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As any business owner, you look to keep your business safe, energy-efficient and protected from harsh weather conditions. And in order to accomplish this, choosing the best type of roofing material for your commercial building is crucial.

There are a few types of commercial roofs and each fulfills the needs of the building as well as the budget of the property owner. It’s safe to say, that the roof on your commercial building plays an essential role in the health of the roofing system as well as the overall health of the building. Naturally, all extraneous variables such as environment, weather, foliage, and animals will impact the integrity of the roof as time passes. As all of these elements impact your roof through time, you’ll need a roofing system that can withstand any condition throughout the years. 

To help you better understand quality commercial roofs, we’re going to dive into some common commercial roof materials and why they might be the right choice for your next roofing installation or repair.

5 Types of Commercial Roofing Materials:

• Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
• Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
• Green Roofing

1. TPO – Thermoplastic Polyolefin 

A very popular roofing option among commercial property owners. 

This is a very inexpensive type of roofing material. In comparison to EPDM, which we will look at next, it is less expensive in most cases. TPO is white, this helps reflect sun rays, therefore, reducing heat inside your structure and making it quite energy-efficient as well. 

This is a lightweight material which can be installed in a couple of ways:

• Directly applied to the roof deck 
• Adhered with adhesive onto the roof deck

This material is highly resistant to breakdown and corrosion as well as mildew or algae growth. So when looking to do maintenance, it doesn’t need to be pressure washed. 

Also, when TPO is applied, the seams are heat-welded so the plastics in the membrane are being melted together. This creates an incredibly reliable bond between seams. And guess what? Seams are the culprits when it comes to roof leaks. This is a major advantage. 

If you’re interested in installing a TPO roof to your commercial building, make sure you are dealing with not only the right roofing contractors but also ones that can source high-quality TPO material to work with.

2. EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer

More commonly known as rubber roofing, EPDM is inexpensive, easy to install, lightweight, and has a lifespan of up to two decades. EPDM roofs are one of the most durable, are resistant to scratch and scruff. EPDM roofing is black, so it absorbs heat and is not compromised by UV rays. 

However, if you’re looking for a stylish roof or you’re interested in aesthetics, this might not be the roofing you might want to go with. This is a rubberized material that might not add to the appeal of your commercial building. With this being said, EPDM is available in lighter colors which will help with heat reflection but will cost up to 30% more.

3. PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride

This roofing material is made up of two layers of PVC. Polyester, in this case, acts as the reinforcement between layers. These layers, consists of materials that make it flexible, UV stable, and lightweight. 

If your commercial roof is low-sloped or flat, PVC will offer great durability. It is resistant to fire, moisture, chemicals, and winds. It is heat welded when installed, which creates a perpetual bond between sheets and maintains seams secured together.

On the other hand, older PVC roofs during winter may be prone to puncturing and shattering. This, you might want to keep in mind depending on your location.

4. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)

Interestingly, SPF is a roofing material created from a kind of plastic. This plastic turns from liquid into solid in seconds and expands at approximately 30x while drying.

SPF pays for itself. It is one of the most sustainable choices and is energy-efficient. With a superb installation process, SPF offers durability, strength, all combined with a reflective white top which is highly reflective. SPF has a lifespan of up to four decades and more – with the proper maintenance. When applied, its expansion helps impressively seal any cracks, making your commercial roof air and watertight.

SPF needs to be applied by professionals in a careful and calibrated way in order to ensure its long-lasting benefits. 

5. Green Roofing 

This is not one of the most common choices but it is a pretty adaptable kind of commercial roofing material nowadays. It’s a popular choice for businesses looking to present a sustainable vibe to their buildings. Green roofing protects commercial roofs from the weather as well as remarkably manages water drainage and improves energy efficiency. They are beautiful and add a jazzy aesthetic to any business. Green roofs are an important step towards environment-friendly commercial buildings.

Looking to install or repair your commercial roofing system? Call our expert roofers now for the quickest most efficient solutions.  Call 720-275-4580 today!