If you’re considering fixing or replacing your commercial roof, you’re probably thinking of a flat roof. Truth is, what you’re picturing isn’t technically a flat roof, it’s a low slope roof.
The definition of these types of roofs includes any roof with a slope of 14 degrees or less. These roofs are usually the top choice for commercial roofs and available in a few varieties.
These are the most common types of commercial roofs nowadays.
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1. Single-Ply Types of Commercial Roofs
Single-ply roofing systems are among the most popular commercial roofing types. That’s because they’re durable and quick to install over a concrete roof deck.
These are the different single-ply commercial roofing types:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
Apart from reducing energy consumption, TPO roofs are also environmentally friendly in that they’re 100% recyclable.
2. Built-Up Commercial Roofs
Also known as BUR, built-up roofing’s one of the most common roofing materials for commercial use.
It’s made up of layers of gravel and tar layered alternately with fiber-glass asphalt sheeting. A top layer of bitumen holds everything together.
These durable, fire-resistant types of roofs can last for up to 20 years. On the downside, the complicated installation procedure usually attracts high labor costs.
3. Modified Bitumen Roofs
These roofs comprise sheets made from asphalt mixed with chemical polymers.
The result is multiple layers that are either fixed together with hot-mopped asphalt or self-adhere. At the end of the process, the contractor melts the seals together into a secure bond.
These roofs can withstand wind, hail, and fire as well as extreme temperatures. The polymer adds a high degree of flexibility to these roofs.
4. Liquid Applied Roofing
Your contractor will pour this roof, made from polyester and resin, on-site.
It creates one of the best watertight seals since it flows easily into awkwardly-shaped hard-to-reach areas and flashing. It’s also one of the easiest types of roofs to repair by applying more of the mixture to damaged areas.
A commercial roofing contractor will either spray or roller-apply this type of roof in two layers. This is a convenient and effective process but it’s an expensive one.
5. Metal Roofs
Although metal roofs are popular for residential applications, metal’s one of the most expensive commercial roofing materials, because of how much of it you’ll need for the average building.
You can choose from several colors and options if you decide on this roof, namely:
- Corrugated galvanized steel
- Stainless steel
- Stone-coated steel
- Copper
- Tin
- Aluminum
Unless you pay extra for a protective coating, metal rusts easily. It’s also exceptionally noisy when it rains.
Despite these drawbacks, metal roofs resist fires, punctures, and tears very well.
Make the Best Choices For Your Business
While considering the types of commercial roofs available for your business, remember that higher upfront costs often come with a longer roof lifespan and better performance.
An experienced contractor is always your first port of call for advice and guidance on choosing the best roof for your home or business.
If you’d like some more general information on how to make good choices for your business, keep browsing our blog.
