What is the Best Commercial Roofing Material?
Are you wondering what is the best commercial roofing material? You’re going to love this post. Here we will discuss different types of commercial roofing materials and everything you will need to know.
Choosing the Best Commercial Roofing Material for Your Building
If you’re here, chances are you’re looking for the best roofing material for your commercial building. You likely want something cost-effective and durable with relatively low maintenance. In this article, we will go over a handful of options and explore some pros and cons of each to help you make the most informed decision for your building.
Different Commercial Roofing Materials
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is arguably the most popular and widely used material in commercial roofing. When used in a roof installation for flat or low-slope roofs, it is moisture, wind, chemical, and fire-resistant. PVC is incredibly strong. This allows it to be heat-welded at the seams which gives the material the chance to expand and contract with the building. This roofing material is also resistant to UV rays and has cool, reflective properties. This allows it to carry both Energy Star and Cool Roof ratings and can help cut down on heating and cooling costs.
As for the downsides of PVC, one thing to note is that not all PVC is created equal. Different manufacturer’s products can vary in quality. Another thing to consider is that PVC typically has a higher up-front cost than other roofing materials, however many find it worth the investment.
TPO
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is one of the most common single-ply roofing membranes on the market today. It is also relatively new, making its first appearance as roofing material in 1986. Like PVC, this is used on flat and low-slope commercial roofs and has similar benefits. TPO is flexible and durable, boasting the resistance of corrosion, mold, mildew, algae, and dirt build up. It is also the most economical route when looking for a commercial roof repairs and replacement, as it is the cheapest material on the market and can help to cut down on high AC bills during the summer heat. This material is quick and inexpensive to install with an added perk of being recyclable and eco-friendly.
Of course, TPO has its cons as well. The biggest pitfall many see with this roofing material is its relative newness. This can leave some questions about longevity, but rest assured, manufacturers are working to get a perfect formula for the material. Excessive heat can also be a downfall of TPO. While it can help lower your cooling costs to some degree, some temperatures and direct sun may lead to busted seams or cracks in the material, which could in turn lead to leaks.
EPDM
Ethylene propylene diene methylene (EPDM) is another commercial roofing material option. This material — again, used on flat roof repairs and low-slope roofs — is a durable, dark synthetic rubber. EPDM installation is relatively quick, easy, and cost-effective. The same goes for any repairs. This rubber roofing material is incredibly elastic, giving it more flexibility than some of the other options and allowing it to fluctuate with a wide variety of temperatures.
While there are a lot of good things to say about EPDM, there are also some negatives. One negative being that most EPDM roofs are black, allowing it to absorb UV ray and heat up the rooftop. They do, however, make white EPDM rubber, though this is not as common. This may also cause some hang up on the curb appeal, as it is not as clean looking as a white TPO or PVC roof. Lastly, it is imperative that it is installed correctly to prevent leaks. Even when installed by a professional, the seams of EPDM do not seem to hold up for as long as some of your other options, though this could be a non-issue if you consider the cheap and easy repairs.
Choosing the Right Roof for Your Business
After discussing some of the most popular commercial roofing materials, hopefully you feel more informed to make the best decision for your building. Of course, you’re going to want to assess the type of service you need. For commercial roof renovation, you may choose a different material than you would for an emergency roof repair.
Companies such as R Stevens Commercial Roofing Inc are located in New Jersey and can offer guidance on what materials to use for your project in addition to their services. Their address is 1312 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052 and they are very well known in New Jersey. R Stevens Commercial Roofing Inc is a top-notch commercial roofer to answer all your questions.
Some things to think about when weighing the pros and cons of each material are installation, repair, and maintenance costs, weather conditions in the area, and the buildings current condition. There are, of course, other materials used in commercial roofing as well, but these serve as the three most requested and widely used for flat or low-slope roofs. Through this information, we aim to help you confidently choose the best commercial roofing material for your needs.
You should now know what is the best commercial roofing material and we wish you the best of luck!
