Projections show that the global roofing market will reach a size of $156 billion by 2030.
A commercial roof can be quite costly, but you want to make sure you have one that\’s durable and reliable. All buildings are different, and there are various roofing options available. If yours needs replacing, understanding the different options available will help you make the best choice.
In this guide, we\’ll cover the various types of commercial roofs available. Keep reading for more.
Reasons to Invest in a New Roof
Replacing a roof is a big job, so it\’s best to understand when one needs replacing before making a decision. Small issues might only require a simple repair job, but for bigger problems, a replacement may be the best choice.
Leaks
This is one of the most common issues that arise with commercial roofs. Leaks can occur in different places, and even small ones can become major problems. With time, they can grow, and if they\’re not dealt with, they can cause other issues like mold or structural damage.
Small leaks can usually be repaired without too much trouble if they\’re found early. They may come back, however, and if your roof has multiple leaks, it\’s probably time for a replacement.
Weather-Related Issues
The roof of your building is fully exposed to the elements, so with time, the weather can cause quite a bit of damage. Things like ice dams, freezing, thawing, and backups can cause your roof to degrade, sometimes quite significantly. Problems like this can be quite prominent in Wisconsin due to the cold winters.
Aged Roof
You\’ll naturally have fewer problems with a new roof, but the older a roof is, the worse condition it\’s likely to be in. Depending on the type of roof you have, it could last for several decades, but standard wear and tear will eventually break it down. Sometimes you may want to replace an old roof before any major problems appear so that you can avoid dealing with them entirely.
Storm Damage
Wisconsin doesn\’t typically have the worst weather in the US, but it can still be prone to storms and tornadoes. This can cause severe damage to commercial roofs, and you may end up needing a replacement as a result.
Types of Commercial Roofs
There are various types of roofs available. Note that commercial buildings serve different purposes to residential ones, so there are specific types of roofs that you should consider.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a popular choice as it\’s durable and has a good lifespan. A metal roof can often last from 40-60 years and can be made from various materials such as aluminum, copper, and stainless steel.
On top of being attractive, metal roofing can offer benefits such as fire resistance and strength, and it can be integrated with solar or snow removal systems. On the downside, some roofs may experience corrosion, causing damage over time.
Thermoset EPDM Roof Membrane
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) is a synthetic rubber membrane that\’s durable, long-lasting, versatile, and easy to install. It offers good resistance against sunlight, pollution, and solvents such as acid or alcohol.
You may want to avoid this if the appearance of your roof is a factor, as people often don\’t like how it looks. It can also puncture quite easily from falling debris or if anyone walks across it.
Thermoplastic PVC & TPO Roof Membrane
PVS (Poly Vinyl Chloride) and TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) offer good resistance against adverse conditions. This includes things like:
- Chemicals (including fats and oils)
- UV light
- Bacterial growth
On top of that, they\’re fire-resistant and handle high winds and high temperatures well. The disadvantage is that many smaller companies have started making their own versions, and these are of low quality. If you go with this option, make sure you go with a reliable company.
Shingle Roofing
This is more common on residential buildings but can still be used for commercial properties. Various materials are available, and they\’re all versatile and easy to install, making this one of the cheaper options.
Shingle roofs generally don\’t have the best lifespan. They\’re also more susceptible to things like moss and mildew, so may require more maintenance.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Membrane
This features alternating layers of gravel and tar, with more layers providing more durability (and cost). It\’s a flexible option, and generally quite easy to repair.
It\’s good for UV resistance and heat reflection (when coated). The lifespan, however, is shorter than most other roof types. It can also be difficult to identify the source of a leak when one appears.
Spray-On Silicon
This involves using a liquid spray that quickly expands into a foam. It hardens to provide a solid layer and is applied to existing roofs. It adds waterproofing and improved insulation and will last up to 50 years if it\’s looked after.
These can only be installed in the right conditions. Snow, ice, and water make it impossible. It also needs to be inspected at least once or twice a year to make sure it\’s still in a good state.
The Right Roof for Your Commercial Building
With all these types of commercial roofs, you should consider your own needs to determine the right choice. Yutzy Roofing Services offers a variety of services such as roof installation, maintenance, and repairs. We can discuss your needs with you to help you determine what the best type of roof for your building would be.
Take a look at our Photo Gallery to see some of the projects we\’ve done in the past.
