What is commercial roofing?
The Commercial Roofing is such a material that is used to seal the roofs of the commercial structures so as to protect them. The Commercial Roofing is very popular with the home owners and is even rising with each day. The commercial metal roofs are very durable and versatile. It is also light weight and thus requires no maintenance whatsoever.
If the roof is built properly and is maintained well, then the longevity of the Commercial Roofing is huge, whether the roofing is for the commercial or residential purpose. There are also some other advantages of the Commercial Roofing, like easier occupancy, lower temperatures within the building, lower load of cooling on the HVAC systems
Commercial Roofing Installation
The installation of commercial roofing systems also varies greatly from that of residential roofs. The most significant difference is length of installation. Commercial roofs can take over a month to install, while most residential roofs can be done in a day or two. The increase in time for commercial roofs is partly due to the size of the building, as commercial roofs tend to be larger than residential. Another contributing factor to the time increase during installation is that commercial roofing systems are often more complex and difficult to install. They often require multiple days of waiting for product to cure, settle, be glued, or other time consuming activities.
Commercial Flat Roofs: Pros & Cons
Flat roofs are one of the most common types of roof for commercial buildings.
Advantages
Commercial flat roofs can be significantly more cost effective to build than pitched roofs or steep slope roofs because they require less material due to the fewer square feet to be covered.
They are easier and quicker to install, which can translate to a significant savings for the building owner. This also effects the ease and potential price of your next commercial roof repair.
Maintenance and drain cleaning is easier on flat roofs since workmen can walk easily and safely, regardless of weather conditions.
Disadvantages
The most important issue is poor drainage.
Standing water can degrade the roofing materials long before they normally would. One of the advantages of pitched roof styled buildings is not having to worry as much about drainage issues. Materials breakdown leads to leaking and water damage inside the building.
It is imperative that an experienced commercial roofing contractor with a good reputation for professional work do the installation or repairs in order to avoid problems with the roof.
The experienced team at Sentry Roofing understands where the drains must be located and the proper height to avoid puddling.
Why a Flat Roof is Perfect for Commercial Buildings
- Flat roofs are common on commercial buildings because they are less expensive to install, easy to maintain and they allow the more efficient use of space both inside and outside.
- Maintenance costs less for flat roofs because they are easier to get to and walk around on than a pitched roof. That also makes it easier to spot leaks or other problems. When it’s time to repair or replace a flat roof, the project often can be completed in a day, depending, of course, on the size.
- Extra roof space can also be used for projects like rooftop gardens. Flat roofs also allow for a more efficient use of top-floor space in buildings.
High-Performing Commercial Roofing Material Types
When analyzing the different commercial roofing material types, you’ll want to know about the lifespan, the bottom line price, and the ease of maintenance of each of your options. We break down the most popular and best commercial roof materials that you should consider when replacing your business’s roof.
- PVC Roofing
For many projects, PVC roofing is our preferred choice as the best flat roof material on the market. PVC roofing is somewhat more expensive than other single-ply commercial roofing materials, however it offers a wide range of benefits for the price. First, the reinforced membrane makes PVC roofs resistant to impact damage and the cracking which normally shortens the lifespan of single-ply roofs. PVC roofing is one of the best flat roof materials because it is low maintenance with a long lifespan. At J. Smucker Contracting, we offer a 20-year warranty on new PVC roofing we install. In addition, just like TPO roofing, PVC is a reflective white color which is useful as it dramatically lowers the business’s energy bills.
- Metal Roofing
A commercial standing seam metal roof is the ideal choice for a building with a roof slope greater than 2 inches. Metal is different from most other commercial roofing material types for a few reasons. Due to the expert installation process and the nature of the material, metal is the most expensive roof type to have installed. However, metal roofing has the longest lifespan, lasting between 20 and 30 years. Metal is an extremely durable material and is immune to cracks that affect single-ply roofs. However, metal roofs can be susceptible to leaks around the seams and roof edges.
- TPO
This very popular roof type is also among the best flat roof materials to install. Not only is a TPO roof an inexpensive option, it has a decent lifespan between 10 and 20 years. In addition, these white-coat roofs have all of the same energy saving properties as PVC roofs. Plus, they require less maintenance than EPDM roofs, as the seams are heat welded to prevent leaks.
- Modified Bitumen Roof
When compared to other commercial roofing materials, modified bitumen stands out as the more-budget friendly option. Modified bitumen roofs use an asphalt membrane as the base of the roof itself. This surface is susceptible to cracking and blistering which reduces the typical lifespan to just 10 to 15 years. While the lifespan is less than the more advanced options, the price point alone can make modified bitumen one of the best flat roof materials for some businesses.