The Types of Commercial Roofs

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A roof plays a vital role in protecting your building and everything within. If you are in the market for a new commercial roof, you will have many options to select from. Each roofing system comes with certain benefits that meet different needs. We will introduce you to six commercial roofs and the benefits of each system. The seven main commercial roofing systems types are:

●       Built-up Roofing Membrane (BUR)

●       Metal Roofing

●       Tile Roofing

●       Shingle Roofing

●       Thermoset Roofing Membrane (EPDM)

●       Thermoplastic Roof Membrane (PVC & TPO)

●       Modified Bitumen Roofing

Built-up Roofing System

Built-up roofing systems are one of the oldest commercial roofs. BUR systems consist of multiple layers of a reinforcing fabric and asphalt. The fabric and asphalt can be repeatedly applied to get the desired thickness. Finally, gravel is poured on top to finish off the system.

Tar and Gravel vs. Ballasted

There are two types of BUR. Both have the same foundation of alternating layers. However, there are a couple of things that make them different. Tar and gravel systems use smaller rocks to finish off the system. The bottom layers are sealed to the roof compared to a ballasted system that relies on the weight of larger rocks to hold the layers underneath in place.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are a common commercial roofing option because they are exceptionally durable and customizable. They can be roofed in unique styles, colors, and materials.

Common materials for metal roofing are:

●       Aluminum

●       Copper

●       Steel

●       Tin

●       Zinc

Metal roofing consists of roofing panels that are secured to your roof decking / framing through fasteners. Metal panels are sleek and offer great protection. Metal roofs are initially more expensive, but they typically last longer than the structures that they installed on, so their costs are much lower in the long term. They have many characteristics that make them a great investment for residential and commercial roofs.

Tile Roofing

Tile roofing is a great choice for commercial and multi-family buildings. One of the biggest advantages is their beauty and curb appeal. Another advantage is that they’re extremely durable, often lasting for more than 100 years, if properly maintained. You won’t have to deal with as much maintenance as you would with many other types of roofing systems. Repair jobs will only be few and far between, as long as the roof is cleaned and inspected on a regular basis.

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Shingle Roofing

Shingles are a good option for all roof types, including a sloped or commercial flat roof. One of the reasons an asphalt roof system is so popular is its low cost. With proper installation, these commercial roofing systems can last on average around 20 years, making them a great value. One of the disadvantages is that the granules on an asphalt commercial roof can easily become dislodged in a hail or windstorm. This weakens the roofing system. Damage can also occur when exposed to excessive moisture or heat.

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EPDM

EPDM is a single-ply roofing membrane. This commercial roof is also known as “rubber roof” because it is the only commercial roof system that qualifies as rubber. The material is made from a mix of ethylene propylene diene monomer.

There are three types of EPDM systems known as ballasted, adhered and mechanically fastened.

A ballasted EPDM roof is like a ballasted BUR in which the roofing material is laid on the roof and held down by the weight of stones. The rocks provide benefits of added protection from harmful UV rays, and they are impact resistant. However, as the rocks begin to erode over time, the roofing material can be punctured by sharp edges.

An adhered EPDM system uses an adhesive to stick the membrane to the underlying insulation without having to use a fastener. This method is great at withstanding high winds by keeping all the edges and seams of the membrane sealed.

Mechanically attached EPDM is applied by using fasteners. A fastener is drilled through a seam plate to fasten the roof.

This type of commercial roofing is mainly used in Northern states because of its performance in cooler climates. Black EPDM is used more in colder climates to absorb heat from the sun to help regulate the temperature of your building.

Bilaminate White over black EPDM is used to reflect heat from the building. Bilaminate white over black EPDM is better suited for buildings in warm climates. However, white over black EPDM is not as commonly used because there are less expensive options for reflective roofs that do not absorb heat such as TPO and PVC systems. Which brings us to our next commercial roofing system.

TPO VS PVC Roofing

TPO commercial roofs are a single ply roofing membrane. TPO roofing systems are high in value due to its low cost for a highly effective roof. TPO is puncture resistant, has a class A fire rating, and is molecularly closed cell without any modifications to its chemical composition.

Polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, is also a single ply membrane that is more resistant than its counterpart against chemicals. Commercial roofs with exhaust systems that emit chemicals, like a restaurant or factory, will benefit more from this system. PVC can withstand extreme temperatures, fire and wind. 

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Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen is used for low slope or flat commercial roof systems. Modified bitumen is made of modified asphalt, polymerized rubber or plastic, and fiberglass. The bitumen and asphalt are modified when the polymerized rubber or plastic is mixed in.

There are two types of modified bitumen known as APP and SBS. The difference between the two is the material that is being mixed into the asphalt. Polymerized plastic is added to the asphalt to make APP, whereas polymerized rubber is added to make SBS.

APP

Atactic Polypropylene (APP) is a plastic that is used to mix with the asphalt. APP is more resistant to UV rays and hot temperatures; however, APP is less elastic than SBS. APP is best suited for low sloped or flat commercial roofs in hot climates. 

SBS

Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) is a synthetic rubber that is mixed with the asphalt. This roofing type is a thermoplastic elastomer, which means the roof membrane can expand and contract during temperature change without becoming brittle. SBS it better suited for low sloped or flat commercial roofs in cold climates. 

Depending on your business and location, you will have to pick the best option for your building’s needs. There are many choices to choose from that will best suit your building, and it is important that you find a commercial roofer that is professional and experienced in commercial roofs to ensure you’ll get the best system and reliable installation. If you are in Atlanta, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Nashville and the surrounding areas contact Corey Construction Commercial and Multi-Family Roofing at 855-752-6739 for a professionally installed commercial roof. 

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