Commercial roofs come in many types, the choice of material depending on many factors, such as the owner’s budget, the purpose of the building and the specific challenges posed by the climate region in which the building is located. If you are currently browsing roofing materials, trying to find the best type for your application and for your expectations, here are some of the best options as presented by a knowledgeable Kansas City commercial roofing company.
Metal Roofing
Metal is probably one of the best options for commercial roofs. Whether made from galvanized steel, tin, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, stone-coated steel or other alloys, metal roofs offer durability of up to 50 years, with great resistance to any challenges brought on by harsh weather. Some variants might be prone to rusting, but there are lots of inexpensive coating products available, developed especially to protect metal roofs from the action of moisture.
Metal roofs are the preferred choice for commercial roofs due to the easy installation and the low maintenance needs that these solutions provide.
Modified Bitumen
Another common solution for commercial roofs, modified bitumen roofs consist of asphalt reinforced with fiberglass, rubbers and plastic and makes an exceptionally resistant and durable solution. The material is easy to install and to maintain, it provides superior resistance to the shrinking and expansion caused by wide temperature variations as well as to foot traffic. The material is also resistant to water and can last for at least 20 years.
EPDM Roofing
Also known as thermoset membrane, EPDM is a synthetic rubber material applied on roofs as a single-ply membrane. The solution comes with lots of benefits, including superior durability (a properly maintained EPDM roof can last for up to 50 years), affordability, easy installation and maintenance, resistance to water, UV radiation as well as to foot traffic and chemicals, including acids and solvents.
Green Roofs
This modern option might be more expensive than others, but it is a durable and sustainable solution for commercial applications. Green roofs are practically roofs covered in vegetation. To have a green roof, you will need to have soil on the roof as well as a special irrigation and drainage system to make life possible for your plants, but once the installation is complete, you will be able to enjoy your rooftop garden for decades. The solution also has lots of benefits for the quality of the air inside and around your building – your green roof will reduce the urban heat island affect on your property and it will ensure cleaner, healthier air in your area.
TPO Roofs
TPO is a single-ply membrane made from a blend of various rubbers. The material needs to be installed professionally, but the process is quite quick and once installed, your TPO roof will give you lots of benefits, including superior energy-efficiency that makes the material suitable for installation in cold climates as well as in hot regions, a life expectancy of up to 30 years, superior resistance to moisture, UV radiation and exposure to chemicals. TPO is also a very budget-friendly solution.