While a commercial roof can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years, it all depends on the type of roofing material.
If you’re a business owner and in the market for a new commercial roof, you’ll also need to consider the overall health of your building, first.
The material you choose impacts your building’s energy efficiency and its longevity. That’s why lightweight roofing materials are today’s number one choice for many business owners.
Here are some of the best options to consider.
Lightweight Roofing Materials: What to Consider, First
Before we dive into the best roofing options for your business, there are a few crucial factors to think about. Some of these might include:
- The visibility of your roof
- Is your roof walked-on?
- Is your roof exposed to acid, grease, or other chemicals?
- Sun and UV exposure
- Wind exposure
- Your local climate and temperature fluctuations
It’s a no-brainer that different types of climates are best suited to different types of roofing materials. If you’re unsure of which material to choose, it’s always a good idea to consult with a commercial roofing specialist, first.
You also want to think about the lifespan of your roof and how long you’d like it to last, ideally. Not to mention maintenance and repair costs.
The energy efficiency of your roof makes a world of difference to your business’s overall energy bill. Remember that the color of your roof also affects its efficiency. Opt for a darker roof in a colder climate or a lighter roof color in warmer climates.
Here are some of the best lightweight and energy-friendly roofing options:
1. Spray-On Roofing
Also called SPF roofing, spray polyurethane foam roofing starts off in liquid form, then expands into a foam over time. After this, it develops into a solid material.
This is one of the most eco-friendly options today and is often a good choice if your existing roof just needs a re-fresh. It’s a great waterproof and insulating option, too.
2. EPDM Roofing
EPDM is short for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer membrane roofing. It’s often referred to as thermoset roofing within the industry. This is one of the best options if you live in a very sunny, warm climate.
It offers brilliant resistance to sunlight and UV exposure as well as pollution. It’s also simple to install and has a great lifespan if maintained correctly.
Essentially, this type of roofing is a form of single-ply rubber that’s highly durable to chemicals, acids, and other solvents.
3. PVC and TPO Roofing
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) are the best roofing materials for an array of adverse conditions.
They’re super versatile, hardy, and long-wearing materials resistant to UV rays, all types of chemicals, and the growth of mold and bacteria.
They’re also super lightweight, help to deflect heat, and don’t puncture easily. In other words, if you’re looking for the perfect material that does it all, these are your two best choices.
4. Shingle Roofing
This type of roofing material is very common among most residential homes. However, that’s not to say it’s not a good choice for a commercial roofing environment.
Shingles are your best choice if you have an unusually shaped roof that’s very steep, for example. Today, you can find shingles made from an assortment of durable materials. Some of the best include asphalt, slate, plastic, and ceramic.
Shingles are one of the most affordable options if you’re on a tight budget, too.
Expand Your Business Knowledge and More
These are merely a few of the best lightweight roofing materials on the market today. Beware of poor-quality imitation materials that claim to offer the same durability. Always buy from a reputable manufacturer.
Want to expand your business acumen? Be sure to explore the rest of this site for your business knowledge fix.
