Commercial Roof Types

When deciding on the roof type, the most important thing is preventing water and keeping the building dry. Whether you choose to go for a flat roof or a low slope commercial roof option, you will face numerous choices. Unlike 50 years ago when everything was simple, and you could choose between 2-3 kinds, today you’ll have multiple things to decide on.

Without further add-on, we would like to introduce you to the most popular commercial roof types, and you’ll find the most suitable one for your building or any other commercial residency.

Choosing a Commercial Roof Type

As with any purchase, you will choose roofing type based on your needs, available budget, and certain preferences such as color, material, looks, and more. So, here’s a brief list of the most popular commercial roof types and their advantages.

1. Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof

Choosing SPF or spray polyurethane foam roof means choosing an eco-friendly option for your commercial, industrial, or manufacturing facilities. SPF is a material sprayed as a liquid covering an existing roof with a new foam layer. It brings thermal, air, and moisture barriers preventing energy waste. This means you have no costs of taking off the old roof since you’re applying SPF over it. Also, you have no fees and struggle with disposing of the old roof. The good side of this roofing type is its ability to be used in any climate, and when correctly installed and maintained, it can last over 50 years. Another perk of this roof is its price because if you choose the average thickness SPF roof, you will pay between $4 and $7 per square foot in materials and labor. Still, once the warranty expires, you can renew it for 33-50% costs of the original installation.

2. Single-Ply Membrane Roof

Single-ply membranes are sheets of rubber or similar synthetic material that can be ballasted, fastened, and adhered to, creating a roof over your commercial facility. There are EPDM and TPO types – the first one is made of rubber, while TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. This is the most common roof type for commercial facilities, proven its value over the years. It doesn’t include any insulation, which leaves you with many options to choose from. It’s fireproof, which is a significant advantage during hazards, and it can be energy-efficient since both can come in white color, reflecting UV rays and creating energy. However, the best thing about this roof is its price going from $3.5 – $7.5 per square foot, including labor and warranty.

3. Metal Roof

Similar to SPF roofs, metal roofs can be added over existing roofs since they’re light weighted. Most common metals roofs are made of steel, while other materials such as aluminum and tin can also be applied. Usually, on top of metal roofs, you should use the coating for waterproofing, protection from UV rays and rust. The main advantage of metal roofs is design since you can choose different colors and materials. Besides, it’s a stable roof, resisting wind and snow, and if installed properly, it can last up to 40 years. It can be made from recycled materials, making it eco-friendly while it’s fireproof. The price ranges from $5-10 per square foot.

4. Shingle Roof

While mainly used for residential and home roofing, shingle roofs can also be applied to commercial facilities. Shingles can be made from various materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, asphalt. There are two main types – asphalt roof and architectural roof. The most significant advantages are diverse colors and materials, durability, and easy repair. Since shingles are separate, repairing them is way more accessible and more affordable than changing the entire roof if one or just a few of them are broken. If you choose this roof type, you will pay $2.5-5 for material and labor, usually with 15 to 30 years of warranty.

Now, when you have the most popular options, yours is to decide whether you care more about the budget, looks, or durability and pick your roof accordingly.