5 Types of Commercial Roofing: Everything You Need to Know
While often out of sight, the materials of your commercial building’s roof can impact every part of your business’s facility, from its longevity and appearance to your monthly energy bill and insurance premiums.
So, which kind of roofing is right for your business? Let s explore the five popular types of commercial roofing and everything you need to know about them.
The Basics of Commercial Roofing
Roofing is not a one size fits all business, and it is essential that you find a solution tailored to your building's needs. To help you explore your options, we have narrowed our assessment down to five key considerations businesses care most about:
Maintenance Requirements: Commercial roofs can last longer with the proper maintenance. However, some materials require more care than others. It is helpful to find a building material that meets your maintenance standards.
Expense: Are you looking for a higher upfront and long term investment or a more affordable short term option?
Sustainability: When exploring sustainable roofing, it’s vital to consider recyclable materials and the energy conservation potential of your options.
Weatherability: If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, you will likely want a roof designed to withstand local challenges. For instance, businesses in Kernersville, NC, will want roofing built for extreme summer heat, UV exposure, high winds during hurricane season, and the occasional bout of mild wintery weather.
Appearance: While many commercial buildings have flat roofs that stay out of sight, others offer more visibility and the opportunity to brand the building with your business’s signature color.
1. EPDM Commercial Roofing:
Durable and Reliable If you are looking for durable protection, EPDM is an excellent choice. EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer commercial roofing is a sturdy synthetic rubber material. You’ll most commonly find EPDM on flat or low-slope roofs. Known for its long lifespan often 25 to 50 years with proper maintenance, this roofing material can handle almost any environment.
Maintenance Requirements: EPDM requires minimal maintenance and typically does not require special treatments. However, occasional cleanings and inspections can help prolong your roof’s lifespan.
Expense: EPDM is cost effective compared to other roofing materials like TPO or PVC, both in terms of installation and long term maintenance.
Sustainability: While it is petroleum based, EPDM is recyclable, offering some environmental benefits. It is available in black, which absorbs heat, or white, which reflects sunlight for better energy efficiency in warmer climates.
Weatherability: EPDM is known for its strong performance in extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and hail. It is also less likely to crack or be damaged by debris. The material comes in large sheets, which reduces seams and minimizes the risk of leaks.
Appearance: EPDM is generally used for function rather than aesthetics. However, businesses can customize the roof’s appearance with a few color options.
2. TPO: A Balanced Solution
TPO Thermoplastic Olefin roofing is a single ply, energy efficient membrane often used for flat or low slope commercial roofs. Made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber, TPO offers noteworthy UV resistance, heat reflectivity, and durability.
Maintenance Requirements: TPO requires minimal maintenance and performs well in various climates. However, routine cleanings, inspections, and the occasional application of a protective coating can prolong its lifespan.
Expense: TPO is considered one of the more affordable options for flat roofing, offering a good balance between cost, durability, and energy efficiency.
Sustainability: The material is also environmentally friendly, as it is fully recyclable. Additionally, when using the reflective white version, TPO can help reduce cooling costs by reflecting sunlight.
Weatherability: While it is known for being resistant to UV rays and weathering, TPO can be prone to degradation if installed poorly or exposed to extreme weather over time. Regular inspections and proper installation are key to ensuring its long term performance.
Appearance: TPO is available in various colors, with the white variant being the most common due to its reflective qualities.
3. Modified Bitumen Roofing: Flexible and Resilient
Modified bitumen roofing is a multi layered roofing system known for its durability and waterproofing capabilities.
Maintenance Requirements: Modified bitumen requires periodic inspections and maintenance to ensure seams and layers remain intact.
Expense: This roofing type tends to be cost effective over time, offering strong performance with a moderate initial investment.
Sustainability: Many modified bitumen systems use recycled materials and provide excellent insulation properties.
Weatherability: Modified bitumen is highly resistant to heavy rain, foot traffic, and even fire.
Appearance: Typically dark colored, this roofing system is more about function than aesthetics.
4. Built Up Roofing BUR: Classic and Sturdy
Built up roofing BUR is a time tested roofing system that consists of multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics to create a strong, waterproof barrier.
Maintenance Requirements: BUR requires periodic inspections to ensure its layered structure remains intact.
Expense: BUR is moderately priced and provides long term durability.
Sustainability: Many BUR systems incorporate recycled materials, contributing to sustainability.
Weatherability: BUR provides excellent protection against water infiltration, UV rays, and extreme temperatures.
Appearance: Similar to modified bitumen, BUR is usually dark in color and focuses on function over aesthetics.
5. Metal Roofing: Built to Last
Standing seam metal roofing is a highly durable and long lasting roofing system. Despite the higher initial cost, metal roofing s longevity, reliability, and energy efficiency make it a popular choice for businesses looking for a “set it and forget it” roofing choice.
Maintenance Requirements: Metal roofs require little maintenance and are resistant to issues like rot, mold, and algae growth.
Expense: While metal roofing is more expensive upfront compared to asphalt or other roofing materials, it typically lasts 0 to 70 years, making it a long term investment.
Sustainability: Made from materials like steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc, metal roofs are highly recyclable, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. They are also energy efficient, especially when coated with reflective finishes that reduce cooling costs.
Weatherability: Metal roofs are known for their resistance to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, hail, fires, and strong winds. However, they can be prone to denting from hail or debris impact.
Appearance: Metal roofing is available in a variety of styles and colors, offering versatility in design and appearance.
6. Asphalt Roofing: Customizable and Affordable
Asphalt roofing is one of the most common and affordable roofing materials. While it is most often used on residential homes, it also has its place in the commercial building sector. At Allied Roofing, we focus solely on commercial roofing and do not provide services for single-family residential homes but can assist with installation or repair of asphalt roofing for commercial projects.
Maintenance Requirements: Asphalt shingles require periodic maintenance, including cleaning and inspections, to ensure they remain in good condition.
Expense: While asphalt roofing is affordable, it has a shorter lifespan than other materials, typically lasting around 15 to 30 years.
Sustainability: Asphalt roofing is recyclable, though its environmental impact can vary depending on disposal methods.
Weatherability: Asphalt is durable and weather resistant, providing good protection against rain, wind, and moderate UV damage. However, it is susceptible to wear and tear from extreme weather conditions, such as heavy winds, hail, and prolonged UV exposure.
Appearance: Asphalt roofing offers a highly customizable appearance with a wide range of colors and styles.
Allied Roofing: Commercial Roofing Services in Kernersville, NC
When you need commercial roofing solutions you can trust, turn to Allied Roofing. Our local Kernersville experts collaborate with you, assessing your budget, needs, and priorities to help you find the best commercial roofing solutions for you. Once we tailor our solutions to your needs, we work to get lasting jobs done. You can explore our work or contact our professionals to get started today.
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