Best Commercial Roofing Types For Your Building

Deciding upon the best commercial roof for your building depends on the size, shape, and location. If a building is located in an area where the weather is cold and rainy, a pitched roof covered with asphalt shingles might be the best style of commercial roofing. The shape and size of a building’s roof can have an enormous impact on the stature of the business. Some roofing designs symbolize the status of a business.

A commercial roof is designed to cover far more area than the average home. This makes it heavier. The roof must carry a lot of equipment, vents, sky view windows, patios, even helicopter pads. A commercial roof is a different animal from the residential roof. It will house more people and face more in and out traffic. The commercial roofer has a great deal of responsibility when putting on a commercial roof. 

There are also times when repairs are necessary. Doing this job when a business is in operation is not an easy task, and it requires a focus most people take for granted. These professionals are working in high places, yet must remain cognizant of others in areas below.

Best Commercial Roofing Types and Why they are Preferred:

Pitched- Despite the commercial convenience of the flat or low pitched roof, the pitched roof is also used for business roofing. The probability of water staying on this style of roof is far less than with its counterparts. This lessens the chance for debris and mold buildup.

This roof style is among the standards. Whenever a business owner should decide to build a new property, obtaining an estimate is easier, and maintenance stats are easier to follow since these roofing structures have recorded studies to support sustainability. Roofing designs are fairly standard. However, each municipality has its set of codes a roofer adheres to based on law. Inspections are required. Informed and skilled commercial roofers save money and avoid dangerous roofing accidents.

Pros:

Better runoff

Less repair

Cons:

Difficult repair

Requires more safety precautions

The Flat Roof-  The flat roof is a favorite of businesses. Look anywhere in any city, and see a whole complex of office buildings, shopping malls, and schools, with the flat roof designs. This structured roof design is efficient, simple to install, and offers a great use of space. Unfortunately, although this style of roofing has attributes, puddles of water can sit on the roof. If there are weaknesses, it will erode faster than other roofing styles.

Although the roof is called flat, it will have slight slopes in the center area or along the outer edges. If water is to escape, the roof requires a tipping point. Since this roof is more prone to erosion, continued maintenance is necessary to maintain the integrity of the roof. However, in defense of this roofing style, water suspension devices are placed on the flat roof to assist in eradicating water that might sit on the roof. This is also a safer installation for commercial roofers to place on business properties.

Pros:

Energy efficient

Costs efficient

Easy Installation

Cons:

Lack of drainage

Fewer roofing material choices

Roof lifespan is shorter than other styles

Low Pitched-This roofing style is also a standard for industrial use. These are commonly found in apartment buildings, warehouses, and factory buildings. Water drains easily from these structures since they have a centered slope channeling water towards drains, drainage valleys, and saddles. Industrial buildings are quite large. Therefore, the roof of this design is a practical application. It lessens the chance of injury for repair personnel and is economically feasible for the business owner.

Pros:

Easy to install supporting equipment for the building

Cons:

Heavy snow can damage roofing materials

These are basic roof types for commercial use. However, these simple choices are further defined into extended roofing classifications.

Metal Roofing– The use of metal roofing opens up a wide range of surfaces for developing a commercial roof, Aluminum coverings, stone-coated steel, copper, lead, and tin. These are easily used on roofing surfaces. The material is tough and looks quite appealing, and it resists fire. Coatings are added to the surface to prevent rust.

Thermoset Roof Membrane (EPDM)– This application is noted for its easy installation with a tough resistance to ozone factors and ultraviolet light. Constructed from a rubber-like material, the application is one-ply. In addition, it is versatile and durable.

Built-Up Roofing Membrane (BUR)- This roofing is applied with a gravel and tar-based formula. This is added to sloping roofs. Costs and necessary code required applications act as regulators.

Garden Roofing (Green Roofing)-Green roofing helps lower water that might stand on a roof. It assists in cooling, quite versatile, and is covered in plants. Many cities are using this roof for apartments and other commercial buildings.

Thermoplastic Roofing (PVC & TPO)-This material resists high winds, fire, and resist UV rays. This roof type is lightweight and stands up against erosion from chemicals and oil.

Modified Bitumen Roofing-The application of reinforced materials supports Bitumen, which is applied in layers. This is attached in a two-ply action. This fabric sustains heavy foot traffic and maintenance is managed by yearly inspection.

Thousands of businesses use Metal retrofit roofing, PVC, EPDM, and TPO. These roofing material choices give a business the option to decide upon how they wish to maintain their properties, although commercial roofers utilize basic roofing styles for easy installation, and safety reasons. A business owner can utilize one style or a combination of other roofing elements.

A commercial roofer must be able to handle both residential and commercial roofing needs. Clearly, they are different. The demands of the business roof may require installation around plumbing, hood ventilation for stoves, or ductwork. The above, however, offers more options for commercial air conditioning and heating installations, and communication devices necessary for a business to function productively.