What Are the Best Roof Materials for Commercial Buildings?
These days, there are almost 80,000 roofing contractor services around the United States. More than 253,000 people work at these businesses. Together, they maintain an industry worth more than $57 billion every year!
On the way to reaching such a gargantuan size, the roofing industry has generated a wide variety of roof materials to choose from. Many commercial building owners never think about which kind of roofing material is best for their building. Instead, they just replace their old roof with a new one of the same kind.
However, as technology advances, the best roof for your commercial building might change. Understanding more about your roof material options can help you make the best choice in the long run for your building. So what are some of the best roof materials for a commercial building?
Read on to learn all about some of the top materials to consider for a quality commercial roof!
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs have been a popular choice for commercial building owners for a long time. One of the biggest things that attracts people to this roofing material is that it can last so long. Although lifespan depends on the exact type of metal roof you choose, you can often enjoy about 60 years out of a metal roof before needing to replace it.
These days, you can also find advanced metal roofs with extra features built in. For example, you can get a metal roof that can remove snow all by itself. Metal roofs are also a great choice if you want to add a solar panel system to your commercial building.
Many people also love the appearance of metal roofs. You can choose between roof materials like aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and zinc.
Choosing a metal roof can also take care of any concerns you have about needing to replace a roof again soon. These types of roofs provide incredible durability.
They can resist damage from storms as well as general moisture. They do not provide a good home for pests. You will also avoid roof issues like mold and mildew.
PVC Roofs
When you need a roof replacement, a PVC roof might be the best choice. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. These proofs are highly reflective, which can help keep your commercial building cool.
In the long run, that can lead to significant savings because your commercial HVAC system will not have to spend so much energy on air conditioning. That may be even more valuable these days as we are seeing higher energy prices.
On top of that, PVC roofs are resistant to fire, bacteria, and damage from the harsh rays of the Sun.
If you do decide to get a PVC roof replacement, make sure to find a quality provider. If you are not careful, you might end up with a low-quality PVC roof.
Shingle Roofs
When you are installing a roof, you might benefit from going with a classic shingle roof. These roofs provide many advantages, which is why they are such a popular choice for residential buildings.
Commercial buildings often have a flat roof rather than a slanted one like a home. However, if you are building has a slanted roofline, it might be appropriate to choose a shingle roof system.
These days, you can find a wide variety of shingles for a roof. There are asphalt, ceramic, slate, and plastic shingles you can choose from.
Many people are attracted to shingle roofs because they are more affordable than many other options. However, this lower price does come with certain disadvantages.
Shingle roofs tend not to be as durable as many other roof options. They are also more likely to develop roof issues like mildew and moss.
Spray-On Roofs
Not every commercial building owner has even heard of spray-on roofing. Your roofing contractor can apply a liquid spray to your roof, which will expand into a hard foam.
One of the great things about this kind of roofing is that it is fast to install. You can apply it on top of your old roof, even if it has leaks. Your spray-on roofing will fill in these leaks and provide excellent insulation.
In many cases, a spray-on roof will last as long as 50 years before needing replacement.
Commercial Cool Roofs
Another roof you can add on top of an old roof is a commercial cool roof. These roofs are often made out of acrylic or silicone.
Commercial cool roofs are designed to reflect the rays of the Sun. That makes them another great option if you want to decrease your air conditioning costs.
Build-Up Roofs
A build-up roofing system is made out of tar and gravel. You can choose how many layers of it to apply to your roof. That makes this one of the more flexible roof types for a commercial building.
If you want to lower costs, you can ask for fewer layers. On the other hand, if you want improved durability and insulation, you can have your contractors apply more layers.
Understand the Best Roof Materials for Commercial Buildings
You are going to enjoy the results of your decision about commercial roof materials for many years to come. That makes it vital that you do not rush through the process of understanding which roof material is best for your situation. Taking your time to choose a roof material you will be satisfied with is an investment that will more than pay for itself in the long run.
To learn more about how you can find the best roofing contractors to help you with your commercial roofing needs, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!
