Hiring commercial roofers to repair or restore your commercial property’s roof can be a daunting task, considering the time and cost involved, as well as what downtime can look like for your business. Before scheduling services, consider learning a few important things about commercial roofing materials and their installation process that might help you decide which services to get. You can read about this and more below:
What’s the Difference Between a Commercial and a Residential Roof?
Both residential and commercial roofs provide protection from the elements as well as a solid structure over a place of business or residence. Commercial roofs are made for large-scale industrial buildings or warehouses, while residential roofs are made for standard single-family homes or small offices. Commercial roofs are typically larger in size, flatter, and include multiple layers of material for maximum protection. Residential roofs most commonly use asphalt shingles, although tile and metal roofs are widely popular as well.
What Types of Commercial Roofs Are Available?
Metal
While metal roofing can be a significant investment upfront, it is highly durable and easy for commercial roofers to install, making it one of the most popular options available. Properly maintained metal roofs can last anywhere from thirty to forty years. Metal roofs are fire-resistant, recyclable, and can resist wind damage better than most other types of commercial roofs.
Single-Ply Roofing for Flat Roofs
In addition to being exceptionally lightweight as well as efficient, single-ply roofing can withstand any climate and protect your building from water. Single-ply roofing material has a broad width and is best used on flat roofs. In addition to this, they come with readymade detailing accessories that make the installation process quite simple. The only downside with single-ply roofing is that it doesn’t include a hard-top surface, which makes it susceptible to tears or leaks, should the membrane surface ever be damaged.
EPDM Roofing (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM is a synthetic rubber roofing material that has proven to be exceptionally durable in a number of commercial applications. In addition to its high weatherproofing capabilities, it is also incredibly sun or UV-resistant and also protects well against steam, abrasion, dilute acids, and tears. Since EPDM naturally expands and contracts with temperatures, it is not prone to cracking or tearing in extremely hot or cold conditions. With this, commercial roofers would generally say that EPDM roofs have a life expectancy of over 50 years.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
Originally introduced in the early ‘90s, TPO is a type of commercial single-ply roofing membrane that is highly resistant to punctures and provides ample energy efficiency for large facilities. TPO holds up very well against long exposure to sunlight and is even resistant to dirty or bacterial growth buildup, making it easier to keep clean than some other roofing materials. However, when used in some areas that experience higher levels of heat and UV radiation, TPO might see wear and tear faster.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is also a type of single-ply roofing membrane, but compared to TPO and EPDM, it uses a lower percentage of petroleum and oil. PVC roofing involves easy and fast installation, and it’s a popular choice because of its durability and resistance to chemicals and fire. However, when a PVC roof has started to wear over time, it can be difficult for commercial roofers to repair it.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
In built-up roofs (BURs), multiple layers of asphalt are applied between felt or ply sheets over the insulation and roof deck. For this reason, sometimes, BURs are referred to as “tar and gravel” roofs. BURs are an excellent choice for commercial building owners looking for an affordable solution that requires minimal maintenance. However, BURs can be more difficult for commercial roofers to install than other roofing systems, and with more layers added, they can also weigh heavier. This can add further stress to the building’s structure over time.
Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems
Similar to BURs, modified bitumen roofs combine asphalt with other roofing materials. However, instead of ply sheets, the asphalt is combined with polymerized rubber or plastic and reinforced with fiberglass to create a waterproof membrane. Modified bitumen roofs can be well-resistant to weather and punctures while providing ample flexibility and energy efficiency. However, if incorrectly installed by unskilled commercial roofers, seams can separate or warp, and water can pool in uneven areas.
Shingle Roofing
While it’s uncommon for commercial roofs to use shingles, there are some buildings that still do. There’s no difference between commercial and residential roof shingles in terms of quality, life expectancy, and function. They might differ in terms of installation, however, as commercial roofing typically tends to be flat.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Coating
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a protective foam sprayed on commercial roofs to provide insulation, air seals, and a barrier against the elements. It is one of the most impressive coating materials used for commercial roofs. It’s extremely UV resistant, as well as keeps heat inside during cold months and heat out during warm weather. Spray foam roofs can last up to 20 years upon installation, and refinishing is relatively easy after that time period has passed provided no structural damage has occurred.
