{"id":2533,"date":"2018-04-19T13:48:37","date_gmt":"2018-04-19T17:48:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jmroofingsystems.com\/?p=2533"},"modified":"2021-06-16T12:52:57","modified_gmt":"2021-06-16T16:52:57","slug":"different-types-of-roofs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmroofingsystems.com\/different-types-of-roofs\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Different Types of Roofs for Commercial Properties"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Your contractor will ask you which type of roofing material you would prefer when building a commercial property from scratch. You can go with their opinion given their experience working with different types of roofs.<\/p>
However, before doing so, it can save you much money on material, installation, and future repairs or restoration if you know the pros and cons each type of material can offer you.<\/p>
Here is a list of different types of roofs suitable for commercial properties.<\/p>
<\/p>
Mineral felt is a common flat roofing material that is easy to install. Roofing experts refer to it often as torch-on felt, hot mop, three-layer felt, pour-and-roll felt, and hot flat-roof bitumen.<\/p>
These variations are descriptive of the different ways contractors apply mineral felt on a roof. They have an average lifespan of 20 years.<\/p>
Mineral felt can cost about $0.39 per square feet. The price is excellent for commercial properties that need a durable roof capable of resisting water leaks and durable enough to last weathering.<\/p>
However, even thick, three-ply bitumen felt can pool rainwater<\/a>. If there is damage in the felt membrane, water pressure can enlarge these cracks and shorten the lifespan of the felt roofing.<\/p> Tar and gravel membranes are among the sturdiest among the different types of roofs on this list. Using several layers of water and corrosion-resistant material, contractors insert hot tar between the layers. They then install the sandwiched tar membrane on each area of the roof. Contractors then use a gravel surface layer or a different type of aggregate to add decoration and improve its lifespan.<\/p> These roofing materials are the most economical. They provide UV ray protection, stylish, and is fire-retardant. Tar and gravel roofs can last up 20 years with well-maintained roofs reaching the age of 40 years.<\/p> However, weight is a disadvantage. The tar sandwich can put the joists of your roof under great stress. Another issue is that tar is odoriferous. It introduces an unpleasant indoor smell during the first few days of its installation.<\/p> Because it is a compound membrane, tar and gravel roofs cost about $4 per square feet.<\/p> <\/p> Contractors often have this as a top recommendation out of many different types of roofs for good reason. EPDM is affordable, strong, durable, and has a long lifespan averaging about 20-30 years.<\/p> Similar to tar and gravel, EPDM roofs are made from different materials to create its rubber base. Some of these are recycled tires, sawdust and slate dust.<\/p> If contractors install these roofs effectively, the seamless material guarantees a watertight seal that adds to the property’s insulation. In addition, they block UV rays, support rooftop gardens, and have variants that help improve their insulation capabilities.<\/p> EPDM is also cheap. It only costs $0.80 per square feet.<\/p> Some disadvantages it has is its lack of curb appeal due to its monotone black color. Hard objects such as tools can quickly penetrate the material and reduce its lifespan.<\/p> As its name implies, this roofing material made from polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber is thick enough to create a watertight seal around your roof. TPO materials can have a thickness as wide as 45 to 80 millimeters.<\/p> The material is also fire-retardant. It offers the best insulation for any property allowing it to save up to 90% energy.<\/p> However, its price can have some property owners reconsider using it. A square feet of TPO material costs about $5-6. Its average lifespan can only reach about 20 years as well.<\/p> Another disadvantage is the lack of manufacturing standards. One manufacturer’s TPO priced at the same amount as another can drastically differ in quality and lifespan.<\/p> <\/p> PVC membranes are among the strongest when it comes to the different types of roofs for commercial properties. Manufacturers strengthen them enough that they are capable of surpassing the national standard of 200 pounds per inch (PPI) up to 350 PPI.<\/p> Most hotels and high-rise condominiums use PVC membranes because of their impeccable resistance. If contractors efficiently install the material, the seamless membrane can withstand any chemical, animal droppings and activities, and mold buildup. In addition, they offer excellent UV resistance and is fire-retardant.<\/p> However, PVC can also be expensive. A 50-millimeter membrane will cost about $6 to $9.5 per square feet. Another disadvantage is its incompatibility with asphalt-based roofing materials. Interaction between the two results in discoloration, softening, and a reduction in its average lifespan of 20 years<\/a>.<\/p> Most traditional commercial properties use metal roofs. Contractors find them advantageous because of their lightness, which won’t require additional joist installment for support.<\/p>Tar and Gravel<\/h3>
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)<\/h3>
Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO)<\/h3>
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)<\/h3>
Metal<\/h3>