Commercial Roof Materials Selection Guide

Choosing the right commercial roof material can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With so many options available, it's essential to consider factors like durability, maintenance, and budget.

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for commercial roofs, accounting for over 80% of all roof installations. They're affordable, easy to install, and can last up to 30 years.

Metal roofs, on the other hand, are known for their durability and can last up to 50 years or more. They're also resistant to weathering and can withstand extreme temperatures.

The cost of a commercial roof can vary greatly depending on the material chosen, with metal roofs being one of the more expensive options. However, they can provide long-term savings due to their low maintenance requirements.

Commercial roofs can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Metal roofs are a popular choice for commercial buildings, with many lasting up to 30 years or more. They're also highly durable and can withstand heavy winds and rain.

Asphalt shingles are another common option, but they typically have a shorter lifespan of 15 to 25 years. They're also relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

EPDM rubber roofs, on the other hand, are known for their flexibility and resistance to UV rays, making them a great choice for buildings with unique shapes or large roofs.

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for commercial roofs, accounting for over 80% of installations. They're durable and can last up to 30 years.

EPDM rubber roofs are known for their flexibility and resistance to cracking, making them a great option for areas with extreme temperatures. They can also withstand heavy foot traffic.

Metal roofs are a lightweight and eco-friendly option, often made from recycled materials. They can be coated with reflective paint to reduce energy costs.

Built-up roofs (BURs) are a traditional option, consisting of multiple layers of tar and gravel. They can last up to 50 years but require regular maintenance to prevent leaks.

Modified bitumen roofs offer a combination of durability and flexibility, often used in areas with heavy foot traffic. They can be installed in a variety of ways, including with a smooth or textured surface.

PVC is a popular commercial roofing material known for its durability and strength. It's also very energy efficient, especially white PVC roofs.

PVC roofs are made of two layers of PVC material with polyester reinforcement in between. This makes them lightweight and resistant to moisture, fire, wind, and chemicals.

One of the benefits of PVC roofing is its long lifespan, especially on flat or low-slope roofs. It's also resistant to punctures and chemicals, making it a great option for commercial buildings.

However, PVC roofing can be expensive and may shrink over time, causing leaks. It's also prone to shattering and puncturing in cold weather.

PVC roofs can be installed as a fully-adhered system or as a mechanically attached system. The adhered system is more expensive but creates a strong bond between the sheets.

PVC membranes are recyclable and can be reused in new sheets, making them a more environmentally friendly option. They're also weldable, which makes them watertight and easy to repair.

Green roofs can last between 30 to 50 years and provide a green space for employees to rest and relax.

They offer sophisticated drainage management and climate control, but require routine maintenance and close monitoring.

Green roofs can reduce energy costs with natural insulation, create enjoyable spaces for people and animals, and absorb stormwater, reducing the need for complex drainage systems.

These roofs improve air quality and help reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect, making them a valuable addition to any commercial building.

Nations Roof has installed many green or vegetative roofing systems across the country, demonstrating their effectiveness and popularity.

Asphalt Rolled roofing is a common choice for buildings with low-slope roofs.

It's composed of the same materials used to make asphalt shingles.

One of the main advantages of Asphalt Rolled roofing is its affordability, making it a relatively inexpensive option.

It's also relatively easy to install, which can save time and labor costs.

However, Asphalt Rolled roofing has a very short life expectancy, typically lasting only about 10 years before it needs to be replaced.

Problems often develop at the seams where the rolls join together, which increases the need for maintenance and repairs.

Aluminum is one of our most natural energy-efficient metal roof materials available. It comes in different thicknesses, typically .032, .040, or .050, with the higher number indicating a thicker material.

The .032 and .040 thicknesses are most popular on commercial roofs, and aluminum is available in a mill finish or a painted finish. A mill finish provides a raw metal look that will oxidize into a naturally beautiful raw metal finish.

Aluminum comes in a wide variety of painted finished colors, and the paint finishes come with a 40-year paint warranty. Some manufacturers even provide a 45-year paint finish warranty.

The cost for an Aluminum roof system runs between $15.50 and $18.50 per square foot.

PVC and EPDM are two of the most popular commercial roofing materials. They're both durable and long-lasting, but they have some key differences.

PVC is known for its energy efficiency, especially when it's white. It's also very strong and can withstand harsh weather conditions. The seams on a PVC roof are heat-welded, making them stronger than the material itself.

EPDM, on the other hand, is a more affordable option. However, it tends to absorb heat when installed as a black roof, which can increase energy costs. It's also prone to puncturing, which can be a major issue if not repaired quickly.

