Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing Material

Designing a completely new commercial property? Have you picked the roof yet? A lot to think about, huh? So, it’s not a surprise if you still haven’t decided on the right type for you, regardless of whether you’re building a new property or renovating an existing one, or simply replacing the roof. Choosing the contractor is one of your concerns, and you need to learn more on how to do it, but that’s certainly not the only crucial thing to do here.

One of the most crucial things to do is, of course, to select the right commercial roofing material for your building. If inexperienced, you may think that there is just one material type and that you don’t really have anything to choose from. The moment you begin searching for information, though, trying to figure out how your entire roofing project will go, you’ll realize that you were wrong about the materials. There are loads of them and you do need to make a choice.

A Guide to Selecting Commercial Roofing Materials

Should you make it randomly? Not exactly. You may be tempted to do that, but is it really a good thing to choose something while you don’t know anything about it at all? I suppose you get how wrong that would be. So, what should you do instead? Learn about the different types of materials, of course, and you can do it with the guide I’ve prepared for you below.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is certainly among the most popular options, because the singly-ply TPO material is the most cost-effective one. While these flat roofs have strong seams that can prevent water leaks, TPO is not as flexible as other materials, meaning that the seams could wear out in excessive heat. Lasting around 15 to 20 years, though, these are still quite cost-effective and durable.

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Made for low slope and flat roofs, modified bitumen (MB) is another roofing material with the lifespan of around 20 years. Asphalt-based, it is quite durable, thanks to its multiple layers, and, unlike TPO, it can withstand all kinds of temperatures without any problems whatsoever.

A classic flat commercial roofing material, the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is UV resistant and will beat the first two mentioned above when it comes to durability. Given that it is more durable, though, it is also more expensive. So, while it may be a good option for some people, it is not the best solution for those that are looking to save money. And, although skimping on roofs is never a good idea, I do understand the need to worry about the budget and be careful when making the choice.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is made of synthetic rubber materials. While usually not the most appealing and the most attractive roofing material, its advantage lies in the fact that it is quite easy to install, durable, as well as affordable. Lasting for up to 30 years, its lack of appeal is quite negligible.

Metal is also a quite appealing solution, because it is the most durable one. Of course, the durability will depend on the actual thickness of the material, but these types of roof can last around 50 years on a commercial property. Quite a big leap compared to TPO, for example, huh? And, naturally, given that it is so long-lasting, it is also more expensive.

Speaking of long-lasting options, spray foam can last well over 50 years, especially if you recoat it and maintain it regularly. This type of a roof is also easy to install, although finding the ideal time for installation can be difficult, as it does require special weather condition for that process.

Last, but not least, the built-up roofing systems (BURs) are the most common types of commercial roofs. Using alternating layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabric, then gravel or stone, this system can provide additional protection to your commercial roof. Lasting around 15 to 20 years, it is not as durable as metal or spray foam, but it is still rather popular thanks to its sturdiness and cost-effectiveness.

How to Choose the Best Commercial Roofing Material

Before you agree on the services of Commercial Roofing in Boston, you’ll have to decide on the materials you want. How do you, however, choose the best solution for you? Sure, you now know which options exist, but you could be confused as to how to select the best one for you as there are various factors to consider when trying to make that choice, and I’ll now tell you about some of those, hoping to make the choosing process a lot easier for you.

The location of your commercial building certainly matters a lot. Why? Mostly because of the weather conditions. Not every material will be suitable for every location, and that’s something to keep in mind when choosing. If you remember what I was saying, then you already know that TPO tends to get damaged in excessive heat, and you understand that different materials can withstand different weather conditions, which is precisely why location matters.

The longevity of the roof also matters. Some materials have a longer lifespan than others. And yet, that doesn’t automatically mean that everyone will go for those that can last longer. Why, you’re wondering? A simple answer.

Because of people’s budget. So, your specific budget is the next thing to keep in mind when trying to decide on the materials you want for your commercial roof. While you should be ready to pay a bit more for a stronger and a more durable solution, we can’t fight the fact that you will need to be careful with your budget and that you will absolutely want to save some money if possible. If you can’t decide on the right type, even after taking all of the mentioned factors into consideration, the best thing to do is talk to professional roofers and get their advice and suggestions on what could be perfect for your commercial property.