Commercial roofing systems play a crucial role in the protection of buildings against weather and other environmental elements. However, with the numerous options and designs available in the market, choosing the best roofing system can be a daunting task. In this post, we discuss the different types of commercial roofing systems, their advantages and disadvantages, and factors to consider when selecting the right one for your building.
1) Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Built-up roofing is one of the oldest and most traditional commercial roofing systems. It comprises multiple layers of bitumen and reinforced fabric that are applied to the roofing surface. These layers are sealed through a hot-applied or cold-applied adhesive. However, they are quite heavy, and their installation process is labor-intensive, making them expensive to install.
2) TPO Roofing
Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) roofing is a single-ply commercial roofing system made of a blend of rubber, ethylene-propylene, and filler materials. TPO roofs are popular for their energy efficiency and reflective properties, which reduce energy costs in buildings through reduced heating and cooling. TPO roofs are lightweight and straightforward to install, making them cost-effective and time-efficient. However, TPO roofs can be susceptible to punctures from sharp objects such as tools when accessing rooftop equipment.
3) EPDM Roofing
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) roofing is another popular single-ply commercial roofing option. EPDM roofs are made of synthetic rubber that offers excellent resistance to weather elements and UV rays. Compared to other commercial roofing options, EPDM roofs have low maintenance requirements and are easy to install. However, they’re less durable than some alternatives, such as BUR systems, and can shrink over time, leading to leaks and other issues.
4) Metal Roofing
Metal roofing comprises corrugated panels made of different metal materials such as aluminum, steel, and copper. Metal roofing is highly durable, resistant to weather elements, lightweight, and can last many years with proper maintenance. Metal roofing is also cost-effective in the long run, as it requires minimal maintenance. However, metal roofing can be noisy during heavy rains, can expand and contract due to temperature changes, and can rust if not adequately maintained.
5) Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing
SPF roofing involves spraying a layer of foam insulation onto the roofing surface, followed by a protective coating. This roofing system is highly energy-efficient and reflective, reducing heating and cooling costs and decreasing a building’s carbon footprint. SPF roofing is also lightweight and easy to install over existing roofing systems, lowering costs in the long run. However, SPF roofing requires periodic inspections to ensure that the foam layer is intact and that there are no cracks that may allow moisture to penetrate.
For more information on commercial roofing systems, contact a professional near you.
One day when we were all sitting in our living room, I thought I felt a drop of water fall onto my arm. At first, I figured it was my imagination, but when the second one fell, I knew we had an issue. Although it wasn't raining that day, it had rained the day before, so I started looking for the source of the problem. After looking in my attic, I could tell what the problem was, and I knew I had to fix it. I started looking for ways to stop the water immediately, but it just wasn't working for me. Fortunately, roofers came out, fixed the problem, and showed me what I needed to do to clean up the mess. Read more on this blog.