What is the best commercial roofing material?
Commercial Roofing Introduction
Selection of the appropriate roofing material for any commercial building has never been easy. The roofing forms one of the most critical parts of any building construction that safeguards the occupants of the building from harsh weather conditions and assures warmth and comfort inside the premises. With many options available for contractors, making a decision for the best commercial roofing material could be tricky, but knowing the different types with regard to their characteristics and advantages can help go through the selection process quite easily.
EPDM—Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
EPDM roofing, colloquially known as "rubber roofing," has become extremely prevalent for many commercial buildings. Being strong and flexible, EPDM is a synthetic rubber compound specially formulated to withstand extreme weather conditions. Of its many advantages, one major factor is that the material resists UV radiation and ozone, making it quite ideal for roofs that are constantly under hard sunlight.
EPDM is relatively easy to install and involves full adhesion, mechanical attachment, or ballasting. Its ease of installation and simplicity in repair are other added advantages. EPDM is suitable for low-slope roofs, mainly for buildings subject to areas of extreme temperature changes. It can expand and contract with these rising and falling temperature changes.
TPO—Thermoplastic Olefin
That establishes the reason TPO roofing has become very popular—efficient, energy-saving, and eco-friendly. This single-ply membrane provides UV rays that offer relief to the building during hot weather by reducing its cooling cost. TPO has high performance in durability, puncture resistance, and chemical exposure, thus it is suitable for many commercial applications.
If properly maintained, TPO roofs can last 20 to 30 years. Besides, TPO is recyclable; hence, it adds to its environmental-friendly rating as a roofing material. Its white reflective surface aids in the attainment of energy efficiency standards, therefore this material has become so desirable in green building projects.
PVC—Polyvinyl Chloride
Of all roofing membranes, PVC is known for its tensile strength and durability. It is extremely fire-resistant, chemical-resistant, and puncture-resistant; it sometimes can be considered the strongest material used for commercial roofing today. Other than this, the membranes reflect, which provides a side benefit of energy savings by reflecting much of the heat that is normally absorbed into a building.
However, PVC roofing has some maintenance needs. Regular inspections and timely repairs are mandatory for its long life. However, owing to its resilience in the harshest environments, it is preferred on buildings facing industrial pollutants or corrosive substances.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen roofing is a combination of traditional asphalt with modern polymers that are combined to come up with a very hardy material. It's installed mostly in multi-ply plies, hence its highly impermeable nature, which greatly prevents infiltrations. This type of roofing works well under various climatic conditions, from extreme heat to very cold temperatures.
Modified bitumen shows fairly reasonable cost considerations involved since it indeed balances performance and price. Its work record and flexibility make it a viable and sure choice for various commercial buildings of all types.
Metal Roofing
The strongest point in this regard is the metal roofing due to the associated longevity and appearance. Common metals used in this connection are steel, aluminum, and copper as each of them has certain distinct advantages. Metal roofs are extremely durable and withstand fire and even keep intact in case of severe weather conditions.
Aesthetic and practical advantages of metal roofing include the various styles and colors available that allow a domino boost in the appearance of the building. The roof made up of metal is also low maintenance, and most of the time, it will last 50 years or more; hence this literally is a long-term investment that will pay for itself over time.
Opting For The Right Material For Your Requirements
While choosing the best commercial roofing material, one has to keep several factors in mind. Different materials work the best in varying weather conditions; thus, the climate of the area has to be kept in mind. Not to forget the other two important factors: budget constraints and structural requirements of the building itself.
One can decide based on long-term advantages and disadvantages of the respective materials. For instance, though EPDM seems cheap in the short run, it may turn out more expensive in the long run compared to TPO, which is more energy efficient. Recommendations based on building needs by experts also play a big role in decisions.
Conclusion
In summary, the best commercial roofing material has to do with building location, intended use, and budget. Property owners or managers can select appropriate materials through knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of each so that commercial roofs are long-lasting, efficient, and beautiful to look at.