The most common types of commercial roofs are built-up roofs, membrane roofs, and metal roofs. Commercial buildings often have flat or sloped roofs, so these roofing systems are designed to accommodate those types of structures.

Built-up roofs are typically composed of multiple layers of asphalt or tar paper that are fastened together with hot mopping or cold adhesive. Membrane roofs are usually made from a single layer of waterproof material, such as PVC or TPO. Metal roofs are usually made from steel, aluminum, or copper. They can be either standing seam or corrugated, and they may be coated with a reflective material to help keep the building cool in summer. That’s a bit of a quick overview, so let’s get into this article in more detail.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing systems available. It’s also one of the most popular types of commercial roofs, thanks to its many benefits. Metal roofs are usually made from steel, aluminum, or copper. They can be either standing seam or corrugated, and they may be coated with a reflective material to help keep the building cool in summer. Metal roofs are extremely durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance. They’re also fire-resistant and can withstand high winds better than other types of roofs. One downside of metal roofs is that they can be noisy during rainstorms or when hail hits them. Another potential downside is that metal roofs can be more expensive than other types.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Membrane

Built-up roofing (BUR) is one of the most common types of commercial roofs. It’s composed of multiple layers of asphalt or tar paper that are fastened together with hot mopping or cold adhesive. BUR roofs are very durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance. They’re also fire-resistant and can withstand high winds better than other types of roofs. One downside of BUR roofs is that they can be heavy, so they may require extra support. Another potential downside is that they can be more expensive than other types of roofs.

Membrane roofing is usually made from a single layer of waterproof material, such as PVC or TPO. Membrane roofs are lightweight and easy to install but you need a commercial roofing contractor. They’re also relatively inexpensive and can last for up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Membrane roofs are fire-resistant and can withstand high winds, but they’re not as durable as built-up or metal roofs. That means they may need to be replaced more often.

PVC and TPO are the most common types of membrane roofing materials. PVC roofs are made from polyvinyl chloride, which is a type of plastic. TPO roofs are made from thermoplastic polyolefin, which is a type of rubber. PVC and TPO roofs are both white, which helps reflect sunlight and keep the building cool in summer.

Green Roofing

What better way to boost your green credentials? Certain commercial properties are a good fit for green roofing, but what is it? Green roofs are roofs that are partially or completely covered with vegetation. They’re also sometimes called living roofs or vegetative roofs. Green roofs can be either intensive or extensive, depending on the amount of vegetation they have. Intensive green roofs have a lot of vegetation and often require regular maintenance, while extensive green roofs have less vegetation and usually don’t need as much upkeep. Green roofs have a number of benefits. They can help insulate the building, reduce energy costs, and extend the roof’s lifespan. They also improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife. One downside of green roofs is that they can be expensive to install and maintain.

So there you have it, these were a few of the most common types of commercial roofs. Do your research to decide which type is best for your building. And if you have any questions, be sure to ask a professional roofing contractor.