Making Smart Choices In Commercial Roofing

Installing a new rooftop for your business could be long overdue, but you may have no idea where to start. This is a common situation many decision-makers face when it’s time for a new roof. If commercial roofing is not your profession, then you are not expected to know which way to go. There are a few essential pieces of information that will help you to make a smart choice when choosing your commercial roofing provider and materials.

Properly installed and maintained commercial rooftops have a lifespan of close to 50 years. There are a variety of different types of roofing materials and solutions to choose from, but your choice should be made based on what works best for you and your location. The general factors to focus on are durability, energy efficiency, and cost.

Durability is to be considered according to where your building is situated and the natural elements the building will be exposed to. Consider the severity of the seasons in your region. Is your location prone to heavy rain and winds? Are snowstorms a common occurrence every winter? There are commercial roofing materials specifically made to withstand such conditions.

Energy efficiency highlights the importance of saving energy not just for global health but for your wallet as well. Well-insulated, energy-efficient roofs help save money on both air conditioning and heating.

Cost is one of the most significant points to factor in when in need of a new commercial roof. It can be tricky to find the roofing material that matches your needs and fits your budget. There are seven different types of roofing material used in commercial roofing today;

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has a typical lifespan of 40 to 60 years. There are currently many types of metals used in metal roofing, including aluminum, tile sheets, copper, and stainless steel. The pros of metal roofing include fire resistance and a modern, polished look. The cons include metal being susceptible to corrosion.

Built-Up Roofing Membrane

Built-up roofing membranes are one of the most cost-effective commercial roofing materials available on the market. Built in multiple layers, the built-up roofing membrane is fully customizable according to budget and durability needed.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Similar to the built-up roofing membrane, modified bitumen roofing is installed in layers. Maintenance of this roofing material is simple and only calls for a quick inspection once a year. Additionally, its heightened tensile strength makes it an ideal choice for those who can foresee ongoing activity on their rooftop. 

Thermoset Roof Membrane

Thermoset roof membrane is constructed from a single-ply rubber material. Also known as EPDM roofing, This roofing option offers durability and versatility. It’s known for its easy installation and maintenance. Thermoset roof membrane is known for its strong resistance to ultraviolet light, making it a compelling option when wanting to lower cooling costs.

Thermoplastic Roof Membrane

Thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, is a lightweight roofing system with solid resistance to a variety of threatening elements. TPO provides significant resistance to punctures and tears, bacteria buildup, and most chemicals. TPO also provides a strong resistance to animal fats, making it an excellent option for restaurants that emit oils from their ventilation systems. 

Green Roofing

Green roofing is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after roofing options today. Green roofing is sustainable and efficient at protecting buildings from a variety of weather conditions, as well as providing great water and drainage management. Green roofs are attractive and help to create an energy-efficient environment. 

Spray-On Silicone

A Spray-on silicone solution, or a silicone restoration membrane (SRM), is a silicone coating that is applied to an already existing roofing system. Not all existing roofing systems are candidates for SRM. After your roof has been inspected and recognized as a candidate for SRM treatment, an SRM coating can be applied in as little as eight to 24 hours. The SRM helps to reinforce your already existing roofing system, making it more resistant against the elements and therefore extending the life of your roof.

Other Points to Consider

Energy efficiency, budget, and durability are not the only factors to consider when choosing commercial roofing. It’s crucial that the roofing material selected works well for your business needs. Does your business work with high temperatures or chemicals? Do you house employees at your location? These types of questions must be pondered before choosing your roofing material.

Another point that should be considered, yet often overlooked, is expansion. If you see expansion on the horizon, the cost and ease of additional, matching roofing installation should be considered. Will your company be incorporating different activities or using new substances and materials in the future? Having some foresight into the evolution of your business is helpful in making the right choice of materials for your rooftop. 

Some significant consideration should be given to which commercial roofing company you decide to work with. Consider the company's location, experience, and certifications. There are plenty of commercial roofing services being offered around you, but keep in mind that distance will add to the overall cost of your new roof. It’s preferable that you find a commercial roofing company within a limited radius of your business location. Ensuring that the commercial roofing company has a good reputation and proven experience, as well as up-to-date certification and insurance, are the first things you should be looking into before considering working with the company.

It may seem overwhelming to make these big decisions, but you are not on your own. The experts at your chosen commercial roofing company will help guide you towards making the best decisions based on the information given to them. Before contacting a commercial roofing company, be sure that you are well informed on your needs and your budget. It’s important to paint an accurate picture of your business and its activities in order to choose the suitable roofing materials. The more precise your wants and needs are, the better the process of selecting the suitable materials and company will be.