The four types of commercial roofing, and their pros and cons

Investing in roofing commercial services is a huge financial decision. You should have a complete picture of all the options available before choosing a particular type.

The Four Types of Commercial Roofing:

1. Metal Roofing

The most common metals used in these types of roofs are steel, aluminum, tin, copper, zinc, etc.

Pros

  • Highly durable– These roofs last anywhere between 40-70 years as they are resistant to warping, chipping, and cracking, unlike most roof types.
  • Eco-conscious: These roofs are composed of 95% recycled materials, and at the end of their lifespan can be 100% recycled.
  • Highly safe: These roofs are fire, wind, and waterproof and are algae or moss growth-proof.

Cons

  • Requirement for expert installers: You need to hire experienced and specialized roofing contractors which can add to the upfront cost.
  • High noise levels: During rain or hail storms, these kinds of roofs produce the maximum sound which can disrupt your productivity.

2. Green Roofing

Green roofing is a unique roofing system partially or covered with live vegetation. The green structure can be a beautiful addition to your commercial roofing.

Pros

  • Positive environmental impact: These roofs improve the local air quality and contribute to urban biodiversity.
  • Energy savings: These roofing systems are extremely energy efficient and produce cooling effects in summer.
  • Noise reduction: These roofs are highly suitable for commercial buildings since they absorb and deflect sounds way more efficiently than other roofing systems.
  • Long lasting: They extend the roof’s lifetime by protecting it from climatic variations.

Cons

  • High maintenance requirements: There is a lot of maintenance involved in this type of roofing system like weeding and irrigation.
  • Not suitable for areas with water shortage: If your commercial building is in a water conservation critical area, this type of roofing is not practical since it requires regular watering for maintenance.
  • Additional costs: To support the weight of soil and vegetation these roofs need additional structural support, and so the overall cost is higher.

3. Flat Roof

Flat roofs have different colors and material options like bitumen, modified bitumen, rubber, TPO, etc.

Pros

  • Highly cost-effective: These roofs require less material and comparatively lesser expertise in installation, so they help you save a lot of money. The price of repairs is also lower.
  • Reduces energy waste: These roofs have cooling properties that saves electricity bills.
  • Quicker installation: You can get done with the roof installation process faster if you are in a hurry with this roofing system.

Cons

  • Faster material breakdown: Due to poor drainage of this roof, the roofing materials get degraded easily.

4. Shingles Roof

This classic roof system roofing system is also common for commercial buildings.

Pros

  • Inexpensive: These roofs are low-cost. Asphalt shingles are about $2-$6 per square foot.
  • Longevity: These roofs are algae and fire-resistant and last more than even 20 years.

Cons:

  • Easy-dislodging: Hail or wind storms can easily dislodge the asphalt granules.

Our company can help you decide the best commercial roofing option for your property and complete the entire installation process for you.