5 Types of Commercial Roofing Systems

If you're a business owner, then you know that one of the most important things you need to worry about is your roof. A good roof will protect your business from the elements and keep it running smoothly for years to come. There are a variety of commercial roofing systems available on the market, and each one has its pros and cons. But with so many different types of roofing systems available, how do you know which one is right for your business? 

In order to select the best system for your business, it's important to understand the different types of roofing systems and what each one is best suited for.

1. Built-Up Roofing System

A built-up roofing system is a type of commercial roofing systems that consists of multiple layers. It has been in use in the US for more than a century. These kinds of roofs are often referred to as "tar and gravel" roofs because they are installed by placing tar or asphalt layers directly on the roof, together with textiles that keep them in place. The number of layers, or "plies," that are installed is up to you. The last layer of a built-up roofing system is made of stone or gravel.

Typically, the materials and labor costs to install a built-up roofing system on a standard commercial roof range from $5.50 to $8.50 per square foot. This pricing range is subject to vary based on the materials you choose.

A built-up roofing system is durable and can last for many years, but it requires regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.

The benefits of this roofing system are:

• Seamless and Waterproof – Built-up roofing systems are impervious to water and have very few seams, making them ideal for areas that experience a lot of rainfall.
• UV Rays – If you live in sunny areas like California, a roofing contractor in California will tell you that the multiple layers of built-up roofing systems provide protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. 
• Low- maintenance – This roofing system requires minimal upkeep needed after installation.

2. Modified Bitumen Roofing System 

A modified bitumen roofing system is a type of commercial roofing systems that uses asphalt-based membranes that are reinforced with fiberglass or polyester. These roofs are installed in a similar way to built-up roofs, by heat welding or torching the seams between each roll of membrane.

This roofing system's five-layer structure gets its endurance from its structure which consists of the following components:

• Insulation - provides a thermal barrier
• Base sheet - anchored to the roof deck
• Modified bitumen membranes - two or more plies of asphalt-based sheets
• Surface layer - provides protection from the sun and weather
• Adhesive - the waterproofing material is applied hot or cold together with a bonding agent

Modified bitumen roofing systems are durable, easy to repair, and require little maintenance. They aso have a high resistance to fire and wind damage. Aside from that, it is also tear-resistant due to the mixture of fiberglass and/or polyester reinforcing layers beneath its surface. And most of all, it is also energy-efficient. They may be built with a cool roof treatment, such as solar reflectance, which will minimize the need for inside cooling.

3. Metal Roofing System

A metal roofing system is a type of commercial roofing system that uses metal panels or tiles to create a watertight barrier. They are available in a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. Tin or stainless steel aren't common metal roof materials. Galvanized steel, made by bathing ordinary steel in molten zinc, is the commonly used material.

Metal roofs are installed by attaching the panels or tiles to the roof deck with screws or clips. The seams between each panel are then sealed with sealant or flashing.

A metal roof typically comes with a guarantee for 30 to 50 years and lasts much longer than that, whereas others may only last 10 to 20 years. Metal roofing is also very energy-efficient when put on a sloping roof, reducing expenses and heat gain during hot and sunny seasons.

Since the majority of metal roofing systems use recycled materials and can be recycled when they need to be replaced, they are seen to be a far more environmentally friendly option than conventional roofs.

4. Single-Ply Membrane Roofing System

A single-ply membrane roofing system is a type of commercial roofing system that uses a single layer of membrane to create a watertight barrier. These roofs are available in a variety of materials, including thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Single-ply membrane roofs are installed by attaching the membrane to the roof deck with fasteners or adhesives. The seams between each piece of the membrane are then sealed with sealant or flashing.

Since single-ply membrane roofs are made from a single layer of material, they are less durable than other types of commercial roofing systems. However, they are easier to repair and require less maintenance. They also have a high resistance to fire and wind damage.

 5. Asphalt Shingle Roofing

An asphalt shingle roofing system is a type of commercial roofing system that uses asphalt-based shingles to create a watertight barrier. These roofs are available in a variety of materials, including fiberglass, organic mat, and ceramic.

Asphalt shingle roofs are installed by attaching the shingles to the roof deck with nails or adhesive. The seams between each shingle are then sealed with sealant or flashing. Asphalt shingle roofs are less durable than other types of commercial roofing systems. However, they are easier to repair and require less maintenance. They also have a high resistance to fire and wind damage.

This roofing system is one of the most affordable on the market. Although asphalt shingles don't last as long as other choices (such as metal or slate), they nevertheless provide reliable protection, often for 10-15 years.

Get Commercial Roofing Systems Service from Sunlight Homes

As you can see, there are a lot of choices when looking into a new commercial roofing system. Each of the 5 types of commercial roofing has its benefits and drawbacks, choosing which one is best comes down on a customer-by-customer basis.

If you are in need of a commercial roofing system, Sunlight Homes can help. We offer a variety of services, including installation, repair, and replacement. We also offer a wide range of products to choose from, so you can find the perfect roof for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.