Types Of Commercial Roofing
When we meet with future clients, they are generally comparing various types of roofing systems. We are always asked: What are the most popular types of commercial roofs? Which is better? Which is more reasonably priced? In this article, we will cover 5 types of commercial roofs.
At West Roofing Systems, we have helped clients for decades choose the right roof for their building and budget. We want everyone to feel empowered when they start receiving quotes from their contractors.
In this article, we break down the five most common types of commercial roofs along with their average costs * and benefits.
Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is an environmentally friendly roofing option for commercial, industrial and manufacturing facilities. Aerosol polyurethane foam, more commonly known as SPF, is a material that is sprayed like a liquid so that it can expand and become foam, creating a solid layer across an existing ceiling.
While SPF roofs are not the best known type of roofing material, the technology has been around since the early 1960s for industrial, commercial and residential installations. An SPF roofing system can be used in any climate and, when properly installed and maintained, can last over 50 years.
For an average 20,000 square foot commercial roof, it will generally cost between $ 4.00 and $ 7.00 per square foot * in materials and labor to install a typical SPF roof system. This price range is for an average thickness SPF roof and building frame.
Spray Polyurethane Roofing Advantages
There are quite a few benefits of SPF roofing systems:
Energy efficient – SPF offers thermal, air and moisture barriers to provide the highest R-value per inch.
Durable – The foam material can expand and contract with the building, reducing the likelihood of cracks and breaks.
Seamless and Waterproof – The continuous solid surface requires no joints or seams, eliminating the area most vulnerable to leakage.
Environmentally Friendly – In most cases, there is minimal disassembly of the original roof, eliminating the need for costly roof peelings and scraps. The materials used for SPF roofing systems are also environmentally friendly: Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), Low Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Free of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Global Warming Potential ultra low (GWP).
Single-Ply Membrane Roofing
Single layer membrane is a time-tested roofing option for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities. Single-layer membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be weighted, mechanically fastened, or chemically bonded to insulation creating a layer of protection in your commercial facility.
While single-ply membrane roofs are one of the most popular types of commercial roofing, there are several types to fit your budget and facility needs.
For an average 20,000 square foot commercial roof, it will generally cost between $ 3.50 and $ 7.50 per square foot for EPDM and $ 3.50 to $ 6.50 per square foot for TPO *, including materials and labor warranty.
Single-Ply Membrane Advantages
If installed and maintained correctly, a commercial single-ply membrane roof can last 30 years. There are quite a few other benefits of single layer membrane roofing systems:
Proven History – EPDM roofs have been used for commercial flat roofs for over years. This amount of time on the market has allowed for various laboratory and field studies to be conducted and tracked.
Customer’s Choice of Insulation – Since single-layer membrane roofs do not include the insulation factor, as a customer you have more options to choose from to insulate the roof of your facility.
Class A Fire Resistance Rating – TPO and EPDM membranes can achieve Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Class A fire resistance listings by adding fire retardant chemicals during the manufacturing process.
Reflective or retentive – TPO is generally white and highly reflective. On the other side of the spectrum, EPDM is often described as “Black Roofs”, due to the natural dark color of the membrane.
Metal Roofing
Metal Roofing is one of the oldest commercial roofing systems on the market. Most metal roofing systems use corrugated galvanized steel, although other materials such as aluminum or tin can also be used.
Since metal roofing is quite lightweight, it can be installed just above the existing roof. After installing a metal roof system, a coating can be added for waterproofing, rust protection, and UV protection.
For an average commercial roof, it will generally cost between $ 5.00 and $ 10.00 per square foot * in materials and labor to install a typical metal roof system. This price range may change depending on the type and style of metal panels you choose.
Metal Roofing Advantages
If installed and maintained correctly, a commercial metal roof can last 40 years. There are quite a few other benefits of metal roofing systems:
Design – variety of material and color options.
Stability – ability to resist strong winds and snow.
Energy efficient – metal sheets can be manufactured from recycled material.
Fire Resistance – Metal panels are less prone to fire damage and do not enact fire events.
Shingle Roofing
Tile roofs are known primarily for house and residential roofs, but shingles are very commonly used for steep-slope commercial roofing applications. Shingles can be made from a few different materials, such as wood, slate, metal, plastic, ceramic, and composite materials such as asphalt. There are two main types of shingles: asphalt and architectural.
Asphalt Shingles: The most common and profitable shingle on the market used for applications. These roof systems often come with warranties of 15 to 30 years on average.
Architectural Shingles: Multiple layers and heavier to add durability and waterproofing to the building. It often comes with “life” guarantees.
For an average commercial roof, it will generally cost between $ 2.50 and $ 5.00 per square foot * in materials and labor to install a typical tile roof system. This price range may change depending on the type and style of shingles you choose.
Shingle Roofing Advantages
Some benefits of commercial tile roofs include:
Design – wide variety of colors and designs
Durable – Some types of shingles have a Class IV hail rating
Easy repair – easy to detect and repair small damaged areas
Built-Up Roofing
Built-in roofing systems have been used in the US for more than 100 years. These roof systems are commonly called “tar and gravel” roofs. Constructed systems are installed by alternating layers of asphalt or tar and support fabrics directly on the roof. You can choose the number of layers (or folds) to be installed. The final layer of a built roof system consists of stone or gravel.
For an average commercial roof, it will typically cost between $ 5.50 and $ 8.50 square feet * in materials and labor to install a typical built roofing system. This price range may change depending on the materials you choose.
Advantages of built roofs
If installed and maintained correctly, a commercial built roof can last 40 years. There are a few other benefits of built roofing systems:
Seamless and Waterproof – The continuous solid surface requires no joints or seams, eliminating the area most vulnerable to leakage.
UV rays – provides ultraviolet protection.
Low maintenance – minimal maintenance required after installation.
