Your Guide To Commercial Roofing Materials
With so many different commercial roofing materials out there, how do you know which materials are best for your roofing needs? Read the helpful guide below.
There are so many different things that will affect what roof you get for your commercial building. The weather conditions in your area, the type of animals and plants in the region, and more will all have a part to play.
Of course, you’ll also need to make choices depending on the materials and the style of roof you need, too. Here are some of the most common commercial roofing materials out there, so you can decide what you need for your building.
Metal Roofing
This is traditionally a ubiquitous choice for commercial buildings, as it has so many benefits. Firstly, there’s the lifespan, with many metal roofs lasting up to 70 years when they are well cared for. If you want a roof that will last, then metal will be for you.
Also, metal roofs have the highest fire rating out there. That means that they will take little damage if there is a fire in your building, which will help with doing repairs after a fire has broken out.
A metal roof can come in several different types of material, so you can choose one that suits your needs. For example, you can have an aluminum, copper, stainless steel, tin, or lead roof. When you talk to a roofer, you can talk to them about what kind of metal can be right for you.
Also, there are even more benefits as metal roofs can be installed directly over existing roofs, saving time. Their design makes them highly resistant to water damage, so it’s a good way to minimize repairs needed on your roof. However, you can have extra coatings added to protect against water and sun damage.
Thermoplastic Roof Membranes
This is an option that many restaurant owners and other businesses that have industrial kitchens are going with. Thermoplastic roof membranes are highly resistant to oils and fats, which will often come out in the ventilation of these buildings.
A thermoplastic roof membrane has a lot of other benefits, too. They offer excellent seam strength, so you can be sure that water won’t be getting into the roof. As well as oils and fats, it can resist UV light, punctures and tears, bacterial growth, and more. It’s lightweight too, so you won’t need to worry about added weight on your building’s roof deck.
Built-Up Roofing Membrane
This is a very common roofing type and could well be on your roof right now. Built-up roofing membrane, often known as ‘BUR,’ is a tar and gravel roof. As a roofing type, it’s very cost-effective and offers you a lot of flexibility.
You can vary the number of layers on the roof to adapt to differing needs. For example, if you live in a wet climate, you may want to add more layers to protect against water. If you want to keep costs down, you can actually have fewer layers too. While there are many more advanced commercial roofing materials, this one still has its place in commercial buildings.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
This is a roofing system that’s similar to BUR membranes. A reinforced roof fabric is used as a carrier for bitumen, which is then installed in layers on the roof. They’re usually applied in two layers, as this offers extra protection for the roof deck.
Many business owners go with these roofing systems because they’re so easy to take care of. As there are very few seams, there’s nowhere for the water to get in and cause damage. Typically, all these roofs need is an annual inspection and cleaning to remove any debris or vegetation growing on them. They’re typically used for flat roofs, too, as they’re able to take on a lot of wear and tear. If you expect to be up on your roof quite often, then this is the roofing material for you.
Thermoset Roof Membrane
You may have heard of this roofing material referred to as ‘EPDM,’ as well as a thermoset roof membrane. This membrane is made of a single-ply rubber material, which is attached to the roof decking. As a roofing material, it’s one of the most versatile out there.
The membrane can resist UV light and ozone, colder temperatures, acids, solvents, and alcohols. If you live in warmer climates, it’s useful, too, as it has reflective properties that help lower cooling costs in your building. Overall, it’s a long-lasting material that offers you a lot of benefits.
Green Roofing
Finally, you have the option of using green roofing on your commercial building. These roofs are designed to grow a layer of vegetation that’s not only beautiful to look at but is also highly practical too.
A green roof is excellent for drainage and managing water, as well as protect your property from the elements. Of course, they are also highly eco-friendly. That’s important to note, as typically replacing your roof is not an eco-friendly act. If you’re looking to lower your businesses’ carbon footprint, installing a green roof could be the way to go.
Finally, a green roof is probably the most attractive option for your roof, too. They look fantastic once they’ve grown in, and you can add local beauty and color to the area. What could be better?
Which Roof is Right For You?
There’s a lot of options when it comes to installing a new roof on your commercial building. Which one is right for you? It all very much depends on where you’re located and what you need the roof to do. For example, if you live in a hot, arid climate, you’ll need a much different roof than the one you’d get in a wet climate.
It’s always best to talk to a roofing service, as they will be able to walk you through the best options for you. They will be able to show you which material is best for your building.
There are lots of options when it comes to commercial roofing materials for your building. Check out this guide, and see which one would work best for you.