A Primer on Popular Commercial Roofing Materials

Keeping your commercial property safe and damage-free is a year-round priority. That’s why you’ll want to invest in a roofing system that can effectively withstand the harshest weather conditions. But choosing the right commercial roofing material for your building can be a bit daunting. Which option can meet the needs of your property? Kingdom Roofing, the trusted commercial and residential roofing contractor in the area, discusses some of your most popular choices.

EPDM

Also known as rubber roofing, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) remains a top commercial roofing option because of its price. In fact, it is probably the most cost-effective material available today. It is lightweight, which makes it easier and faster to install, allowing for even more savings because the roof deck doesn’t have to be reinforced. An EPDM roof is strong enough to head off extreme weather, and will not scratch or scuff easily. Depending on the quality and installation, this roofing choice can last up to 20 years.

TPO

A versatile option, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofing is as reasonably priced as EPDM–and in most cases, even more cost-effective. This roof type comes in white, making it especially handy for reflecting solar heat, which allows for a cooler and more pleasant indoor environment for your commercial building. It can be installed in different ways, and is impervious to mildew, algae growth, and corrosion. Keeping it clean is also easy–it doesn’t need to be pressure-washed. Not only that, a TPO roof with heat-welded seams creates a more dependable bond between the seams, which reduces the potential for leaks. To get the most out of this choice, make sure to work with a trusted local roofer like Kingdom Roofing for its installation.

PVC 

This roofing option is made of two layers of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material, with polyester acting as reinforcement between layers. Additives further augment these layers to keep them UV-stable and flexible. Just like EPDM and TPO, a PVC roof allows for fast and worry-free installation. As for performance, this option is highly resistant to fire, moisture, and wind. Exposure to chemicals will not faze a PVC roof, which is why it’s the recommended option for restaurants and other businesses that emit oil and fats from their vents. The heat welding installation process used with this roofing choice creates a permanent bond between each sheet. By keeping the seams secure together, it prevents leaks from forming in the roof system.

BUR

Built-up roofing (BUR) is your standard tar-and-gravel system used in low-slope roofs. It consists of alternating layers of reinforcing fabric and bitumen, or asphalt, then topped with an aggregate, such as stone or gravel. Built-up roofing has a life expectancy of about 30 years, but some can last up to 40 depending on the quality of the materials used and the area’s climate. It can offer exceptional waterproofing and UV protection, along with great fire resistance thanks to its aggregate top layer. In addition, BUR is generally low maintenance, which means it costs little to keep it in good shape over its life.

Modified Bitumen

Another low-slope roofing option, modified bitumen is a close cousin to BUR. It comes in rolls and is installed in a variety of ways, including hot-applied, cold-applied, heat-welded and self-adhered. It can withstand the inclement weather, allows for considerable foot traffic on its surface, and, with proper installation, can deliver superior performance of up to 20 years. Repairing and maintaining a modified bitumen roof is also stress-free.

Metal

This commercial roofing option can withstand damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight, water, wind and ice. Metal roofing is also incredibly versatile, allowing for many design possibilities because of its range of colors, profiles and finishes. The material itself comes in many different kinds, ranging from stainless steel, aluminum, and tin, to copper, galvanized steel and stone-coated steel. Metal roofing comes with inherent reflective properties that help keep your building cool and comfortable, without the reliance on your cooling system.

When it comes to high-quality commercial roofing installation, repair and maintenance, look no further than Kingdom Roofing. We proudly serve Venice, FL, and the nearby areas. Call us today at (941) 263-8699 or fill out this contact form to schedule your roof evaluation.