You’ve noticed that your commercial roof shows signs of aging, and it’s time to look for a new one. It’s doubtful you’ve never looked at the various types of commercial roofs there actually are, and most likely, there are far more choices than you initially thought. Commercial roofs are not a one size fits all instead, you need to research and discover which is best suited for your business.
How do you know which commercial roof is right for you?
The first thing you need to take into consideration is your location. Most business owners don’t realize the climate and weather conditions directly affect the health of their roofing system. The second thing you need to look at is the structure of the building and how much foot traffic you have.
Below are some things you should consider when choosing the right commercial roof for your business. We’ll also go over a few different types of roofs, listing the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Shape and Physical Makeup of the Roof
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- What is the slope of your roof?
- How large is your business?
- What is the age of your building?
- What are the deck edge and protrusions?
- Will you have a lot of foot traffic?
What Are Your Business Needs?
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- What is your business used for?
- Do you store toxic materials?
- Are you a manufacturing company?
- Is it a business office with multiple employees?
Where Is Your Business Located?
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- What type of climate are you in?
- What kind of weather do you experience throughout the year?
- Do trees surround you?
- Do you experience a lot of wildfires or flooding?
What Are Your Future Plans?
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- Do you plan on expanding in the future?
- Are you planning on moving your business?
Are You Focused On Being Environmentally-Friendly?
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- What roofs match your green needs?
- Are the materials renewable?
- Can the materials be recycled when the roof needs replacing?
How Sturdy is the Roofing Material?
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- Can it handle a lot of weight?
- Can it withstand a lot of foot traffic?
Who Will Install Your Roof?
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- Is the company qualified?
- Do they know how to install the roof of your choice properly?
- Do they offer warranties?
- Are they local?
- Are they certified?
What Are Some Popular Commercial Roofs?
Metal Roofing
This type of roofing material is highly durable and extremely popular because it can last 40-60 years. This type of commercial roofing has many different kinds of materials available such as:
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- Corrugated galvanized steel
- Aluminum, zinc, and tin
- Tile sheets
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
Advantages – fire-resistant, strong enough for a high amount of foot traffic, has a very attractive look, it can go over your existing roof, plus it is eco-friendly.
Disadvantages – it is susceptible to rusting; therefore, you may need a protective surface later.
Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing
This type of roofing is an eco-friendly choice and is an excellent choice for most types of commercial roofs, including industrial and manufacturing facilities. It is sprayed on and then expands into a foam creating a solid layer.
Advantages – it’s waterproof, environmentally friendly, suitable for most commercial buildings and provides additional insulation.
Disadvantages – It can only be installed during good weather and needs to be inspected twice a year.
PVC Roofing
These roofs are custom-made to ensure the perfect fit for your roof. Since they are custom fit, you don’t have to worry about hearing hours of loud sounds that disrupt your employees.
Advantages – This commercial roof is resistant to harsh weather conditions, UV lights, chemicals, or bacteria growth. They are also heat-reflective and don’t puncture easily.
Disadvantages – You have to be careful who you purchase this type of roofing system from. Some companies use sub-standard products, and you lose the benefits.
The Right Commercial Roof for the Long-term
Finding the correct type of roof for your business can be a lengthy process, but you can do it. The main thing to remember is to make sure you use a well-established company that uses the best materials. Before purchasing your new commercial roof, make sure you reach out to an expert to assist you.
Reaching out to an expert means calling MacDermott Roofing. For more than 45 years our commercial roofing company has been maintaining, repairing, and installing new commercial roofs throughout businesses in the Detroit area and beyond. We work with all types of roofs and specialize in Duro-Last roofing systems which is the ideal roofing solution for buildings with low-sloped and flat roofs.
A Duro-Last roof installed by MacDermott Roofing means you will get an environmentally friendly commercial roof that will save money on your electric bills, and last decades. Call and speak to a roofing specialist today. Free Estimates!