Contrary to popular belief, commercial roofs are not the same as residential roofs. Sure, they might look similar and generally have the same task, but their overall build and structure varies greatly, as does the type of the roofing material used. While residential buildings normally have a steep slope, commercial roofs tend to have a flat or a slightly sloped roof because it’s more cost-effective and practical. It also allows room for installation of other roofing equipment that may be used, such as solar panels or HVAC equipment.
When you need a new roof for your commercial building, a little information can go a long way.
Top 5 Commercial Roofing Materials
One of the biggest problems organizations face when it comes to their new commercial roof is the price. They don’t want to give up such a big chunk of their budget to get a quality roof put on, and then they pay for it later when they’re forced to have endless roof repairs done and, eventually, a whole new roof altogether, once again.
If you’re looking to put a new roof on your commercial building, then you can’t let the price limit you in your decision-making process. You should budget for up to $10 per square foot and pick a high-quality that will protect your organization’s property for many years to come.
Here are some of the best commercial roofing materials you can pick from.
1. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
EPDM usually works well for buildings that have a slightly sloped roof. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also super easy to install and easy to maintain, causing little to no problems once it’s installed. Because EDPM is flexible and stretchable, it’s ideal for long hours in the sun and weathering harsh environments.
2. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
Another great roofing material for low slope roofs is TPO. TPO is a member of the thermoplastic membrane category, and it comes in several different colors depending on the overall style of your commercial building. Like EDPM, TPO is affordable and requires minimal maintenance after installation. It’s also highly effective against ultra-violet exposure and harsh weather conditions.
3. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
SPF is a rather unusual type of roofing material, as it’s made from a foam of plastic that needs to be sprayed in a carefully calibrated way in order for it to last a long time. However, it also has remarkable tensile strength and is a durable roofing material. As an added bonus, if you’re looking for a green way to do your roof, SPF is a great option because it’s incredibly energy-efficient.
4. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is a fairly common commercial roofing material and it’s perfect for low sloped roofs or flat roofs. PVC is resistant to moisture, fire, and wind. This makes PVC an excellent commercial roofing material for all kinds of locations and weather conditions. PVC is slightly more expensive compared to the other roofing materials, but its longevity makes every penny worth it.
5. Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen roofing material is easy to install and ideal for rooftops that are likely to experience a great deal of foot traffic (which should always be logged and minimized). Modified bitumen is perfect for all seasons because it’s temperature resistant. Like PVC, this roofing material also has excellent resistance to fire, winds, and storms, so you can count on a long-lasting roof.
Get an Expert Opinion for Your Commercial Roof in Ponte Vedra, FL
At HW Roofing, we’re committed to helping organizations like yours get the right roof for their commercial building. If the thought of choosing your roofing material all on your own is overwhelming, then call on our team for an expert opinion. We deliver high-quality commercial roofing services to those in St. Augustine, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, and the surrounding communities in Northeast FL. Contact us today to get started with a free roof inspection!