With so many roofing options on the market, choosing the right material for your commercial roof can be difficult. As the leading roofing company in the Tampa Bay Area, we’ve worked with many commercial clients during the 45 years we’ve been in the business. On this page, we’ll share with you the knowledge we’ve gained over the years. Continue reading to learn about the best materials for a commercial flat roof and discover the benefits and drawbacks of each one.
How to Pick the Best Material for Your Commercial Roof
Before we delve deeper into each flat roof material’s characteristics, we want to highlight the features and options to consider when choosing a particular roofing material. Before making a decision, you should know the expected lifespan, ease of installation and maintenance, and value for money of the roof you want to pick. With that in mind, let’s break down the best and most prevalent commercial roof materials you should consider.
TPO Roofing
Thermoplastic Polyolefin or TPO, is one of the best flat roof materials currently on the market. TPO roofing is very affordable compared to most roofing options. Moreover, its specific features make it a cost-effective option that saves money on other components.
For example, it can help you save money on your energy bills during hot summer days. Its bright white surface is very efficient in reflecting heat. Not only this, but TPO roofing also has an excellent lifespan. It can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, with little to no maintenance.
Of course, like all of the other roofing materials we’ll talk about on this page, TPO roofing has some inherent disadvantages. The most significant drawback of TPO roofing is that you can never know precisely how long it will last. We’ve mentioned a general lifespan estimate, but the truth is that there’s still a big gap between the two numbers. This is mainly because the quality of the TPO material depends on the manufacturer.
With that in mind, if you choose to install TPO on your commercial roof, make sure to purchase the material from a reliable and trustworthy manufacturer.
Metal Roofing
Metal is a common roofing material for commercial buildings all across the US, and for many good reasons. It’s durable, non-combustible, and does a pretty good job reflecting heat off the roof surface. It also has a very long lifespan and can last between 20 and 30 years. Metal is a great choice if you highly value the visual appearance of your commercial building. This is because it can be custom-formed around flashings and irregular roof features.
Due to the nature of the material and installation procedure, metal roofing is more difficult to replace than other flat roof materials. This is because you need to completely tear out your entire roof every time you want to make a replacement or repair. As metal is one of the more expensive roofing materials on the market, doing this is not cost-effective. That’s why metal roofing is often considered as one of the more permanent roofing options.
PVC Roofing
PVC roofs are engineered for strength and longevity. When properly installed, a quality PVC roof can last for more than 20 years. It comes with a long list of benefits for those looking for the best quality roofing material.
It’s resistant to water, fire, chemicals, and is eco-friendly. And, after the initial installation costs, PVC roofing requires very little maintenance. However, all of these features come with a higher price point. With that in mind, the most significant disadvantage of PVC roofing is its cost.
Due to the inherent strength of the material and the heat-welded installation process, PVC roofs are a superior choice for wind resistance. PVC roofing can often survive Category 3 hurricanes, making it an excellent choice for those living in regions prone to strong winds and extreme weather conditions. All of this means that PVC roofing is one of the best materials for flat commercial roofs.
Bitumen Flat Roofs
If you’re planning a roofing project on a tight budget, a flat bitumen roof might be the best option. As one of the least expensive roofing options on the market, bitumen is a budget-friendly roofing material. Compared to the other materials we’ve mentioned above, bitumen is also one of the longest-lasting materials you can get.
When properly installed and adequately maintained, bitumen flat roofs can easily last for over 20 years. Unlike more modern roofing materials, bitumen has been around for quite some time. It has a proven track record you can count on.
When looking at the drawbacks of this roofing material, there are a couple of them. Still, one immediately stands out — the color of the material. Since it’s black, bitumen absorbs heat rather than reflecting it as TPO roofing does. Also, if not correctly installed, bitumen flat roofs can start cracking and blistering shortly after the installation, which significantly reduces their expected lifespan.
Contact us for Further Help and Consultation.
Regardless if you need a roof restoration or are looking to completely replace your flat roof, a roofing project is a significant undertaking that can have a substantial impact on your business. It’s essential to pick the right type of roofing material for your flat commercial roof. This is why you shouldn’t overlook the crucial research steps you need to take to make sure you get the best value.
Professional consultation also plays an essential role in this process. An experienced roofing company can help you explore all of the options and make an educated decision. If you’re looking for more information or need help choosing the most suitable material for your commercial roof, contact us. Fill out our online form. Or call us at 813-373-9088, and get a free roof estimate.
