its water-resistant characteristics.
3. Thermal shock results from the change in temperatures from season to season and day through night. The heat makes it stretch, and the cold makes it contract. As it does, it pulls away from the adhesive holding it in place and pulls away from drains, gutters, and flashings. The movement causes tears, wrinkles, and separation in the seams.

Seams are the problem.

• They seal bitumen and Built-Up roofs (BUR) with hot asphalt or cold adhesive.
• They fix EPDM rubber with adhesives or sealant tape.
• They weld seals in some membranes with a torch until the asphalt melts into the seams at risk

• Plan and design the roof correctly from the start. Think about its exposure to the elements and foot traffic. Design and plan a system that anticipates the intrusion of vents, angles, skylights, and entrance hatches. Choose installation and materials to forestall those problems.

• Oversee proper installation according to manufacturers specs. Joints, folds, seams, and flashings musts meet roofing where movement is likely to create pressure.

• Maintain the roof as part of maintenance routine. Keep foot traffic to a minimum, and prohibit smokers and anyone without reason to be on roof. Watch the work of sign installation and HVAC workers.  

The Duro Last Commercial Roofing System fits so well in Indiana because it has so much in common with Indiana businesses; it is hard working, tough, and resilient just like hoosiers. But that is not the only reason the trained network of Duro Last contractors/installers in Indiana have enjoyed dramatic increases in sales and demand for the single ply PVC membrane. Indiana Duro Last contractors are able to install flat roofs at a lower cost and are able to do it faster, with more efficiency, and little to no down time for the facility receiving the new flat roof.