Both PVC and EPDM are available in lighter colors to help reflect heat, but this can increase the cost by about 30 percent. EPDM is also more aesthetically unpleasing, resembling an unfurled inner tube when rolled out on a roof.

PVC, on the other hand, can be made to resemble a standing seam roof system, making it a more visually appealing option. It's also recyclable and can be reused in new sheets.

Modified Bitumen Systems are a popular choice for commercial roofs, offering a multi-ply roofing material that's more durable than single-ply options like TPO and EPDM. This is because Modified Bitumen has a 2-layer system, with a base layer that's mechanically attached to the roof deck and a final layer of granule top surface that's attractive and energy-efficient.

The installation process can be a bit more complex, but it's worth it for the benefits. Baker Roofing & Construction Inc. has the trained technicians needed to install this system.

Modified Bitumen roofs can be installed with hot tar, but the most popular methods are without it. The four main installation methods are: hot tar applied, cold tar applied, torch applied, and self-adhered.

Self-adhered installation made Modified Bitumen roofs much more efficient for commercial roofing applications. This is because it eliminates the need for hot tar, making the process safer and faster.

The advantages of Modified Bitumen roofs include their increased durability, which makes them a better choice for commercial roofs with high foot traffic. They're also resistant to wind, fire, and hail.

Here are the prices for Modified Bitumen roofs: $6.50 to $11.50 per square foot.

Built-Up Roofing has been around for more than 100 years, making it one of the oldest roofing systems available.

Built-up roofing consists of 3-5 layers for enhanced protection, especially in extreme climatic conditions with wide ranges of low and high temperatures. This type of roofing is often referred to as BUR for short.

The layers of built-up roofing are built-up by layering plies of fiberglass rolls of roofing and hot tar between each layer. This process involves heating up asphalt to 500 degrees and mopping it directly on the roof deck or insulation.

A built-up roof can last 20-30 years, making it a durable option. However, the cost of installation can be high, with prices ranging between $15.50 and $25.50 per square foot.

The top layer of a built-up roof is the most important layer when it comes to maintenance. It determines if the roof can be repaired and maintained successfully.

A hot tar roof with a rock finish can be challenging to repair, but it can be done if there is useful life left in the flat roof system. On the other hand, a built-up roof with a granule surface cap sheet or an asphalt flood coat is much more manageable to maintain and repair.

Single-ply roofing is one of the most popular roofing materials used on commercial and residential flat roofs.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) roofing systems are resistant to the elements of nature, including chemicals, bacterial growth, and UV light.

Prices for single-ply roofing range between $10.50 and $15.50 per square foot.

The higher the number in the product's thickness, the thicker the product and the longer the manufacturer's warranty will last.

TPO is a single-ply membrane, typically composed of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that has been polymerized together.

Single-ply roofing comes in different thicknesses, such as 45 mil or 60 mil, and the thicker the product, the longer the manufacturer's warranty will last.

The most common methods of installation for TPO include mechanically attached, adhered, or ballasted.

Commercial roofing problems can be effectively solved with elastomeric coatings, which are affordable and can be used to repair any type of roof leak.

These coatings are long-lasting and resistant to fungi and mildew, and can reduce a roof's top temperature by as much as 90 degrees.

Acrylic roof coatings are a preferred alternative to replacement, used in approximately 80% of cases. They can be applied to a variety of roof types and require a specific system to be installed correctly.

A good acrylic coating system includes a primer, base coat, fabric, more base coat, and a final top coat, resulting in a seamless and fully adhered membrane.

Acrylic coatings are UV resistant, very reflective, and easy to work with, making them a prime balance between performance and cost.

However, they can lose mil thickness when weathering is a factor, and need to be applied at 50 degrees or above.

Commercial roofing systems are a crucial aspect of any business, and understanding the different types can help you make informed decisions. Commercial roofing systems are often different from residential roofing due to the slope or pitch of the roof.

Industrial roofs are usually flat, with a slope of 2-10 degrees, and require a different system than pitched, shingled roofs. Flat roofs are primarily used for appearance and convenience, saving space for HVAC systems and other equipment.

The biggest concern with flat roofs is water, which can find its way into the building through any access point, such as an inadequate seam, hole, or gap. To create a water-tight barrier, commercial roofing materials are essential.

The type of commercial roofing system you choose will depend on your business's specific needs, as different types of businesses require specific planning. Familiarizing yourself with the types of commercial roofing systems available can help in your decision-making process.

Here are the most common types of commercial roofing systems:

Modified bitumen roofing systems combine asphalt and a unique chemical polymer for flexibility and temperature resistance. They can be applied in multiple layers and are resistant to wind, fire, and hail damage.

