Owning a commercial building or facility comes with some responsibilities. Your commercial building is required to provide comfort and shelter to users, and this means a great roofing system. When it comes to roofing systems for your commercial building, you need to make a decision and stand by it. A popular Maryland roofing company reports that a flat roof has become one of the top roofing choices among commercial property owners for many reasons. If you have chosen to explore the advantages of a flat roofing system, then you need to know the common flat roof types and the best one to choose based on your needs.
For many commercial property owners, EPDM is regarded as the best and most economical option on the market. EPDM roofing is long-lasting and durable while also offering a simple approach to repair and replacement. Before making up your mind, you’ll need to consider the other different options, weigh their pros and cons, and then make a valuable decision for your commercial property.
Ahead of your decision, some of the advantages of choosing a durable flat roof include:
- Cost-saving: Durability is an essential factor when making any purchase. Any material that isn’t durable will sooner or later become a waste, irrespective of how cheap or expensive it is. For your commercial roof, purchasing a durable flat roof will save you money both in the short and long-run. With durable flat roofing solutions, you can enjoy cost savings for years to come.
- Less disruption: As a commercial building owner, having to recurrently fix roofing problems can cost you a lot more money. Disrupting your business to create time for the roofers to work can harm your business and bottom line. Constant disruption due to roofing problems can also reduce your employee’s zeal and production performance. You can save yourself double costs and loss in revenue by choosing a durable flat roof earlier during the installation phase.
- Long-term investment: Commercial buildings are structured to last a long time. Choosing a durable flat roof ensures that you no longer have to worry about roofing problems for the longest possible time. For example, a durable flat roof that offers 15-20 years of protection can be an investment into the future, allowing you to focus your finances on other things while continuously enjoying your roof.
Your top five durable commercial flat roof types
Having understood the importance of investing in durable roofing materials, the five most durable flat roof types to choose from are below.
Metal panel roofs
Metal panel roofs are versatile, available in different color options, and offer long-term protection when properly maintained. They are also great for insulation reasons, especially during the cold winter season. When properly installed by experienced commercial roofers, property owners can expect a higher level of protection against leaks and other common roofing problems.
Metal panel roofs are cost-effective, lightweight, reliable, and offer an average lifespan of between 40 to 50 years. Another important advantage of metal panel roofs is that they can be installed on top of existing flat roofs for added protection.
BUR tar and gravel roofs
The Built-Up Roofing (BUR) system is another common choice among commercial property owners. Made from tar and gravel, the roof offers waterproof capabilities, thus protecting commercial buildings from water leaks. This flat roof type also consists of three layers that trap heat and prevent it from radiating into the building. Commercial property owners can save more money on cooling costs with this roofing type while creating a stable internal temperature.
Asphalt roofs
Asphalt roofs are installed through heat application. The roofing material is laid out on the roof surface and heated to create a secure seal on top of the building. They are water-resistant and offer as long as 20 years of protection once installed. A great advantage of this flat roofing solution is that it is low-cost and is easy to repair and replace.
Two-ply modified bitumen
The two-ply modified bitumen or modified bitumen is made of two layers of asphalt with fiberglass or polyester merged in between. Installation can be done either by heat application or cold installation. An adhesive is applied to the material surface for cold installation for bonding. This roof type is durable and water-resistant. It is also available in different color options to match the aesthetic needs of customers.
Single-ply synthetic membranes
This includes options like EPDM, TPO, and PVC roofing. TPO is a single sheet installation that offers protection against UV rays. It also offers cost-saving on cooling costs as it doesn’t trap heat. It promises as high as 20 years lifespan. PVC is also a common light flat roof material that can be installed over older or damaged flat roofing systems. PVC offers great UV mitigation advantages and can last for as long as 30 years. EPDM is a rubber-like material that’s easy to install and offers as high as 50 years warranty.
Commercial property owners can speak to their roofing contractors on recommendations for the right flat roofing material that offers answers to their needs.
