Deciding on the right commercial roofing material to use is a primary step in protecting the structural integrity, longevity, and safety of the building. While choosing which type of roofing material may not be the most exciting part of building, it is important in preventing future leaks or mold problems, all within budget constraints. Considering the island receives a substantial amount of rainfall, let’s contemplate two typical commercial roofing types and their materials.

FLAT ROOFING

Flat roofing is both efficient to install and economical. Due to its structure, it’s also important to consider proper drainage for this type of roofing, such as gutters or scuppers. Following are the main types of flat roofing materials.

1. PVC Single-Ply Membrane: PVC is quite possibly the most popular flat roofing material used today. PVC often comes with a lifetime warranty and is strong, durable, and energy efficient since the white colored membranes reflect the sun’s energy. 15-30 year life expectancy.
2. EPDM Rubber: Lower in price than the PVC, the seams are also not as strong as PVC and have a tendency to absorb heat, thus driving up utility costs. 10-15 year life expectancy.
3. TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): TPO is a newer technology and less expensive than EPDM. Made of single-ply roofing membrane comprised of chemically bonded rubber, ethylene, and propylene, or other fillers, this material is common in commercial roofs. TPO has great leak resistance, in addition to being easy to install and maintain. 7-20 year life expectancy.
4. Modified Bitumen: The main feature of this material is a multi-ply material. There is a base layer and permanent adhesive sealed to the base layer with a ply overlap. A granule top surface provides energy efficiency. This type is heat absorbing and the installation is more involved. 10-20 year life expectancy.
5. BUR (Built Up Roofing): BUR is made up of tar and gravel material, which consists of up to four alternate layers of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) topped with aggregate of gravel or similar material. BUR can handle more foot traffic than other roofs, but requires more reinforcement to the structure due to its weight. 15-20 year life expectancy.
6. Spray On Coating: A protective coating, such a silicon, is sprayed on the roof. Thus, it is seamless. However, it is also one of the most expensive flat roofing methods. Up to 20 year life expectancy.

The benefits of going with flat roofing in commercial buildings are that they offer a more convenient place to install outdoor HVAC units (instead of installing them in high-traffic ground areas), they offer effective climate protection, they are quicker to install, and they are budget friendly.

METAL ROOFING

The main types of metal roofing materials are primarily aluminum & steel; copper or alloys are much more expensive and usually used in high end buildings. They basically come in the form of metal shingles or panels.

1. Aluminum: Often recommended for coastal climates, it is resistant to salt corrosion when compared to other metal roofs. Aluminum is covered with a painted coating because its natural patina is not visually appealing. More expensive, it comes in a thinner thickness than steel due to cost. Therefore, it can be too thin for environments with strong winds or hail. It is lightweight, won’t rust, but the metal is soft and therefore dents easily. 20-50 year life expectancy
2. Steel: Almost 100% recyclable, steel is green-build friendly. Heavier and sturdier than aluminum, it’s usually coated to protect it from rust and corrosion. However, steel is quite expensive compared to other roofing materials. 30-50 year life expectancy.

The main benefits of metal roofing are its resistance to fire and its reflective properties that reduce energy bills, thereby keeping the temperature inside the building more comfortable. Metal is also resistant to mildew, insects, and rot, and also allows rain and snow to slide easily off of their panels.

With over twenty years of service in Victoria and surrounding area, you can trust the expert installers at Shoreline Roofing & Exteriors to install any type of flat or metal roofing. Ask for your free installation estimate today. Remember, the end goal is to prevent damage due to leaks or other circumstances, and ensure durability for the building.