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What are the Functions of a Commercial Roof?

What are the functions of a commercial roof? A commercial roof has the same purpose as a residential roof. That purpose is to protect what is beneath it from weather conditions and other harsh elements.

How does a commercial roof function? The way the building is structured determines what materials are used and how the roof functions. How the building will be used is the deciding factor for the materials needed. As well as how harsh is the environment and will there be a lot of foot traffic?

When it comes to commercial roofs, there are a variety of roofing systems involved. Two popular systems include:

  • The single-ply roofing system: this roofing system was created to perform as a solo layered project. Constructed with heavy-duty materials PVC, EDPM, and TPO. This commercial roof is strong and flexible, resisting weather damage such as cracking or peeling.
  •  Steep-Sloping system: a commercial roof with a steep-slope is 3-12 or greater. Steep slopes are mostly seen with residential buildings. However, hotels or universities often adopt the steep slope roofing system to accommodate the architecture of the building.

Materials Used for a Commercial Roof

The materials used for a commercial roofing project is decided by several factors. These factors should ensure the roof is weather-resistant and capable of efficiently decreasing the amount of runoff caused by storms. In addition, roofing materials should sufficiently reduce the cost of heating and cooling the building.

Best Commercial Roof Options

The primary objective of a commercial roof is the assurance the building is watertight and capable of maintaining dryness inside. The past 50 years have proven that commercial roofing systems are not simple and have shown a great deal of growth.

Related Questions

What does commercial roofing mean?

Commercial roofing is the term used to describe the material used to cement and protect the structure of a roof. Some of the options for commercial roofing are EPOM, TPC, and PVC.

How long will a commercial roof last?

If a commercial roof is taken care of and established properly it should last between 10 and 40 years. Based on the materials and other elements the life term of a commercial roof varies.

A commercial roof should be cost, as well as energy efficient. Typically, commercial roofs are flat; and a flat roof is designed to achieve both goals. Ensuring the right materials are used for your roofing project with assure a highly functioning commercial roof.

MacDermott Roofing is an Elite Master Contractor and leading expert of the Duro-Last Roofing System. We have been providing commercial roofing installation, replacement, and repair throughout the Detroit metropolitan area for over 40 years. With a reputation for service, technical skill, and product knowledge, we pride ourselves in communicating at all levels with customers, manufacturers, building officials, architects and general contractors. Call us today for a Free Estimate on your commercial roof project!

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Austin Akers

Austin oversees commercial roofing projects across Southeast Michigan for MacDermott Roofing. He is passionate about building strong client relationships, leading successful projects, and delivering high-quality roofing solutions. His commitment to hard work, communication, and customer service helps ensure every project is completed to the highest standard.

Julia Hicks

Julia has 15+ years experience in various professional capacities and industries focused on process improvement, people management, customer service and project management. She began her career at MacDermott as a Service Coordinator and Human Resource Manager. She is now our Operations Manager focusing on overseeing all aspects of our installation and service departments.

David Chene

David has been with MacDermott Roofing for more than 25 years. He is our chief estimator, dedicated to serving our customer’s needs and managing existing accounts for the benefit of our customers. He has experience with new construction and existing projects, private customer, and general contractors.

David M. Wilson

David has 35 Years of experience in the Metro Detroit construction industry, including 20 years with a mid-sized general contractor as Executive Vice President. 7 yrs as the owner of a land development company specializing in Urban infill mid-rise developments. 10 yrs as an independent construction consultant focused on Strategic Planning, Project Management, Dispute resolution, and Claims management.