As winter drones on, many business and building owners have been rudely awoken from a focused business deal to the “drip, drip” of snow melting through their roofs. While placing a bucket or trash can will get you through that moment, it won’t get you through the season.
When it’s time for a commercial roof replacement, suddenly you’ll start noticing roofs everywhere you go. Do you choose a trendy metal roof or opt for EPDM roofing material? The options for a flat roof vary from the low-slope roofs more commonly found in residential areas. Let’s consider the different types of commercial roofs and their benefits, and which ones you need to consider most.
Why Understanding Your Commercial Roofing Systems Matters
Having a good grasp of the quality of your roof system can have a huge impact on your business or commercial real estate. Keeping up with maintenance for commercial roofs is key to avoiding unexpected expensive repairs down the line. This also enables commercial real estate and business owners the opportunity to plan for the big expense of a full roof replacement.
Having a strong commercial roofing system not only increases the value of your building but ensures the optimal performance of all components it protects, such as insulation and energy systems. Therefore, understanding your commercial building’s needs and its current condition is crucial in maximizing its efficiency, stability, and resale value.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Type of Commercial Roofing Material
There are several types of roofing materials to choose from when outfitting a new building or replacing an existing roof. If you are suddenly shopping for a new commercial roofing system, you may find it best to call in an expert for a free inspection to walk you through what your specific property has and needs. However, for virtual learning purposes, here’s a quick overview of the different commercial roof types and materials.
Flat Roofs
Commercial fat roofs look just as you would imagine – flat! They can be made of single-ply membranes (such as an EPDM roofing membrane) or multilevel built-up roofing (BUR) to offer strong protection against rainfall and debris at a lower cost.
PVC roofing is another excellent flat roof option both in terms of cost and sustainability, but if your area is subject to heavy snowfall and high winds, PVC can be a costly choice.
However, without a good drainage system, these can be damaged easily due to weather conditions.
Low Sloped Roofs
A low-slope roof can be metal clad or covered with asphalt shingles. These tend to be more expensive up front than flat roofs yet provide better insulation from the elements and lasting durability for the money.
Asphalt shingle rooftops are effective at providing significant amounts of insulation while also being one of the least expensive solutions available — though they may need frequent maintenance if regular climate challenges arise in your area.
Metal roofing is one of the more popular options for commercial roof replacement as it offers excellent durability, with a lifespan of up to 50 years, and can be used on most current roof shapes. Metal roofing may sound noisy, but modern designs dampen much of the noise. Metal roofs last longer than PVC so they can be a great investment. Additionally, most metal roofs are fire-resistant and meet higher ratings for energy efficiency than other types of commercial roofing options.
Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing Materials for Your New Building
If you’re in charge of searching through commercial roofing systems for your professional business, you have many choices. A new build can have so many options! Do you choose materials that are rated highly for fire safety, or focus on commercial roofing systems that can handle heavy amounts of snow? If you are also considering whether installing solar panels is worth it, it’s also important to consult roofing experts who can guide you on the best roof to hold your panels.
Let Peak to Peak Roofing and Exteriors Guide You Through Your Roofing System Purchase.
Overall, business owners need to be aware of the quality and condition of their commercial roofs. Different roofs offer different benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to weigh these before making a decision. Considering all this information about commercial roof types could take time you might not have.
We would like to remind you that Peak to Peak Roofing & Exteriors provides excellent customer service and outstanding services regarding commercial roofs or residential projects alike! Our team of professionals has experience working with all types of roofing systems and will guide you to a solution tailored perfectly fit for all your needs. Call today!