Selecting a roofing material for commercial buildings requires careful consideration to ensure the structure’s integrity and long-lasting performance. Your commercial property’s roof does far more than just ‘keep your head dry’; it is about energy efficiency, durability, and overall building appearance. Choosing the appropriate roofing material affects everything from maintenance expenses to the environmental impact that your building will contribute.
In 2024, the market will offer a diverse range of roofing materials, each with unique advantages and drawbacks. Climate, type of building, budget, and taste will be very influential in your choice. This detailed guide by Custom Design Roofing LLC outlines five major best roofing materials for commercial buildings by explaining the benefits, probable drawbacks, and where they are best applied.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials
According to the local commercial roofing companies near Fox Island, choosing the right roofing material requires several important considerations. Let’s examine some of them in depth.
1. Durability
Leading roofing companies near University Place reveal that commercial buildings need a highly durable roofing material. Roofs face various weather conditions—heavy rain, snow, or high winds all the time. That said, it is important to consider a material that will offer long-term service without having to undergo repairs or replacement now and then.
2. Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient roofing materials make cooling and heating more cost-effective by reflecting or absorbing heat. According to the top commercial roofing contractors near Tacoma, this has the potential to save a huge amount on energy bills and make a building sustainable. Look for high-rated reflective values or materials that provide excellent insulation values.
3. Sustainability
With increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility, many businesses are seeking sustainable roofing options. Leading commercial roofing contractors near me in Gig Harbor reveal that green roofing materials, such as those made from recycled content or designed to support vegetation, can significantly reduce your building’s environmental impact.
4. Cost
Budget is a big consideration when selecting the best roofing materials for commercial buildings. Some roofing materials might prove to be expensive at the onset, but compared to others, in terms of life span, they show higher durability and low maintenance costs in the long run. According to the top commercial roof repair companies near me in Port Orchard, it’s good to consider first investment and long-term costs when making a balanced decision.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
The aesthetics of your roof affect your commercial building. Roofing materials offer various styles and colors that match your commercial building’s design and architectural features.
Top 5 Roofing Materials for Commercial Buildings in 2024
Let’s delve into the top five roofing materials for commercial buildings, highlighting their pros and cons and best use cases:
1. Metal Roofing
Types of Metal Roofing: Metal roofing is available in several forms, including standing seam, corrugated, and metal shingles.
Advantages
- Durability: Metal roofs are very hard, often with a life expectancy between 40 and 70 years, depending on the material and the quality of the installation.
- Longevity: They resist strong winds and heavy snowfall.
- Fire Resistance: According to the best commercial roofing company near me in University Place, they do not burn because they are noncombustible; hence, they have class-A fire resistance.
- Energy Efficiency: Reflective metal surfaces can help lower cooling costs by reflecting solar heat away from the building.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Metal roofing comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, adding visual appeal to modern commercial buildings.
Disadvantages
- Cost: Generally, metal roofing is more expensive upfront than other materials.
- Potential Noise: Top commercial roofing companies near me in Port Orchard reveal that metal roofs could be noisier than other kinds of roofing during heavy rain or hail.
- Professional Installation Required: Proper installation is necessary to derive all the benefits of metal roofing.
- Best Suited For: Industrial facilities, warehouses, retail centers, and modern buildings have started using metal roofing because it provides strength and flexibility in terms of appearance.
2. TPO Roofing
Explanation of TPO Roofing: Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) roofing is a single-ply membrane made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber.
Advantages
- Durability: A big advantage of a TPO membrane is its high strength and excellent resistance to tears and punctures.
- Reflectivity: According to commercial flat roofing contractors near Port Orchard, high reflectivity in TPO roofing reduces cooling costs by reflecting UV rays in the process.
- Energy Efficiency: TPO membranes help lower energy bills through the reflective features.
- Cost-Effective: TPO is generally much more cost-effective than other single-ply membranes.
- Easy Installation: Leading local commercial roofing companies near Gig Harbor reveal that the TPO membrane is lightweight and very easy to install, helping reduce labor costs.
Disadvantages
- Potential for Punctures: While durable, if not well maintained, TPO may tend to puncture.
- Extreme Climate Suitability: According to the top industrial roofing contractors near me in Tacoma, it does not do as well under extremely hot or cold climates.
- Best Suited For: TPO roofing works well on flat or low-slope roofs, which are mostly associated with retail and office buildings.
ALSO READ: Can a Metal Roof Be Installed Over the Shingles? All You Need to Know
3. EPDM Roofing
Explanation of EPDM Roofing: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a type of synthetic rubber used for roofing.
Advantages
- Durability: EPDM roofs enjoy a long life expectancy and weatherproofing.
