During our daily lives, we don’t spend much time thinking about our roofs. Yet, when your roofing starts to look rough or leaky, then (suddenly) it’s all we can think about.
Depending on the structure and the owner’s budget, commercial roofs may take on a variety of shapes and sizes.
When it comes to the health and lifespan of your business property’s roof, there is no better place to start than the kind of roof you have installed. Over time, the roof’s integrity will be affected by the surrounding environment, average weather, and any other elements such as animals, flora, and so on.
But, no worries. Keep on reading, as we’ll look at the most prevalent types of commercial roofs. Also, we’ll explore the roofing materials used to build them. This way you’ll have a better grasp of what it takes to build a high-quality business roof.
The Most Popular Material for Commercial Roofs: Metal Roofing
Let’s start with one of the most common types of roofing material on the market.
Commercial metal roofing is a popular choice because of its 40 to 60 year lifetime. A variety of metal roofing systems are available, some of which include solar panels or snow-clearing systems as standard features.
Commercial roofing made out of metal will include some of the following sub-materials. You can expect to see sheet metal coated with galvanized iron. In addition, there will be tile sheets. These can be made out of zinc, tin, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Of course, there are several advantages to choosing metal roofing over other materials, including a completed appearance, high fire resistance ratings, and the fact that it is more durable and long-lasting.
Unfortunately, the downside is that metals are prone to rusting and corroding.
To avoid damage from exposure, moisture, pollution, and other environmental variables, contemporary metal roofs have protective surface layers.
Built-Up Roofing Membrane (BUR)
With proper maintenance, built-up roofing may last up to 20 years, and it is constructed by layering tar and gravel. The greater the number of layers, the more durable and expensive the product will be.
It’s one of the oldest and most versatile roof kinds, and it’s simple to maintain and repair.
In order to withstand the weight and vibrations of movement, this sort of roofing relies on a solid foundation underneath it. In addition to being UV-resistant, it may be coated to reflect heat.
Because BUR roofing has one of the shortest lifespans on the market, it may be difficult to pinpoint where leaks come from over time.
The Environmentally-Friendly Option: Green Roof
The lifespan of a green roof is between 30 and 50 years. Engineers made them out of a waterproof membrane that is totally covered with greenery.
These eco-friendly works of art enhance air quality and frequently include a green area for workers to relax and unwind.
Protection from the weather, potential utility and government subsidies, and increased aesthetics are just a few of the benefits you get to enjoy. Water and drainage management, temperature control, and sensor capability are common features.
Yet, maintaining and maintaining a green roof is a time-consuming process.
Spray-On Roofing
Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a spray-on polyurethane substance that hardens into an impermeable coating after being applied. Even though it isn’t well recognized, this kind of eco-friendly roofing has been present since the early 1960s.
Insulation and waterproofing are provided via an SPF roofing system. In every environment, it may be utilized, and it can survive for up to 50 years with proper installation and care.
This sort of roofing can only be put in suitable weather circumstances (no snow, no ice, and no water), and it has to be examined every year or so.
Thermoset EPDM Membrane
An EPDM roofing membrane is a roll-based, long-lasting synthetic rubber roofing membrane. Known as Thermoset roofing, an EPDM roof system is highly resistant to sunlight and other pollutants. It’s long-lasting, adaptable, and simple to put in place. ‘
EPDM, a single-ply rubber, is resistant to sunlight and pollution, as well as many common solvents, such as alcohol and acids.
Because EPDM is prone to puncture, it is not usually the most attractive alternative on the market.
A Thermoplastic Roof Membrane: PVC or TPO
As a result, TPO and PVC roofing systems are able to withstand harsh weather conditions. These roof membranes are resistant to UV radiation, substances like fats and oils, or bacterial development. In addition to being lightweight and heat-resistant, they are also puncture-proof.
Strong air-welded seams, fire resistance, and the ability to withstand both high temperatures and severe winds are some of the other advantages of this material.
Consider the drawbacks of low-quality items before making a purchase. Small producers have sought to develop their own product lines since TPO has grown so popular, causing quality to fall through the gaps. Make sure you get this product from a reliable company.
You’ll want to check out more here for one of the best contractors on the market.
Traditional Roofing: Shingles
In addition to residential houses, you can see shingles on commercial premises, particularly those with steep rooflines.
Asphalt, architectural, slate, plastic, and ceramic are some of the materials used to make shingles (just to name a few). Installing this material is reasonably simple and cost-effective, as well as adaptable.
Sadly enough, the lifetime may be less than that of other commercial roofing kinds. It all depends on the brand utilized. If your building is situated in a shaded region, your shingles are also at risk of mildew and moss.
Commercial Roofing: Simplified
Whether you’re overseeing your commercial building’s construction, or you’re due for a commercial roof replacement, there will come a time where you’ll need to pick the right commercial roofing material for your needs.
Hopefully, our guide has shed some light on the different kinds of materials that make commercial roofs. This way you can make a well-educated decision when the time comes.
And, if you liked reading our article, then you’ll love checking out our other home living tips and tricks. All of them will be available in our real estate and construction sections.
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