Proper design can provide suitable protection of those areas that will receive regular traffic for access to rooftop units requiring periodic and routine inspection and maintenance. Aesthetic The appearance of the roofing system is often of concern to schools, hospitals, public buildings and commercial structures. With sheet membrane roofing systems, designers can choose to enhance the appearance of the roof through the use of white, light or colored membranes, or even patterns made from paver systems. Whatever the desired effect, there is a flexible sheet membrane system to provide it. Also contributing to system design choices are the factors of code compliance and cost.
Cost is always the factor against which all the other choices are weighed.
As in all industries, the roofing industry is increasingly sensitive to environmental concerns. Today, most research and development efforts are being directed towards the development of more environmentally compatible products. In roofing, these include adhesives and tapes that reduce or eliminate the use of solvents, as well as packaging methods to reduce job-site waste. Another noteworthy trend is the increasing institutionalization of roof maintenance programs. Facility managers have come to the realization that roofing systems, regardless of type, benefit from periodic inspection and the performance of basic maintenance techniques.