Are you curious about learning more about the different types of commercial flat roof materials? Read on and learn more here.

Top Commercial Flat Roof Materials You Should Know About

In 2020, the commercial roofing material reached a value of $102.4 billion in 2020, and growing at a rate of 4% per annum, should reach $146 billion by 2030.

The sector comprises a wide range of materials specifically suited to low slope roofs, like those found in schools, hotels, and offices.

Are you wondering which of these commercial flat roof materials may work best for your building? Keep reading for a whirlwind tour of the most popular types of roofing for commercial buildings. 

Metal Roof Materials

Steel is a popular and durable roofing material for both residential and commercial applications. However, it’s the most expensive type of roofing due to high installation costs.

It can last for up to 30 years, so if you have a small building, this type of roof is a good option for you. 

Built-Up Roofing

Tar and gravel BUR is the most popular type of roofing for commercial buildings.  It comprises fiberglass, hot bitumen, and asphalt sheeting applied in layers to the roof system.

A top layer of crushed rock or gravel keeps everything in place. It takes some time to install these kinds of layered roofs, which makes the installation expensive. 

Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen roofing is a flexible type of roof that’s resistant to extreme temperatures, hail, wind, and fire. It’s made up of a chemical polymer mixed with asphalt.

Some modified bitumen roofs are self-adhesive. Otherwise, roof installers apply these roofs in layers using hot-mopped asphalt. Afterward, they melt the seams together to form a leak-proof bond. 

According to saltlakeroofing.com, you can get a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty on both the above commercial roofing materials.

Single-Ply Commercial Flat Roof Materials

These types of roofing materials are among the best solutions for a commercial flat roof. They’re supremely hardy and flexible and much quicker to install than built-up roofing systems.

These roofs involve applying a single layer of roofing material over a concrete roof deck. There are three main types to choose from:

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)

TPO roofing is 100% recyclable and thus eco-friendly. It’s also tough, durable, highly reflective, and lightweight. This helps cut down your energy bills, adding to its green status.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) shares many positive qualities with TPO roofing. It resists light, fire, wind, punctures, tears, and most chemicals.

As such, it’s a good option for businesses, like restaurants, that have rooftop ventilation systems that emit oil and fat fumes.

PVC roofing is more expensive than other single-ply roofing, and it’s not eco-friendly, although it does reflect light. 

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

EPDM roofing is one of the most established types of commercial roofing, with a 60-year history of durability behind it.

It’s made from rubber, so it’s flexible, versatile, and easily shaped to accommodate unusually-shaped roofs. Due to their black color, they’re well suited to cooler regions.

You can convert your EPDM roof into a cool roof with a roof coating if you want a reflective roof. You should also install insulation with this roof since it doesn’t come with any.

Making the Most of Modern-Day Options

Thanks to advancements in commercial roofing materials, it’s easy to find your ideal roof with the help of an experienced contractor. 

Whether your top priority is budget, eco-friendliness, or durability, they’ll help you find a roofing option that ticks all your boxes. 

For more of the latest news about modern-day innovations, keep browsing our website. 

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