Steep Slope

Brown metal building

American Institute of Architects North Carolina

Baker Roofing Company of Raleigh Location: Raleigh, NC Industry: Commercial Real Estate Contributing Departments: Commercial Steep Slope Scope of Work: New construction zinc metal roof, downspouts, and cypress wood siding The North Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects set out to build a new headquarters located in downtown Raleigh, NC. Baker Roofing was selected to install […]

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Historic stone and clay tile roof dorm building on Duke University's campus

Commercial Steep Slope Earns National Reputation

When Baker Roofing Company started over 100 years ago, there were only two departments, BUR (built up roofing) and the other types of roofing, notably metal. Today, the company has multiple departments that install a variety of roofing materials, from architectural shingles and tile to single-ply and specialty metal. One of those departments is Commercial

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Aerial view of a historic cathedral on Duke University's campus

Duke Chapel Historic Preservation Project Feature

Baker Roofing Company was honored to have one of its recently completed institutional projects featured in Roofing Magazine’s November/December 2016 issue. Roofing Magazine published its first issue in March/April 2010, and since then has strived to be an industry leading publication that unravels, investigates and analyzes how to properly design, install and maintain a roof

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Waterhead

A box-shaped component that connects scuppers to downspouts, helping control the flow of roof runoff and avoiding unsightly cascades. Waterheads are also called conductor heads or rainheads.

Expansion Joints

Flexible joints built into a roof system that absorb movement from expansion and contraction. They prevent cracking and leaks at connections between different parts of your roof assembly.

Drip Edge

An L-shaped piece of roof edge flashing that helps rainwater flow off the roof and away from the fascia boards. It prevents water from seeping under shingles or other roofing materials, protecting the roof deck from rot.

Capillary Action

The process where water moves into tiny gaps or along narrow spaces, often against gravity, because of surface tension. In roofing, it can draw water into seams or cut edges, leading to hidden leaks and damage.

Membrane

The waterproof layer in a roofing system that protects the building from water intrusion and reflects sunlight, lowering energy costs. It’s usually the top layer of the roofing system and can be made of materials like TPO, PVC, EPDM, or modified bitumen.

Heat welded thermoplastic membrane

A type of white single-ply roofing membrane that’s sealed at the seams using hot air, creating a waterproof layer over the roof. It’s commonly used on flat or low-slope commercial buildings, since these roofs need to most protection from water infiltration.

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)

A black, gray or white rubber roofing membrane known for its long lifespan. It’s commonly used on flat or low-slope buildings and is typically glued down, mechanically fastened or ballasted, not heat-welded.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

A high-end type of heat-welded thermoplastic membrane that stands up well to oils and chemicals. It’s ideal for restaurants or industrial buildings for its extra resistance, though it usually costs more.

TPO (thermoplastic olefin)

A durable type of heat-welded thermoplastic membrane that reflects sunlight and helps reduce cooling costs. It’s a cost-effective option for flat roofs but may not perform as well as PVC in harsh environments.

End cap

A metal cap that seals the open end of gutters, flashings, or panels. End caps prevent water from spilling and protect roof edges from corrosion or leaks.

Soldered joint

A watertight joint created by joining metal roofing or flashing components together. Soldered joints provide long-lasting, durable seals against water infiltration.

Parapet wall

The short wall that extends above the roofline, often around the roof’s edge, to provide safety, block wind, and in some cases help manage water drainage. In roofing, parapet walls are usually capped with coping to keep water from seeping into the wall structure.

Retro drain

A roof drain retrofit designed to fit inside existing piping without major demolition. Retro drains are cost-effective solutions for improving drainage on older roofs.