Commercial Roof System You Should Consider For Your Business In 2022

Commercial buildings such as apartment buildings, factories, strip malls, or big box stores need an extensive roofing protection system. The large size of these buildings requires flat or slightly sloped roofs which aren’t visible from the ground. 

Several commercial roofing systems are available in the market depending on the business type, building size, climatic conditions, and other factors. All the options can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is better to invest some time in researching the material and find reliable roofing professionals before you start the installation project.

Types of Commercial Roof Systems
When selecting a roofing material, the options are endless. However, it is necessary to understand your custom business needs to choose a suitable system. Here is a list of the most commonly used commercial roofing systems for businesses and industries. 

BUR Membranes
Built-Up Roofing (BUR) has been the choice of commercial buildings for over 100 years. This standard tar and gravel roof system provides solid protection against fire, heat, UV radiation, and leaks. It’s a multi-layer composite roofing system of felt and hot bitumen that creates a thick membrane to provide durability and higher insulation.

Traditionally, this roofing system uses cold-applied adhesive, asphalt, or coal tar. However, these days, commercial roofers use modified bitumen roofing that offers exceptional elongation with fatigue resistance and glass-reinforced polyester mat strength. It uses hot asphalt SBS, cold applied APP, and torch-applied APP. It can be applied to all roof types and offer maximum protection, stability, and tensile strength.

EPDM Roof Membrane
Also known as thermoset roofing, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is known for its elasticity and toughness. It is a single-ply synthetic rubber composed of oil and natural gas. The roofing system is doubly desirable for its low cost and resilient strength. It is a versatile, long-lasting, and low-on-maintenance system that is easy to install and is highly resistant to ozone and UV rays. It is the most popular commercial roofing material in current use. 

Thermoplastic or PVC Membrane
It is one of the time-tested roofing systems for second-generation applications. In a PVC roofing system, two layers of thermoplastic are composed of a polyester reinforcement scrim in between. The top ply has additives to make it UV resistant, while the bottom ply has plasticizers for flexibility for easy installation. PVC roofs are lightweight, long-lasting, durable, and fire retardant. 

Metal Roofing
Metal is a popular commercial roof material known for its aesthetics, durability, and longevity. Different materials used for metal roofs include corrugated galvanized steel, metal tile sheets, stainless steel, stone-coated steel, copper, aluminum, silicon-coated steel, zinc, and tin. Ideal for low-slope and steep roofs, these come with high fire-resistant ratings. The multiple protective layers of the metal roofing system prevent rusting and save the property from exposure to sunlight or other environmental factors.

Green Roofs
Like residential buildings, the green roof system has gained popularity even for commercial properties. Acting as a natural insulator, this type of roof offers several benefits, including reduced energy cost and less rain runoff, saving a lot of money on energy bills and expensive drainage systems. Moreover, a green roof system improves air quality and provides recreational spaces for employees.

Building owners must know when the commercial roof needs repair or replacement. With the variety of options available, the decision may seem overwhelming. A professional roofing contractor can inspect your building to understand the root cause of roof damage and suggest the best possible option. When hiring a roofing service provider, look for professionalism, experience, and expertise in handling all types of commercial roofing system projects.