When you’re choosing a new commercial roof, it’s not like installing a replacement roof on a house. Depending on the building design, you might have a lot of heavy equipment on the roof or need it to support a lot of foot traffic. Commercial building roof designs are also flat, so drainage and water damage need to stay top of mind.
At T&E Roof, our team of commercial roofing installation experts has years of experience assessing, repairing, and replacing industrial roofing with the right materials for the job. Learn more about different types of commercial roofing and how to pick the right option for your commercial roofing installation.
Understanding Commercial Roofing Options
Taking the time to understand what types of commercial roofs work best in Florida is an excellent investment. By understanding different commercial roofing material types, as well as their unique strengths and weaknesses, you can access benefits like the following:
- Picking the roof with the longest lifespan and fewest maintenance costs
- Weighing short-term and long-term costs to make the right choice for your properties
- Knowing how local weather patterns should influence your choice
Top 5 Commercial Roof Types
Consider which of these popular options makes the most sense for your building, budget, and business needs:
#1: Single-Ply Roofing
If you have a flat commercial roof, single-ply roofing is the most popular. This material is like plastic sheeting that rolls into place over your roof, acting as a barrier against water and the elements. Roofers can install materials of different thicknesses, such as 45 mil or 60 mil, to add more durability and longevity. The three most common single-ply roofing options are EPDM, PVC, and TPO.
2: Modified Bitumen Roofing
Commercial modified bitumen roofs, or mod-bit roofs, have many of the advantages of conventional hot tar roofs but are more versatile and don’t require the dangerous work of heating and applying asphalt or tar. These roofs are available in cold application methods without high-heat tools, and self-adhered roofing products can last and protect themselves. The roofing can also be applied and reapplied in multiple layers.
#3: Tar Roofing
Built-up tar roofing is still popular because of its versatility. Installers can “mop” wet tar on top of layers of fiberglass roofing material, creating a multi-layered roof built to last. Tar roofing is available in different top-layer styles, such as a hot tar and rock surface layer, a granule surface cap sheet, or a plain asphalt flood coat. The latter two options offer easier repairs and maintenance over time.
#4: Metal Roofs
Metal roofs can easily cover low-angled and steep roofs that aren’t ideal for flat roof materials. Modern metal roof panels also offer curb appeal and long-term aesthetic value, which can invite more customers to your business or help your commercial property sell more easily in the future.
#5: Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles can also work well on roofs with a slope, just like on residential roofs. Commercial-grade shingles are sturdier, can last up to 30 years, and can give businesses a homier or more premium aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Commercial Roof for Your Building
Every roof is different. Our team of contractors can work with you to compare different options and recommend the right fit for different scenarios. We suggest always considering these four factors when choosing roofing material:
- Lifespan, including required maintenance over its lifespan
- Durability, especially its ability to withstand hot summers, humidity, and heavy rain and wind during hurricanes
- Cost, including the initial costs, repairs over time, and how the roofing material affects your commercial building insurance rate
- Energy efficiency, as some materials can help regulate your building’s internal temperature or increase heat buildup from the sun
Contact Us Today for All Your Roofing Needs
At T & E Roofing, we specialize in high-quality roofing repairs and commercial roofing installation for Florida buildings. When it’s time to think about commercial roofing material types and replace your industrial roofing, we’re here to help. Contact us today for professional commercial roofing installation.
Image Credit: Aphisith Champalod