When evaluating commercial roofing materials, energy efficiency is a crucial factor to consider. Many municipalities and cities have implemented policies that encourage energy efficiency.

The cost of a commercial roofing system is also a significant consideration. While some systems may require less money to install, it's essential not to sacrifice on efficiency or durability just to save a little bit of money.

A properly installed and maintained commercial roofing system can last between a decade and 50 years. This lifespan can be affected by weather conditions and other factors.

Durability is a key aspect to consider when selecting a commercial roofing material.

Commercial roof construction comes in three main types: commercial flat roof construction, low slope commercial roofing, and steep slope roofing. Commercial flat roof construction is common due to its flexibility.

Commercial flat roof construction requires local contractors to slope the roof with insulation to prevent ponding water. This can be done with tapered insulation, which creates positive water drainage and provides a better R-value.

Tpo is a great option for low slope roofing, while metal is not recommended due to potential leakage and maintenance issues.

Insulation & Cover Boards can make a big difference in your building's energy efficiency. Cover boards and thermal insulations help a roof improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills.

The perfect time to add insulation is when the roof is being replaced. This ensures you meet current energy codes.

Foot-traffic is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a building option, as it can impact the durability and maintenance of the roof.

You should also consider energy efficiency, especially if you're planning to use the building for a long time.

Exposed to grease, chemicals, high winds, sun exposure, and visibility of the roof are all important factors to consider.

Budget and longevity are also key considerations, as they will impact the overall cost and lifespan of the building.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right building option:

Commercial roof materials come in a variety of types, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

The condition of the building, durability, energy efficiency, and typical weather conditions in the area are crucial factors to consider when selecting a roof type. Other factors include the roof's slope and the type of roofing system that best meets the needs of your business.

Some common types of commercial roofing systems include single-ply roofing (TPO, PVC & EPDM roofing), modified bitumen (rubber roofing), built-up roof (hot tar roofing), metal roofing (standing seam & screw down), and asphalt shingles (upgraded shingles).

Here are the top 5 commercial roof types:

Shingles are a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings alike, made from materials like slate, plastic, ceramic, and asphalt. They're affordable and easy to install, but their lifespan is relatively short.

Single-ply roofing, on the other hand, is a type of commercial roofing that's made from materials like TPO, PVC, and EPDM. It's known for its durability and energy efficiency.

Built-up roof, also known as hot tar roofing, is another type of commercial roofing that's made from layers of materials. It's a bit more labor-intensive to install, but it's a reliable choice.

Metal roofing is a popular choice for its durability and weather resistance. It's available in various styles, including standing seam and screw down.

Here are some common types of roofing materials:

The shape of a roof can greatly impact the type of roofing material that's suitable for it. Commercial roofs can be classified into two main categories: Low Slope Roofs and Steep Slope Roofs.

Low Slope Roofs are common in warehouses, big box stores, and shopping centers. These roofs are often flat or nearly flat, which is why they're also known as Flat Roofs.

Steep Slope Roofs, on the other hand, are more commonly seen on single and multi-family homes. They're characterized by a steeper angle, which allows water to run off more easily.

Roofs can be classified into two main categories: Low Slope Roofs and Steep Slope Roofs. The type of roofing material used will depend on the slope of the roof.

Here's a quick rundown of the types of roofs and the materials commonly used for each:

Asphalt shingles are a type of roofing material that's commonly used on both residential and commercial buildings.

They're not just limited to homes, you know. Even commercial buildings use asphalt shingles.

The shingles installed on commercial buildings are not builder-grade, which is a type of shingle that's often used in new construction homes.

Builder-grade shingles are known for providing the least wind protection and need replacing every 10 to 12 years.

Upgraded shingles or designer shingles, on the other hand, are more popular in commercial building construction and can last 25-35 years.

They offer greater wind protection and better curb appeal, making them a great choice for commercial buildings.

Steel is a popular choice for commercial building roofs, and it's less costly than other metal materials. It's made from galvanized steel, which is hot dipped or coated in a zinc coating to protect it from corrosion.

Steel roofing comes in different gauges, with 24 gauge being the thickest and 29 gauge being the thinnest. Don't be fooled by the numbers - the lower the number, the thicker the steel.

There are four common steel roofing profiles used on commercial properties: standing seam metal panels, interlocking steel shingles, 5-V crimp metal roofing, and R-panels or multi-rib panels.

These steel roofing materials require a painted finish to protect them from corrosion, and paint finish warranties range from 20 to 45 years depending on the manufacturer and panel type.

Steel is a cost-effective option, with prices ranging from $10.50 to $15.50 per square foot.