The roof plays a vital role in protecting your commercial property from the elements. Over time, your commercial roof can deteriorate and begin to spring leaks, which can damage the interior of your building and compromise the structural integrity of your property. Fortunately, there are multiple types of commercial roof coverings you can consider when it’s time to repair to replace your roof.
1: TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
TPO is a great roofing covering for flat and low-slope commercial roofs. It is a combination of ethylene-propylene rubber and polypropylene. TPO is an attractive roofing option due to its low cost, energy efficiency, and ease of installation.
The UV-resistant quality of TPO roofing matches EPDM, and the material handles the heat well like PVC, but at a much lower cost. TPO is the most economical roofing material out there. These roofs could last anywhere around 10-20 years.
Pros:
- Affordable
- High energy efficiency
- Flexible and durable
- Easy to install
- Resists corrosion, dirt buildup, and growth of mold, algae, or mildew
Cons:
- A pretty new building material, making it subject to pitfalls
- Excessive heat may increase risks of busted seams, cracks, and leaks
- Its laminated top layer may introduce weak spots for crazing and deteriorating
2: EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM is a true rubber roofing material. This durable single-ply membrane roofing material appears like an inner tube, but it’s specially engineered to withstand damage from UV rays. During the installation, EPDM can be glued, mechanically attached with fasteners, or ballasted with stone. The expected lifespan of EPDM roofs is about 50 years or more.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Relatively lightweight yet highly resistant to tears and scuffs
- Roof leaks are easy to patch
- High durability and longevity
Cons:
- The standard black color absorbs heat while the light-colored coatings add 30% or more to the cost.
- Relatively costly
- More vulnerable to punctures
3: PVC
PVC roofing materials offer a substantial level of protection to commercial buildings and their assets. Despite the high cost, PVC roofing can provide unmatched durability and resistance to moisture, fire, wind, and chemicals.
These roofs will typically last more than 20 years due to their ability to withstand a fair amount of weight. PVC roofing materials can surpass the weight capacity of 350 lbs. With the hot air welded seams, these membranes are built to be watertight, making them capable of withstanding storms and hurricanes.
Pros:
- High durability
- Resistance to wind, moisture, fire, and chemicals
- Long service life of more than 20 years
- High strength
- Water-resistant
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- A higher price tag
4: Metal
Metal roofing systems beat out conventional roofing materials in a number of ways. When properly installed, metal roofs should last as long as your building, sealing out water, resisting high winds, and shedding snow easily. Metal is also resistant to fire, insects, mildew, and rot.
Warranties on metal roofs vary widely, but most manufacturers back their products for 20 to 50 years. With paint finishes, you can expect a 30-year limited warranty. Additionally, metal roofs are relatively lightweight, fire-resistant, and extremely easy to install.
Pros:
- Durable
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Resistant to fire, insects, mildew, and rot
- Some metal roofing materials may be installed over an existing roof
- Metal reflects the sun’s radiant heat, which saves on air-conditioning bills.
Cons:
- The initial cost is high
- Low maintenance needs
- High noise during heavy rains or hail
- A metal roof can dent when hit by large hailstones
Red Diamond is your local roofing company in the Denver and Fort Collins area. We are dedicated to providing you with the most dependable roof for your commercial property. With so many options available, contact us to discuss the best low-slope commercial roof covering which suits your style and budget!
