Choosing the best commercial roofing material for your building is crucial. Ensuring you pick a material that is durable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective is a must. Because there are enormous roofing materials to choose from, the question of how to select the proper one for your business may raise certain difficulties.
This guide will particularize the most popular commercial roofing materials so that you can know the best option to suit your business needs.
1. TPO Roofing
In the concept of commercial roofing systems, Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofing proves to be feasible, particularly for both building owners and contractors. Its excellent properties make it a suitable option for different types of commercial buildings and enterprises.
Thermoplastic (TPO) roofing is a one-ply membrane that has gained widespread application in commercial construction due to its strength and cost-effectiveness in saving energy.
Benefits of TPO Roofing
- Energy Efficiency: Perhaps the most important advantage of using TPO roofing is that the material is extremely energy efficient. These membranes usually have white/pale coloration, and hence, they reflect more of the sun’s rays rather than absorb them. This reflectivity lowers the amount of heat that comes into the building, resulting in reduced rates of cooling, particularly in the hot season.
- Durability: It is imperative for businesses to minimize impact on operations, and therefore, to install a roofing product that won’t necessitate replacement too frequently. That’s what makes TPO roofing so popular. The material is rather immune to various harms from the environment, including ultraviolet, UV radiation, and chemical exposure. TPO roofs are less likely to have punctures, tears, and chemical exposure and are constructed to withstand fluctuating environmental temperatures, allowing for a longer service life.
- Cost-Effective: When compared to the rest of the single-PLY membranes, TPO offers a low-cost solution with high performance.
- Leak Protection: As TPO roofing seams are fused with hot air, they are very resistant to potential leaks. The manner in which the seams are coupled together also makes repairing easier, and, for that matter, if the seams should begin to come apart, they can be easily and quickly repaired.
- Environmentally Friendly: TPO roofing is, among other roofing choices, one of the more environmentally sound roofing options. Its energy-saving features decrease a building’s carbon footprint by decreasing the cooling requirement. TPO roofing is recyclable and thus a sustainable option for environmentally minded firms.
Applications
TPO is a good solution for flat or low-slope roofs, and it is the standard solution of choice in the construction of retail, warehouse, and workplace buildings. Its reflective properties are an asset in high-temperature areas.
2. EPDM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane that has gained a reputation for its robustness. This material has been an established selection in the commercial roofing sector for over 30 years.
Benefits of EPDM
- Longevity: EPDM roofs can last for over 30 years if properly maintained.
- Weather Resistance: Durable to hailing, ultraviolet radiation, and hurricane-like gusting winds.
- Low Maintenance: Low maintenance, which, hence, has lower long-term expenses for the company.
- Ease of Installation: In the form of large sheets, EPDM roofing reduces the number of seams and thus the risk of leaks.
Applications
EPDM is suitable for flat and low-slope roofs and is commonly applied in industries, schools, and hospitals. Its adaptability enables good performance in areas that fluctuate in temperature.
3. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is an exceptional material; it is durable and ranks amongst the longest-lasting roofing types. They can withstand strong winds, heavy snow, and ice damming. They also protect against mold, rot, and pests.
Benefits of Metal Roofing
- Exceptional Durability: Metal roofing has excellent durability and can last 40-70 years.
- Fire Resistance: This type of roofing material is fire resistant in warm climates and is perfect for companies that own commercial buildings.
- Energy Efficiency: Cooling costs can be minimized through reflective exterior coatings.
- Low Maintenance: Little maintenance is needed as it provides outstanding protection against rust and corrosion.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Available in various types of finishing and designs.
Applications
Metal roofs are well applied on various kinds of commercial buildings such as offices, stores, and industries, among others, due to the following benefits. Due to its density and the ability to repel water, the material is ideal for regions characterized by severe climates.
4. Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen roofing is a multi-ply structure that consists of asphalt and weights (modifiers) to improve both durability and elasticity. This material has been a mainstay in commercial roofing for decades.
Benefits of Modified Bitumen
- Durability: Provides high resistance to high traffic load and physical impact.
- Waterproofing: Provides superior waterproofing capabilities, reducing the risk of leaks.
- Temperature Tolerance: Very good at high and low temperatures, retaining the structural integrity of the final material.
Applications
Modified Bitumen is best suited for flat and low-slope roofing, and it is widely used in small shops, warehouses, and apartment buildings.
5. Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Built-up roof systems are an option of choice for low-slope or flat-roof buildings. They are built from multiple plywood sheets and asphalt. Such layers are then capped by a cap sheet or an asphalt flood coat and granules. It is constructed for toughness and endurance, which makes it a reliable solution for use in commercial buildings.
Benefits of BUR
- Long-Lasting: The BUR roofing system, if maintained effectively, is known to last many years.
- Weather Resistance: Great in areas of water resistance, UV protection, and wind resistance.
- Low Maintenance: One advantage of this type of roofing is that it needs low maintenance.
- Cost-Effective: Provides a longer-lasting solution at a lower cost.
Applications
BUR is perfect for flat roofs and is frequently incorporated in schools, government buildings, and manufacturing premises.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Commercial Roofing Materials
- Climate: Consider the weather conditions in your area. For instance, TPO and metal roofing are suitable in hot regions, while EPDM is suitable in cold regions.
- Budget: Compare both the initial investment (upfront costs) and the more prolonged costs (maintenance and repairs).
- Building Design: The pitch and design of your roof will dictate the materials fit for installation.
- Longevity: Evaluate the period you intend to stay on the property and identify a material that has a similar durability period.
- Energy Efficiency: Emphasize materials that have reflective properties to help shave costs off electricity expenses.
Why Go with River City Roofing for Your Commercial Roof?
At River City Roofing, we strive to provide high-quality commercial roofing materials that are tailored to your business needs. Regardless of EPDM, TPO, or metal roofing, our team will be happy to assist you in making the decision.
Our Services Include:
- Professional consultations to assess your roofing needs.
- Specialist installation of TPO, EPDM metal, and other roofing materials.
- Over time, maintenance and repair services are provided to ensure the longevity of your roof.
- Competitive pricing and flexible financing options.
Why Trust Us?
- Experience: Years of expertise in commercial roofing across the USA.
- Quality Materials: We use only premium materials for long-lasting performance.
- Customer Satisfaction: Our commitment to excellence ensures your satisfaction.
Conclusion
Selecting the right roofing material is crucial for the longevity, performance, and efficiency of your commercial property. TPO, EPDM, and metal roofing are three of the most common material choices, with each providing different merits, including energy efficiency, strength, and low maintenance as characteristics. There are also alternatives, for example, modified Bitumen and built-up roofing, that are tailored to target applications, and it is important to consider the requirements, budget, and local climate when making a decision.