ERC Wind Vented Roofing System: Superior Protection
If you’re contemplating replacing the roof on your commercial property, or are looking to install a new one, chances are you’ve come across the term “wind vented roofing system.”
Having first appeared on the market several decades ago, this roofing system, which relies on the wind to create a seal and provide protection, is growing in popularity with commercial and industrial roofers everywhere.
There are a lot of reasons why this is the case, and also why you should be harnessing the wind for your next roof.
WHAT IS A WIND VENTED ROOFING SYSTEM?
A wind vented roofing system is a type of low-slope roof installation process that relies on negative pressure generated by the wind to seal a membrane to an underlying substrate.
To put it more plainly, it’s a type of roof that sticks because the wind forces it to.
It differs from other types of roof installation, which require the use of weights (ballasted roof), nails (mechanically adhered), or adhesives (adhered roofs) to secure the membrane.
Instead of any of these traditional methods, strategically placed air vents speed up the passing wind, which creates a vacuum under the membrane. This means that all the air pushes out from under the membrane, creating a perfect seal using nothing by the laws of physics.
The concepts behind a wind vented roofing system have been around for centuries, mainly the Venturi Effect and the Bernoulli Principle. Both deal with wind and air pressure and help explain why flight is possible.
However, relatively recent patents, and data to prove this method’s success, are creating considerable opportunities for both property owners and contractors when it comes to wind-vented roofing systems.
WHAT IS AN ERC WIND VENTED ROOFING SYSTEM?
An ERC Wind Vented Roofing System is a type of wind-vented roof designed and manufactured by Environmental Roofing Concepts (ERC).
At Premier Group, we have chosen to work with ERC systems because of their commitment to quality and stringent quality standards, which are designed to comply with even the strictest building codes.
The value of a wind vented roofing system lies in its durability, which is only enhanced when quality materials are used.
BENEFITS OF WIND VENTED ROOFING SYSTEMS
The benefits of wind vented roofing systems to most commercial and sometimes even residential applications are numerous.
Some of the most meaningful and relevant include:
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Easy installation — Wind vented roofing systems can be installed right on top of your existing roof and insulation. No need to remove or reinstall what’s already there. This dramatically reduces the amount of time needed for installation, and reduces the impact of the roof replacement process.
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Fewer materials — Because wind vented roofs can be installed on top of existing roofs, there are far fewer materials involved, reducing install time and also limiting the environmental impact of the job.
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Extreme wind resistance — The faster the wind blows, the tighter these roofs will grip to what’s underneath. It’s just science. These roofs will not blow away in the wind and will stand up better to extreme weather than any other type of roofing system.
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Performs as good or better than an adhered roof — In addition to holding up better against the wind, wind vented roofs also outperform other types of roof in moisture protection. The updraft and vacuum created by the vents, in addition to creating the vacuum seal, also sucks out any moisture. This leaves the underlying layers protected and dry for years to come.
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Holds up to cold weather — Cold weather is also no problem for wind vented roofs. In fact, because they don’t rely on adhesives, they can be installed at any temperature. How cold it is outside has nothing to do with the physics of how the roof works, so it will remain sealed tight no matter the weather .
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Doesn’t involve hazardous chemicals — Many of the adhesives used to seal down roof membranes are toxic at worst or terrible smelling at best. This can be a tremendous nuisance to customers and employees, sometimes for weeks depending on the scale of the project. Wind vented roofs don’t rely on these chemicals and use an install process that is much less invasive.
DOWNSIDES OF WIND-VENTED ROOFING
In reality, there aren’t a lot of “downsides” to wind-vented roofs. But nothing is perfect. If you decide to go this route, here are some of the challenges you might face:
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Aesthetic — There’s no secret that this type of roofing system was created for commercial applications. But it’s becoming more popular in residential settings. No matter which applies to you, if you want a specific look from your roof, you might have a harder time finding it. However, for most, the practical benefits of the system far outweigh its aesthetic shortcomings.
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Finding someone to do it — While wind-vented roofing is becoming increasingly popular, it’s still relatively new. The installation process, albeit simple, requires training and time to learn. For this reason, fewer contractors handle this type of roof. At Premier Group, we pride ourselves in being wind-vented roof experts and are excited to see its continued growth.
GET FITTED WITH YOUR ERC WIND VENTED ROOF TODAY
The vote is in. The jury has decided. The queen has declared: wind vented roofing is here to stay.
With numerous performance advantages over other types of roofing, combined with a simplified installation process and a proven track record, there’s no reason not to consider a wind-vented roof as you move to replace or repair your existing commercial roof.
When you’re ready to get started, contact Premier Group. We’re here to help.