Types of Commercial Roofs

A quick drive through the suburbs displays a series of sloped roofs throughout neighborhoods, but if you move through any business park, you’ll notice no sloped roof in sight. That’s because most commercial buildings do not use sloped roofs, instead opting for something flat.

Putting a sloped roof on a commercial building is expensive, impractical, and, quite frankly, dangerous. As commercial buildings expand and evolve, so do the options for commercial roofing systems.

Whether you’re considering a roofing upgrade for your existing building or embarking on a new commercial construction project, the choice of roofing material and design is paramount. To help make this decision a little bit easier, here are six types of commercial roofs for your building.

6 Types of Commercial Roofs

Deciding which type of commercial roof is best for your building depends on climate, building usage, local building regulations, cost, and energy efficiency. Not every commercial roof is built the same, and each has its pros and cons.

Single-Ply Roofing (TPO, PVC, and EPDM)

Single-Ply roofing involves sheets of rubber or other synthetic material attached to your commercial building, providing a layer of protection against the elements. As stated in the name, these are single layers. It’s cost-effective, easy to install, and protects against severe weather conditions.

There are three types of Single-Ply roofing: TPO, PVC, and EPDM.

TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin): The white roofs often seen atop commercial buildings are TPO roofing membranes. They are known for their energy efficiency and reflective properties. TPO is lightweight, flexible, and resistant to UV rays and harsh weather conditions.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A versatile roofing membrane, PVC roofing is durable and functions well in most weather conditions. Protecting against chemicals, grease, fire, and punctures, PVC roofing also reflects heat, saving you on energy costs.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer): EPDM roofing is a synthetic rubber material widely used because of its weather resistance and longevity. If installed in the wrong environment, EPDM roofing can be fragile.

Built-Up Roofing

Built-up roofing (BUR) consists of multiple asphalt or bitumen layers alternated with reinforcing fabric layers, such as fiberglass or polyester. These layers are built up to create a durable and waterproof membrane.

The reason why people still use built-up roofing is because it’s been around for over 100 years, and the process works just as well. The point of built-up roofing is that when one layer of membrane is damaged, multiple layers are underneath to protect your commercial building.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen roofing is an alternative to built-up roofing (BUR). It incorporates modified asphalt sheets or rolls, often reinforced with polyester or fiberglass. Modified bitumen roofing is waterproof, energy efficient, and easy to install.

Because of its weather resistance, modified bitumen roofing offers excellent flexibility regardless of temperature. One thing to note is that the lifespan of modified bitumen roofing is only around 20 years, so you’ll need a replacement sooner than other materials.

Metal Roofing (Mechanically Attached)

Mechanically attached roofing features vertical panels with raised seams. The seams are snapped or mechanically locked together, creating a watertight seal. Standing seam roofs are durable, low-maintenance, and offer excellent resistance to weather and fire.

Asphalt Shingles, Wood Shakes, Slate, Metal Shingles

While asphalt shingles are more commonly associated with residential roofing, they can be used in specific commercial applications, especially for smaller structures like offices or retail spaces.

Upgraded asphalt shingles may have enhanced features such as increased durability, impact resistance, and better wind resistance than standard residential shingles. They are available in various styles and colors to suit commercial aesthetics.

You may also find wood shakes, slate, and metal shingles as options depending on the type of roof you’re replacing.

Solar Panels

The latest trend in commercial roofing is the installation of solar panels. These solar arrays are saving commercial building owners plenty of money in the summer as they not only provide strong insulation, but also deliver energy as the sun beats down on them.

What’s great about solar panels is that they are durable and last a long time. You won’t need to replace your solar panels for around 25 years, but remember, the installation takes longer as it’s more complicated. Also, there is a higher upfront cost than other types of commercial roofs.

Need Commercial Roof Replacement? Call Ridgeworth Roofing Today.

Ridgeworth Roofing works with commercial buildings of all sizes installing, inspecting, and maintaining their roofs. With nearly 50 years of experience and expertise behind us, our team works hard to deliver you the highest quality roofing using only the best materials.

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