Unlike residential roofing, commercial roofs have many specifications that must be met to ensure the roof’s longevity and durability. This includes how often mechanical contractors must access the roof to service equipment. Commercial roofing also requires consideration of energy efficiency. There are a wide variety of materials available to meet these requirements. Contact your local Roofers Round Rock TX for more information.
Single-Ply Membranes
Single-ply membranes like PVC, EPDM and TPO offer commercial roofing a high-performing defense in the form of a solitary layer of protection. Their shared traits include durability, a long life expectancy and energy efficiency.
These commercial roof systems can be loose-laid, mechanically attached or fully adhered. Loose-laid membranes are a popular choice for retrofit applications and are often installed over an existing commercial roof system. The membrane is then ballasted with heavy, durable gravel for support. This approach minimizes the need for a concrete deck and can help lower the overall cost of the project.
Loose-laid membranes can be installed in three structure types:
PVC membranes are the most commonly used single-ply system, especially for new construction. They are available in a variety of colors and have additives for fire resistance, UV protection and heat welding. PVC is also a highly flexible material that resists changes in climatic conditions.
Modified bitumen (MB) has impressive characteristics. It’s a strong and flexible material that is very durable, with the added benefit of being easy to work with. MB systems can have an expected lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
TPO membranes are a relatively new commercial roofing option that’s quickly becoming a favorite. It’s a single-ply membrane that features a polymer base, a polyester-reinforced fabric center and a thermoplastic polyolefin compounded top ply. TPO is highly resistant to both UV radiation and thermal stress from ozone, as well as being able to withstand dramatic weather changes.
Metal
Metal roofing is a cost-effective option for commercial properties looking to save on energy costs. It has a high insulating value and can help reduce cooling bills by reflecting the sun’s rays. Additionally, it can also resist the spread of fire and protect against wind-blown debris.
While it may cost more than other commercial roofing options, metal has an expected lifespan of 40 to 100 years, depending on the alloy used. The most popular alloy, steel, offers impressive resistance to corrosion if coated with an inorganic coating like galvalume.
Commercial metal roofs are available in a wide range of colors and styles to mimic traditional shingles or tiles. This design choice is ideal for commercial properties that want to preserve the aesthetic of their building while still gaining the advantages of metal.
Standing seam metal roofs are an excellent choice for high-rise buildings with a slope between 1:12 and 2:12. They feature raised ribs that run vertically along the length of the panel, which adds structural strength and helps to prevent water infiltration. These roofs are also thicker than corrugated metal or shingle roofing, which makes them less vulnerable to damage from falling debris or workers’ boots.
Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are one of the latest innovations in the industry. They are a poured-in-place system that combines a metal skin with a polyisocyanurate foam core. This roofing option is growing in popularity, thanks to its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions and achieve a three-hour fire rating.
IMPs are completely recyclable, meaning you won’t have to worry about them clogging landfills. Plus, they are extremely energy efficient. Their light color reflects the sun’s rays, reducing the amount of energy used for heating and cooling in your facility.
Shingles
Though they are often seen on residential roofs, shingles are also a great roofing option for some commercial buildings. With a variety of colors and styles, shingles offer weatherproofing and insulation for steep-sloped roofs at an affordable price point. They are also easier to install than other roofing materials. However, if you’re going to go with this option, make sure your roofing contractor uses premium shingles from a reputable manufacturer such as IKO or GAF. These shingles will offer more longevity and can help you qualify for a higher wind warranty.
If you’re looking for a more aesthetically pleasing commercial roof, architectural and designer asphalt shingles are the way to go. These shingles are thicker than 3-tab shingles and offer more durability and an upgraded aesthetic that can last 25-35 years. They are also available in a range of colors and can even replicate the look of more expensive materials such as slate or wood shakes. These shingles can add more curb appeal to your commercial property and increase its value as well.
Commercial shingle roofs can be a good choice for many types of businesses and organizations, but if you plan to vent oils, greases, fats, and other flammable substances onto your roof, this type of roofing isn’t recommended. PVC is a better material for this type of commercial roof, as it has a high fire rating and will not break down or become brittle when exposed to flammable materials.
If you are considering a shingle roof, be sure to speak with our roofing experts to learn more about your options and how each will affect the lifespan of your commercial roof. Our experienced team will use our decades of expertise to guide you through the process and ensure that you’re making the right choice for your business.
Low-Sloped Roofs
Low-sloped roofs with a slope of 3:12″ or less are the most common commercial roofing system. These flat roofs are typically referred to as membrane roof systems and can be made of various materials including EPDM, PVC, or TPO. All are typically rolled out in sheets and adhered to the roof deck. These are the most popular choices for commercial roofs because they are durable, affordable and easy to maintain. They also provide good energy efficiency since they are able to reflect the sun’s heat rather than absorbing it.
Like steep-sloped roofs, they need to be inspected for leaks and other damage. Commercial roofs should be inspected at least once a year. The inspection should include a visual check of the surface of the roof as well as checking for any pooling water or debris and an examination of the decking. More extensive or comprehensive inspections of flat roofs are often recommended and can be performed by professional roofing contractors.
One of the oldest types of flat or low-sloped roofing is built-up roof (BUR) – an asphalt, coal-tar pitch or asphalt emulsion product with multiple layers of bitumen hot or cold applied in between layers of reinforcing plies, mats, felts or other saturated or coated base sheets. BUR offers a cost effective choice for low-sloped roofs and it is known for its superior fire resistance.
Other common low-sloped roof systems include ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), or thermoplastic olefin rubber and vapor barrier roofing which are durable, inexpensive and easy to maintain. These are commonly used on hospitals, warehouses, shopping malls and grocery stores. They are also available with warranties of up to 20 years by manufacturers such as GAF and Johns Manville.
High-Sloped Roofs
Unlike flat roofs, sloped or pitched roofs have a slight pitch to them, which allows rain and snow to easily shed off the roof. This is a great feature because commercial buildings often have a lot of equipment like AC units on the roof, and they need to shed water quickly.
A roof’s pitch can also have a significant impact on what type of roofing materials work best with it. For instance, a steep roof will require an adequate gutter system to effectively shed rain and snow. Additionally, a steep roof needs to be properly maintained and inspected to ensure the proper drainage of water.
Steep-slope roofs have a familiar and classic look that complements a wide variety of structures. They also tend to be more energy efficient, as the slight pitch helps prevent pooling of water and reduces heat loss. However, they’re not without their downsides. For instance, steep-sloped roofs can be more difficult to maintain than flat or low-sloped roofs, and they’re at a higher risk of collapse if not properly installed and maintained.
While many people choose their roofing materials based on aesthetics, the climate of their region should have an important influence on what they select. Extreme temperatures can accelerate the deterioration of certain roofing materials, and ice dams can form when melting snow is blocked from draining. Consequently, roof coverings that can withstand harsh weather conditions are more likely to be a good fit for Colorado building owners.
Regardless of the material chosen, a commercial roof is an important investment. As a result, it’s essential to consult with an experienced professional roofing contractor to evaluate the current condition of your roof and determine what type of material would be most suitable for it.
