Choosing the right roof isn’t only crucial for homes, it’s also crucial for commercial buildings. Commercial roofing isn’t the same as residential roofing, however. There are different needs, which means different types of roofing materials for commercial buildings. As a commercial building owner or architect, it is essential to consider every material's advantages and disadvantages to make the best choice to ensure that your commercial property is sufficiently protected from the elements.
Here is a list of the different types of commercial roofing systems, their advantages and disadvantages, and the best commercial roofing material to use.
Factors to Consider When Looking at Commercial Roofing Materials
When looking at commercial roofing materials, there are a few factors you need to consider that will help you make the best choice for your building:
Type of Business
When looking at commercial roof materials, one factor to consider is what sort of business will take place inside the building. This is important to consider as it will help determine how much indoor temperature control matters. In the case of retail stores or warehouses with temperature-sensitive goods, you’ll need an insulating, energy-efficient roofing option that will help maintain the appropriate temperature.
Environmental Impact
There is growing concern about our impact on the environment. It has led to a push for more environmental practices, including using environmentally-friendly materials. This includes using recycled materials and reflective or insulating materials that lessen the reliance on heating and cooling systems, which are all environmentally-friendly, or “green,” features to look for. These materials offer better energy efficiency, which means lower utility costs, and may also come with utility company and government incentives.
Budget
Your budget is another crucial factor when looking at commercial building roofing materials. A roof is an investment, especially when it is protecting your business. While staying within budget is essential, there are several factors you want to consider within the budget. Cheaper materials will have a shorter lifespan and offer less durability, which will require more repairs and replacement sooner than a more premium roofing option. So, while they may have a higher sticker price, it is worth giving yourself a larger budget to buy the best commercial roofing material.
Repairs and Maintenance
Almost all commercial roof materials will require some maintenance and repairs at some point. However, the frequency of repairs and maintenance can depend on the severity of the damage, the type of commercial roof material you use, how it was installed, and if there has been proper maintenance. As mentioned before, when appropriately installed, a higher-quality material will require less maintenance and fewer repairs over its lifespan, which is essential to consider.
What Are the Different Types of Commercial Roofs?
1. Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roof (TPO)
TPO roofing has become one of the more popular types of commercial roof systems. It is one type of thermoplastic membrane with many benefits similar to EPMD.
Advantages
Cost: It is another of the more inexpensive types of commercial roofing systems, often costing even less than EPDM.
Energy Efficiency: TPO is a white product that reflects the Sun’s rays and heat, to reduce the amount of heat buildup and help to maintain more comfortable summer temperatures.
Installation: It is lightweight and easy to install and can be installed in different ways, including directly to the roof deck with fasteners or adhesives.
Durability: It is resistant to corrosion and breakdown and won’t grow algae or mildew.
No Seams: During installation, the plastics in the membrane are melted together, to eliminate seams, which are often responsible for water leaks. This makes it a favored choice compared to different types of commercial roofing.
Disadvantages
Inconsistent Quality: TPO varies significantly in quality from manufacturer to manufacturer, which makes it crucial to go to a reputable source. It also comes in different thicknesses, which adds to the inconsistency issues.
Lamination Issues: The top layer of TPO is laminated, which causes weak points that can lead to shrinking, cracking, and deterioration.
Not Fire Resistant: TPO is one of the roofing materials for commercial buildings that are not fire-resistant, which makes it a safety risk.
2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is another commercial roofing material type to consider. It is made with two layers of PVC with a reinforced center of polyester. The polyester layer has numerous additives that give the material U-stability and flexibility and prevent curing.
Advantages
Lifespan: When installed on flat or low-sloped roofs, PVC is one of the types of commercial building roofs with a relatively long lifespan.
Durability: PVC is also one of the most durable types of commercial building roofs. It is resistant to moisture, fire, wind, and chemicals. The heat-welding installation process also helps create a permanent bond, which helps to hold the seams together and prevent leaks.
Disadvantages
Cost: PVC is more expensive compared to the other types of commercial roof systems that fall into the single-ply category.
Shrinkage: PVC shrinks over time, which will cause pulling on the seams and lifting on the corners, which creates a potential for leaks.
Not Good in Cold Weather: It is not the ideal type of commercial roof for cold climates, because older PVC roofing will be more prone to shattering and punctures.
Difficult to Repair: PVC is more difficult to repair than other types of commercial roofing materials because it requires hot air welds, and new PVC doesn’t react well with old material.
3. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
EPDM, commonly known as rubber roofing, is versatile, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.
Advantages:
Cost: EPDM is one of the most inexpensive types of commercial roofs.
Installation: It is easy to install, partly because it is a lightweight material and doesn’t require any reinforcement to the structure.
