What is Commercial Building Roof?
When considering commercial building roof design, it’s evident that commercial roofs, including industrial building roof types, are available in the marketplace in different types and shapes according to the budget of the owner and the needs of the building. Types of roofs and the durability of the roof play an important role in the health of your building and the longevity of the roof itself.
The external weather condition, an environmental condition, also creates an impact on your roof. For commercial purposes, we need to construct the roofs with slat or low slope roofs. There are generally different types available, and you can choose one of them according to the requirement of your house.
Commercial Building Roof Types
There are generally eight types of commercial roof types are available in the market, those areas the following.
- Metal Roofing
- Green Roofing
- Built-Up Roofing
- Spray-On Roofing
- Thermoplastic, PVC & TPO Roofing
- Thermoset EPDM Roofing
- Shingle Roofing
- Modified Roofing
1. Metal Roofing
When it comes to best commercial roof types, metal has been one of the best roofing materials for the last 20 to 30 years. Specifically, when people ask what types of metal roofs are there for commercial buildings, metal roofing often tops the list. Metal is one of the strongest materials, and the durability of this material is also very high.
Metal roofing is a very common type of roofing that is designed for a lifespan of 40 to 60 years. There are many other types of roofing materials available in the marketplace, but still, the popularity of this material is very high because it has an integrated facility of snow and solar removing property.
In metal roofing, there are various types of materials used, those are- Aluminium, tin, and zinc; Corrugated galvanized steel; Copper; Tile sheets; Coated stainless steel; Lead, etc.
2. Green Roofing
This is another type of roof design for commercial buildings, which is widely used in commercial structures. The average lifespan of a green roof is 30 to 50 years. In green roofing, it is covered by a tough waterproof membrane, and it consists of green plants. Green roofing also improves the air quality of the surroundings, and it also provides some space for the employees.
Green roofing has some advantages like it increases the government incentives, elements protection, possible utility, etc. This type of roofing also has a good water drainage system and climate control capability. The only disadvantage of green roofing is it has a high maintenance cost.
3. Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing, a common commercial building roof construction, is a type of roofing that is also highly used nowadays for commercial purposes. Built-up roofing has a lifespan of 20 years, and it will be increased if you take proper care.
Built-up roofing member is made with alternative layers of tar and gravel. Due to those layers, the durability of the built-up roofing membrane is also high, but the cost is not very high; it is affordable for everyone.
This type of roofing is one of the oldest types of roof which is used in modern days, and it is also a flexible type of roof. The built-up roof can also carry high loads, and it is also UV resistant, and it reflects heat. The advantage of this type of roof the lifespan of this roof is very low with respect to other types of roofing, and it’s highly difficult to identify the leakage in the roofing.
4. Spray-On Roofing
When considering best concrete for post holes, the quikrete fence post mix stands out. Spray-on roofing is eco-friendly roofing, and it has been used since the year from 1980.
Spray-on roofing has a good insulation property, and it has a lifespan of around 50 years. The one disadvantage of this type of roofing is you cannot install windows in the roofing. The maintenance work of spray-on roofing is a little bit more, and it requires one or two maintenance work in a year.
5. Thermoplastic, Pvc & TPO Roofing
Thermoplastic, PVC & TPO Roofing, often seen as one of the best commercial roof types, is a modern type of roofing which is widely used in recent times. Thermoplastic, PVC & TPO Roofing can resist the adverse effect of weather, harsh environmental conditions, etc.
Thermoplastic, PVC & TPO Roofing is UV resistant, puncture-resistant, heat reflective type roofing, and it can also resist bacterial damage & it is very lightweight. This type of roofing can handle high wind load and high temperature.
The one disadvantage of this product is this roofing is available in many local sellers, and those products are very cheap, and leaks can be found; so, please try to avoid those products and purchase from trustable sellers.
6. Thermoset Epdm Roofing
When discussing commercial metal roof types, Thermoset EPDM Roofing is also a modern type of roofing which is very popular in recent times. Thermoset EPDM Roofing is basically a synthetic rubber-based membrane that is very durable and it is roll-based. Thermoset EPDM Roofing is a good resistance to sunlight and weather pollution.
This type of roofing is very easy to install; so, the installation cost is not very high. Thermoset EPDM Roofing is available in white and black color, which is used for heat resistance and the rubber membrane is used to resist acids and alcohol.
7. Shingle Roofing
- Shingle is a very popular roofing type material that is used in most commercial houses.
- Shingles are used in those places where the roofline is very steep.
- Shingles are available in the market in various options like slate, plastic, asphalt, ceramic, etc.
- Shingles are very versatile and easy to install; that’s why the installation cost is also affordable for everyone.
- The disadvantage of using shingles is the lifespan of this type of shingles is not so long, and there is a chance of moss attack if your house is located in the shaded area.
8. Modified Roofing
- Modified roofing is basically an asphalt bitumen made ply that is installed on the roof.
- Modified roofing was developed in Europe in the time of 1960.
- In the time of producing modified roofing, sometimes we use polymers, reinforced fiberglass, and polymers.
- This type of roofing has a good UV resistance power, is environmentally friendly, and is truly excellent in leak resistance.
- Modified roofing is easy to install, and maintenance and installation costs are also low.
- The disadvantages of modified roofing are it has not a large lifespan, is quite low in leak resistance, and creates a flour odor smell.
FAQ
What Are the Common Types of Commercial Building Roofs?
The common types include Metal Roofing, Green Roofing, Built-Up Roofing, Spray-On Roofing, Thermoplastic, PVC & TPO Roofing, Thermoset EPDM Roofing, Shingle Roofing, and Modified Roofing.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Typically Last?
Metal roofing generally has a lifespan of 40 to 60 years, depending on the specific material and maintenance.
What Is a Green Roof and What Are Its Benefits?
A Green Roof is covered with vegetation and a waterproof membrane. Benefits include improved air quality, climate control, and potential government incentives. However, it has a higher maintenance cost.
What Is Built-Up Roofing and What Are Its Advantages?
Built-Up Roofing consists of alternating layers of tar and gravel. It is known for its durability, UV resistance, and heat reflection. It typically has a lifespan of around 20 years.
What Are the Key Features of Spray-On Roofing?
Spray-On Roofing is eco-friendly with good insulation properties and a lifespan of about 50 years. However, it may require more frequent maintenance and cannot accommodate windows.
How Does Thermoplastic, Pvc & Tpo Roofing Perform in Harsh Conditions?
This roofing type is UV resistant, puncture-resistant, and heat reflective. It handles high wind loads and temperatures well but should be purchased from reputable sellers to avoid cheap, leaking products.
What Is Thermoset Epdm Roofing and Its Advantages?
Thermoset EPDM Roofing is a synthetic rubber membrane known for its durability, heat resistance, and ease of installation. It is resistant to sunlight and weather pollution.
Are Shingle Roofs Suitable for Commercial Buildings?
Shingle Roofing is versatile and easy to install but is typically used in areas with steep rooflines. Its lifespan is shorter compared to other commercial roofing types, and it may be susceptible to moss in shaded areas.
What Is Modified Roofing and What Are Its Benefits?
Modified Roofing is made from asphalt bitumen with polymers and fiberglass. It offers good UV resistance, leak resistance, and is environmentally friendly. Installation and maintenance costs are relatively low.
What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing a Commercial Roof Type?
Key factors include the building’s environmental conditions, roof durability, maintenance costs, installation costs, and the specific needs of the building.
