Commercial Roofing: A Guide to Choosing the Right Roof for Your Business

Choosing the Right Roof for Your Business

As a business owner, it’s important to understand the critical role that your commercial roof plays in protecting your property, employees, and assets. A well-maintained roof not only keeps your building secure, but it also helps to maintain a professional image, attracts customers, and can even impact your bottom line.

Benefits of Commercial Roofing

• Energy Efficiency: Commercial roofs are designed to reflect sunlight, reducing heat absorption and lowering cooling costs. Especially when you use products such as white TPO roofing.

• HVAC Accessibility: A well-installed commercial roof provides a platform for HVAC equipment, saving valuable square footage around your building. This setup also makes maintenance easier.

• Weather Resistance: Commercial roofs are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, protecting the building’s interior and its occupants.
• Cost-Effective: With their durability and longevity, commercial roofs provide long-term cost savings compared to frequent repairs or replacements, especially when you maintain a roof coating.
• Sustainable Option: Many commercial roofing materials are recyclable, contributing to sustainability efforts and reducing environmental impact.
• Types of Commercial Roofs

When it comes to commercial roofing, there are several types of roofs to choose from, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. As a business owner, it’s important to understand the different types of commercial roofs available so you can choose the right one for your business’s needs and budget.

Singly-ply Flat Roofing:

A single-ply flat roof is a roofing material made of a single layer of flexible membrane material, typically made from synthetic polymers like EPDM, TPO, or PVC. These roofs are lightweight and come with excellent wind resistance and a 20- to 30-year life expectancy. They are durable, resistant to UV rays, and perfect for Florida weather.

Commercial Metal Roofing:

A commercial metal roof can be different from what you would see on a home. A common metal roof is the standing seam metal roof, which can be used on commercial buildings. But there is also a more specific type of metal roofing for commercial properties. It’s a roofing system made of metal panels or sheets, typically constructed from materials like steel, aluminum, or copper. These roofs are popular for commercial buildings due to their durability, longevity, and energy efficiency.

Metal roofs are highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them one of the most common choices here in South Florida. They are able to withstand heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. They have a long lifespan, often lasting 40–70 years or more with proper maintenance.

Built-up roofing:

Built-up roofing (BUR) is a traditional flat roofing system that consists of multiple layers of bitumen surfaces and reinforcing fabrics. You can identify these roofs by the layer of gravel or mineral cap sheet on them, which helps reflect the sun and protect the roof. While these roofs have an average lifespan of 20–30 years, they have become less common since the introduction of single-ply membranes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Roof

When it comes to choosing the best commercial roof for your business, there are several important factors to consider. From climate and weather conditions to energy efficiency and budget, understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision that meets your business’s unique needs.

Climate and weather conditions:

Your commercial roof should be able to withstand the climate and weather conditions of South Florida. For example, a flat roof will need to withstand the harsh weather that can occur from tropical storms or worse.

Energy efficiency:

A commercial roof that is energy-efficient can help you save on heating and cooling costs. Materials like metal or single-ply roofing can provide energy savings over time.

Durability and lifespan:

The durability and lifespan of your commercial roof will impact its longevity and cost-effectiveness. Metal roofing, for example, can last up to 50 years or more, while built-up roofing may only last 20 years.

Maintenance and upkeep:

Regular maintenance and upkeep are important to prevent leaks and other issues. Consider the maintenance requirements of different roofing materials when making your decision. A roof with more seams, for example, will require more maintenance compared to a single-ply membrane such as TPO, which has fewer seams and lower maintenance.

Budget:

Your budget will also play a role in choosing the best commercial roof for your business. While some materials may have a higher upfront cost, they can provide long-term savings through increased energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.

Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing Contractor for Your Business

When it comes to installing or repairing your commercial roof, choosing the right contractor is crucial. Hiring a professional and experienced contractor can ensure that your roof is installed or repaired properly, minimizing the risk of leaks and other issues.

The Importance of hiring a professional contractor:

Hiring a professional contractor can ensure that your commercial roof is installed or repaired properly, saving you time and money in the long run. They can also provide valuable advice on the best roofing materials for your business’s needs.

Qualifications to look for in a contractor:

When choosing a commercial roofing contractor, look for qualifications such as licensing, insurance, experience, and references. Check their website and online reviews to ensure that they have a good reputation in the industry.

Questions to ask before hiring a contractor:

Before hiring a commercial roofing contractor, ask questions such as how long they have been in business, what roofing materials they specialize in, and what their pricing and payment policies are. Ask for a written estimate and contract to ensure that you are clear on the scope of work and pricing.

Contact us now to schedule your roof inspection