From sheet metal to tar, to shingles, and beyond, the wide world of commercial roofing options can be daunting. Understanding the best options for your project isn’t easy.
Whether you want to know what the best commercial roofing material is or what you should look for when you’re selecting your roof, you’ll find the answers here.
Discover which roofing options are most likely to fit your needs while you learn what makes each one unique.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Best Type of Roof for a Commercial Building?
- How To Choose a Commercial Roofing System
- 8 Best Roofing Materials for Commercial Buildings
- Oscar Roofing: An Owens Corning Preferred Contractor Providing Commercial Roofing Installations, Repairs, and Replacements
What Is the Best Type of Roof for a Commercial Building?
The best type of roof for a commercial building depends on the building, location, climate, and what it will be exposed to. There isn’t a single automatic-best roofing option. There are multiple types of roofs, and they are all great for different things.
At Oscar Roofing, we love helping our customers navigate the world of roofing options. We get it; there are tons to choose from, and it can be overwhelming. No need to worry, we are here to help you through the entire process.
How To Choose a Commercial Roofing System
Shape of Commercial Roofs
The shape of your roof dictates the best roofing material for your needs. The most common types are flat/low slope roofs and steep slope roofs.
Flat/low-slope roofs are commonly found in shopping centers, big-box stores, warehouses, and other large buildings.
Steep slope roofs are more common on residential buildings or smaller businesses. They don’t typically work well for larger buildings.
Type of Facility
The type of business you need a roof for also affects what the best roof will be for you.
For instance, factories with heavy machinery need different stability than other buildings.
The type of facility you need could be the bulk of the deciding factor when it comes to selecting the best option for you.
Desired Lifespan
How long you need this roof to last is also an important factor to consider. Some roofing, such as metal, will last 40+ years. Others, such as TPO, might only make it for 20-30 years. Of course, your maintenance habits will greatly impact these timeframes.
Another important consideration is warranty length. How long is your new roof under warranty? Different materials and brands offer different warranties, and it might be worth changing your mind for a better warranty, depending on your situation.
Durability
It’s a little silly to use duct tape when scotch will work just fine. Conversely, it is equally incorrect to use scotch tape when you need duct tape. The same principle applies to your roofing needs. Based on your location, what you’ll use the roof for, and other factors, you may need different materials.
For instance, if you plan to use your flat roof for additional storage space, you need a more durable roofing system. Similarly, if your building is around a lot of chemicals or faces tough weather conditions, you’ll have different needs than someone without those factors at play.
Energy Efficiency
Considering the energy efficiency of your roofing choice is important. The typical government roofing project requires a minimum rating of R-30. The R-value is a measurement used to calculate the thermal resistance of your material. It factors in the insulation under it as well. The higher your R-value, the less heat your building will absorb from the sun.
Roofing is an integral part of energy efficiency.
Cost
The cost of roofing is a vast range. When you’re looking for your next commercial roof, you need to keep your budget in mind. Here are some important things to consider:
- How much do you want to spend?
- How much can you afford to spend on maintenance throughout the coming years?
- Will your choice hold up well without spending tons on repairs?
- Would it be better to invest more upfront so you can spend less on maintenance in the future?
8 Best Roofing Materials for Commercial Buildings
There are many different types of roofing materials, and all have their strengths and weaknesses. Here are the top eight.
#1: Shingle Roofing
Shingle roofing is a common choice for residential buildings, but it can still be used for commercial needs. There are multiple types of shingle roofing including:
- Slate
- Plastic
- Ceramic
- Asphalt
- Architectural
Pros of Shingle Roofing
The multiple styles and material options available make shingle roofing a popular choice. Additionally, shingle roofs are pretty easy to install, tend to be affordable, and are quite versatile.
Cons of Shingle Roofing
Based on the brand you use, the life expectancy of shingle roofing isn’t always as long as other commercial roofing options.
Shingles also tend to be more susceptible to moss and mildew, especially if your building is more shaded than sunny.
#2: Modified Bitumen Roofing
Some like to refer to modified bitumen roofing (known in the industry as mod-bit) as the second generation of hot-tar roofs. Created by spreading 500ºF+ asphalt on the roof, hot-tar roof installation is difficult and dangerous. There are now multiple methods of installation for mod-bit roofing including:
- Self-adhered
- Cold tar
- Hot tar
Pros of Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified bitumen roofing is incredibly durable. Since the material is often spread in multiple layers, it is stronger and more able to withstand what nature throws at it.
Cons of Modified Bitumen Roofing
Mod-bit roofing is not for small budgets. Due to labor and materials, this option tends to cost more than other options. Additionally, maintenance and repairs can be on the pricey side.
