4 Different Commercial Roofing Types

Commercial roof building

There are many considerations when it comes to having a commercial roof. You want a roof that is energy efficient, sustainable, weatherproof, and durable enough to withstand the outdoor elements as well as accommodate any HVAC systems. Building owners have a large selection of roofing types to select from based on their budgets and requirements. Here are 4 different types of roofs for commercial buildings.

Single Ply Membrane Roofing

Single ply membrane roofing involves taking rubber sheets or other synthetic materials and placing them on top of the insulation. The means of fastening the materials in place can vary. The rubber sheets may be ballasted, chemically adhered, or tightened down using metal fasteners. The materials can last for roughly 30 years, can be reflective or retentive to sunlight based on the climate, and works with a wide range of insulation options.

Built Up Roofing

Built up roofing is commonly referred to as tar and gravel roofs. It’s constructed with alternating layers of support fabrics and asphalt or tar. You can select the number of layers to have on the roof based on the structural stability of the building. The last layer placed on top will consist of stone or gravel. Built up roofing has been used for over a century as it is low maintenance, weatherproof, seamless, and ultraviolet (UV) light resistant.

Shingle Roofing

Shingle roofing is also found on residential homes as well as commercial buildings. Shingles may consist of wood, metal, asphalt, ceramic, slate, and other materials, These shingles are typically used on roofs that have a steep slant to the slope. Asphalt and architectural shingles are two types commonly seen on commercial buildings. Asphalt shingles are the most common and used for myriad applications while architectural shingles have multiple layers to provide additional weatherproofing.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing consists of corrugated galvanized steel, aluminum, or tin. The lightweight nature of this material allows it to be installed on top of other roofing materials. It can be coated with a protective sealant to promote rust and UV protection as well as waterproofing. This type of roofing can last about 40 years and is fire-proof, as well as energy efficient.

When it comes to commercial roofing, you want to have it inspected to determine if it needs repairs or replacement. For more information about roofing, contact Brandstetter’s KangaRoof.