Choosing Commercial Roofing Products and Systems
The best roofing solution for your roof is based on the type of commercial roof you have.
The slope of your roof generally determines your roofing options. The three main types of commercial roofs are commonly categorized based on the roof Pitch, or the incline of the roof – Flat, low-slope and steep-slope.
Top 3 Commercial Roof Types – Flat, Low-slope, Steep Slope
Flat Roofs
Approximately 90% of commercial roofs are flat roofs. Low-slope roofs or low-pitch roofs are sometimes considered “flat” roofs. They are most common in commercial and industrial buildings because –
- Flat roofs are cost-effective, easier and faster to install on large structures
- With their lack of complex angles and slopes, flat roofs are favored by engineers and architects seeking versatile rooftop options to accommodate equipment like HVAC units, satellite dishes and solar panels.
- The simplicity of flat roofs provides easy access for maintenance.
- Flat roofs are less costly than pitched roofs to maintain, repair, restore and replace.
Specialized roofing materials and techniques are required to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage on flat roof and low-slope roofs.
Steep Slope Roofs
The majority of steep slope roofs are residential. While flat roofs dominate commercial roofing, steep slopes are sometimes chosen for design, aesthetic appeal, or to accommodate specific architectural features of churches, office buildings, hotels, universities and luxury or historical landmark buildings.
Types of Commercial Roofing Products and Systems
Single-ply roofing – Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is a prefabricated single-ply roofing membrane applied in sheets rolled onto the roof and attached with mechanical fasteners, adhered with chemical adhesives, thermally welded, or held in place with ballast. (TPO, PVC & EPDM roofing)
Modified Bitumen (rubber roofing) – often referred to as “mod bit”, asphalt membranes with polymerized rubber or plastic and is reinforced with fiberglass, creating a sturdy yet flexible roofing material.
Built-up roof (hot tar roofing) (BUR) also known as a “Hot mop roof” – multi-layer roofing system commonly used on low-slope or flat roofs, particularly for commercial buildings. Hot asphalt is applied to a roof surface, followed by layers of fiberglass felt which are usually finished with a layer of gravel. It’s known for its durability, weather resistance, and relatively low cost.
Asphalt Shingles – while common and relatively affordable, shingles are viewed by insurers as being more vulnerable to damage from severe weather events like hurricanes and storms compared to more durable materials. Due to the higher risk associated with asphalt shingles, insurance companies may charge higher premiums for commercial properties with this type of roofing, or not provide coverage at all.
Metal roofing systems – Metal roofs are known for their durability, energy efficiency and long lifespan. They can withstand harsh weather conditions with little maintenance. Metal roofing is a popular choice for flat roofs due to its durability, longevity, and ability to reflect sunlight, contributing to energy efficiency. Specialized systems like standing seam metal roofing are often used for flat roofs to accommodate expansion and contraction. Lifespan is typically at least 40-70 years, but properly maintained, quality metal roofs can last more than a century.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) – a spray-applied cellular plastic foam that insulates, air seals and provides a moisture barrier. SPF waterproofing products are compliant with ENERGY STAR & LEED cool roof requirements and can help buildings obtain LEED points. Most SPF roofing systems offer Class A fire performance, the highest level of fire resistance for roofing material that is less likely to ignite or contribute to the spread of flames. Cool Roof Foam and Coatings Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roof System offers a CAT5 Hurricane Wind Warranty.
Silicone Roof Restoration Coating (SRRC) – Lowest cost, with superior waterproofing capabilities and indefinitely renewable warranty. Qualifies for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing in Florida. Silicone Roof restoration coating is the only product on the market that is guaranteed to not fail in ponding water – all other coatings fail in ponding water. Silicone does not exclude ponding water in the manufacturer’s warranty.
Other Elastomeric coatings – Acrylic (paint), Urethane and Rubber
The term ‘Elastomeric’ refers to coating materials that are flexible. There are basically four (4) ‘Elastomeric’ coatings on the market associated with commercial flat roofs: Silicone, Acrylic (paint), Urethane & Rubber.
Except for Silicone – all other coating products degrade when exposed to UV and all have a ‘ponding water exclusion’ in their warranties because they fail in ponding water conditions, which is common on most flat roofs.
On what existing roof surfaces can you install a Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof System?
All roof substrates: concrete, wood, metal, plus all existing roof types (Metal, Single-Ply (TPO, EPDM, HYPALON), MODIFIEDS/BUR, built-up gravel (BURG), spray foam (SPUF). A significant advantage of installing an SPF Roof System is the ‘true tapered’ roof system we install so the roof drains properly.
What roof surfaces can you coat with Silicone?
All Roof Types EXCEPT Shingle or Built-Up Gravel (BURG) Roofs. We can apply the Cool Roof Silicone Roof Restoration Coating System to: Metal, Single-Ply (TPO, EPDM, Hypalon), Modifieds/BUR, SPUF.
How long can I expect my commercial roof to last?
The lifespan of a commercial roof varies greatly depending on the roofing material, but generally ranges from 15 to 50 years or more. Metal roofs are known for their longevity, potentially lasting 40-60 years or even longer.
[Image courtesy Cool Roof Rating Council]
What is a
Cool Roof?
A cool roof is a sustainable and energy-efficient roofing solution that helps manage heat and reduce environmental impact.
A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight than a conventional roof, absorbing less solar energy. This lowers the temperature of the building just as wearing light-colored clothing keeps you cool on a sunny day. Conventional roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more on a sunny summer afternoon, sun. Under the same conditions a cool roof could stay more than 50°F (28 °C) cooler.
This saves energy and money in buildings with air conditioning, or improve comfort and safety in buildings without air conditioning, by reducing heat flow from the roof into the occupied space. Most cool roofs have high “thermal emittance”—the ability to shed heat by giving off “thermal infrared” radiation.
Nearly any type of building can benefit from a cool roof, but considering Florida’s scorching sun and the cost of energy for cooling, most commercial buildings are constructed or restored with a cool roof.
