Commercial roofing options range from upgraded shingles and metal to tile, rubber, and hot tar. The option you choose depends on your needs and location. You can find suitable materials for flat, low-slope, and steep-slope roofs or requirements, such as increased resilience to foot traffic. Here are two options for commercial buildings:
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing can be quickly installed, is durable, and has low maintenance, making it a suitable choice for commercial buildings. It offers several design options and colors for customized curb appeal. Metal is ideal for slopped roofs and can feature standing seam panels, R-panels, multi-rib panels, or interlocking steel shingles. You can choose from different metals, including aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and zinc. Aluminum has superior energy efficiency and comes in mill and painted finish. Mill finishes have a raw metal look that oxidizes into a rustic appeal.
Steel roofs offer strength and resilience against intense weather elements like hail. The panels are usually coated in zinc and require painting to prevent corrosion. Galvanized steel and galvalume metal roofs are coated with aluminum to prevent corrosion. They offer raw metal finishes and don’t require painting, which is ideal for industrial buildings. Metal roofs usually have various coatings to enhance durability, waterproofing, UV resistance, and energy efficiency. The material is environmentally friendly and resistant to fire, wind, and storm damage. Experts can install and repair the metal, and they feature reflective properties. The panels are manufactured in varying thickness gauges and sizes to fit different applications.
Asphalt Shingles
Designer or upgraded shingles offer enhanced durability and wind resistance compared to residential builder-grade options. Upgraded asphalt could be used in commercial buildings, including religious centers, apartment complexes, and educational institutions. The material is suitable for steep-slope roofs and comes in various styles, including architectural and three-tab designs. Architectural designs offer enhanced wind protection and more color and design options. Three-tab designs are known for their characteristic rectangular shapes and offset layouts. Asphalt provides many color and style combinations, and installations complement all roof types.
Commercial asphalt roofs can be repaired when damaged and feature two or more waterproofing layers. Installation methods include hot-mopped, heat-welded, cold-applied, and self-adhered. Hop-mopped installation involves melting asphalt blocks and spreading the material on the roof with mops. Heat welding or torching uses a torch to melt the asphalt on the underside of the membrane to allow it to adhere to the substrate below. Cold-applied installation uses a liquid adhesive to attach the asphalt to the substrate. Self-adhered installation uses asphalt membranes with built-in adhesive sides. Installation involves peeling off the film backing and attaching the membrane to the substrate.
Find Quality Roofing Options Today
Commercial roofs also feature many other materials, including terracotta tiles, known for their durability, fire resistance, and low maintenance. Roof installers can also use silicone coatings and other improvements to enhance UV resistance, waterproofing, energy efficiency, and mold and mildew resistance. Contact a roofing company today to learn more about quality roof materials and design options for your commercial building.
