Commercial buildings and domestic buildings are not built equally, quite literally. Commercial buildings tend to prioritise cost-effectiveness and easy maintenance over appearance, for example. But what is commercial roofing, and is it right for you?
The Best Types of Commercial Roofs
There are many materials available for commercial roofing, and they each come with their own benefits, disadvantages, and nuances.
Most people consider three things their priorities when it comes to roofing: the cost of the roof, its durability, and how energy-efficient it is.
You may be tempted to install a cheap roof, but keep in mind that they will need replacing a lot sooner and can put your employees and business at risk. Is saving a little right now worth losing a lot in the future? However, higher-quality roofing systems are typically very durable, and some can even last upwards of 60 years when maintained sufficiently! Energy-efficient roofing can also save you money and be suitable for the environment and have a higher rate of permit approval.
1: Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing, also referred to as BUR or built-up roofing membrane, is an inexpensive roofing form made from gravel and asphalt layers. It’s easy to repair and is very flexible for a variety of building types and businesses. Built-up roofing often lasts for 20 years and more if maintained well, though it can depend on the number of layers used. Every layer adds to the cost of the roof, but it can increase the durability significantly. BUR is also a good choice for a building that requires frequent roof access, as it’s strong against foot traffic.
But, even though 20 years is a long time, it’s a relatively short lifespan for a roof, so you may want to consider another option if you’re worried about longevity.
2: Metal Roofing
Arguably the most popular type of commercial roofing, metal is very durable, strong, and sustainable, and usually made from aluminium or steel. It typically lasts between 40 and 60 years, which makes it cost-effective too! Metal roofing is also very fire-resistant and is one of the more visually appealing options for roofs. Some modern metal roofing systems even have useful tools integrated into them, such as snow removal systems or solar panels.
However, metal is more likely than many other materials to corrode, which can require it to be replaced sooner, though work is being done to prevent this: metal roofing systems now frequently come with protective layers.
3: Green Roofing
An increasingly popular choice for roofing systems is the green roof. The green roof is a hardy, waterproof roof completely covered in greenery and can last for half a century if cared for correctly.
Green roofs are reported to improve employee morale and can provide a relaxing space for them. They also improve the air quality, help wildlife, and protect your building well. Some governments and councils may even incentivise the use of green roofs! They do require constant monitoring and maintenance, so keep that in mind if you install a green roof.
4: Thermoplastic Roofing
Thermoplastic roofing has also experienced astronomical popularity in the last decade or so. They are usually made from polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO. They are resistant to a massive variety of problems that cause other roofs to suffer: chemicals, bacteria, fire, UV light, and strong winds. This makes thermoplastic roofing a really popular choice, as business owners don’t have to worry as much about maintenance, natural disasters, or even human error.
On the other hand, due to its newness, not much is known about long-term problems with thermoplastic roofing, so it could be costly to replace or repair a couple of decades down the line.
5: Thermoset Roofing
Thermoset Roofing is a durable synthetic made from rubber. It is also called Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer, or EPDM. A thermoset roofing system will offer a lot of resistance against pollution and sunlight and will last a very long time. On top of that, it’s pretty easy to install, which could save you some costs on construction. It is also hardy against common solvents.
Many people opt not to use thermoset roofing because it doesn’t have the best aesthetic, and it should be noted that it can be breached easily, e.g. by crew walking on the roof.
Why do Commercial Buildings Have Flat Roofs?
You may have seen a warehouse or an office block and noticed that they would usually have a flat roof, unlike residential buildings or even churches. But why is that?
It links back to those three roofing priorities to consider when selecting a type of roof:
Firstly, flat roofs are the most cost-effective roof. They’re a lot easier to install than a pitched roof and cheaper as less material is required. This isn’t as big of a problem with residential buildings, as they are smaller, so the cost disparity isn’t too significant. Still, commercial buildings tend to be much larger than residential buildings and require a lot of roofing.
Next is the factor of durability. Flat roofs are notoriously durable against elements such as water damage, foot traffic, and heavy wind. You will have to remove debris such as fallen leaves often, but this is usually very manageable.
And there is, of course, the energy efficiency of the roof. Flat roofs offer a smaller surface area than pitched roofs and thus lose less heat and provide incredible thermal efficiency. This reduces costs elsewhere, too, such as heating in the colder months.
Another final point to think about is that flat roofs can store a lot of other utilities: you can store solar panels on your flat roof, air conditioning units, and a lot more, which saves space elsewhere as well as the money it costs to create a dedicated solar power farm.
Here at Northern Roofing Ltd, we offer a wide range of Commercial Roofing, Industrial Roofing, Building Maintenance, and Drone Surveys.
