Types of Commercial Roofs: Comparison Guide

When it comes to commercial buildings, deciding which roofing type to use is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Of course, it depends on what you are using your commercial building for, but there are several popular commercial roofing types to consider. Factors involved include the durability you need, overall climate, aesthetics, desired longevity, and your overall budget. 

Below, we’ll run through the main commercial roofing types while listing the advantages, disadvantages, and what makes sense in certain situations. 

Commercial Metal Roofing

There are plenty of advantages to choosing metal for your commercial roof. First, commercial metal roofs are extremely durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions throughout the year. 

On top of that, metal roofs typically last longer than other commercial roofing types. The average lifespan for this roof is up to 50-70 years, and it comes with low maintenance as an environmentally friendly option. 

Popular metal commercial roofing types include the following: 

• Aluminum Roofing: Durable, cost-effective, and reflects the sun – making it an energy-efficient option. 
• Steel Roofing: Popular in areas that might experience hail or other extreme weather. Steel is stronger than other metal roofing types. 
• Standing Seam Metal Roofing: One of the most popular metal commercial roofing types, this creates a tight, waterproof interlocking system that is very reliable. 
• Corrugated Metal Roofing: Another durable option but less weather-tight than standing seam. Also requires more maintenance than other metal roofing options. 

These metal roofing types are durable and energy-efficient, with a relatively long lifespan. However, the downsides of metal roofs include higher up-front costs (2-3x more expensive than traditional roofing types), noisiness (during rain and hail), and sometimes poor insulation. 

EPDM Roofing

EPDM roofing is a popular choice for commercial buildings, as it is cost-effective and durable for certain situations. EPDM stands for ethylene proplylene diene terpolymer, which is the long-laster polymer blend type it is made out of. 

Here’s what is most appealing about this roofing type: 

• Price: It is more affordable than other roofing types, which makes it an attractive cost-effective option, especially for very large roofs that require plenty of material. 
• Durable: Even though it is more affordable, EPDM roofs don’t skimp on durability. They are very strong and able to withstand harsh weather conditions with very good waterproofing qualities. 
• Low maintenance and sustainable: This is another easy to maintain option with a long lifespan that is 100% recyclable. 

On top of those points, the EPDM roof has a lifespan typically around 50 years, depending on maintenance and weathering. 

TPO Roofing

TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin, and this roofing type is very popular. It’s most often used in flat roofing situations (more on that later) for large commercial spaces. 

The main draws of TPO roofing come from its affordability as well as strength and durability. There are other benefits of this roofing type, including energy efficiency – as the surface reflects heat in the summer and absorbs it in the winter. 

Flat Roofing 

Some commercial buildings have flat roofs, which bring about several flat roofing options to choose from. On top of metal. TPO and EPDM, as discussed above, here are a few other types of flat roofing to consider: 

Built-up Flat Roofs

Built-up Flat Roofs – also called BUR – are a mixture of tar and gravel. They offer an aesthetically pleasing style while making your building more energy efficiency without lacking durability. 

These roofs are extremely heavy, so you’ll need to evaluate the structure to make sure it can bear the weight. 

Modified Bitumen 

It is a sturdy and affordable material that can last for 20 years or longer. However, the installation process is quite cumbersome, as a blowtorch is used in the installation process. It’s a reasonable budget-friendly option but it does sometimes encounter water collection issues in areas with heavy rainfall. 

Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor 

No matter which type of commercial roof you choose, installation is an extremely crucial part of the process. After all, if the roof is not installed properly, you won’t notice the benefits associated with that roof type, and it won’t last as long. 

Because of that, it makes sense to choose Above & Beyond Exterior Remodelers if you are located in the Westfield, NJ area. We provide the best commercial roofing installation and repair services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

On top of decades of experience, Above & Beyond Exterior Remodelers has handled different commercial roofing types while getting the process down to a science. We are committed to a job well done while taking pride in the service we provide. 

Because of that, we have an A+ rating in the Better Business Bureau and hundreds of glowing customer reviews. Plus, we offer a 50-year warranty on all roofs! 

Give us a call today at (908) 588-9575 or get a free estimate online.