In recent years, commercial roofing manufacturers have introduced new products that enhance environmental efficiency and resist extreme weather. If you want to replace the roof on your commercial property, you have many choices depending on your building’s structure and climatic conditions. Discover five commercial roofing systems below.
1. Metal Roofs
Many building owners and managers love metal roofs because they last more than 40 years and carry long warranties. Metal’s smooth surface facilitates water flow and withstands snow, hail, rain, and strong winds without damage.
If you live in an area with intense weather conditions, you are probably disappointed in roofing materials that decay, warp, break, and dry out. Metal roofs feature interlocking panels that resist winds up to 140 mph and intense storms. Additionally, metal resists both pest infestation and mold or mildew growth.
Business interruption is a top concern when undertaking a roofing project since the more time you close your firm, the more money you lose. Metal roofs come in lightweight panels that roofers can install quickly without additional structural support.
Metal roofs also reflect much of the solar heat, leaving your interior cooler in the summer months. So, you don’t need to rely on your cooling system as much as before when it’s hot.
2. Shingles
Shingles are practical products for steep-sloped roofs, which is why they are common in residential buildings. You can use asphalt, slate, ceramic, or architectural shingles for commercial properties with low to high roof slopes because they are easy to replace and repair. However, shingles are vulnerable to moss and mildew growth, especially if you use them for roofs in a wet and shaded area.
3. Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roof systems are among the oldest roofing options for commercial buildings. Typically, a built-up roof has three materials: ply sheets, asphalt or bitumen layers, and a surfacing product like gravel or stone. These layers are placed on a sturdy insulation base and cover board. Some roofs have an additional UV layer for thermal resistance.
The alternating layers in a built-up roof create a tight barrier against leaks. The roof also resists fires and can be layered at different depths to handle a lot of foot traffic. Roofers easily repair built-up roofs, and you can expect the roof to last for 15-30 years before major repair or replacement.
4. Modified Bitumen Roofs
Modified bitumen is a modern rendition of built-up roofs and appeared in European commercial properties in the 1960s. Since then, the product’s performance has improved thanks to manufacturing innovations.
The roof’s membrane consists of asphalt bitumen blended with polymers and fiberglass. Roofers install the layers directly on the substrates using an adhesive or attach them mechanically.
Modified bitumen roofs are waterproof when professionally installed and expand and contract with temperature shifts without damage. The product also exhibits impressive tensile strength and durability and withstands foot traffic and extreme weather without cracking. Ask your roofer about energy-efficient modified bitumen roofs if you want to reduce your building’s energy bills.
5. TPO Roofs
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing material is an innovative product that repels moisture and saves energy. Manufacturers make TPO roofs from polypropylene, whose elasticity and durability make it useful in the production of various household and industrial products.
TPO roofs are available as membranes that roofers roll over your roof and secure with adhesives or mechanical tools. The roof is less costly than other materials, making it a great long-term investment for commercial building owners. Your TPO roof should perform excellently for 20 to 30 years before replacement.
Commercial properties have more complex roofing needs than residential buildings and need advanced materials that withstand harsh weather and foot traffic. Our roofers at Schultz Roofing & Repairs analyze your roofing requirements and helps you pick the best roofing system. Contact us today for reliable commercial roofing.