Best Material for Commercial Roofs
If you’re planning to install or replace the roof of your commercial property, you might be wondering what material will fit your needs best. Of course, a commercial roofing system is a huge investment. Thus, it is vital that you make the right decision.
There are a huge variety of commercial roofing materials out there. Every single one of them has its own weaknesses and strengths. Lucky for you, we’re here to help. Before you hire commercial roofers Oakland, here are several materials to consider for commercial roofs.
Green Roofs
This is perhaps the most eco-friendly option you can choose. Over the past couple of years, green roofing has increased in popularity. For those who don’t know, green roofs are made of a layer of waterproofing material, filtration and drainage, a growing medium, and a layer of vegetation. Though plants may appear like a weird material for a roof, green roofs actually perform great when it comes to look, durability, insulation, and drainage.
Unfortunately, green roofs are costlier compared to old-style roofing systems. This is particularly true when it comes to regular maintenance and installation. However, if you really want an eco-friendly roofing material, this is your best bet.
Metal Roofing
It is difficult to say enough about the metal’s durability compared to other roofing materials. You should expect a metal roof to last for 5 to 7 decades or more once installed. This depends on how you maintain it. Metal roofs are also quite sustainable since they’re recyclable. In addition to that, a lot of types of metal available enable you to provide your property a unique aesthetic.
The primary disadvantage of metal is the high upfront cost. One of the most expensive commercial roofing materials out there is metal roofing. This is particularly true if you choose metal, such as copper. In addition to that, it can often be hard to look for commercial roofers that are able to handle metal roofs.
Single-Ply Membrane Roofing
Nowadays, most commercial properties use single-ply membrane roofing. Though the details of these materials differ, a roofer can install a single-ply membrane roofing by unrolling huge sections of roofing and sticking these sections using heat welding, roofing tape, or unique glue.
The two most common types of single-ply membrane roofing are EPDM and TPO. Both of these materials have their own benefits and drawbacks. For instance, both EPDM and TPO are quite durable and cheap. However, over time, they can shrink. Aside from that, they usually won’t last longer compared to other materials, such as metal.
BUR (Built-up Roofing)
This is also called gravel and tar roofs. The reason for this is that gravel and tar are used in construction BUR roofs. This is the most popular material used in commercial roofing systems. BUR roofs are made using alternating layers of materials. The most common ones are gravel and tar. Aside from that, these layers produce a watertight and durable seal that helps protect your building.
Unfortunately, most roofers nowadays won’t recommend BUR since they’re bad for the environment. They’re also difficult when it comes to roof installation.
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