Are you thinking about putting a new commercial roofing system on your building? With several systems to choose from, it is very easy to get overwhelmed. First off, you need to understand your roofing needs and if the area you live in is susceptible to extreme weather.
Different commercial roofing materials serve the needs of different businesses. Therefore, it is important to know what every roofing system has to offer so that you can choose the right one for your building.
Let us take a look at some of the most popular types of commercial roofs and their pros and cons:
- Flat Roofs
This is one of the most common roofing systems for commercial buildings. This system can use various types of materials like PVC, EPDM, TPO, bitumen, modified bitumen and rubber rolled roofing.
Pros
- Very cost-effective because they require less material
- Easy and quick to install
- Help reduce energy waste
- Makes it easy to install satellite dishes and solar panels
- Easy to maintain and clean
Cons
- Poor drainage
- Low Sloped Roofs
These roofs are mostly found on warehouses, factories, apartment building, and other industrial buildings. Sloped roofs can use rubber rolled roofing, modified bitumen, bitumen, TPO, and EPDM materials.
Pros
- Good drainage
- Easy to maintain, repair or replace
- Makes it easy to install solar panels and satellite dishes
Cons
- Heavy slow-melting slow can add to its weight
- Pitched Roofs
While this roofing system is more common in residential buildings, some commercial roofers recommend it.
Pros
- Offers great water and snow runoff
- Less susceptible to mold damage or water build-up
- Cheaper to repair and maintain
Cons
- Quiet hard to work on because of its shape
- More expensive than flat roofs
- Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing (SPF)
SPF can be applied to any type of existing roof. It is quick and easy to install, and has a lot to offer.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Easy installation
- Low maintenance
- Waterproof
- Durable and light in weight
Cons
- Limited installation window: has to be installed under certain weather conditions.
- PVC Membrane
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a very popular roofing system. Though you can use different PVC materials, this roof has a lot to offer.
Pros
- Durable
- Fire retardant
- Resistant to moisture
- Puncture, chemicals, and wind-resistant
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Expensive to install
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
This is your standard tar and gravel roof. It is referred to as “build up” because the roof is installed with several layers of the material until the roofer reaches the desired thickness.
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Very strong and sturdy
- Eco friendly
Cons
- Incase of a leak identifying the source can be challenging
- Short lifespan
- It takes time to install
Consider Choosing a Roofing System that Works for You
Finding the right roofing system is very important. Therefore, talk to your commercial roofer and know more about the system, type and the material you want to use so that you can make the right choice. Remember, always have your roof installed and maintained with an expert commercial roofer.