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Guide for new startups: Types of commercial roofing

shingles on a roof

Just by looking at a building, you can tell if it’s a residential or commercial structure. One key indicator to look for is the roof design: residential roofs are often sloped, while commercial roofs are flat. You may also notice that the latter often have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or solar panels on top of them.

Because of their function and design, commercial roofs are made of special materials that are created to withstand heavy loads and changing weather conditions. Let’s take a look at the different types of commercial roofing you can use to protect your startup.

EPDM roofing

EPDM roofs are made from ethylene propylene diene monomer materials, a synthetic and super durable rubber that can protect your building from projectiles and punctures, especially during harsh weather conditions like hailstorms. Because of its durability and affordability, it’s one of the top commercial roof choices in the market.

It’s relatively easier to install, repair, and maintain than other roofing materials, too. And because it's flat, EPDM roofing can be applied directly to the roof with an adhesive. This results in very few seams and less prone to leaks.

Thermoplastic roofing

Thermoplastic roofing is more commonly called thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). Interestingly, it’s actually not a type of plastic but a mix of several kinds of rubber.

Compared to other roof materials, TPOs are cheap, which makes it a prime choice for startups with conservative budgets. But although affordable, it doesn’t compromise protection. It's sturdy, corrosion-resistant, and durable. It also protects against UV rays and high winds.

On top of that, TPOs work well in either hot or cold weather — they can even reflect sunlight because of their white color. This prevents heat buildup and lessens the need to overwork HVAC systems, helping your business save costs over time.

PVC roofing

If you’re looking for eco-friendly and sustainable roofing, PVC roofing is the right one for you. It’s manufactured using natural gas and saltwater rather than petroleum gas.

PVC roofs are resistant to wind, moisture, chemicals, and fire. This means that businesses like restaurants with grease vents don’t need to worry about stains on PVC membranes. This also means that PVC roofs can protect your business in case of fire, as they don’t ignite or burn quickly.

Lastly, PVC roofs are highly durable. When regularly maintained, it can last for over 20 years. And when it’s time to replace your roof, old PVC sheets can be recycled to make new ones.

Built-up roofing

As opposed to single-ply membranes such as TPOs and EPDMs, built-up roofing (BUR) is composed of multiple layers of ply sheets, insulation materials, and bonding agent (usually asphalt), with stone or gravel on top to protect the asphalt and to reflect solar radiation. Because of its multilayered composition, it’s highly weather resistant and durable, lasting for a very long time.

BURs are also more seamless and waterproof than single-ply membranes, as they don’t have joints or seams where leaks might start.

Moreover, BURs require minimal upkeep after installation, saving you dollars that you can instead spend on other aspects of your business.

Which type of roof should you choose?

Every type of commercial roof on this list is high-quality and have passed several industry standards, but each one requires specific installation and maintenance. To learn what roof is best for your building and location, contact your roofing experts.

D&D Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc., Inc. has over 40 years of experience in installing and maintaining different kinds of commercial roofs. We’ve completed various roofing projects for hotels, government agencies, firms, and other startups in Nevada. If you’re planning to install, replace, or renovate your commercial roof, call us at (775) 521-7440 or complete this form today.

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