Looking to upgrade or change your current roofing system? A commercial roof is the outermost layer of protection for your building. It can make or break your business’s success, which is why you should always keep up with the latest developments in this field. There are many types of commercial roofs on the market, and some may be better than others, depending on what kind of protection you need. Let us consider some of the common commercial roofing systems you can choose from.
Metal roofing
Metal is a highly durable roofing material that is relatively easy to install. It will not rot, warp or become damaged by the elements like wood can. However, it does tend to be quite pricey and may also require regular maintenance depending on its type of metal (steel vs. copper).
Pros
- Durable
- low maintenance
Cons
- Expensive
Built-up roofing membrane
Built-up roofing membranes are made of multiple layers of roofing material such as a base sheet, fiber sheet, and tar and gravel. These commercial roofing systems have been around for decades, making them a relatively old school choice in the commercial building industry. They may be suitable if you want to keep maintenance costs down or have an older structure that requires this type of roof. The downside of a built-up roof is that it will wear out over time and need to be replaced.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Short lifespan
- High cost for replacement
Thermoset EPDM Roof Membrane
EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, an organic rubber polymer that can be synthesized with improved heat resistance and ozone resistance. This commercial roof system will give you excellent protection against the elements over time without needing too much upkeep. It comes in a black or white roll and is applied by a heating process onto the commercial roofing system.
Pros
- Long lifespan
- Great protection from elements
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Requires the heating process for application
- May also need to be replaced eventually
Spray-on siliconized acrylic
This type of commercial roofing system is also known as sheet-applied rubber. It comes in various colors and can be made to look like shingles or tiles, depending on your preference. This material does not require any special installation techniques, but you will need to ensure that it adheres properly to the substrate by using hot asphalt or adhesive. The siliconized acrylic offers waterproofing and is extremely durable. Generally, it is a common roofing type.
Pros
- Can be made to look like different roof types for aesthetic purposes
- Durable
Cons
- May need more than one installer depending on the size of the building
Modified bitumen
This commercial roof membrane is made from the same material as built-up roofs, but it has been modified to provide increased durability and tear strength. It can be purchased in black or white roll form and comes with a protective coating on one side. This will help you achieve waterproofing and protection against the elements for decades without much maintenance.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Good protection from the elements
Cons
- Requires trained and experienced roofers
- Absorbs heat in the summer
Thermoplastic PVC Roof Membrane
The final type of commercial roof is the thermoplastic PVC (polyvinyl chloride) membrane. This material adheres to asphalt, rubber, metal, and EPDM surfaces very well. It can also be applied by hot or cold processes, so you don’t have to worry about which one best fits your needs. When it comes to commercial roofing, thermoplastic PVC is a versatile and durable option because of its ability to be applied so easily.
Pros
- Doesn’t require much maintenance or upkeep after installation
- Doesn’t wear out over time like other types of roofing membranes do
Cons
- May result in more cracking
- Costly
How much should I spend on a commercial roof?
The cost of a commercial roofing system will depend on the size of your building and what type of material you choose. For large buildings, it may be best to spend more money upfront for quality roofing materials that last longer. If you are trying to cut costs, you can get away with low-quality but cheap products like modified bitumen.
Ask An Expert!
If you are unsure what type of commercial roofing system to purchase or how much it should cost, speak with our local commercial roofers in Ridgefield, WA at Executive Roof Services. We can help guide your decision-making process and even give you some advice on where to look for deals that will benefit your business in the long run. Fill out our form or give us a call for a free consultation and quote.
Here are some of our commercial roofing services we provide:
- Roof installation
- Roof inspection
- Roofing repair
- Roof replacement
- Flat roof construction
- Certified roofing experts
Check out our website, Executive Roof Services, on Google!