Roof Restoration

Commercial Roof Restoration: FAQ

Commercial roofing provides excellent protection against the elements and ensures the longevity and safety of the facility. However, you must install the right commercial roofing solution to enjoy exceptional longevity and performance. When looking for a commercial roofing system, you will realize that different types of roofing can be used in your commercial construction. Each brings its advantages and disadvantages to the table. 

Fortunately, we’ll discuss the different types of commercial roofing styles, materials, and even coatings to help you make an informed decision.

What are the Types of Roofing Used in Commercial Construction?

Commercial roofing solutions are available in a variety of styles and materials. The ideal choice of roofing material will depend upon building design, local regulations, budget, and other essential factors. Some common commercial roofing types to consider include:

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Built-up roofing is a time-tested and traditional system known for resisting winds, UV rays, water, and other weather elements. It comprises three to five layers, including bitumen and reinforcing materials like organic felts or fiberglass. The layers are alternated to maximize strength. Due to their excellent weather-resistant properties and the multiple layers, built-up roofing can be ideal for low slopes or flat roofs that often experience heavy equipment or foot traffic. Also, BUR offers excellent fire resistance due to the use of bitumen.

One of the considerations of built-up roofing is that it is heavy. As a result, you must ensure that your building’s structure is strong enough to support the weight of the roofing system.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is another popular roofing material among commercial building owners. Their longevity, durability, and energy efficiency make commercial metal roofing a cost-effective solution for business owners. Commercial metal roofing can be built from different materials, including aluminum, steel, zinc, or copper. Each material has unique characteristics and considerations. Some prefer aluminum due to its lightweight properties. It is also corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice for coastal areas. On the other hand, copper is known for its distinctive appearance and longevity. Zinc guarantees excellent resistance to corrosion.

Steel is probably the most common roofing material, thanks to its durability and affordability. The good thing about metal roofs is that they can withstand impact, fire, wind, and other weather elements. Moreover, metal roofing can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without significant damage. As with any roofing material, metal roofs have their fair share of drawbacks. For instance, metal roofing costs more upfront than other commercial roofing materials.

Single-Ply Roofing

Single-ply roofing has been growing in popularity over the years. Its lightweight and energy-efficiency properties make it an excellent cost-effective choice. Some common single-ply membranes you can install on your commercial construction include polyvinyl chloride, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and thermoplastic olefin. Ethylene propylene diene monomer, famously known as EPDM, is a synthetic rubber roofing system. It is highly flexible and provides unmatched resistance to impact and hail. These membranes can be installed using fasteners or adhesives and can be ballasted or mechanically attached. PVC membranes, on the other hand, are chemically adhered or heat welded at the seams. They can provide excellent resistance to grease, oils, and chemicals.

Thermoplastic olefin (TPO) is probably the most installed single-ply roofing material due to its energy efficiency, ease of installation, and durability. They tend to be white or light colored, which helps to reflect sunlight and minimize heat absorptions. These membranes are often heat welded at the seams. The biggest con associated with single-ply roofing systems is usually vulnerability to punctures and tears.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen is an upgraded version of BUR. Unlike traditional built-up roofing, modified bitumen often consists of rubber, plastic, other modifiers, and asphalt. This roofing system has been designed to offer improved flexibility and resistance to damage.

What is the Most Common Commercial Roof Style?

Low-slope or flat roofs are the most common commercial roof styles. These roof styles are preferred by many due to their versatility. Low-slope or flat roofs are flexible and accommodate various roofing materials and systems. For instance, you can install built-up roofing, single-ply membranes, green roofs, or even bitumen roofs. Also, flat roofs tend to be more cost-effective than steep slope roofs and other roof designs. Their simple design means you won’t use too many resources during installation.

Flat roofs also provide easy access for installation and maintenance. It also allows for easy installation of rooftop equipment. It’s also a great way to create more usable space for outdoor seating areas, equipment storage, or even rooftop gardens. Besides, they also allow for solar panel installations.

However, flat roofs may need additional consideration, especially in extreme temperature fluctuations, snow, or rainfall. While flat roofs are often perceived as less visually appealing than sloped roofs, you can always add architectural elements or decorative features to the design to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.

What are Commercial Roof Coatings?

Unfortunately, commercial roofing systems are exposed to harsh weather elements. These elements can lower the performance and lifespan of your commercial roofing system. That’s where commercial roof coatings come in. Commercial roof coatings are protective layers applied on the surface of commercial roofs to enhance energy efficiency, weather resistance, and durability. They can be made from silicone, acrylic, or polyurethane. They are often applied as liquid coatings that cure into a seamless membrane. Commercial roof coatings enhance UV protection, energy efficiency, reflectivity, and waterproofing.

What is a TPO Roof?

As mentioned earlier, TPO is an abbreviation for thermoplastic olefin. It’s a single-ply roofing material commonly installed in commercial facilities.

What are the Five Most Common Types of Roofing?

While several commercial roofing materials are available in the market today, these five roofing materials are the most commonly used for commercial construction.

Asphalt Shingles – Preferred by many business owners due to their versatility and ease of installation. Asphalt shingles are also available in various styles and colors.

Clay or Concrete Tiles – These roofing materials are ideal if you are searching for an aesthetically pleasing roofing type. They also provide unmatched durability and resistance to fire.

Slate Roofing – Slate roofs provide a seamless blend of durability, elegance, and natural beauty. This roofing material is also exceptionally durable and can serve you for many decades. However, slate roofing is relatively expensive and requires professional installation.

Metal Roofing – Known for its longevity and resistance to insect damage, fire, and rot, commercial metal roofing is also popular. They are also available in different materials, including zinc, steel, copper, or aluminum.

Wood Shakes – Wood shakes are often made from redwood or cedar and provide a natural and rustic look. However, wood shakes require proper maintenance to prevent moss growth, fire hazards, and other issues.