Durability: EPDM is relatively durable and doesn’t scuff or scratch easily. It is also not easily damaged by UV rays.
Disadvantages:
Aesthetics: EPDM is not the most aesthetically-pleasing commercial roofing material.
Lacks Energy Efficiency: Being black, EPDM absorbs most of the Sun’s heat. While this can be good in the cooler months, during the summer, it will make your cooling system work harder, which raises utility costs and can damage your cooling system. It is available in lighter colors, but it will raise the cost of the material by around 30 percent.
4. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
SPF is another of the different types of commercial roofs. It is made from plastic that goes from liquid to solid while expanding within seconds.
Advantages
Sustainable: SPF is a sustainable roofing choice that offers energy savings. It has a reflective coating that also cuts down on energy costs.
Durability: The multiple layers of foam offer excellent tensile strength and durability.
Longevity: With proper maintenance and regular coatings, an SPF roof can last 40+ years, one of the longest lifespans of the most common types of commercial roofs.
Air and Watertight: The expansion of the foam creates an air and watertight seal that effectively eliminates the risk of leaks.
Insulating: Unlike some of the different types of commercial roofing, SPF is an insulating material that will help building owners save on heating and cooling costs.
Disadvantages
Installation: The installation method must be done carefully for the roofing to be effective. It is best to hire an expert in SPF roofing.
Difficult to Remove: it can be a difficult and expensive process if it needs to be removed.
5. Asphalt Rolled
Asphalt rolled roofing is one of the common types of commercial roofs for buildings with low-sloped roofs. These roofs use the same materials commonly used in residential asphalt shingles.
Advantages
Cost: It is one of the commercial roofing material types that is more affordable.
Installation: It is relatively easy to install.
Disadvantages
Lifespan: Asphalt rolled roofs have a shorter lifespan, only ten years before you have to replace them.
Maintenance: Because it is a product that gets rolled out, there can be issues with the areas where the rolls join together, which require more maintenance and repairs.
Lacks Energy Efficiency: It is not an energy-efficient product.
6. Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic coatings can be applied to various types of roofs and are often the preferred choice instead of a roof replacement at least 80% of the time. A high-quality acrylic coating will require several layers: a primer, base coat, fabric, and more base coat to help embed the fabric layer, then a top coat. The final result should be a seamless, fully adhered, durable, long-lasting roof membrane. These systems can be installed directly onto plywood during new construction.
Advantages
Energy Efficient: Acrylic coatings are very UV resistant and reflective which makes them a more energy-efficient option.
Easy to Repair: It is easy to repair as it typically just requires caulking. Towards the end of its life, you can add a new top coat instead of doing a total replacement.
Disadvantages
Weathering: With weathering, acrylic coatings are prone to losing nil thickness.
Installation Considerations: They must be installed in temperatures of at least 50ºF or higher. You also must ensure that your roof is level to ensure there are no pooling water issues, which can affect the performance of the coating.
7. Synthetic Roofing Tiles
While the above commercial roofing material types are the most common choices, they aren’t the only option. A newer option to consider, which works well with all levels of roof slopes, is synthetic tiles. Brava is a top brand offering three styles that mimic natural materials:
Cedar Shakes: Molded from natural hand-split cedar shakes
Spanish Barrel Tiles: Mimics the look of clay and concrete Spanish barrel tiles
Old World Slate: Offers the appearance of natural slate
Brava offers many benefits that make it the best commercial roofing material, especially compared to the other types of commercial roofing materials listed above. With Brava, benefits include:
Class A and C fire ratings: Class A is the highest rating materials can achieve
Class 4 Impact Ratings, the highest rating
Wind resistance is between 110 mph and 211 mph, depending on the installation method
Free-Thaw Cycle Resistant: The tiles do not expand and contract like other materials and, therefore, don’t crack or split.
Moisture Resistant: Brava tiles do not absorb moisture; they won't grow mold, algae, or mildew.
Energy Efficient: Brava tiles are energy efficient and provide insulating properties and UV resistance. There are also cool roof colors for the cedar shakes and Spanish Barrel Tiles.
Easy to Install: Brava tiles are incredibly easy to install.
Low Maintenance: They are very low maintenance, and only require an occasional cleaning. There is no need for repairs.
Aesthetics: Beyond the three styles of roofing tiles, Brava offers over ten color options for each, as well as custom color matching for more customized projects.
50-Year Limited Warranty
Choose the Best for Your Commercial Building
When you need a new commercial roofing material and want the most for your money, turn to Brava. These products will provide reliable protection and last much longer than any other commercial roofing material, with minimal maintenance.
Contact Brava today to learn more about our products and how they can work for your commercial building!
