Benefits and Drawbacks of Different Commercial Roofing Types

As a business owner, you have to make sure that your commercial property is well-protected. The roofing system makes it a vital component. The roof is what keeps your property and everything inside it safe from the elements. That’s why it’s important to choose the right roofing material for your commercial property. And when it comes down to it, there are many factors to consider. These include the climate in which the building will be located. The type of roof you choose should be able to withstand the extreme weather conditions of the area. Another important factor to consider is the size and shape of the building. The type of roof you choose should be able to support the weight of the structure. Finally, it would help if you thought about the aesthetics of the roof. The type of roof you choose should be in keeping with the overall style of the building. 

The market offers a few different options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most popular commercial roofing materials and compare their advantages and disadvantages. We hope that this will help you make the best decision for your commercial property.

Commercial Roofing Types

1. Flat Roofs

A commercial flat roof is a roofing system that has a slightly pitched surface that helps drain water and debris. The roof is considered “flat” because it has a low pitch when compared to residential roofing systems. Flat roofs are most commonly found on commercial and industrial properties. 

Flat roofs are becoming increasingly popular among business owners for a number of reasons which make them an attractive option for commercial buildings. They are easier and less expensive to install than other types of roofs. Other benefits include increased design flexibility or versatility in terms of what can be constructed on top of them. Flat roofs are more adept at handling heavy loads, like HVAC equipment, and provide a level surface for solar panels or other rooftop devices. Hence, its enhanced energy efficiency. 

While flat roofs have a number of benefits, they also come with some unique challenges. For example, one of the disadvantages of commercial flat roofing is that it is not as durable as other roof types. This makes flat roofs more susceptible to ponding water, which can lead to leaks and other costly damage. In addition, flat roofs require more maintenance and are not as durable as other types of roofs.

2. Low-Sloped Roofs

The most prevalent types of commercial roofing are low-slope roofs. Low-slope roofs have a gradient of fewer than 3 inches per foot and are most often seen on office buildings, warehouses, and retail stores, although they can also be present on residential properties. Peachtree City commercial roofing is a much bigger market than residential roofing, and it is thought that low-slope roofs comprise approximately 75% of the commercial roofing market. There are numerous types of low-slope roofs, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks.

There are several distinct benefits to commercial roofing with low-slope roofs. They are not only less expensive to install and repair but also require reduced maintenance and can last for extensive periods with proper care. Low-slope roofs come in a broad range of materials, such as asphalt, metal, rubber, and PVC. Asphalt is the most frequently used low-slope roofing material, though metal roofs are gradually becoming more popular because of characteristics like durability and energy efficiency.

However, there are some general drawbacks to low-sloped roofs. These include a higher likelihood of water and debris build-up, less efficiency in shedding water and snow, and a shorter lifespan in comparison to steeper-sloped roofs.

3. Pitched Roofs

A pitched roof is a roofing style that has a slope, typically formed by two sides that meet at an angle, to enable runoff during rainfall. This type of roof is often seen in residential roofing. The pitch of the roof is the degree of the slant angle and is typically conveyed as a ratio. The most commonly used pitches in commercial roofing are 4:12, 5:12, and 6:12. The angle of the roof is a significant factor in deciding which roofing system is most appropriate for the job. For instance, a low-pitch roof is more suitable for a membrane roofing system, while a steep-pitch roof is ideal for a metal roofing system.

Pitched roofs can be a favorite choice for commercial roofing for several reasons, such as improved drainage, look or aesthetics, and energy efficiency. They withstand wind uplift, snow, and ice well. Pitched roofs are easy to construct, longer-lasting, and need less maintenance than flat roofs. Although they cost more to install and use more materials, the advantages of pitched roofs often outweigh these disadvantages.

In conclusion, the roof is among the most crucial components of a commercial building or any property. It protects the building from weather damage and can greatly influence the energy efficiency of the building. However, roofs are also one of the most expensive parts of a commercial building to replace.

The benefits and disadvantages of each type should be carefully considered before making a decision. The type of roof you select should be based on the specific needs of your business. To ensure that your roof is installed correctly and that you get the most out of your investment, hire a professional roofer, Sure Thing Roofing Contractor.