Types of commercial roofs: constructed roof membrane (BUR), metal roofing, modified bitumen roofing, thermosetting roof membrane (EPDM), thermoplastic roof membrane (PVC and TPO), “green” roof system for gardens. Familiarizing yourself with the types of commercial roofing systems available will help you in your decision-making process. First, let's look at the basics of modified bitumen roofs, or MB for short, are composed of asphalt and work best for buildings that have a “flat” or low-sloping roof and roof structure. While MB is a popular choice for all of the above reasons, its protective surface layers can't always prevent water from entering.
This is highly dependent on a quality installation that includes a suitable drainage system. During and after installation, there is often an odor associated with an MB roof, unlike others. In addition, compared to other roofing systems, the lifespan of modified bitumen roofs is shorter, only 10 to 20 years. The monomer ethylene propylene diene (or EPDM) is sometimes referred to as a rubber roof because this roofing membrane material is black and flexible like a rubber inner tube.
EPDM roofs can be installed on flat roofs and low-slope roofs. Like EPDM roofs, TPO roofs are a single-membrane roofing system and are installed in large rolls. It can be installed with mechanical fasteners or with heat that fuses the joints. Once you've identified the roof slope, you're ready to select the type of roofing system that best meets the needs of your business.
When you choose a reliable commercial roofing contractor, you'll know that flat roof materials still need to be installed at a slight slope. Commercial roofs can be confusing because they can be described based on the type of building roof, such as a flat roof, a low slope, or a shed. In recent years, new commercial roofing products have been introduced that provide high resistance to extreme temperatures and optimize environmental efficiency, helping to reduce stormwater runoff and heating and cooling costs. This type of seamless roof resists foot traffic well, but depends on its stable lower structure to withstand the weight and vibrations of the movement.
One of the most popular commercial roofing materials in use today, EPDM rubber roofs are doubly desirable because they combine low cost with resilient strength. While this is mainly seen in residential properties, commercial buildings sometimes have this roof style, generally because it is a feature of the building's design, for example, given the larger size of commercial buildings, commercial roofs tend to have flat or slightly sloped roofs that are not visible from the ground. Thick, tough metals will be more expensive, but those types of roofs in commercial buildings can last more than 50 years. While even flat roofs have the weakest slope, it's extremely rare for commercial buildings to have a sloped roof similar to that seen on residential properties.
From installing new commercial roofs to completing a commercial roof repair, the long list of commercial roof types makes it difficult to know what to choose for your building. Buildings and homeowners are now opting for certain types of metal roofs to take advantage of the longer lifespan and durability compared to a traditional tile roof. Allstate Construction Roofing's expert roofers are trained and certified to work with different types of commercial roofing systems in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral and its surroundings. Whether you're upgrading commercial buildings or working on new construction, the type of commercial roof you choose can have a big impact on long-term costs.
