If you are a homeowner or a business owner, it’s important to take care of your building’s roof. Not only is this a great way to extend your building’s lifespan, it can also help you avoid unnecessary expenses in the long run.
There are many things to take into consideration when it comes to commercial roofing. Here’s everything that you might need to know about commercial roofing to ensure you’re able to take the best care of your building’s roof.
What Is Commercial Roofing?
The primary function of a commercial roofing system is to protect your property. Also known as institutional roofing or corporate roofing, a commercial roofing system is all-encompassing and covers the design, construction, installation, and management of commercial structures.
A few things can impact your commercial roofing system, such as weather conditions in your area, the type of commercial establishment, and the purpose your roofing system will serve. Different types of commercial roofing will benefit different types of businesses, while some are more durable for certain weather conditions than others. Commercial roofing typically focuses more on functionality and durability rather than being designed for aesthetic purposes.
Examples of roofing materials used for commercial roofing include single-ply, concrete, modified bitumen, tar and gravel, built-up roofing, sprayed polyurethane foam, metal, asphalt shingles, and more. It’s a good idea to research materials well and work with a contractor to choose to ensure the best materials for your property. You should also know what shape your roof is, as different types of materials work well with different roof shapes.
Types of Commercial Roofing
Because the type of commercial roofing chosen can impact its functionality, it’s important to know the differences in the types of commercial roofing available.
Metal roofing is one of the most popular types and is available in many different materials such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, zinc, tin, and more. Offering long-lasting protection, metal commercial roofing systems are durable and have high fire-resistant properties. Metal roofing also offers rust and sunlight damage prevention.
Built-up roofing, which is also known as BUR roof, is a standard roof system consisting of tar and gravel. It is low cost and allows you to apply multiple layers, enhancing durability. It’s a great choice to seal your commercial property while also being cost-effective.
Modified bitumen roofing, or mod-bit roofing for short, includes reinforced roof fabrics and bitumen fastened to rooftops in two-ply layers. Easy to maintain while also offering protection and stability, modified bitumen roofing can withstand a great deal of activity.
EPDM roofing, also known as thermoset roofing, is a synthetic rubber roofing made from ethylene propylene diene monomer. It is resistant to ultraviolet light and pollution while also being long-lasting and easy to install. It is constructed from a rubber material and is single-ply. Offering multiple benefits like reducing cooling expenses, it’s an incredibly versatile roofing option.
Green roofing is an eco-friendly option that can improve water and drainage concerns for your property. Water is unable to penetrate a green roof! Aesthetically pleasing, too, green roof systems have become more popular recently. You’ll also save on energy costs, too.
SPF roofing is short for spray polyurethane foam roofing. It is a liquid coating that gets sprayed onto a roof before expanding and creating a solid layer. It is incredibly durable and long-lasting because it results in no seams.
If your commercial roofing system is a second-generation application, it is a good idea to look into poly vinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing. These types of roofs are great for businesses that release oils - such as restaurants and hotels - as they are resistant to most chemicals and bacterial growth. They are also lightweight and resistant to punctures and UV rays.
Shapes of Commercial Roofing
When it comes to your commercial roofing system, there are different shapes of roofs you should take into consideration. The shape of your roof depends on its slope, with the primary shapes being low slope roofs or flat roofs and steep slope roofs.
Low slope roofs are most popular with warehouses, shopping centers, and big box stores. Low slope roofs or flat roofs work best with EPDM roofing, PVC roofing, and TPO roofing. When choosing the type of commercial roofing for your project, be sure to take this into account if your roof’s slope is low.
Steep slope roofs can be typically found on single and multi-family homes, but do occur on commercial properties occasionally as well. With steep slope roofs, the most popular materials to be used are metal, shingles, tile, and slate.
Commercial Roofing Installation and Inspection
When installing commercial roofing, it is important to work with a professional directly so that your work is completed in a cost-effective, efficient, and quality manner. Many things go into the installation including materials, your budget, and the difficulty level of the project. Scheduling a free estimate for commercial roofing is the best first step before starting installation.
After installation, you should take roofing inspections very seriously. Your roof should be inspected regularly by a professional to identify problems such as damages early to avoid expensive repairs in the future. A thorough commercial roofing system inspection should include examining all problem areas - roof membranes, vents, flashing, decking, downspouts, gutters, and drainage pipes.
The best way to avoid there being any issues with your commercial roofing during an inspection is to be sure you are keeping up with the maintenance of your commercial roofing. This is incredibly important to extending the life of your roofing system. From cleaning debris and treating leaks, tears, and water damage, you should always make sure your roofing material is in great condition. Remember that your roof needs to be prepared for each season and if you see a problem, it should be addressed.
Costs of Commercial Roofing
The cost of commercial roofing can vary depending on a few different variables. Typically, commercial roofing services include installation, inspection, and maintenance. When starting a commercial roofing project, you should create a budget ahead of time so you know how much you would like to spend. However, taking the costs into consideration can help you avoid any surprises.
Things that will impact the cost of your commercial roofing system include the type of roof, how accessible it is, and its slope. These factors directly impact the labor, time, and materials that will be needed for a professional to provide commercial roofing services. The scope and scale of your property’s commercial roofing services will increase the cost, including the total area of the roof.
When planning your budget for your commercial roofing system, it is also important to take permits into account. The essential permits needed will vary depending on your area, but they will be required not only to install your roof, but also to make any repairs to it in the future.
There are many kinds of additional features you can add on to your commercial roofing system, as well, and each will add to the cost of your project. Take into consideration whether or not you would like to include things like skylights and chimneys into your roof beforehand to ensure they are taken into account with your budget.