Although the function of both residential and commercial roofs is to protect your property there are some structural differences between them. Also, the material that is used in both types of roofs differs due to the difference in size and structure of them. Residential roofs have a very apparent slope that can be seen clearly but on the other hand, commercial roofs are larger and have a slope that is less steep and is flatter. For both types of roofs, the material that is used in them is determined by the climatic conditions of the area i.e. intense heat, extreme cold, and foot traffic on the roof.

Use of modern technology in commercial roofing:

With the advancements in technology, contractors are introducing materials that help the commercial roofs be sustainable for a longer period, offer high resistance, and help in the extreme cold and hot conditions. The material that is being introduced now also helps in reducing storm water runoff and also optimize-environmental efficiency.

In this post, we will be telling you how you can choose the best material for your commercial roof and how you can structure it so it best matches your needs and the climate of that area. We’ll be guiding you about everything, from the slope of the roof to the materials you can choose, which you can do to achieve the best commercial roof for yourself. Follow this guide and chose those materials and styles that you think best suit you and your area.

The slope of your commercial roof:

• Low slope roof:

If you have warehouses, big box stores, or shopping centers then you should go with a low slope roof, you can use EPDM, PVC, and TPO in this type of roof.

Commercial roofing systems:

• Single Ply Roofing:

Single-ply roofing is preferred by many building owners because it uses PVC, TPO, and EPDM. As they are resistant to weathering and other kinds of damage like peeling and cracking they are extremely flexible. They are installed in a single layer and have two types.

• Thermoplastic membranes
• Thermoset membranes
• Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO):

TPO is made of roof sheets that are reinforced and the seams of it are heat-welded. It is used in low slope roofs i.e. commercial roofs and this material is highly reflective.

Composition of TPO:

TPO is composed of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber and both of them are polymerized together.

TPO comes in different types of colors and the most common out of them are grey, white, and tan. This membrane can be installed by the use of different techniques out of which most common is to attach, adhere, or ballast it.

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

It is composed of two layers of PVC and has a polyester reinforcement scrim in between. The materials in the top ply and the bottom ply are different. The top ply contains the materials that make it UV resistant and the bottom ply contains plasticizers that give it the flexibility so it can be installed easily.

Properties of PVC:

PVC has properties of longevity, durability, and it is also fire resistant which makes it the best material for commercial roofs. It is easily weldable to the adjoining sheet and makes it watertight. To make it look like a standing seam roof that appears aesthetically pleasing, a pre-matured rib is welded to the surface. They are also recyclable meaning that you can use them in new sheets.

• EPDM roofing (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer):

This commercial roofing material has properties like no other. It is super elastic and has strength that can resist continuous and strong ultraviolet rays. It is the most popular commercial roofing material at this time because of its resilience and low cost.

Composition of EPDM:

It is a synthetic rubber that is composed of natural gas and oil. Because of its low cost and other properties that it offers, it is used for low slope commercial roofs around the world.

• Modified bitumen roofing system:

Asphalt shingles alone cannot work for commercial roofs as they are not resistant and strong as compared to the roof materials mentioned above but when combined with a chemical material they can give commercial roofs the flexibility and durability that it needs. When asphalt and a chemical material are combined it is called a modified bitumen roofing system.

Application:

It can be applied in multiple layers and several ways. They can come in self-adhesive sheets and can be torched and hot or cold applied. Because of the vast ways through which they can be applied, it makes them the best option for all four seasons. The seams are melted so they form a strong bond.

Properties:

This material is wind, fire, and, hail resistant. These properties also make it storm-resistant.

• Build up roof for commercial roofing:

Build-up roofing which has been here for more than 100 years is one of the oldest roofing systems that are used in commercial roofs. It consists of 3 to 5 layers that provide extreme protection from the external environment. It is also called BUR and can protect against cold and hot temperatures.

• Metal roofing:

Known for their longevity, durability, and aesthetics, metal roofs can be used both for low and high-slope buildings. It is preferred by building owners due to the look and durability that come with metal roofs. Building and homeowners are switching towards metal roofing from the traditional shingles roof.

• Liquid applied roofing:

Liquid-applied roofing can be a good option when businesses need to remain open because it doesn’t interfere with daily activities. The membrane is constructed with resin and reinforced polyester. It doesn’t emit harmful odors and has waterproofing capabilities because it reaches places where other materials cannot reach.

• Green roofs: 

You cannot only have green roofs on a residential roof rather you can also have them on a commercial roof. They are good for the environment as they help reduce energy by providing natural insulation to the building. They also absorb stormwater reducing the want for expensive drainage systems. The urban heat island effect can also be reduced through them and air quality can be improved.

Conclusion:

This article has covered the best types of roofs that you can install for your commercial roof. Before installation make sure to see what best suits the climate of that area and your budget. We’ll recommend you to go towards more advanced options that are sustainable and can benefit the environment at the same time.