Choosing the right type of roof for your commercial building is important as it ensures the safety and well-being of people inside and protects valuable assets. Whether you own a retail store, a warehouse, a hospital, or any other commercial property, you need to consider different factors, such as climate, location, and building codes, to determine the best roofing option. Below are the five popular roofing materials for commercial buildings and their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) Roofing
TPO roofing, a single-ply membrane roofing system, is made of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber, making it a highly resistant and efficient option for flat roofs and attempting to protect your roof from the elements. One of TPO roofing’s biggest selling points is its energy efficiency. This type of roofing is highly reflective, which means it can reflect a significant amount of sunlight and heat away from your building, helping to keep your interior cool and reducing your energy bills.
Another benefit of TPO roofing is its long-lasting durability. This roofing material can last up to 20 years or more with proper maintenance, making it a cost-effective investment for long-term protection. Additionally, TPO roofing is highly resistant to UV rays, which helps to prevent fading and deterioration over time.
Despite all these benefits, it’s important to note that incorrect installation can lead to leaks and cracks in your TPO roofing. That’s why it’s crucial to have a professional roofing contractor properly install your TPO roofing to ensure its long-lasting performance. Once installed, TPO roofing requires minimal maintenance and is an affordable and efficient option for both commercial buildings.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) Roofing
EPDM roofing is worth considering when it comes to an affordable and reliable roofing solution. Made of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, this roofing system is incredibly durable and weather-resistant, making it a popular choice for commercial and industrial buildings alike.
One of the biggest advantages of EPDM roofing is its outstanding durability. With proper maintenance, this type of roofing can last up to 20 years or more, making it a cost-effective investment for long-term protection. Moreover, EPDM roofing is highly resistant to UV rays, hail damage, and other weather-related elements, thus providing a high level of protection to your roof.
Another advantage of EPDM roofing is that it is fire-resistant, adding additional safety and security to your building. However, it’s important to note that EPDM roofing is not suitable for roofs that experience heavy foot traffic. This is because this type of roofing is susceptible to punctures and can be damaged by constant movement. Therefore, it is important to take into account the specific needs of your building before deciding on EPDM roofing.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
If you’re looking for a sturdy and time-tested roofing system, Built-Up Roofing (BUR) may be a great option to consider. This type of roofing system is made up of multiple layers of asphalt and felt, which gives it incredible durability and resistance to foot traffic, making it ideal for flat or low-sloping roofs.
One advantage of BUR roofing is that it is fire-resistant, making it a safe option for many buildings. It also offers good protection against leaks and water damage, which can help extend your roof’s lifespan and save you money on repairs in the long run.
Affordability is another advantage of BUR roofing. However, it should be noted that this roofing system is not energy efficient, which may result in higher energy bills over time. Additionally, due to its multiple layers, BUR roofing can be difficult to install and maintain, requiring professional assistance.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is hard to beat when it comes to a durable and long-lasting roofing system. This type of roofing is highly resistant to the elements, including wind, rain, and hail, making it a great option for buildings with steep-sloping roofs exposed to severe weather conditions.
One of the biggest advantages of metal roofing is its durability. Proper maintenance can last up to 50 years or more, making it a cost-effective option for long-term protection. Additionally, metal roofing is highly energy-efficient, reflecting sunlight and heat away from your building to reduce energy costs.
Metal roofing also offers great versatility and customization, making it a popular choice for commercial buildings. It can be available in various finishes, including copper, aluminum, and steel, and can be easily tailored to suit different architectural designs.
However, it’s important to note that metal roofing can be quite noisy during precipitation, which can be a serious disadvantage for some working environments. Metal roofing can also be expensive upfront compared to other roofing materials, although its long-term durability often makes it worth the investment.
Metal roofing is a highly durable, fire-resistant, and energy-efficient option for those looking for long-lasting protection for their roof. While it may be noisy during precipitation and expensive upfront, its advantages include versatility, customization, and longevity.
Green Roofing
When it comes to sustainable building practices, green roofing is a unique and innovative approach that has gained increasing popularity in recent years. This type of roofing involves planting vegetation on a waterproof membrane, providing numerous benefits for both the environment and the building itself.
One of the biggest advantages of green roofing is natural insulation. The vegetation layer provides additional insulation to the building, reducing energy costs for heating and cooling. Also, green roofing can help improve air quality by filtering out pollutants and releasing oxygen, which is good for the building and the surrounding environment.
Another significant advantage of green roofing is its capacity to extend the roof’s lifespan. The vegetation layer offers protection to the waterproof membrane, reducing wear and tear from exposure to the elements. Green roofing can also reduce the urban heat island effect, which refers to the increased surface temperature of urban environments due to human activity.
It is important to note that green roofing requires specialized installation and maintenance, and not all buildings are suitable for this type of roofing. However, the potential environmental benefits of green roofing make it an exciting option for those seeking a sustainable building approach.
Green roofing is a unique and innovative approach to sustainable building practices. Among these benefits include natural insulation, improved air quality, and an extended roof lifespan, making it a popular choice for more environmentally conscious building owners. While it requires specialized installation and maintenance, green roofing is an exciting and increasingly popular option for those seeking an eco-friendly building approach.
Choosing the best roofing option for your commercial building depends on various factors such as location, climate, building codes, budget, and personal preference. Each roofing system has pros and cons, and selecting the one that fits your needs and expectations is essential. Whether you opt for TPO, EPDM, BUR, metal, or green roofing, you can hire a professional contractor, such as C & I Roofing Co Inc, for proper installation and maintenance to ensure the safety and longevity of your roof.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. She can be found on Twitter or Facebook.
Roof stock image by Wichai Prasomsri1/Shutterstock
