The commercial roofing industry should reach a value of $156 billion by 2030, thanks to increasing commercial building construction and advances in roofing technology.
These advances include green roofs, noise reduction, increased energy efficiency, and superior longevity when compared to traditional commercial roofs. So, if your commercial building\’s roof needs repairs or replacement, you\’ve got more choices than ever before.
Keep reading to discover your best commercial roofing system options for a new roof, or find out if it\’s possible to repair those pesky leaks for good.
How to Choose a Roofing System
Commercial roofing materials influence your building\’s energy efficiency, appearance, and overall safety. An experienced local roofing contractor is an invaluable asset when choosing the best roofing system for businesses, but you have the final say, so you must know what\’s best for your building, too.
These are the most important considerations when you\’re considering your commercial roofing choices:
- The current state of your roof
- Whether re-roofing is possible
- Existing structures and protrusions
- The climate in your area
- Local building codes
- Nearby hazards
- The purpose of the building
- Environmental impact
Finally, your budget plays a major role in what type of roof you can afford. Be sure to consider the price tag compared to the roof\’s expected lifespan and warranties offered.
Some types of roofs last longer than others, and some lend themselves better to roof repairs.
Low Slope Metal Roofs
This is one of the most common commercial roofing systems for good reason. These roofs are strong durable, and highly fire-resistant. They can last for up to 70 years.
They\’re also an aesthetically-pleasing choice for most commercial buildings. Some types of metal are prone to corrosion, but you can easily mitigate this by adding proactive layers to your roof to protect it from moisture and sun damage.
These are the most widely used metals for commercial roofing:
- Galvanized steel
- Zinc and aluminum aggregates
- Silicon-coated steel
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Stone-coated steel
- Lead
- Tin
Metal is a sustainable choice, too, since it\’s recyclable and deflects the sun\’s heat to reduce your cooling needs.
You can easily repair and restore your metal roof with the help of an experienced roofing contractor. They\’re easy to install too, which helps reduce costs, although metal roofing does become expensive in the large quantities required for big commercial buildings.
The biggest drawback of metal roofs is that they don\’t absorb noise, so ask your roofer about noise insulation if this is a concern for you.
EPDM Roofing
These popular types of roofing systems also go by the name thermoset roofing. They\’re a single-ply roof system, offering versatility and exceptional durability.
They\’re easy to maintain and repair and offer superb resistance to UV light and ozone. They\’re made from single-ply rubber, which is an energy-efficient material. This can help you lower your electricity bills and put you in line for federal tax credits.
EPDM roofing suits cold climates well and resists solvents, alcohol, and many acids. This makes them a low maintenance, reliable, and long-lasting roofing systems that can endure for as long as 50 years.
It\’s tricky installing EPDM on roofs with many protrusions, as your installer will need to cut and shape the material to suit. This increases the potential for leaks.
TPO and PVC Roof Membranes
Polyvinyl chloride and thermoplastic polyolefin roofs are highly reflective, lightweight, and weatherproof. They resist punctures, tears, fire, wind, most chemicals, UV light, and bacterial growth.
They\’re also impervious to oils and animal fats, making them a good choice for restaurants with rooftop vents. Due to their strong seams, they suit second-generation applications well, too.
This is another type of single-ply roofing, available in colors like white, gray, and tan that reflect the sun\’s heat well to ensure your building\’s interiors stay cool.
PVC roofs require a smooth, flat surface for installation, so you can\’t install them over an existing roof. Your contractor may need to remove your old roof before installing a PVC roof, which results in higher labor costs.
They can last up to 20 years, but you\’ll likely need to engage in ongoing repairs after the first ten years.
TPO roofing hasn\’t been around for a long time, although contractors estimate it should last around 20 years. It can leak at the seams if the membranes loosen during expansion and contraction, and the upper laminated layer may deteriorate and crack over time.
Built-Up Roofing
Tar and gravel roofs have been around for a long time and have an excellent history of tough durability. These roofs comprise layers of tar and a mineral aggregate.
It\’s an economical roofing solution that offers good UV protection and can last for up to 40 years if you keep them well maintained.
This kind of roof is very heavy, and it\’s difficult to locate the source of leaks, since water can travel far from the original defect via these layers.
None of the materials used to make tar and gravel roofs are recyclable, so they\’re not an eco-friendly choice, either.
Choose the Best Commercial Roofing System Contractor
It\’s vital to work with an experienced, licensed, and reputable contractor when installing or repairing your commercial roof.
If you haven\’t worked with us before, you haven\’t tried everything possible to get your roof back in the best shape. We can assist you regardless of the age of your building or roof or how many times you\’ve already repaired it.
We service Marshfield, Stevens Point, Plover, Wausau, Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and Appleton in Wisconsin. Get in touch, and we\’ll work with you to find the best commercial roofing system solutions for your needs.
