Your commercial building has a wide variety of material options available. Whether you’re looking for an efficient repair or replacement project or searching for the best roof fabric or material for your building, find out the key differences between construction materials. Discover how you can improve the efficiency and lifetime of your commercial roof with a professionally installed roof.
Thermoplastic Roof Membrane
This reliable roofing system includes two similar materials: Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) and Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO). Compared to roof fabric options, these resistant systems offer a number of benefits.
First, TPO and PVC are lightweight and versatile for many roofing designs. These options are particularly popular for restaurants because of their durability and resistance. Choose a thermoplastic roof membrane to prevent UV ray damage, tears, punctures, and bacterial growth. When oils and animals fats build up on your roof due to your ventilation system, a thermoplastic option will prevent mold growth.
Even second-generation applications are easy with a thermoplastic roof membrane. Your restaurant or food processing facility needs a durable roof that prevents bacterial growth from excessive oils and fats emitted through your ventilation system. Avoid unnecessary cleaning and maintenance of your roof by choosing a reliable, durable option.
Thermoset Roof Membrane
An easy material to install that has a great lifetime is thermoset roof membrane or EPDM. An EPDM roof has little maintenance and repair work compared to other roof fabric and material options. It’s designed to prevent ozone and UV light damage.
This single-ply rubber design is a commercial roofing option that boasts resistance to solvents, flexibility in cold temperatures and impressive reflective properties. Keep your property well insulated all year round with an affordable and flexible solution. If you’re tired of constant maintenance issues or minor leaks in other roofing systems, choose EPDM for a more hassle-free solution.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Do you need a roof system that’s capable of withstanding regular foot traffic? Modified bitumen uses a layer of roof fabric as reinforcement for layers of cut bitumen. As a two-ply system, this roofing option creates a durable, walkable roofing deck that effectively prevents water from entering your roofline.
You’ll need to schedule annual cleanings and inspections of your modified bitumen roof for long-lasting performance. Bitumen provides reliable tensile strength, so it’s a popular option for heavy foot traffic areas of commercial roofs. Compare this material to other membranes to discover how stable, walkable and reliable it is as a roofing material.
Metal Roofing
One of the most popular options when it comes to commercial roofing systems is metal roofing. There is a diverse range of metal options that provide their own benefits. Whether you have a flat roof or a low-sloped commercial roof, choose one of these metal options for reliable, long-lasting protection:
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Corrugated galvanized steel
- Stainless steel
- Tin
- Stone-coated steel
- Aggregates of aluminum, zinc and silicon-coated steel
These are just a few of the many steel options available for many roofing. Metal is a rugged, cost-effective material that’s more sustainable than other commercial roofing options. However, due to the risk of rust, most steel roofing materials need to have a protective layer.
Metal roofing is a particularly attractive option for sloped roofs. Choose a color that accents the siding on your commercial building to create a more unified, stylish exterior. Metal requires skilled contractors to install correctly without leaks or unappealing seams, but a professional metal roof is a striking alternative to thermoplastics and other compounds.
Some metal options aren’t suited for all locations. For instance, a coastal commercial building near the ocean will experience a large amount of salt water exposure, making your metal roofing far more likely to corrode. Heavy hail or other debris can dent and compromise a metal roof. Consider your location and ask a professional whether metal roofing is ideal for your building or not.
Built-up Roofing Membrane
Typically known as BUR, built-up roofing membranes use tar and gravel roof materials. It’s incredibly cost-effective, allowing you to easily repair your roof and apply as many layers as necessary to seal your commercial building.
While it’s not the most environmentally friendly option, BUR is a classic option if you need a quick, affordable and reliable low-slope commercial roof. Choose BUR if you aren’t concerned with the look of your roof and don’t require foot traffic. Otherwise, other materials may be better suited for your particular application.
Green Roofing Materials
One of the best roof fabric materials available for an environmentally sustainable business is green roofing. A green roof is watertight but still allows proper drainage. It’s a remarkably energy-efficient option that still keeps your commercial building looking stylish.
Consider using a green roof if you’re willing to invest in a sustainable, durable option that provides effective protection for your building and communicates a serious desire to protect the environment. Unlike harsh chemicals, tar and other roofing options, choose one that won’t buildup in a landfill or use harsh manufacturing procedures.
Find the Best Roof Fabric or Material for Your Commercial Location
There’s a reason that so many roof fabric and material options exist. Consider your exact building specifications, budget, and roofing goals before choosing a roofing material. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option, a long-lasting investment or an environmentally friendly alternative, you’ll find a slightly different option that suits your needs. Discuss your options with a professional roofing contractor or roof material distributor to learn more about these options and choose the best roof for your business.