As a commercial property owner or property manager, you’re busy. But no matter how busy you are, you need to keep your flat or low-slope commercial roof well-maintained. According to a study by the National Roofing Contractors Association, proper roof maintenance can extend the lifespan of a commercial roof by up to 15 years. Neglecting your commercial roofing can lead to increased repair costs, energy inefficiency, and even safety hazards. Understanding the basics of commercial roofing can help you make informed decisions to protect your investment.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of commercial roofing systems. By the end, you’ll have a good understanding of what roofing system works best for you.
The Lowdown on Commercial Roofing Systems
A well-chosen and properly installed roofing system is crucial for the longevity and safety of your building, affecting everything from thermal efficiency to aesthetic appeal. Here are the main types of commercial roofing to consider:
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
BUR is a traditional hot tar and gravel roof. It’s durable and highly resistant to damage. With its multi-layer structure, it offers excellent waterproofing. However, it can be heavy and requires strong support structures. BUR systems require complex installation, limited longevity compared to some alternatives, lack of energy efficiency, difficulty with repairs, and some environmental impacts.
EPDM Roofing
EPDM is a type of rubber roofing. It’s lightweight, durable, and resistant to weather and UV damage. Plus, it’s easier to install than many other systems, which can help keep your commercial roofing prices down. EPDM roofing has the potential for damage, shrinkage, mold issues, slightly shorter lifespan than some other options like PVC, and a higher initial installation cost compared to some expectations.
PVC Roofing
PVC roofing is a single-ply roofing system. It’s known for its strength and durability. Plus, it’s resistant to chemicals, making it a good choice for restaurants and other businesses that emit oils and fats. After installation, a PVC commercial roof requires regular inspection and maintenance to perform optimally and safeguard your building.
TPO Roofing
TPO is a popular choice for its energy efficiency. The white reflective surface can help reduce cooling costs in the summer. It’s also resistant to UV rays, punctures, and tears. As a newer roofing material, performance questions remain about its relatively unproven long-term performance, potential degradation from heat/UV exposure, vulnerability to punctures, seam adhesion issues, and the lack of definitive data on its true lifespan compared to other roofing materials.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is durable, fire-resistant, and energy-efficient. It can be more costly upfront, but its long lifespan and durability can make it a cost-effective choice over time. Metal roofing can also have noise issues, potential for denting/damage, expansion/contraction problems, color matching challenges, and the need for specialized installation and maintenance to prevent corrosion in certain environments.
The Right Roof Makes a Difference
Choosing the wrong roofing system can lead to unnecessary repairs and high commercial roof maintenance costs. But by understanding the basics of commercial roofing, you can partner with professionals like Moser Roofing Solutions to make the right choice for your property.
At Moser Roofing, we’re committed to quality and customer satisfaction. We’ll work with you to choose the right roofing system for your building, your business, and your budget. Plus, our Roof Guardian Roof Maintenance Program can help extend the lifespan of your roof.
Remember, your roof protects your business. We protect your roof.
