A good roof is an important part of any commercial building. After all, it is one of the first defenses against the elements. So, when it comes to remodeling your building and choosing a new roof, it’s vital that you choose the right one for your needs.
There are many different types of commercial roofing materials and styles, and each has its pros and cons. So, take a look at the guide below to choose the perfect roofing material for your commercial build.
5 Types Of Commercial Roofing Materials
When it comes to choosing your roof, the material it is made from is an important consideration. Each material is different in terms of durability, cost, and energy efficiency. So, you need to consider the overall purpose your roof needs to fulfill when selecting the material and style.
Below we take a look at the 5 types of commercial roofing materials.
Metal Roofing
This is a popular roofing material due to its durability. Metal roofing, while sometimes more costly than other roofing materials, can last up to 60 years. So, because of its longevity, even the more expensive metal roofing options are worth the splurge.
Some examples of metal roofing include:
- Corrugated galvanized steel roofing
- Aluminum roofing
- Tin and zinc roofing
- Tile sheets
- Coated or stainless-steel roofing
Metal roofing does, however, have its weak points in that it is prone to corrosion. So, it may not be the best option for a seaside commercial building. However, it is possible to apply protective coatings. A protective coating can not only prevent corrosion but also damage from exposure to the sun and pollution. Some metal roofs even include integrated systems to remove snow.
All in all, metal roofing provides great value for money as it is a strong and durable roofing material that is suitable for most commercial buildings. It also has great fire resistance and is easy roofing option to maintain and spruce up with a coat of paint.
Built-Up Roofing
This is one of the oldest roofing materials around. Despite this, it has one of the shortest lifespans and usually only lasts up to 20 years. This is largely due to the way it is made which can make it difficult to identify problems or find leaks.
Built-up roofing is made with alternating layers of tar and gravel. As a result, durability largely depends on the number of layers.
It is, however, a cost-effective roofing material to repair and maintain. It is also a UV-resistant material, which means it is not very susceptible to sun damage.
Asphalt Roofing
While this roofing material found its popularity in residential builds, it has become increasingly popular in commercial buildings too. Asphalt is a more flexible roofing material in that it comes in a variety of colors and styles so it is quite aesthetically pleasing. As a result, it fits in with a variety of architectural designs.
Over and above its versatile look, it is a cost-effective, durable, and easy-to-maintain material. The only downside is that asphalt roofing does not function well on flat roofs.
EPDM Roofing
EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer roofing is a type of synthetic rubber-based roofing material. It is roll-based and easy to install and maintain.
Due to its material makeup, it provides a strong resistance to sun damage and pollution. It can also withstand damage from solvents like alcohol and other acids.
This roofing material comes in white and black rolls and is easy to install on almost all types of roofing structures.
The only downside is that because of the rubber material, the roof is prone to damage from sharp objects.
Thermoplastic Roofing
Thermoplastic roofing, despite its lightweight nature, is one of the most resistant and durable types of roofing materials. This material offers protection from damage due to sun and pollution exposure, chemical substances, oils, and fatty substances, bacterial growth, and fire.
It is also able to withstand harsh weather conditions like extremely high temperatures and strong winds. Overall, this is a great option for any commercial build.
Which Should You Choose?
With so many options choosing the right roof can be a tough decision. So, its important to consider the following:
- The weather conditions in the area.
- Whether your roof is visible.
- Will your roof have a lot of foot traffic?
- What substances will your roof be exposed to?
You also need to consider your budget and your ability and cost of repair should anything happen to the roof.
Conclusion
No commercial build is complete without the perfect roof. So, be sure to consider all your options while taking into account the purpose of the roof and external factors.
Our team at Chad Fischer Construction has the expertise to advise you on all of these aspects to ensure you choose the right roof for your build!