If you are a building owner or commercial property manager, you know that having a good roof is imperative. A strong, well-maintained roof protects your property from the elements and can help you save money on energy costs. There are many different types of commercial roofing systems, and it can be difficult to decide which is right for your building.
In this blog post, we will discuss the top five most common commercial roofing types.
What to consider when choosing one of the top five most common commercial roofing types.
When choosing a commercial roofing system, you must first consider the climate in which your building is located. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you will need a roof that can withstand high winds and heavy rain, hail, and snow.
In addition, you must also consider the type of building you have. If you have a flat roof, you will need a different roofing system than if you have a pitched roof.
Once you have considered the climate and the type of building you have, you can start to compare different commercial roofing systems. Some of the most popular options include metal roofs, modify bitumen and rubber roofs.
Metal roofs are very strong and durable, but they can be quite expensive. Modify Bitumen roofs are less expensive than metal roofs, but they are not as durable. Rubber roofs are a good middle-ground option, as they are more durable than bitumen but not as expensive as metal roofs.
When choosing a commercial roofing system, it is important to consult with a roofing expert. They will be able to help you choose the best roof for your building and climate. They can also help you install the roof, which is important to ensure that it will last for many years.
1. Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is the most popular type of commercial roofing. It’s made up of a rubber-like material that’s been heated and then applied to a substrate.
The modified bitumen roofing system is thought of as the evolutionary cousin of the built-up roofing system (BUR) that has been used on low-slope roofs for more than 100 years.
A rugged-yet-flexible waterproof membrane is created by combining asphalt with polymerized rubber or plastic, then reinforcing it with fiberglass.
Modified bitumen roofing is used mostly on commercial roofs that are either flat or have a low slope. These membranes may be installed as part of a two-layer system or a multi-ply system, depending on the type and material.
This type of roofing is very durable and can last up to 20 years, making it number one in the list of the top five most common commercial roofing types.
2. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is another popular choice for commercial buildings. It’s exceptionally durable, and the lifespan of durable metal roofing is 40 to 60 years, making it a very popular commercial roof type.
Some common metal roofing materials for commercial buildings include corrugated galvanized steel, aluminum, zinc, tin, tile sheets, copper, and coated or stainless steel.
Metal roofing can have an attractive, finished look, and strong fire resistance ratings and are stronger and more sustainable than many other options.
The downside to metal is that it is susceptible to corrosion. Modern metal roofs have protective surface layers added to manage damage from exposure, moisture, pollution, and other environmental factors because of this issue. It’s also resistant to fire and wind damage.
3. PVC Roofing
PVC roofing is a type of roofing that’s made from plastic. It’s very durable and can last for up to 30 years. It’s also resistant to fire and wind damage.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC). These types of roof membranes are slow to damage from UV light, chemicals including fats and oils, or bacterial growth.
They are lightweight and puncture resistant and have a heat-reflective surface. Other benefits of PTFE-coated fabric include strong air-welded seams, fire resistance, and tolerance to both high temperatures and high winds.
Cheap, poorly made products can be a downside. Many small manufacturers have tried to create their own product lines since TPO has become so popular, but this has caused the quality to slip through the cracks. You should only purchase this type of product from a reputable manufacturer.
4. Spray on Roofing
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a material that begins as a liquid spray and instantly expands into a foam, hardening into a solid layer.
Although not well-known, this particular eco-friendly roofing has been around since the early 1960s and is applied on top of an existing roof.
An SPF roofing system waterproofs your roof and adds an insulating factor. When installed and maintained properly, this product can withstand any climate and last up to 50 years.
5. Thermoset EPDM Roof Membrane
Thermoset EPDM roof membranes are made from rubber and plastic materials and can last for up to 30 years.
EPDM is a durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane that is roll-based. An EPDM roof system, also known as Thermoset roofing, offers strong resistance to sunlight and pollution. It is a long-lasting, versatile, and easy-to-install product.
EPDM comes in white and black rolls. In addition to sun and pollution resistance, this single-ply rubber is durable in the face of many common solvents like alcohol or acids.
One downside to EDPM roofing is that it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option available, and it can be punctured more easily than other types of roofing (for example, if there is falling debris or people walking on the roof).
Choosing one of the top five most common commercial roofing types
The longevity of the roof and its annual maintenance cost among other things such as energy costs of the various types and colors of roofing materials should be considered.
A dark-colored roof may reduce a cold weather climate’s heating bill, while a white roof may limit a warm climate office’s strain on their air conditioner.
Ask an Expert
If you have questions about commercial roof types, or how to solve the most common issues commercial buildings have, you should ask an expert.
Quick Question
We’ve installed millions of square feet of commercial roofing and have three generations of experience working with all kinds of roofing materials – something we’re very proud of!
Our experts can walk you through all types of commercial installations. We know all about roofs, including EPDM, PVC, built-up coal tar, modified bitumen, and metal roofs.
The three most important factors that we always address are finding the right roof for your budget, delivering quality work that lasts, and installing the most appropriate roof system for your structure.
