Roof framing, preparation, installation, and maintenance are all essential, but the material you choose for your commercial roofing is just as crucial. Roofing materials can determine your structure’s overall strength and integrity, longevity, and frequency of repair or check-up. A sturdy, well-maintained roof will instantly take your commercial property’s visual to the next level and increase its market value. It will also protect your building from natural elements constantly challenging its tenacity.

Choosing a suitable commercial roofing system can be overwhelming, and consulting with experts on commercial roofing materials is the best thing to do. Lucky for you, after years of working with some of the largest commercial roofing manufacturers in the country, DDP Roofing has compiled a list of the most popular roofing materials to help you select one for your commercial roofing systems.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is famous for commercial buildings since they are long-lasting and offer a modern architectural look. It comes in aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc, and other metal materials. This roofing material can instantly give your building a clean and sleek exterior. It is incredibly durable, with the ability to last around 40-75 years.

Pros:
  • Ideal to use for properties in an environment with harsh weather conditions or primarily if you’re located in a place where all four seasons hit.
  • It is durable, low-maintenance, and can withstand extreme temperatures, keep moisture away, and provide UV protection.
  • Its galvanized steel components give excellent resistance against fire and wind damage.
Cons:
  • Metal roofing is not cheap and has the highest installation costs among all roof types. When budget and durability are your priorities, it’s wise to go with what works best rather than what looks best.
  • This roofing material requires higher maintenance. The metal expands and contracts as temperatures changes and can be prone to denting and marring over time. Great care and a proper fastening system are required to ensure framing will not come loose.

TPO And EPDM Roofing

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) are known in the industry as plastic and rubber roofing, respectively. Both are single-ply roofing membrane that provides excellent weather resistance, suitable durability, and supreme flexibility. It comes in monochromatic colors and can easily last up to 15-25 years.

Pros:
  • It is one of the cheapest types of roofing materials.
  • It reflects the sun and absorb heat, thus reducing heat buildup, and are not easily damaged by UV rays.
  • It is lightweight and can be installed by fastening directly or mechanically, fully ballasting, or adhering to the roof deck with adhesives.
  • It is also resistant to corrosion, is not prone to algae growth or mildew, and doesn’t need to be pressure washed.
  • Since TPO’s plastic membrane are melted together, and the EPDM membrane consists of synthetic rubber compounds, both create a dependable bond between seams and flexibility, preventing easy roof leaks.
Cons:
  • The quality might be inconsistent depending on the reputation of the manufacturer you buy from.
  • It also comes in various thicknesses and widths, adding to the consistency and reliability problems associated with TPOs
  • Since its top layer is laminated, weak points are introduced that can cause eventual deterioration.
  • TPO is not fire resistant.

SPF Roofing

SPF stands for Spray Polyurethane Foam. This roofing material is made from a form of plastic that instantly transforms from a liquid into a solid state while also expanding about 30 times as it dries. An SPF roof can last 35 to 40 years with proper maintenance and regular roof coatings.

Pros:
  • The expansion properties of an SPF roof can effectively seal off gaps and narrow spaces, making the entire roof impermeable of water or even air.
  • SPF roofing is environmentally friendly and energy-saving. It has unique elements, outstanding tensile strength and durability, and a reflective top coat that works together to save energy costs. Thus, making it the sustainable choice for roofing systems.
  • SPF does not require a lot of repairs. Not many things damage the spray foam, so it lasts a long time without repairs.
Cons:
  • SPF roofing requires calibration, and specialized training is needed when applying it to your roofing system because it involves chemical reactions between two liquid compounds. The roofing contractor must be precise with the application and have a solid understanding of the chemistry involved. Otherwise, it can be detrimental to the roof’s lifespan and the underlying substrate.
  • Installation of an SPF roofing system may be limited or selective on the weather requirements and can’t be installed when there is ice, frost, or surface moisture on the existing roof.

Tar And Gravel Roofing (Built-Up Roofing)

Also known in the industry as BUR, the built-up roofing is essentially your standard tar and gravel poured on a flat roof and is built with multiple layers or piles. BUR is one of the cheapest roofing systems, with a lifespan of around 15 to 30 years. The tar and gravel concept has been around for over 100 years, but the BUR materials and installation have evolved through time to improve your roofing system’s energy efficiency.

Pros:
  • Tar and gravel roofing resists fire, and the stone rocks prevent the roof from catching fire.
  • Built-up roofs are easy to repair, and most repairs will often involve cutting away and replacing membrane layers or adding the subsequent layers.
  • BUR will withstand any weather and come out unscathed. AIt is very durable and can resist punctures.
  • Tar and gravel in built-up roofs create a watertight seal because the asphalt that serves are glue to all piles holds the roofing system together, providing five times better protection than other roofing systems.
Cons:
  • BUR lacks insulation since it is a straightforward tar and gravel layered on flat concrete. Thus, it provides much less flexibility.
    Since it doesn’t allow moisture to escape into the air, it can lead to mold growth within walls or ceilings directly below your roof in the long run.
  • BUR roofs are also prone to water damage and have high installation costs.

Need Expert Advice On Your Commercial Roofing Systems? Call DDP Roofing Today!

Different types of businesses and commercial properties require specific planning when it comes to roofing needs. Letting yourself become familiarized with what’s out there in terms of commercial roofing materials and systems will help you assess what is suitable for your business. DDP Roofing can help assist you in your decision-making process. Contact us at 888-552-6220 or roofservice@ddproofing.com for expert advice about the best roofing materials suitable for your commercial roofing system.