Roofs are an integral component of commercial buildings, protecting their contents against fire, wind, hail, and snow damage. There are various roofing materials to choose from when it comes to installing or replacing an entirely new roof or just some shingles, giving you multiple choices for commercial roofing systems such as:
Flat Roofs
Commercial flat roofs are becoming more prevalent as they’re cost-efficient, space-saving, and durable. They work well with most construction materials, such as concrete and steel for added strength and resilience.
Commercial roofing contractors provide many options of flat roofs for their customers to select, each providing its own set of advantages. Professionals offer services using built-up tar and gravel roofs (https://www.gen819.com/services) which provide an economical option that offers reliable protection from weather conditions. Installation is straightforward, maintenance costs minimal compared to other flat roof types and they don’t sustain as well in terms of water or wind damage resistance compared to others.
EPDM roofs are another popular flat roof type. EPDM, short for Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber, is made from synthetic rubber that lasts 20+ years with proper care and is highly resistant to water, wind and fire as well as corrosion – it even works well with most building construction materials such as concrete and steel!
When selecting a flat roof for your commercial property, it’s essential to factor in height restrictions in your city. If a steep slope is mandated by building codes in your location, pitched roofs may no longer be suitable – in which case a flat roof could still add value while meeting required height restrictions.
Commercial flat roofs provide an efficient way to house HVAC and other systems without taking up precious interior space in your commercial building. This enables you to utilize space more effectively while creating a safer working environment for employees. These sun-absorbing and reflective materials help reduce energy costs for the property.
If your commercial flat roof will be used as equipment storage space, choosing durable materials such as rubber or PVC will prevent its structure from being compromised or overheated by prolonged sun exposure. You can find more affordable and efficient ideas like this when you contact trustworthy commercial roofers. This will keep it looking its best over time.
Low-Slopes
From office buildings to mom and pop stores, low-slopes are among the most sought-after commercial roofing choices. Any system with a slope of 3/12 or less can be classified as low-slope; such roofs offer multiple benefits including affordability and ease of installation/maintenance. They also reduce wasted space inside buildings while improving drainage – some commercial properties even use them as sky gardens, bars, or decks with specially-designed architecture!
Commercial roofing materials designed for low-slopes range from traditional asphalt roll roofing systems to more specialized metal products, making them suitable for various applications and structures that need extra strength, durability or fire protection. Solar-reflective surfaces may also be designed into these systems so as to meet ENERGY STAR and California Title 24 Cool Roof requirements.
Most commercial low-slopes consist of multiple layers. The structural deck serves as the basis of any covering applied, while waterproofing membrane adds waterproofing and UV protection to the assembly. River rock may be added for additional reinforcement and reflective surface addition to reduce energy costs through increased sun reflectivity.
Drainage systems, consisting of interior and exterior drains to manage runoff water runoff and prevent debris buildup, are the final layer. Some commercial low-slopes feature small areas known as crickets or saddles that help direct water flow towards drainage outlets.
All roofs must have some form of slope for efficient drainage. This enables rainwater to escape more freely when it rains instead of pooling on top of structures, thus eliminating pooling problems. Most roofing contractors prefer installing drains at the lowest point on a roof’s valley for best drainage results.
Commercial low-slopes can be constructed using various roofing materials, but most utilize single ply or multiple ply systems such as conventional asphalt oxidized asphalt (COA), polymer modified asphalt (PMA) offers greater installation and performance options and comes in sheets or rolls – perfect for low-slopes that must remain durable yet flexible and lightweight.
Metal Roofs
Commercial metal roofs are highly sought-after due to their durability, environmental sustainability and wide array of styles and versatility. While initially more costly than some other systems, over the life of the building they will pay dividends with cost savings over other roofing systems as well as providing superior weather protection and being more energy efficient than most forms of roof coverings.
Metal roofing materials are exceptionally resilient, lasting decades with only minimal upkeep required. Their benefits include resistance to fire; wind and impact damage makes them ideal for storm-resistant use, while many modern metal roof systems come equipped with reflective coatings which reduce cooling costs significantly.
Commercial roof panels can be constructed using different materials, including steel and aluminum. They offer building owners looking for either modern or rustic styling an excellent way to update their space, with different colors and textures available to meet every taste and preference.
Metal roof panels can be joined together using various methods, including through-fastened and batten seam styles. Through-fastened metal panels feature ribs attached with fasteners which are mechanically fastened using snap lock systems; similarly connected panels can then be snapped to adjacent ones by snap lock systems. Batten seam metal roofs use wooden strips at panel joints which are then flashed with metal caps before flashing through flashing systems.
Standing seam metal roofs are an elegant choice that is often found on older buildings. Composed of panels which extend from the ridge of the roof down to its edge, each fitted with an “S-seam” that connects directly with another panel about 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches above it for an undulating and distinctive wavy appearance, standing seam roofs have become one of the more sought-after types of metal roofing available today.
Metal roofs require proper anchorage in order to remain secure during moderate storms or hail events, as well as being painted periodically to protect them against corrosion. Some individuals find the sound of rainwater tapping against a metal roof distracting during rainstorms; this issue can be reduced if the installation of your metal roof is handled by experienced professionals like those found here at MBCI who can design a durable yet visually appealing metal roof for your commercial project.
Sloped Roofs
Slopes are very popular as they tend to look nicer, but their construction can be both expensive and time consuming. Therefore, for commercial properties where aesthetics isn’t as important, flat roofs often make the better choice.
Flat roofs are typically flat or have only slight inclines to allow rainwater to runoff into gutters or drains and away from the roof surface, saving money through less expensive installation and maintenance.
Commercial flat roofs can be constructed of various materials; including rubber rolled roofing, EPDM, TPO and modified bitumen. Fabric and asphalt reinforcement layers may be added for increased durability against weather, wind, and hail snow and sunlight damage. Many businesses also opt to add solar panels or other renewable energy equipment onto their flat roofs as an energy saving measure to lower energy costs and save on costs associated with maintenance.
This link (click here) states that flat roofs are highly resilient, making them an excellent option for commercial properties needing to store heavy items such as HVAC units or equipment, such as swimming pools or sky gardens. On the other hand, if you entertain frequently and are particular about the way the exterior of your house looks, you may want to add some slopes to the top of your home for added decorative effect.
Commercial property managers prefer flat roofs because it allows them to optimize space utilization in their buildings. A sloped roof, on the other hand, often limits usable floor area on top floors and eliminates storage areas; but with its flat surface area and increased capacity for equipment storage purposes and inventory storage needs a flat roof can offer significant advantages in this regard.