Do you know what the weather’s like outside? If you can easily tell if it is raining, sunny, hot, or windy while sitting in your windowless office, you should look at the overall well-being of your building’s roof.
Commercial roofs are available in several forms, with each one built based on your budget and the building’s construction. Typical weather conditions, the surrounding environment, and other variables such as nearby foliage, animals, etc. are also going to have an impact on the roof’s integrity as time passes.
If you have decided you need to invest in commercial roof repair or replacement, it’s a good idea to learn about the different commercial roofing materials used. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most popular roof options.
1. EPDM Roofing
EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer roofing is commonly referred to as rubber roofing.
One of the main advantages of EPDM roofing is the price. This is one of the most inexpensive roofing materials available today. It’s also easy to install and is extremely lightweight, which means there’s no need to reinforce the roof deck.
With a high quality, properly installed EPDM roof, you can expect it to last for up to 20 years. This roofing material is durable, and it doesn’t scratch or scuff easily. The material is black, which means it absorbs the heat, and the powerful UV rays don't easily damage it.
2. Metal Roofing
Another popular material used for a commercial roof is metal. One of the reasons it’s so popular is because there’s a huge selection of metal materials available for this roofing option.
Some of the most popular types of metal used for a commercial roof include:
- Lead
- Corrugated galvanized steel
- Tin
- Aggregates of silicone-coated steel, aluminum, and zinc
- Stone-coated steel
- Metal tile sheets
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Copper
A metal roof does have a fire-resistance rating and is more durable and stronger than other commercial roofing options. They can also help to create a more sustainable design for any commercial building.
3. Built-Up Roofing Membrane
This roofing option has a lifespan of up to two decades or more when it is properly installed and maintained. It’s created by alternating layers of gravel and tar. The total number of layers helps to affect the durability, along with the cost.
It’s an affordable option and simple to repair. It’s also one of the most flexible and oldest types of roofs for commercial buildings.
This is a seamless roofing material that can hold up to foot traffic but depends on the stable understructure to carry the vibrations and weight of movement. It is a UV-resistant material, and you can have it coated to help reflect heat.
4. TPO
TPO is thermoplastic polyolefin roofing. It’s become more prevalent in recent years, especially for commercial property owners.
Similar to EPDM, TPO is another affordable roofing material, and it’s less expensive than the above-mentioned EPDM. Because TPO is white, it reflects the heat from the sun, reducing the build-up of heat in the building.
Another similarity to EPDM is that TPO is lightweight, and it can be installed in different ways. It can be fastened directly to your roof deck, or it can be fully adhered to the roof deck using adhesives.
Even better, TPO is resistant to breakdown and corrosion, and it’s not prone to the growth of mildew or algae, nor does it have to be pressure washed.
Another appealing benefit of TPO is the heat-welded seams, instead of the use of adhesives. With TPO, the plastics in the membrane are melted together. This helps to create a more dependable bond between the seams.
5. Modified Bitumen Roofing
Designed with reinforced roof fabrics that are adhered to serve as a carrier for the bitumen, which is cut with a laser and installed in layers. This type of roofing system is usually fastened to commercial rooftops as a two-ply system. It is adhered to the roofing deck providing maximum protection and stability.
Maintenance for a modified bitumen roof is simple, and it can usually be handled with regular cleaning and inspections. This roof also offers enhanced tensile strength compared to other flat roof types that have frequent foot traffic. If you expect there to be a lot of activity on the roof, then this material is likely going to be ideal.
6. Shingles
While shingles are most commonly used for residential properties, they can also be used for commercial roofing. Usually, shingles are used if the building ha a steep roofline.
Shingles are available in several materials, including ceramic, plastic, slate, architectural, and asphalt (to name a few). They are simple to install, versatile, and affordable.
Choosing the Best Commercial Roofing Materials
As you can see, there are several options when it comes to viable and affordable commercial roofing materials. As a business or property owner, it’s up to you to do plenty of research to figure out which option is best.
If you are looking for other information about business improvement or changes, be sure to check out some of our other blogs. We offer readers an array of valuable and accurate information that’s designed to ensure they can make informed decisions.
