Is the roof on your commercial building showing signs of wear and tear, or even starting to form leaks? With so many different types of commercial roofing materials available on the market today, you may be unsure which is best for your needs. Choosing the right material often comes down to three factors: energy efficiency, durability, and cost. Here are some pros and cons of the top 5 most commonly utilized commercial roofing materials.
Thermoplastic PVC and TPO Roof Membranes
At Avondale Roofing, we believe that TPO and PVC are the best options currently available for commercial roofing. Both are lightweight, fire-resistant, puncture-resistant, and heat-reflective. All of these qualities combine for a roofing material that is going to protect your building and increase energy efficiency.
The strong, air-welded seams of PVC and TPO roofing also provide protection from high winds. Both materials come in a range of thicknesses, meaning you can tailor your roof to suit both your budget and durability needs.
Built-Up Roofing
The oldest type of commercial roofing, built-up roofing involves alternating layers of tar and fiberglass roofing paper, with a top layer of gravel. It is inexpensive to install and relatively easy to repair, which is why many companies still choose this materials.
However, built-up roofing has a few serious downsides. It has the shortest lifespan of any commercial roofing material, meaning you’ll have to invest in having it replaced more often. In addition, leaks can be all but impossible to trace, meaning you might have to have a roofing company come out multiple times before the issue is fixed. This can lead to water damage within your building, increasing your repair costs.
Metal Roofing
One of the most attractive options for commercial roofing, metal is also becoming more popular in certain applications. It is extremely durable, lasting about as long as other commercial roofing options. There are many different materials, colors, and designs for you to choose from, meaning you can customize the look of your building. Metal isn’t a great option in all instances, however. It is a poor choice for roofs that will require any foot traffic, and is significantly more expensive than other roofing options.
Asphalt Shingles
While definitely a lot more common on residential buildings, asphalt shingles are sometimes used in commercial applications as well. For roofs with a steep pitch, asphalt holds up better than other options, and provides great water sheering qualities. It’s easy to install, affordable, and provides a good level of versatility in regard to color and design choices. If longevity is a concern, some manufacturers have better lifespans than others, which your roofing expert can discuss with you during the quoting process.
Protect Your Business From Water Damage
At Avondale Roofing, we know how important it is to make sure your business is protected from water damage. We have over 30 years of experience in handling all types of commercial roofing repairs and installations. Our highly experienced roofing experts can help you assess whether or not your roof is able to be repaired, and make appropriate replacement recommendations when repairs are no longer an option. Contact us today to set up your Free Estimate. We proudly serve the Madison, WI area, Chicago, IL area, and beyond.