Top 5 Commercial Roofs & Coats: Common Choices
Commercial roofs come in many forms, with each one built according to the needs of the building and the budget of the owner. The kind of roof your commercial property has plays an integral role in the overall health of the building, and the longevity of the roof itself. The surrounding environment, typical weather, and any extraneous variables such as animals, foliage, etc. will also have an impact on the integrity of the roof over time.
To help you gain an understanding of what it takes to construct a quality commercial roof, we’re going to look at the most common classifications of commercials roofs and the roofing materials used to create them.
It’s important to note that most commercial roofs are either flat or low slope, which narrows down the available roofing materials. The six most common roof classifications include:
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Membrane
- Metal Roofing
- Modified Bitumen Roofing
- Thermoset (EPDM) Roof Membrane
- Thermoplastic (PVC & TPO) Roof Membrane
- Garden “Green” Roofing System
1. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a very popular commercial roof type because there are so many different kinds of metal materials available for use in such a roofing system, including:
- Corrugated galvanized steel
- Aggregates of zinc, aluminum, and silicon-coated steel
- Metal tile sheets
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Stone-coated steel
- Tin
- And lead
2. Built-up Roofing Membrane
Built-up roofing, or “BUR” as it’s commonly known, is essentially your standard tar-and-gravel roof. It’s built with multiple layers (piles). This is a flexible roof type as the number of layers can be varied to help control costs or meet certain durability requirements you may need to address. It’s a very old low-slope roof system and is one of the most cost-effective and tough roofing types available today
Since metal is susceptible to rusting, protective surface layers are added to manage damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight and other environmental dangers. Metal roofing also has the advantage of having an attractive, finished look, but when budget and durability are of the utmost importance, it’s wise to go with what works best rather than what looks best. Metal roofs do, however, have strong fire resistance ratings, and are both stronger and more durable compared to traditional commercial roofing options. They also help create a more sustainable design for your building.
3. Thermoset Roof Membrane
Referred as elastomeric roofing systems, these membranes are available in form of sheets. These systems are generally categorized as thermoset and thermoplastic membranes. An example of thermoset membranes includes ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), one of the most widely used roofing system
Also known as EPDM roofing, Thermoset roof system offer long-lasting durability and versatility, paired with a simple installation and ease of maintenance/repair when compared to most other commercial roof types. EPDM boasts a strong resistance to ultraviolet light and ozone and is constructed from a single-ply rubber material.
Other benefits include great flexibility in colder temperatures; resistance to some acids, solvents, and alcohol; and reflective properties that help lower cooling costs.
4. Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified Bitumen (MB) roofing is an asphalt-based, close cousin of the Built-up-Roof (BUR) designed for buildings with low-slope or “flat” roof structures. … Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems are designed to withstand harsh exposure to extreme environmental elements.
Reinforced roof fabrics are applied to act as “carriers” for bitumen, which is later cut and installed in layers similar to BUR membranes. These roofing systems are generally fastened to commercial rooftops as two-ply systems, adhered to the roofing deck for maximum stability and protection.
Maintenance of modified bitumen roofs is simple and can typically be handled with annual inspections and cleaning. They offer enhanced tensile strength compared to most other flat roof types that experience regular foot traffic, and that means if you anticipate a lot of activity on your commercial building roof, modified bitumen may be ideal.
5. Thermoplastic Roof Membrane
Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a single-ply roofing membrane that is one of the fastest growing commercial roofing systems on the market. TPO roofing systems are made up of a single layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) roofing systems are lightweight, highly reflective, and provide excellent weathering and resistance to UV light, punctures/tears, and most chemicals, including oils, animal fats, and bacterial growth. The seam strength offered by thermoplastic roofs makes it ideal for second-generation applications, too. The nature of these resistances makes thermoplastic roof membrane popular for restaurants and other businesses that emit oils and/or fats from their ventilation systems.
Other benefits range from a high-temperature tolerance to high resistance to fire and high winds.
Need Waterproofing For Your Commercial Property? Call Deluxe Waterproofing Today!
If you think your South Florida commercial property is in need of professional waterproofing, don’t hesitate in calling us today! Our company’s team is composed of industry experts who are trained to provided properties with the best waterproofing around. We feel more than certain that when you choose us, you’ll be absolutely happy with our work as you’re added to our growing list of satisfied customers. For any inquiries, you may call us at 954-623-3777 or visit our contact page.