Are you worried about the lifespan and durability of your commercial roof? Among multiple types of commercial roof materials, choosing the right one can be frustrating and confusing.
Although commercial and residential roofs provide protection from rain, they differ in their purpose. While residential roofs are designed to enhance the curb appeal of a home, commercial roofs withstand the heavy weight and high foot traffic.
So, what types of commercial roofing materials will suit your building best? What factors should you consider before purchasing commercial roofing material?
Whether you own a retail or a restaurant business, a durable roof is essential to avoid costly repairs. Therefore, we have compiled the top 6 types of commercial roofing materials to help you choose the best. Let’s discuss the commercial roofing system in detail.
Also Read : Why a Roof Cricket Is Important for Chimney Protection
What to Consider When Choosing Commercial Flat Roofing Material
Every roofing material has its advantages and disadvantages that allow us to make a choice. But what does commercial roofing mean? It refers to the flat and low-sloped roofs for commercial buildings with the ability to withstand the heavy weight. Therefore, a keen understanding of commercial roof building materials is also important.
Here are the factors that you should verify before making a purchase:
- Climate: Where is your building located, and what are the normal weather conditions out there?
- Building size and structure: Getting an estimate about your building size and type of roof helps you select the best roofing material.
- Budget: What is your price range for a commercial roof that is durable and cost-effective?
- Durability: What lifespan do you expect from your roof?
- Energy efficiency: Do you want to save on your electricity costs by installing energy-efficient roofing material?
- Maintenance: Some roofing materials require extra care and maintenance from time to time. So, calculate such things in advance to know if it fits within your budget range.
Also Read : A Complete Guide to Commercial Roofing Systems
Types of Commercial Roofing Systems
Let’s discuss the top 6 types of commercial roof materials with their pros and cons. What type of climate and roofing structure will best suit these?
- Metal Roofing
Metal roofing material is the most popular and durable type of commercial roofing material. It works best for commercial buildings located in windy areas and harsh weather conditions. Metal helps you save money by reducing maintenance costs.
So, there’s no need to worry about replacement and repair costs with metal roofs. Additionally, metal roofs with aluminium panels are 95% recyclable. So, it makes them the top choice for commercial business owners.
There are two types of metal roofing systems based on their structure, so you can opt for one within your price range:
- Standing seam metal
- Screw-down metal
Furthermore, the fire-resistant property of metal roofs has a separate fan base. Commercial businesses operating near fire zones or forests have a higher risk, so it protects your products and buildings from burning.
- Built-up Roofing Membrane
Built-up roofing is the most widely adopted roofing material in America after metal roofing. It is highly water and mildew resistant due to multiple layers of bitumen. Although BUR is expensive, it is perfect for commercial businesses that are at risk of water damage.
First, a smooth base is installed over the roof, and then experts heat the asphalt and coal tar to make it water resistant. They spread it over the roof with a mopping brush, and then they install fiberglass over it. After that, multiple layers of bitumen are applied to enhance its durability and water resistance.
Lastly, roofing experts work on the top layer, which can be either gravel or coated with reflective material to protect from sunlight. Although this type of commercial roof can withstand high foot traffic, here are some disadvantages that put owners in a spot:
- High labor cost
- Increased weight on walls due to multiple layers of heavy coal tar
- Installation complexity due to layering and hot coal tar
- It also requires maintenance for re-sealing or resurfacing
- Modified Bitumen Roofing
Although Mod-bit sounds like BUR, it differs in many aspects. Modified Bitumen Roofing is the modern method of building a roof with flexibility. Unlike other roofing materials, it contains polymers of plastic that give it its strength and flexibility.
There are two types of Mod-bit roofing material:
- SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene)
- APP (Atactic Polypropylene)
Both types have their pros and cons according to your climate conditions. For example, SBS goes well for commercial buildings in cold climates because it adapts to changing temperatures easily. There are also 4 different methods of installing the Mod-bit:
- Hot tar applied
- Cold tar applied
- Torch applied
- Self-adhered
It’s not only water-resistant and durable but also flexible and best for flat roofs. Coal tar and fiberglass prevent the water from seeping in and cause damage to your products.
4. Thermoset EPDM Membrane
Thermoset is a cost-effective roofing material with multiple roofing features. It resists water from seeping in and also reflects the UV light of the sun to keep the building cooler in hotter climates. But what we need to know is the composition of EPMD.
This rubber-like material, which has few seams, is made of ethylene and propylene. So it works best for commercial business owners on a tight budget because of lower maintenance needs. There are 3 methods to install this single-ply roofing membrane:
- Fully adhered
- Mechanically attached
- Ballasted
5. PVC Roofing
PVC roofing is a single membrane roofing made up of polyvinyl chloride. It is highly durable and heat-resistant due to its white color. Although this color gets dirty easily and requires cleanup, it also keeps your building cooler, thus cutting down your electricity costs.
PVC sheets consist of two layers:
- Top ply (contains additives that reflect the UV light)
- Bottom ply ( contains plasticizers for flexibility)
So, PVC sheets are not only durable and water resistant but also flexible to install. Many commercial business owners have installed them due to their weldable and fire-resistant abilities.
6. TPO Roofing
TPO roofing material is also a single-ply membrane with a white color and weldable properties. They are pocket-friendly and resistant to mildew and mold. It fits well for commercial business owners looking for an energy-efficient solution to reduce electricity consumption.
Installing a new commercial roof requires professionals and laborers, so make sure to add up all these factors while calculating the total cost.
Also Read : Step-by-Step Commercial Roof Inspection Checklist for 2025
What’s the Right Roof?
When you search for commercial roof replacement near me, you get a lot of commercial roofing companies. But what company and types of commercial roof materials should you choose? It depends on your priority and price range.
If you are looking for a strong and durable roof that can withstand high foot traffic, then go for Modified Bitumen or EPDM. Likewise, if single-ply membranes work best as energy-efficient solutions, Metal has a longer lifespan and also looks modern.
Rick’s Main Roofing provides roof installation, inspection, and replacement services in Connecticut for all types of roofs. We use the industry standard roofing materials to deliver reliable and unmatched roofing structures. Whether you own a commercial or a residential building, contact us today, as we’re just a click away from building your roof.
FAQS
What is the most common commercial roofing material?
Single-ply membrane is the most popular roofing material due to its energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
What is the best commercial roof?
It depends on your priority and budget. Metal has longer lifespans, and single membranes work well to cut down your electricity costs.
What are the 4 most common types of roofs?
TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, and Metal are popular types of commercial roof materials for their water resistance and durability.
What is the most popular type of roofing material?
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing material in the USA, whereas TPO is trending among commercial buildings for its cost-effectiveness.
