Tile or slate can never be the choice for commercial roofing materials that are quite different from the residential roofing material. Not only are roof systems differ according to the type of building and roofing materials, but every roof is unique in its design and longevity. Commercial roofs are bigger and more robust in construction than residential roofs as it must endure heavy loads and come with different warranties applicable for specific roofing systems. Durability is the most important factor for any roof unless it is meant for specific short-term use like temporary sheds. Even the best roofing material and roof design can backfire due to poor installation, and you must always work with roofing experts like the ones you find at www.prcroofingpro.comthatcan do full justice to the job.
Some roofing materials like metals and shingles are good for both residential and commercial buildings, but most commercial roofing materials do not suit residential requirements as it would amount to overdoing. Knowing how commercial roofing differs from residential roofing will help you to pick the right materials for commercial buildings.
Design of roofs
Size is the most visible difference between commercial and residential buildings as most commercial buildings and so even the roofs are much larger than residential buildings. Depending on the architecture and building design, both flat and sloped roofs are seen in commercial buildings with the sloped roofs requiring lower maintenance than flat roofs. The big size of commercial roofs makes it a very heavy construction and the load may increase further due to the installation of some equipment on the roof and the weight of snow that it must bear if the building is located in some area of cold climate. The commercial roof design must match with the structural and load-bearing capacity of the building, which often does not matter much for residential buildings that handle average roof load.
Roofing materials
Commercial roofing systems are different from residential roofing systems with respect to its application as well as longevity and cost. The options for commercial roofing system are not as wide as residential roofing systems because in most cases, flat membrane roof or metal roofs are the common choices for commercial buildings. Installing a commercial roof needs special expertise because it must consider many allied things like external piping, airflow systems, etc.
Here are some commonly used commercial roofing materials.
Built-up roofing
The most prevalent roofing system in use for a hundred years or more comprises of the tar and gravel roofing system, commonly known as built-up roofing. The installation consists of providing alternate layers of asphalt or tar and supporting fabrics directly on the roof surface to create a protective layer that enhances roof life. The strength of the system depends on the number of layers that usually varies between 3 and 5 corresponding to moderately strong to very strong. Since the system that provides UV protection does not have any seams, there are no chances of leakage. Low maintenance of the roofing system makes it quite budget friendly.
Membrane roofing- single ply
Single ply roofing membranes are time tested commercial roofing materials with a proven record of performance and longevity. The roofing system is created by mechanically fastening or chemically bonding or ballasting sheets of rubber and other synthetic materials to form a protective layer on the roof. This is the most commonly used roofing material available in a broad price range that makes it suitable for any budget. White TPO membranes are highly reflective and provide better insulation on the roof surface and besides being fire rated belong to the Class A fire resistant category. Single ply membrane roofing does not include the factor of insulation and thus gives more options in choosing the kind of insulation that you need. EPDM roofing systems have been around for many years.
Spray Polyurethane foam
As a roofing material SPF or spray polyurethane foam scores over other materials because of its eco-friendly properties that makes it a very good choice. Commercial and industrial buildings can rely on SPF that is available in liquid form and sprayed on the roof surface which then expands, spreads and solidifies into a thick layer. Despite being in use for more than sixty years since first introduced in the sixties, its popularity is still not as much as it should have been both for commercial and residential applications. It is an excellent material for all kinds of weather and has an average life span of 50 years.
SPF creates an excellent barrier against air, moisture, and temperature and is highly energy efficient besides being waterproof. Long life and eco-friendly properties are its big attractions.
Metal roofing
Commercial buildings have always reposed faith in metal roofing for many years, and the trend continues. Perhaps the oldest roofing system,metal roofs are still highly effective as evident from the widespread use of galvanized corrugated sheets for commercial roofing systems that offer high strength, lightweight, and durability. To make existing roof water and UV resistant, covering it with metal sheets helps to create the insulation too and improves its efficiency byadding some protective coating to the metal. Metal sheets can withstand the additional snow load and high winds besides possessing fire-resistant properties that add to its versatility. The highly stable roofing system is available in various colors.
Shingle roofing system
Shingles are as good in residential buildings as in commercial settings due to its versatility. It is ideal for sloped roofs, and the choice of the material can range from asphalt to wood, plastic, metal, slate and ceramic although finally, it boils down to architectural shingles and asphalt shingles. With longevity between 15-30 years and wide-ranging warranties, asphalt shingles are very popular for its affordability.Architectural shingles comprise of many layers that make it stronger and enhances its durability and weather resisting properties. Shingles are easy to install and are available in various colors and styles. And when it comes to commercial roof leak repair, it doesn’t cost a fortune.
The choice of roofing system depends on your needs that you must first ascertain correctly to have the right system installed.