According to industry researcher IBISWorld, there are currently “81,679 Roofing Contractors businesses in the US as of 2022, an increase of 0.6% from 2021.” With so many contractors in the roofing industry, it can be challenging to know where to look for commercial roofs!
Then there’s the issue of commercial roofing types that you have to consider. How do you figure out what’s the best commercial roofing option for your business?
Well, to narrow things down a bit, we’ve put together five common commercial roofing types for you to take a look at. By the end of reading this, you should feel a lot more confident about reaching out to the right contractor for a commercial roofing system that will serve you well.
Here are the commercial roofing types to consider.
1. Single-Ply Membrane Roofs
The evolution of commercial roofing systems has led to the rise of single-ply membrane roofs in America. The reason for this is that they are incredibly effective at covering large areas in a cost-effective manner.
One popular type of single-ply membrane roofing is TPO roofing. A TPO roof is made up of a synthetic single layer and then a scrim to reinforce it. This type of roofing applies to commercial flat roofs.
Our company offers some of the best Effingham roofing services and can provide you with high-quality single-ply roofing. We also provide TPO roofing systems, along with PVC and modified bitumen options.
2. Commercial Metal Roofs
Metal roofs have been a go-to solution for commercial roofers for a very long time now. Manufacturers often make these roofs with galvanized steel, and it comes in a corrugated form. Other materials that manufacturers may use to make such roofs include tin and aluminum.
Metal roofs are lightweight and easy to install. They are a cost-effective solution, and roofers can enhance metal roofs by waterproofing them with special coatings. They can also add UV and rust protection to a metal roof.
You will have various color options to choose from with metal roofs. But, one of the best things about metal roofs is they can handle extreme weather conditions, like heavy snow and high winds. They can also be energy efficient if manufacturers make them with recycled material.
3. Commercial Shingle Roofs
Shingle roofs are very common for homes, but businesses opt for them too. If you have steep roofs on your commercial property, you should look into getting shingles.
If you want your business to be more aesthetically pleasing, shingles are the way to go. They come in various colors and styles that can match the desired look of your business.
It’s common to see shingles being made from composite materials, ceramic, asphalt, slate, and even wood. If you need to cover a large area with shingles, you might want to opt for asphalt shingles for cost-effectiveness. Many roof contractors will provide warranties for such roofs for periods of, say, 20 to 30 years, for example.
4. Built-Up Roofs
Built-up roofs have several layers and have been around for multiple decades. A common name for a built-up roof is a “tar and gravel roof.”
The materials that roofers use for the layers can be different, depending on your and the roofer’s preferences. For instance, a roof contractor might use layers of tar and asphalt along with other fabrics to create the final product. Then, the final layer will often be gravel for protection against the elements.
One clear benefit of this roofing type is it can last for 40 years or more. The key is to have regular roof inspections so that roofers can keep it in top shape for you over its lifetime. As well, these roofs provide UV protection and excellent waterproofing.
5. Spray Foam Roofing
Spray foam polyurethane (SPF) roofs are eco-friendly options for businesses that want commercial roofing. They are ideal for extensive coverage over large-scale facilities for manufacturing and industry.
Quite simply, roofers will spray the SPF on an existing roof surface. The foam then expands and creates a hard layer of protection will several benefits.
For starters, SPF roofs can handle any sort of weather conditions that are thrown at them. In general, it doesn’t matter if you choose to have this type of roofing in very hot or cold climates; it will still serve its purpose. And the great thing about SPF roofs is they offer excellent bang for your buck!
Some of the benefits include energy efficiency, great durability, and no chance of tear-offs with SPF roofing. They are also watertight!
Choosing Between Different Commercial Roofing Types
Now you know some of the most common commercial roofing systems that you’ll find on the market. Knowing which type might best suit your business can be tricky.
A good first step is to have your roofing contractor come over and inspect your current roofing system or proposed plans for building a roof. But before that, you need to find a reliable and reputable roofing contractor in the first place.
To find a good roofing contractor that you can stick with, you can start by searching for local and regional companies online. Once you make a shortlist of a few that look decent, then head over to an independent review site to see what previous clients have said about each company. A website like Trustpilot will reveal to you a lot of useful info about how a roofing company conducts itself and whether its services are worth it or not.
You might also want to go by recommendations if you know people who have had similar roofing work done to what you want. In the end, the key is to make sure you trust the roofers you choose so that you can have a lasting business relationship with them and no chance of future roofing disasters!
Common Commercial Roof Types Explained
With plenty of commercial roofing types to choose from, it’s best to get the professionals in to assess your needs and make suggestions for what they think would suit your business best. Then, if the quote sounds reasonable for the work, give the go-ahead!
At Mid-State Construction & Roofing Inc., we offer a whole range of high-quality commercial roofing options. If you would like to see our full range of services, head over to our website to learn more.