One of the most important aspects of owning a commercial building is making sure that the roof is effective at keeping moisture out of the interior. Customers and employees are not going to be happy shopping or working in a building with a leaky roof. Here is a look at some of the best materials to use for commercial roofing.
Spray Foam
Spray polyurethane foam roofing, also known simply as spray foam roofing, is a material that is spread on roofs as a liquid. The liquid will harden very quickly after it's applied, and the hardened material makes a seamless and effective roofing system. A critical advantage of spray foam roofing is that it can be applied over existing roofing systems. This saves the building owner the cost of tearing down the existing roof before applying the new roof. Another important feature is that spray foam roofing can be used on both flat and low-sloped roofs.
Modified Bitumen
If a commercial building has a flat roof, modified bitumen is a good choice. This material is made from asphalt and has a long track record of successfully protecting flat roofs from water damage. The seams in the product are typically melted together during the installation process, which helps to prevent leaks. In addition to protecting structures from rain, this roofing material holds up very well to hail and strong winds. An important point to remember is that the material is available as 1, 2 or 3-ply. Experts suggest using either the 2- or 3-ply product for enhanced durability.
Metal
Metal is also a good choice for commercial roofs and has the potential advantage of being rather lightweight. It can often be installed over an existing roof if that is what the owner wants. Metal roofing also comes in a wide range of colors, so it is a great idea for any owner looking to improve a building's curb appeal. Metal is also more fire resistant than some other roofing materials.
Shingles
Asphalt shingles are usually thought of in the context of residential roofing but are also an option for owners of commercial buildings that have steep-sloped roofs. A significant benefit of asphalt shingles is that they are relatively easy to repair.
Commercial building owners have several good choices when choosing a material to install on their roofs. Owners of these buildings should contact a qualified commercial roofing contractor in their city or town to learn more about this topic.