Are you thinking of building or buying an establishment in Denver CO?
If so, you should familiarize yourself with the different kinds of commercial roofing materials. While you certainly are not a roofing professional, it’s essential to decide on the best roof to use. That way, you get the most out of it for long-term savings and peace of mind.
Roper Roofing presents eight types of roofing systems for commercial properties.
Learn the Different Kinds of Commercial Roofing Materials
1. EPDM Rubber Roofing
If you don’t know what EPDM stands for, it’s Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. This flat roof is made from synthetic rubber, which is actually recyclable. Not only is EPDM environmentally friendly, but experts also recognize it to be an energy-efficient product. With EPDM over your facility, you save energy in the summer and winter.
Gardening on flat roofs is a widespread practice now that people seek ways to maximize roof space. We shared the fact that flat roofs can be utilized for various purposes in a previous post. EPDM makes an excellent flat roof membrane for a roof garden.
2. Metal Roofing
Commercial roofing systems aren’t necessarily flat. Metal roofs are another staple of the roofing industry, thanks to their durability. Metal systems last up to 50 years. This lifespan exceeds those of most roofing materials. When it comes to maintenance, yes, metal roofs don’t require a lot of it.
But just because metal roofs perform great doesn’t mean it comes with no cons. Expansion and contraction with temperature changes make a metal roofing prone to damage.
3. TPO Roofing
Here’s a new (and growing) roof material that deserves to be on your list: TPO roofing. Thermoplastic Polyolefin and EPDM are alike in that both are classified as single-ply membranes. TPO is another energy-efficient option. They say that this material combines the advantages of EPDM and PVC roofing. We’ll talk about PVC roofs later.
If you’re thinking of specific colors for a TPO roof, you’ll be delighted that you get to choose from a variety. Here at Roper Roofing, we perform a quality TPO roof installation. We use GAF as our top manufacturer. Speak with us about your TPO roof color ideas.
4. PVC Roofing
Don’t miss out on PVC if you want to know the different kinds of commercial roofing that are sustainable and eco-friendly. Sustainable, in the sense that PVC roofs stay in good shape despite modifications. Examples of these modifications are solar panels, roof gardens, and other rooftop equipment.
The Energy Star program recognizes a lot of PVC membranes. At Roper Roofing, we install PVC that’s Energy Star rated. Meaning, they reflect solar energy. Who doesn’t want a roof that helps you save energy significantly?
It’s interesting to note that PVC roofs are among the earliest roofing systems created. While manufacturers never changed the basic mixture of this material, many advancements have been made to boost its performance.
5. Green Roof/Living Roof
A green roofing system refers to a roof that’s covered in vegetation. Denver has a Green Roof Ordinance which states that buildings having a gross floor area of 25,000 square feet or greater should install a green roof. A combination of a green roof and solar panels is also a requirement. The ordinance applies on or after January 1, 2018.
As you can see, people take initiatives to contribute to a better planet through green roofing. Building a green roof over your EPDM, TPO, or PVC roof offers many advantages:
- Beautifies your building, increasing its resale value
- Prolongs the lifespan of your flat roof materials
- Opportunity to use recycled materials during construction
- Provides a cleaner air
- Offers extra space for relaxation, meetings, etc.
6. Torch Down Roofing
One of the different kinds of commercial roofing we highly recommend is torch down roofing. Torch down roofing material is an excellent application for flat roofs. When we apply a torch down roof, we don’t use tar and get to avoid unwanted fumes.
What is torch down roofing life expectancy? The material lasts about 15 years. To make it last longer, you’ll need to add more layers. Consider a three-layer torch down roofing. Another feature to note is the waterproofing capabilities of the material. You can rest assured that your facility stays leak-free.
7. Commercial Roofing Shingles
It’s not uncommon for business owners to choose shingled roofs for commercial purposes. When considering the different kinds of commercial roofing, asphalt shingles make an attractive pick. Asphalt shingles are common among apartments and multi-family buildings.
Facility owners love the fact that commercial asphalt shingles come in various colors and textures. This flexibility of choice gives people opportunities to achieve an ideal look. Take note that asphalt shingles should not be installed flat. They’re intended for pitched roofing systems.
8. SPF Roofing
Looking for a sustainable, lightweight, and watertight roofing system? An SPF roof has all these features. SPF stands for Spray Polyurethane Foam. Your roofing contractor applies this material on top of the roof deck using a spray gun. SPF starts as a liquid then expands to a durable foam in a matter of seconds.
Foam roofing has no joints or seams, making SPF a practical solution to solving leaks and holes. Elastomeric coatings are also applied on the outer surface of the SPF roof. This application protects the surface from degrading due to sun exposure.
Roper Roofing Installs Commercial Roofing Systems
Out of the different kinds of commercial roofing we discussed, Roper Roofing specializes in the following:
- EPDM Roofing
- PVC Roofing
- TPO Roofing
- Torch Down Roofing
Each of these flat roof materials has its unique strengths. To help you decide which commercial roofing to install for your project, consult with a Denver CO roofing company with decades of experience and knowledge in flat roofing. Roper Roofing is a licensed and insured roofing company with over 15 years of experience.
Interested in having us handle your roofing needs? Speak with us today.