Does your commercial building need a new roof? Or are you trying to choose the best commercial roofing for a building that’s still under construction?
Either way, you must choose carefully. For instance, the chemicals and bacteria emitted by your restaurant’s ventilation system can wreak havoc on some roofing systems.
Other roof types are easily damaged by UV rays or extreme temperatures. If you choose a roof that can’t handle your local weather, it won’t last long.
But don’t worry. This guide will help you choose the best type of commercial roofing for your building. Read on to learn more.
1. BUR
BUR stands for Built-Up Roofing, a common flat roofing system. Flat roofing is a popular choice for businesses due to its numerous benefits. Click here for more information about that.
BUR is similar to asphalt shingle roofing. But instead of thin shingles, the asphalt is laid in thick sheets.
Each sheet, or “pile,” covers the entire roof. The piles are layered several layers high. The end result is a thick and very protective barrier against the elements.
Also, this roof is as durable as a paved parking lot. You can use it as a floor for various uses, such as outdoor seating for your patrons.
A Built-Up Roof can last up to 20 years. Also, these roofs are very affordable and fire-resistant.
2. Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen roofing is very similar to BUR except that it’s made out of different materials. Namely, it uses bitumen instead of tar and various solid materials instead of gravel.
These roofs are much lighter and, in most cases, more durable than BUR. And because they’re lighter, they might also be cheaper to install than BUR. That is, BUR may require additional reinforcement (at an additional cost) because it’s so heavy.
Plus, modified bitumen roofing takes less time and labor to install compared to BUR. But it’s not as resistant as BUR against scuffing, tearing, or fire. Still, if you treat these roofs well, they could last around 25 years.
3. TPO
Thermoplastic Roof Membrane (TPO) is an extremely thin, lightweight, single-ply roofing membrane. Despite this, it’s highly resistant to:
- UV rays
- Extreme weather
- Harsh chemicals
- Bacterial growth
For these reasons, TPO is an excellent choice for restaurants. They’re also 100% recyclable.
4. EPDM
Thermoset Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a roofing membrane derived from rubber. As you know, rubber is a very effective insulator. Thus, this roofing membrane will definitely reduce your building’s heating and cooling costs.
It’s also decently resistant against fire, moisture, scuffing, tearing, and most weather. Unfortunately, it does not do well in hot weather. The heat weakens the membrane so that it’s easy to damage.
5. Tile Roofing
Tile roofing is at least as resilient as metal roofing. It should last 50 years or more. Plus, it’s a very attractive choice for sloped roofs.
On the downside, the upfront cost of this roof is very high. And since it’s extremely heavy, you’ll need strong roofing reinforcements to hold it up.
Consider These Commercial Roofing Materials For Your Building
So, which types of commercial roofing are best for your building? You don’t have to decide right now. Keep this list bookmarked so that you can read through it as many times as you need to.
Next, we can teach you how to take care of your garden, install a metal carport, and more! Find these and other great guides in our Home Improvement archives.