Do you ever worry about how long your commercial roof will last? And how to choose the best one, when there are so many options present in the market for commercial roofing material types.
Both of these residential and commercial roofs protect the property from rain, but understand that they are pretty much different from each other.
We are aware that residential roofs are made to enhance the beauty and durability of homes. On the other hand, commercial roofs are a great option for heavy-weight and heavy-foot traffic.
Now, we may think about what the common commercial roofing materials are that ensure your building will stay firm for decades.
No matter if you own a clothing store or a small cafe, you need to ensure it’s safe with a strong commercial roof installed. You don’t have to stress about how to ensure which material will be perfect for your business. No worries, as we’ll be talking about in detail in the following piece. Why wait? Let’s start exploring the commercial roofing material types.
What to Consider When Choosing Commercial Flat Roofing Materials
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 heavy weights. Therefore, a keen understanding of commercial roof building materials is also important.
First, you have to understand the factors that play an important role in making the best decision:
- Climate conditions: You have to look for the weather conditions of the preferred area to build in.
- Structure and size of building: This one is also very crucial. When you already have an estimate for the size of the building and what type of roof you’ll be installing, it’s great, as it’ll save you from many problems.
- Finances: This one is very important, as you have to be sure about which options come under your budget
- Longevity: It’s also good to discuss with your roofer how long you are expecting your roof to last.
- Energy efficiency: Also, discuss what the good options are to bring more energy efficiency.
- Maintenance: Some materials need more care and maintenance than others. It’s also something you have to discuss in advance.
Commercial Roofing Material Types
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?
1. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing material is the most popular and durable type of commercial roofing material. This is the best option for the commercial buildings that are located in areas where you have to deal with intense weather conditions. And in this scenario, if you go for a metal roof, you can save a bunch of money due to minimal maintenance.
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.
2. 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. Then, you have to spread it evenly on the roof. For this purpose, you can use a mopping brush. Next, fiberglass will be installed on it. After that, various layers of bitumen will be applied to increase the resistance and durability.
Also, roofing contractors are capable of working on the top layer, which is either gravel or coated with reflective material to protect against UV rays. Although this type of commercial roof can withstand high foot traffic, some disadvantages put owners in a tough 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
3. 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 plastic polymers that give it 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 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.
Also, we have to understand EPDM composition.
It is a rubber-like material, having a few seams made of propylene and ethylene. That’s why it is the best for commercial business owners, who don’t have much of a budget or can’t maintain it regularly.
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 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. This option of roofing is also very budget-friendly and shows resistance against mold and mildew. This makes it a good fit for commercial business owners who are looking for an energy-efficient solution to reduce their energy bills.
If you prefer to install a new commercial roof that requires professional workers, costs can go higher, so ensure you have a buffer in the total cost.
What’s an Ideal 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 simply depends on your budget and needs.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the three common types of flat roof construction?
Mainly, there are three common types of flat roofing:
- Built-up Roofing (BUR)
- Modified Bitumen Roofing (MBR)
- Rubber Membrane Roofing (EPDM)
Every one of these comes with specific perks. Based upon these benefits, you can make the smart decision towards choosing the perfect one for your property.
2. What is the best commercial roofing material?
TPO is the best and most common choice for commercial roofing. It is not only a budget-friendly option but also shows a great performance and brings in better energy efficiency. This means your energy bills will be lower, making it best for commercial properties.
3. Which ones are the famous roofing materials?
If we have to select it on a geographical basis, particularly for the USA, Asphalt shingles are the more common choice. For the commercial buildings, TPO is considered a great choice.
