There’s a reason why the roofing contractor industry is worth an estimated $52 billion. The right type of roofing can make or break your building. And, we aren’t talking about looks when it comes to commercial buildings.
If you don’t prioritize the right type of roofing material, then leaks and pests can cause lasting damage to your establishment. So, how do you make sure that you’re choosing the right type of roofing material for your commercial building?
Simple: by reading this article. In it, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about the different types of roofing material and the pros and cons that come with them. Let’s get started!
Should You Repair or Replace the Roofing In Your Commercial Building?
Before anything begins you should make sure that replacing your commercial roof material is the right call. In many cases, it might make more sense to simply repair and reinforce parts of the roof.
Any of these common problems warrant roof repair for businesses instead of a replacement. As such, we recommend calling a professional and getting a second opinion.
That way, they can help you decide the best course of action, both financially and for long-term stability. In some cases, it might make more sense to apply a new roofing system directly on top of the old one.
In other cases, it’s better to replace all the material entirely. Regardless of the best option for you, it makes practical sense to get it inspected first. After that, you can worry more about the right type of roofing material, if replacing is the direction that you want to go in.
What Are the Different Types of Roofing Material For Commercial Buildings?
If you’ve decided that replacing your commercial roofing material is the best option, then it’s time to pick one. There are a variety of different options that you can choose from. In this section, we’ll go over some of the popular ones.
Built-Up Roof System
This type of roof material consists of layers of asphalt fiberglass and bitumen. The best part of this material is that it’s fireproof and lasts a long time (around twenty years). However, it’s a fairly expensive option.
Single Ply Roofing Material
These types of materials are often referred to as rubber roofing due to their flexible nature. It includes options like PVC, TPO, and EPDM. These types of materials are ideal because they’re quick to install and they last a long time.
Some options like PCV and TPO are better for the environment. They do this by being recyclable and reducing the costs of your energy bills.
Metal Roofing
Metal is a great material for a lot of commercial roofs. It comes with a lot of durabilities, plus it’s attractive. And, you usually don’t need to worry about corrosion thanks to a protective layer of coating.
However, metal does cost a lot more than other types of material. As such, it’s one of the most expensive types of commercial roofing.
Modified Bitumen
Like built-up roofs, this type of material also makes good use of bitumen. The difference is that it’s made by mixing concrete with a special type of polymer. This provides them with a self-adhesive that makes them great for containing leaks.
It can also withstand extreme temperatures, fire, wind, and hail. This makes it a great option for rough climates that often damage roofs.
Liquid Applied Roofing
If your existing roof is structurally sound, then you might want to go with liquid-applied material. This mixture of polyester and resin is poured directly over your existing roof. From there it flows into every nook and cranny.
This creates a seal that prevents leaks. This option is great if you want to extend the life of your commercial roof or if you’re on a budget.
How Do You Choose the Right One For Your Needs?
Now you know about some of the popular types of roofing material found on the market. However, the right option for your commercial establishment depends on a variety of factors. First, your location.
This includes the climate in the area and things found in the immediate surroundings. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, rain, and high winds, then you want a durable roof material like metal.
Or, if you live in a desert environment, then you want a material the reflects away the sun, like PVC. Similarly, you should look out for trees around the property. Frequent falling branches can be dangerous for glass roofs with skylights.
The type of building is also important. For example, if you own a retail location, then you want your customers to be as comfortable as possible with some temperature-controlled material like TPO. However, if you are roofing a warehouse filled with inventory that doesn’t need to be temperature controlled, then you can save some money by going with a more affordable option like EPDM.
Speaking of affordability, the final factor is your budget. If you have a small budget, then you might be tempted to go with more affordable roofing material.
Just keep in mind that it sometimes pays off to go with the more durable, but pricey, option. You could end up saving a lot of money in the long run.
Want More Content? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you choose the best type of roofing material for your commercial building. As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to commercial roofing material.
Instead, it depends on a variety of factors that vary from place to place. As such, you should consult with a professional to make sure that the material you select is the right fit for your establishment.
Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics that you’re sure to love.