#3: Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing is similar to mod-bit in that it also utilizes tar. Layers of fiberglass material are spread between layers of hot tar. The material on the top layer varies. It is often a thick layer of tar with rocks added in while the tar is still hot. The top layer plays a massive role in the efficacy and longevity of a built-up roof.
Another finishing option is a granular surface cap sheet or an asphalt floor coat.
Pros of Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing can be extremely durable, lasting up to 20-30 years. Built-up roofs are UV resistant and carry vibrations and movement well. They also handle foot traffic well.
Cons of Built-Up Roofing
While they can live for a while depending on how they are installed, built-up roofs can also have notoriously short lifespans. Materials can be hard to secure and, as they age, finding the source of leaks grows increasingly difficult.
They can be costly and dangerous to install. They require a lot of material.
#4: Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a very popular commercial option. Types of metal roofing include:
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Galvalume
There are two primary types — standing seam metal and screw-down metal.
Pros of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing looks sharp and offers a solid curb appeal. It is also known for being:
- Long-lasting
- Energy-efficient
- Cost-effective and economical
- Fire resistant
- Sustainable
- Easy to match to various aesthetics
Cons of Metal Roofing
Sadly, metal roofing can be susceptible to corrosion. This can be pretty easily fixed by adding a protective surface layer to help protect from damage due to:
- Moisture
- Pollution
- Environmental factors
#5: Thermoset EPDM Membrane
Thermoset EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) is a synthetic rubber material that comes in rolls. It is also known as thermoset roofing and offers great protection from sunlight and pollution. It is available in black and white.
Pros of Thermoset EPDM Membrane Roofing
EPDM roofing is known for being durable. It lasts for quite a while — up to 50 years — is incredibly versatile, and is sun-resistant.
Another perk of EPDM roofing is that, unlike many other options, it is easy to install.
Cons of Thermoset EPDM Membrane Roofing
As with anything, there are downsides to EPDM membrane roofing.
It has a very minimal aesthetic, so it isn’t always a favorite design choice. It also punctures easily, compared to others. Heavy foot traffic or falling debris poses a considerable threat.
#6: Thermoplastic PVC and TPO Roof Membrane
Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) and Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) are two types of thermoplastic roofing materials. They are both single-ply roofing solutions, meaning only one layer is needed. PVC is resistant to more chemicals than TPO. Its ability to handle hot summers makes it an excellent option for some Indianapolis commercial roofing needs.
Pros of Thermoplastic Roof Membrane
Thermoplastic roof membrane is strong and works well against UV light, chemicals — such as fats, oils, and bacterial growth — and is lightweight.
Additionally, thermoplastic roofing is:
- Puncture-resistant
- Tolerant of high heat and winds
- Made with strong air-welded seams
- Fire-resistant
Cons of Thermoplastic Roof Membrane
Sadly, due to its popularity, thermoplastic roof membrane is often poorly made. It is vital to ensure that you purchase from a reputable manufacturer.
#7: Garden “Green” Roofing System
Perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing option, garden roofing provides the needed setup to have plants growing on your roof. These are popular for some types of businesses, such as health stores and yoga studios.
The soil and plants help provide more insulation and can be environmentally friendly. These roofing systems are composed of multiple layers, including a drainage layer to help ensure you don’t have any standing water.
Pros of Garden Roofing System
In addition to looking beautiful, these roofs can often last up to 50 years. They offer an insulation boost and the perks that plants naturally boast — such as air filtration and serotonin boosts.
Cons of Garden Roofing System
Unfortunately, these pros come with some cons. Installation is quite a process, and they require regular maintenance and upkeep, which isn’t always cheap to come by.
#8: Spray-On Roofing
SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam) roofing systems begin as a liquid and expand into a foam that finishes off as a solid later. This option is applied to existing roofs and is relatively eco-friendly.
Pros of Spray-On Roofing
Spray-on roofing boasts several noteworthy features:
- Provides insulation
- Is waterproof
- Works in any climate
- Lasts for 50 years if correctly installed and maintained
Cons of Spray-On Roofing
You have to catch the installation window in just the right spot, as it is highly dependent on the weather. Spray-on roofing cannot be installed in snow, ice, or rain. It also needs regular inspections, up to two per year.
Oscar Roofing: An Owens Corning Preferred Contractor Providing Commercial Roofing Installations, Repairs, and Replacements
No matter your roofing needs, Oscar Roofing is here to help. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry, and we are proud to offer superior customer care.
We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Everyone working on your project has extensive training and is ready to hit the ground running. We are an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor and hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
If you’re looking for the best commercial roofing solutions, reach out and book your free estimate today.
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