- Flexibility: The material stays flexible even at low temperatures, making it suitable for different types of climatic conditions.
- Water Resistance: According to the top commercial roofing contractors near me in Fox Island, EPDM is very resistant to water, which prevents leakage and provides a watertight seal.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to other commercial roofing materials, a roofing system made of EPDM is pretty inexpensive.
- Environmentally Friendly: EPDM can be recycled to add points toward green building certifications.
Disadvantages
- Susceptibility to Punctures: Although durable, EPDM can be prone to punctures and tears.
- Aesthetic Considerations: EPDM does not have a very friendly look for some types of buildings.
- Best Suited For: EPDM is best suited for flat or low-slope roofs. It is generally applied to warehouses and industrial buildings.
4. Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Explanation of BUR Roofing: Built-Up Roofing consists of multiple layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabric topped with gravel or mineral granules.
Advantages:
- Durability: BUR(Built-Up Roofing) delivers a strong, long-lasting roof with multiple layers of protection.
- Fire Resistance: The number of layers delivers excellent fire resistance.
- Water Resistance: BUR systems are highly effective at preventing water intrusion.
- Cost-Effective: According to the best commercial roofing company near me in Tacoma, BUR(Built-Up Roofing) can be cost-effective, particularly for large commercial roofs.
Disadvantages:
High Maintenance: BUR(Built-Up Roofing) systems can be time-consuming in terms of maintenance and frequent inspections.
Environmental Concerns: The installation process may be less eco-friendly because asphalt is used.
Time-Consuming Installation: It is a very time-consuming and complicated installation.
Best Suited For: It works best for flat roofs, industrial buildings, and large commercial complexes that require solid protection.
5. Modified Bitumen Roofing
Explanation of Modified Bitumen Roofing: Modified bitumen roofing is a type of roofing system that involves asphalt with modified polymers to improve performance.
Advantages
- Durability: The modified bitumen roofs are durable and capable of facing every weather condition.
- Water Resistance: According to the leading commercial roofing company near me in University Place, they have excellent water resistance and leak prevention.
- Flexibility: The material is flexible even under extreme temperatures.
- Cost-Effective: Modified bitumen represents a cost-effective option for commercial roofing.
Disadvantages
- Potential for Punctures: Modified bitumen is durable but can be easily punctured if it is not well managed.
- Skilled Installation Required: According to the top metal roofing companies near Fox Island, modified bitumen requires qualified installation to avoid future problems.
- Best Suited For: Modified bitumen roofing suits low-sloped roofs and commercial buildings subjected to moderate traffic.
How to Choose the Best Roofing Material for Your Commercial Building?
The choice of the best roofing materials for commercial buildings must be based on several factors.
1. Assess Your Building’s Needs
According to the top metal roofing companies near Port Orchard, you should consider its basic needs concerning location, climatic region, structural type, etc. For instance, heavily snowed or windy conditions require roofing materials like metal or built-up roofing (BUR) with greater durability.
2. Consult with Roofing Professionals
Top industrial roofing contractors near me in Gig Harbor reveal that consultation with a roofing professional will help you make the right decision. Expert commercial flat roofing contractors will assess your building’s needs, suggest appropriate materials, and advise on up-to-date roofing trends and technologies.
3. Long-Term Considerations
Top commercial metal roof repair contractors near me in University Place reveal you should consider the roofing material’s long-term performance and maintenance needs. Choosing a good, durable material may cost more upfront but generally saves in maintenance and repairs.
4. Budget Planning
Plan effectively for the initial installation and life-cycle costs of maintaining the rooftop. According to some of the best commercial roofing companies near me in Fox Island, nowadays, a properly selected material for roofing has an addressed balance between cost and performance, creating value across the lifespan.
Final Takeaway
Selecting the best roofing material for your commercial building is a critical decision that impacts both the functionality and aesthetics of your property. In Tacoma, Fox Island, Gig Harbor, University Place, Port Orchard, and nearby locations, commercial buildings can access a wide range of sustainable roofing materials tailored to various needs and preferences. Whether you’re interested in the durability of metal roofing, TPO’s energy efficiency, or EPDM’s cost-effectiveness, understanding your options will help you make an informed choice.
For personalized recommendations and expert guidance, consult with the professionals at Custom Design Roofing LLC. Our team strives hard to deliver top roofing solutions that suit your unique needs for long-lasting performance. Call today for the finest commercial roofing materials for your building and experience excellence in services.
Seeking that perfect roofing solution to enhance your commercial property? Look no further than Custom Design Roofing LLC for professional consultation and premier roofing solutions. Let us help you find the ideal roofing material that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
Contact us at 253-858-0909 to schedule an appointment with our team today.
