For industrial facility owners in Pennsylvania looking for dependable and superior roofing solutions, Varner is your ideal partner. Specializing in industrial roofing, we provide an extensive array of services from addressing leaks to executing full roof overhauls. Our team recognizes the critical role your facility’s roof plays in safeguarding your operations, inventory, and equipment, which is why we utilize only top-grade materials and outstanding workmanship to ensure robustness and functionality. With Varner, anticipate a tailored service, meticulous attention to detail, and a streamlined process tailored to align with your unique requirements and financial plan. Allow us to secure your facility with a roof engineered to endure the rigors of industrial 
demands.
What we offer:
- Comprehensive Assessments of Existing Roofing Systems
- Industrial Single Ply Roofing System Upgrades
- Silicone Roof Coatings for Enhanced Protection
- Durable Standing Seam Metal Roofing
- Specialized Repair Services.
- Industrial Gutter Installations
Key Topics and Trends to Keep in Mind Related to Industrial Roofing Services in the Northeast United States
Below are a few trends and unique attributes that characterize industrial roofing in the Northeastern United States. These points reflect both the region’s specific climate challenges and local market drivers that influence design, materials, and installation methods.
1. Heavy Snow Loads and Freeze-Thaw Cycles
- Structural Reinforcement: The Northeast sees significant snowfall in the winter, requiring industrial roofs to handle heavier loads. Roof structures are often designed or retrofitted for extra structural support, especially in areas that experience intense snow accumulation (e.g., upstate New York, northern New England).
- Ice Damming Concerns: Recurring freeze-thaw cycles can cause ice dams along roof edges and gutters. As a result, building owners and contractors in the region pay special attention to detailing, insulation levels, and drainage systems to mitigate the risk of leaks and structural damage.
- Steep Slope or Modified Slope Design: In some industrial facilities, a moderate to steep slope is used to facilitate rapid snow shedding, minimizing excessive weight buildup.
2. High Emphasis on Insulation and Thermal Performance
- Energy Efficiency: Given the cold winters and the growing push toward sustainability, industrial buildings in the Northeast are designed with higher R-values (insulation ratings) compared to many other regions. This is often tied to local or state energy codes (e.g., those modeled on or exceeding the International Energy Conservation Code).
- Reduced Heating Costs: Well-insulated roofing systems help mitigate the high cost of heating, which is a significant operating expense for large facilities in colder climates.
3. Robust Waterproofing Systems (Rain, Snow, and Coastal Influences)
- Water Intrusion Resistance: Heavy rain, nor’easters, and coastal storms call for stronger waterproofing solutions. Single-ply membranes (TPO, PVC, EPDM) with fully adhered or mechanically fastened systems are common, but the detailing around penetrations (vents, HVAC units, etc.) is more extensive to account for driving wind and rain.
- Coastal and Salt Exposure: Facilities along coastal regions (from southern New England to the Jersey Shore) must consider corrosion-resistant fasteners, flashing, and metals to combat salt-laden air.
4. Adoption of “Green” and “Blue” Roof Systems
- Green Roof Initiatives: Urban areas such as Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia are increasingly encouraging or mandating green infrastructure. Industrial buildings seeking tax credits or stormwater fee reductions may install vegetative roof systems (green roofs) to help with stormwater management and insulation.
- Blue Roofs for Stormwater Management: Some cities have begun embracing “blue roofs,” which temporarily retain stormwater on the roof surface and release it slowly. These systems help reduce the burden on municipal stormwater systems—an important initiative in older Northeastern cities with combined sewer overflows.
5. Emphasis on Roof Replacement and Retrofits in Older Building Stock
- Historic and Legacy Buildings: The Northeast has many older industrial facilities, some dating back to the 19th or early 20th century. Retrofitting these buildings can be more complex due to structural limitations, existing roof layers, or unique architectural details.
- Code Compliance Upgrades: When older roofs are replaced, owners often must bring the entire assembly up to modern codes, which can involve upgrading fire ratings, seismic/wind load capacity, and adding or improving insulation.
6. Local and State Incentives for Sustainability and Solar
- Solar PV Integration: With rising energy costs and sustainability goals, there is a growing trend toward rooftop solar installations. States like Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey provide incentives for renewable energy systems. Contractors often coordinate with solar installers to ensure the roof assembly can support and protect solar arrays.
- Cool Roofs: Some municipalities encourage or require cool roofing materials (highly reflective membranes or coatings) to reduce urban heat island effects and energy consumption. This can be especially popular in dense urban areas like NYC and Boston.
7. Skilled Labor, Union Presence, and Workforce Considerations
- Unionized Markets: Many Northeastern states have strong union traditions in commercial construction. This can affect project timelines, labor costs, and contractor selection. Union training programs often emphasize higher skill and certification standards, which can be beneficial for complex industrial roofing projects.
- Labor Shortages and Specialized Expertise: Despite strong union presence, there is a continued challenge in finding enough skilled tradespeople. As roofing materials become more advanced (e.g., green roof assemblies, sophisticated flashing, solar integration), demand for specialized expertise grows.
8. Regulatory Environment
- Stringent Building Codes: Northeastern states often adopt (or exceed) the International Building Code (IBC) and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements. This can lead to more robust roofing specifications (e.g., higher wind-uplift standards, additional insulation, or specialized fire ratings).
- Local Variances: Major cities like Boston and New York City have their own building departments with amendments to state codes, especially around energy efficiency, sustainability, and fire safety. Projects often require navigating multiple layers of code compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of industrial roofs?
Varner Roofing specializes in various types of industrial roofs, designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and heavy-duty usage. The primary types include:
- Metal Roofing: Popular for its durability, longevity, and fire resistance. Metal roofs are suitable for large industrial buildings due to their ability to support heavier loads and resist environmental factors.
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR): This traditional tar-and-gravel roof is composed of multiple layers, making it highly resistant to water and wear, ideal for factories with heavy machinery.
- Single-Ply Membranes (TPO, EPDM, PVC): These are lightweight, flexible membranes that are easy to install and maintain. They offer good resistance to chemicals, ultraviolet light, and ozone, which is particularly important in chemical plants or buildings exposed to harsh conditions.
- Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF): A seamless roofing option that provides excellent insulation and waterproofing qualities, suitable for a variety of industrial settings, especially those requiring high energy efficiency.
What is the difference between commercial and industrial roofing?
The primary difference between commercial and industrial roofing lies in their design and material requirements due to differing usage demands:
- Design Requirements: Industrial roofs often need to accommodate heavier loads, such as industrial HVAC systems and the exhausts from manufacturing processes. Commercial roofs may prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality, especially in retail and customer-facing environments.
- Material Durability: Industrial roofing materials are generally selected for their ability to withstand harsh chemical exposures, extreme temperatures, and abrasive conditions. Commercial roofs might use materials that are less rugged but more visually appealing.
- Maintenance Needs: Industrial roofs may require more frequent inspections and maintenance due to harsh operating conditions, whereas commercial roofs often have simpler maintenance needs.
What is the best industrial roof?
The best industrial roof depends on the specific needs of the facility. However, Metal Roofing and Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) roofing are generally considered top choices due to their durability and protective features. Metal roofs are exceptionally durable and can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance, while SPF provides excellent insulation and seamless coverage, which can significantly reduce energy costs in industrial settings.
What is the most common commercial roofing material?
The most common commercial roofing material is Single-Ply Membrane, specifically TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin). TPO roofs are favored for their balance of cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of installation. They are particularly valued in commercial applications for their energy efficiency and their ability to reflect UV rays, helping to keep buildings cooler and reduce air conditioning costs.
