Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by Admin
When choosing a roof for commercial and industrial properties, you have to value factors differently than those for residential homes.
First of all, you need to understand that the value of the stored equipment is a lot higher, which means that the potential for a leak may cause much greater damage.
Second, we’re talking about a lot larger roofing surfaces, which means that a small difference in the cost of material (per square foot) will end up making a much greater difference. In fact, everything is more expensive, from maintenance to repairs. At the same time, the budgets are a lot larger.
Third, you need to consider energy efficiency since heating and cooling these areas is a lot more expensive, and even a small difference in the percentage saved can amount to a small fortune.
Lastly, longevity matters since replacement is a major project.
With all of this in mind, here are some tips to help you figure out what’s the best roofing system for your commercial and industrial property.
1. Metal roofing
The first amazing option is metal roofing. Why? Well, it’s safe, reliable, and leakproof. It’s also quite efficient at temperature management, mostly because there are no holes and gaps when made right.
Not to mention that metal is long-lasting (40-60 years), and it’s nearly indestructible.
Now, here’s another thing you may not have considered. Sometimes you’ll have to bring something in via roof (a piece of equipment or a heavy machine). In that scenario, working with metal is a blessing. All you have to do is cut a hole, bring the machine in this way, and weld it back together. With most other materials, this process would be near-impossible (let’s say with concrete) or incredibly expensive. This way, it’s really simple.
Moreover, metal roofs just look great. Even more importantly, they look the way you would expect commercial and industrial roofs to look. Never underestimate the value of curb appeal, and here, the roof matters quite a bit.
There are only two downsides to this – metal roofs are expensive and they are prone to corrosion. This is why, if your climate is particularly moist and your budget is constrained, you might want to look elsewhere.
2. Ballasted roofs
Another great option for you is the ballasted roof. The thing is that the installation of ballasted roofs is quite cost-effective, especially when compared to alternatives that provide similar performance.
Another great thing about them is that they have excellent wind uplift resistance. This is what makes them so great in areas with particularly strong wind. Seeing as how the majority of industrial zones are in the area far from skyscrapers, this is often the case (they’re in the cleaning, relatively speaking).
One more important thing to keep in mind is the fact that the ballast layer dampens the noise. This is incredibly important both when it comes to the noise that you produce and the noise generated by neighboring properties. If you’re in an industrial zone, the noise of production will be unbearable. On the other hand, if you’re in a residential area, the last thing you want to do is disturb the neighbors and amass complaints.
The best part about these ballasted roofs is that you can literally pick any layout or model you want. When it comes to aesthetics, you have the freedom to pick whatever you like.
3. Modified bitumen
The simplest way to explain this type of roofing is to say that it’s a combination of asphalt and bitumen and that it works best on roofs with little to no slope. Fortunately, this attribute describes the majority of commercial/industrial roofs perfectly.
These roofs are highly durable and will usually outlast 20 years.
Now, one of the things that they’re known for is that they’re resistant to severe weather conditions. They’re also resistant to cracking during freezing temperatures.
The reason why this is so important is because these venues are usually heated more than residential homes. Work produces heat, and with so many machines, even the cooling system won’t be all-powerful. This is why going for modified bitumen is so important. The temperature difference between the interior and exterior will be huge, so you need something that provides such resistance.
Now, we’ve already mentioned, as early as the introduction, the importance of roof budgeting. The fact that this method is inexpensive is a huge plus. Another huge plus is the fact that it’s common. This means that you have all the leverage in negotiations with contractors since you can always replace them.
4. TPO
Thermoplastic polyolefin, also known as TPO, is a roofing system consisting of manufactured sheets of synthetic rubber and reinforced scrim.
The system itself is highly durable and quite energy efficient. The only reason you don’t see it as often as some other entries on this list is because it’s a newer material.
Now, while it’s resistant to all the elements that the above three are (this was one of our most important criteria), this material is also fire-resistant. You know just how big of an issue this is in commercial and industrial properties and that some of the biggest enterprises suffered massive penalties for failure to provide their object with suitable protection. Also, truth be told, commercial/industrial properties are more at risk than residential.
Other than fire, this material is also resistant to things like bacteria and algae. In scenarios where a lot of your employees visit the roof (for whatever reason), this can drastically reduce a significant health hazard.
Ultimately, TPO is more resistant to chemical exposure than any other item on the list. While you may assume that these materials have no place on the roof, you would be surprised at how often this may come in handy.
Wrap up
Ultimately, when going for commercial and industrial property, the priorities shift. Instead of just going for the aesthetics or availability of a skilled handyman, you’re making a decision that’s far more data-based. Any of the above-listed three systems will work, you just have to find the one that works the best in your particular case.
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