Do you own a warehouse or a retail store and are worried about choosing the type of roofing material? Commercial roofing not only protects your products but also withstands the load of heavy machinery. So, a strong commercial roofing system is important to store your products in bulk. But what commercial roof types are beneficial, and what is the preferred shape of such roofing systems?
In this blog, we will cover everything about commercial roofing installation and replacement. What type of roofing material is best for high-traffic roofs? Moreover, how climate change affects the commercial building roof structure.
Commercial Roofing Materials and Modern Technology
How has modern technology improved commercial roof construction? Modern technology from OpenAI to DeepSeck has revolutionized every aspect of life, and so has roofing. It helps you to detect leaks and cracks through roof sensors without the need to climb up. Moreover, people are also opting for roof cooling technology, which reduces the electricity costs.
A report by Maximize Market Research indicates that the roofing market is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%
But what is the best commercial roofing material that can withstand climate changes without being expanded? Many surveys reveal that TPO and metal roofing are the most popular types of commercial roofing systems in 2025.
Choosing a Commercial Roofing System
How will you decide which type of roofing material will work best for your commercial site? Choosing the right commercial roofing system is important because this roof will be used to store heavy products.
So, here are some factors that you should take into consideration before making a choice:
- Your budget: How much money have you planned to invest in your roof? Can you afford an asphalt shingle tile or a metal roof?
- Climate: What types of seasonal variations occur in your region? Will your commercial space witness snow or heavy rain?
- Building use: What’s your business plan and strategy? What are you planning to build at this commercial site after completion?
- Maintenance needs: If you can maintain or manage your roof inspection at least 2 days a week, then opt for high-quality roofing materials.
- Roof shape: What will be the shape of your commercial roof? Many people like to go for low-pitched and less sloped roofs for commercial buildings.
You can also discuss it with local commercial roofing contractors for a precise and accurate suggestion. Moreover, research by yourself on all types of materials and select the one that meets your needs.
Benefits and Considerations for Commercial Roofing Systems
Commercial roofs differ from residential ones in their surface area and weight-lifting capacity. They are not only built to provide protection but also serve as an energy-efficient solution. Therefore, people should opt for metal and EPDM roofs for durability and strength.
Here are some things to consider for a commercial roofing system:
- Cost: Don’t try to save money while choosing the roofing material because it completes the building. If you save a few dollars now, you might have to replace the roof later or install a new one because of poor tile quality.
- Local regulations: Like home zoning laws, there are also some regulations for commercial roofs. You must comply with those safety lines and slope rules for your roof.
- Future expansion: Do you have any plans to install solar panels or chimneys on your roof? Plan about these things prior and choosing the roofing material that supports and withstands the weight of panels.
Shape of Commercial Roofs
Which shapes work best for commercial roofs to improve drainage? Every roof shape has its advantages over the other, so it’s important to understand them before finalizing.
- Flat Roofs: Flat roofs are the most common and neutral form of roofing. Many commercial business owners opt for flat roofs to install solar panels or use them as a floor.
- Low-Slope Roofs: This type of roof works best for commercial buildings because it doesn’t let the water stay. Low-sloped roofs drain all water to gutter channels to keep the products secure from moisture damage.
- Pitched Roofs: The only difference between residential and commercial roofs is pitch. Residential buildings are designed to add beauty but are less functional. Whereas a commercial sites are built to be put to use.
- Domed or Curved Roofs: Have you ever seen a commercial building with a dome or curved roof? At first, you might say it’s weird to have a curved roof at commercial sites. But all the malls and restaurants have dome or curved-type roofings.
Types of Commercial Roofing Systems
Why should you opt for these specific roofing materials, and how do they serve as energy-efficient solutions? Why are they the top choice of Connecticut’s people? Let’s discuss the roofing types in detail:
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
Thermoplastic Polyolefin is highly suitable for low-sloped commercial roofs due to its rubber composition. It comes in sheets in various colors, including white and gray. Moreover, TPO can be installed for a commercial building roof through attachment or ballasted methods.
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM is the most used roofing type in the US due to its ability to resist UV light. It is composed of natural gas and oil, making it highly resilient. Further, it is used for low-steep roofs to protect products from the sun’s damaging rays.
- Metal Roofing
Metal roofing material is a bit expensive as compared to other tiles, but it comes with a 40-year lifespan. It is best for warehouse roofs with a high load of products. Moreover, if your commercial space is located in snowy areas, metal tiles work best for weather changes.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC comes with two layers of roofing material, in which the first ply protects from the sun’s damaging rays, and the second layer of material is used as a fixture to fix the PVC material. Some people also fix the PVC sheets together to make them water-resistant.
- Modified Bitumen
Do you want to use asphalt tile for your commercial roofing system? Then opt for bitumen, which is prepared from asphalt and one chemical layer. It makes it too strong to bear the weight of different products.
Rick’s Main Roofing Knows Commercial Roofing
Are you still confused about the type and shape of your commercial roof? Then, read the above-mentioned factors again for a clear understanding. After all, choosing the right type of roofing material not only reduces future expenses but also cuts down the electricity costs.
Rick’s Main Roofing offers commercial, industrial, and residential roofing services throughout Connecticut. We not only provide commercial roof replacement but also recommendations.
Whether you want to fix your cracked or leaking roof, drop us a message. Our commercial roofing services are available to you throughout Connecticut!
FAQS
How do commercial roofing systems differ from residential ones?
The only difference between residential and commercial sites is the pitch and surface area of the roof.
What is the most durable commercial roofing material in 2025?
TPO and EPDM are the most durable roofing materials in 2025. Moreover, metal roofing also leads the way with a lifespan of 40 years.
How do I choose the right commercial roofing system for my building?
Set your budget and then identify the regional and climate challenges to skim your research. Select the roofing system that best suits your roofing needs.
Is it better to repair or replace a commercial roof?
It depends on the age of your roof and the type of damage. If the roof is new, there’s no need to replace it; you can simply repair it.
How does roof shape impact commercial roofing options?
All roof shapes have different pitches and slopes. So, if you have opted for a flat roof, the drainage will be low as compared to dome or curved roofs.