Choosing a good quality roofing material is essential to protect the interior of any building. Whether you are considering building a commercial or a residential one, you must pick the best roofing material.
Residential Vs. Commercial Roofing
The difference between a residential and commercial roofing system is the slope of the designed roof. Residential roofs usually have more slopes than commercial ones and are visible from the ground. For such buildings, you can use materials such as slate, architectural tile, and asphalt shingles. For commercial buildings, you have to consider different roofing materials because of their large size. The roofs in commercial buildings are usually less sloped and flat. So, to determine what material you will use for constructing a commercial roof, you need to consider a few factors, such as climatic conditions and foot traffic.
How to Choose a Commercial Roofing Material?
To choose the best commercial roofing material, you will have to consider certain factors. For instance, you have to determine what kind of facility you are going to work with. Different types of businesses will require different sorts of planning. Nowadays, you will find plenty of advancements in commercial roof technology. However, you won’t have to worry about that because your commercial roofing contractor will be aware of such advances and work accordingly. The newly developed commercial roofing products are highly resistant to extreme weather conditions and improve environmental efficiency. This way, you will have reduced cooling and heating expenses and stormwater runoff. So, keep in mind the environmental conditions of your area and then choose the roofing material according to your contractor’s advice.
Different Kinds of Commercial Roofing Systems
When choosing a commercial roofing system, you need to be familiar with its different types. You must also identify the roof’s slope and choose a commercial roofing system that is suitable for your unique requirements. The type of roofing material will depend on your selected commercial roofing system. These types include EPDM roofing, single-ply roofing, modified bitumen roofing system, metal roofs, liquid-applied roofing, and built-up roofing systems.
Commonly Used Roofing Materials
Now you are familiar with different roofing systems. The next step is to understand what types of materials are used in various roofing systems. After that, you will be able to choose the roofing material that is best suited to your requirements. Here is an insight into roofing materials used these days.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl roofing material usually consists of two PVC layers with polyester reinforcements in the middle. There are additives in PVC that can make the roofing UV resistant. PVC is a commonly used roofing material because it can provide durability, longevity, and fire resistance to the building. It is a weldable material, so it can be repaired conveniently.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
TPO is generally used on roofs with a low slope. It can be mechanically attached, ballasted, or adhered to the roof. Reinforced sheets are designed with this material, and they are highly reflective and contain heat-welded seams. This particular material is available in various colours, but the most commonly used colours are tan, white, and grey.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Roofing
EPDM roofing is a highly recommended material because of its toughness and elasticity. This material can withstand the high bombardment of ultraviolet light and other damaging rays coming from the sun. The reason behind the increased usage of this material is its low cost and robust strength. It can be used for commercial or residential buildings with low-slope roofs in all climatic conditions.
If you are looking for the best commercial roofing contractor in Hamilton, Ontario, Torham Exterior Solutions Inc. is the best in business. We will provide you with the best commercial roofing plans unique to your requirements and budget. Our last blog explained why flat roofs work well for commercial buildings. “Why are Flat Roofs Common on Larger Commercial Buildings” give it a read and let us know your thoughts.