What Is the Best Commercial Roof Material?
The best commercial roofing material really all depends on your needs and budget. Most building and warehouse owners prefer metal roofs, EPDM roofs, or SPF-coated flat roofs because of the better return on investment when it comes to durability, insulation, and weatherproofing capabilities. With this in mind, our commercial roofers at Yutzy Roofing Service have tailored our services to meet these needs in the Appleton, Marshfield, and Madison, WI, areas.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Commercial Roof?
Commercial roofs, ranging from the cheapest materials to the best kinds, are typically expected to last anywhere from 10 to 40 years. Of course, the actual number depends on the exact roofing material used and whether or not any additional insulation or coatings are applied.
How Do You Maintain a Commercial Roof?
Regular commercial roof maintenance not only helps prolong the lifespan of your roof, but it can help you prepare your roof for winter or seasons of the year that especially experience inclement weather. Maintaining your commercial roof involves regular inspections by certified commercial roofers, repairs of any missing components, periodic re-applications of roof coatings, and regular cleanings that can help prevent rot, mold, moss, and drainage issues from debris buildup.
Does the Color of a Commercial Roof Matter?
Typically, commercial building owners stay away from darker-colored roofs as they absorb more heat from the sun and opt for lighter-colored roof materials instead as they reflect more light and therefore keep buildings cooler and more energy-efficient.
What Services Do Commercial Roofers Provide?
As one of the best commercial roofers in Marshfield, WI, Yutzy Roofing Service provides a wide range of solutions to repair and restore your commercial building’s roof to desirable conditions. Explore some of our commercial roofing services below.
Commercial Roof Repairs
If your commercial roof has experienced damage from wear or punctures, our commercial roofers can come out and perform the necessary roof repairs to bring it back to its original condition. Whether you have a metal or an EPDM roof, we provide restoration services for both that can help you preserve your investment longer. In addition to visible damage to your roof, if you’re experiencing water leaks, higher energy bills, blocked gutters, or air leaks from your roof’s surface, reach out to Yutzy Roofing Service today for a commercial roof repair in Marshfield, WI.
EPDM Restoration
As TPO, PVC, or other membranes on your commercial roof become weathered, your roof’s surface can be susceptible to cracks, punctures, leaks, mold, moss, and debris, compromising your building’s safety and structural integrity. With an EPDM restoration from our commercial roofers, you can benefit from a longer-lasting roofing membrane that provides maximum weather protection and improved energy savings. At Yutzy Roofing Service, our EPDM roofs can be installed with a reflective white surface to further help keep conditions cool inside your building.
Spray Foam & Coatings
If you’re looking for a more simple solution than EPDM, an SPF roof coating allows you a great balance of insulation and waterproofing at a reasonable price. With SPF coatings, any commercial roof repairs in the future will become more simplified. After a simple application of spray polyurethane foam, any future issues can be immediately resolved with another coating or a caulk gun.
Metal Roof Restoration
At Yutzy Roofing, our metal roof restoration services make it easier for commercial building owners with existing metal roofs to protect and maintain their investment. Instead of getting expensive roof replacements every few decades or so, commercial businesses now have the option to install a protective coating made especially for metal roofs. Our acrylic elastomeric roof coating has fabric reinforcement that is incorporated at each and every seam of your roof, which significantly increases your roof\’s strength. Additionally, premium caulking is used to protect any exposed fasteners from the elements.
Commercial Roof Replacement
If you’re looking for a durable, modern, and cost-effective new roof solution, we invite you to check out our commercial roof replacement solutions today. Whether you have an existing metal or flat roof and want to explore more cutting-edge roofing technology such as EPDM and SPF, reach out to Yutzy Roofing Service today for all of your commercial roofing needs in Marshfield, WI.
Top Commercial Roofers in Marshfield, WI
To schedule an appointment with dependable, top-rated commercial roofers in Marshfield, WI, contact Yutzy Roofing Service today at (715)-897-5017.
