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Whether you are investing in a full roof replacement or simply scheduling repairs, understanding the different commercial roofing materials on the market can help you make important decisions in regards to the health of your roof. Due to the size of a commercial roof, any project undertaken is likely to be a substantial investment. As your local Tuscaloosa commercial roofer, we are here to assist you with ensuring that any investment you make for your commercial roof provides you with a great return.

Check out these common types of commercial roofing materials and the unique benefits they each offer.

Steep Slope Roofs

In some cases, your commercial property might feature a steep slope roof. If so, the same materials that can be used on residential properties can also be used for these buildings. Steep slope roofs are often present on multi-family commercial properties, such as apartments and condos. They can also be found on certain office park buildings and churches. The most common steep slope roofing materials include shingles and metal.

Shingle Roofing
One of the most common roofing materials on the market, shingles are an economical and popular choice. They hold up well to the elements and come in a vast array of style and design choices. From simple asphalt shingles to more ornate slate, you can choose a shingle roof that will meet any need. Shingles are extremely adaptable, making them a great choice for a commercial property.

Metal Roofing
Another roofing material that is well suited to steep slope applications is metal. Metal roofing can be made from a variety of metals, such as aluminum, steel, and copper. They also come in an array of style choices, such as standing seam, sheet roofing, and even mock shingles. Metal roofing is esteemed for its extreme durability, even against the toughest elements.

Low Slope And Flat Roofs

While most people are familiar with steep slope roofing styles due to their widespread use in residential applications, there is less knowledge around the roofing types utilized for low slope or flat roofs. Extremely common for commercial buildings, these flat roofs require unique materials. The following are some of the common roofing materials utilized for low slope or flat commercial roofs.

Modified Bitumen
A single-ply system, modified bitumen is usually installed by rolling out the material and heating it with a blow torch to adhere it to the roof. This roofing material is designed utilizing asphalt and is well-known for its extreme durability to the elements. Once the material is rolled out and adhered, seams are sealed to prevent leaks. The key to getting the most out of a modified bitumen roof is to have it properly installed. Installation is technical and can be dangerous if mishandled.

TPO
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofs are created utilizing a single-ply roofing membrane that is reflective. This roofing material is much easier to install than modified bitumen and offers the added benefit of reflectivity. This can lower the amount of heat absorbed by your commercial building, saving you on overall cooling costs. TPO roofs are also non-toxic and are fully recyclable, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

PVC
Another type of thermoplastic roofing membrane, PVC is designed with Polyvinyl Chloride. Similar to the installation of TPO, PVC roofing membranes are installed fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted. PVC and TPO share many similarities with PVC offering increased chemical resistance and initial flexibility.

EPDM
Ethylene propylene diene monome (EPDM) roofing is a rubber roofing membrane that has been long esteemed for its excellent weather and wind resistance. EPDM roofing is extremely flexible and offers long durability. It is also easy to install, which means projects can be completed in short time frames. This material is also fully recyclable and has a very limited impact on the environment during manufacturing.

Choosing The Right Commercial Roof

As you can see, there are countless commercial roofing options on the market. Choosing the right material for your building can feel like an overwhelming task. Here at PRN Roofing, we will be happy to help walk you through each unique roofing material and the benefits it offers. We can help you decide which factors will be most important for your building. For example, if you are looking for improved energy efficiency, we can help walk you through the options that allow for the best insulation against the summer heat. However, if you are concerned about the upfront cost of the project, we can talk to you about the best economical options that still offer long-term durability.

As your local Tuscaloosa commercial roofers, we are well equipped to understand exactly what commercial roofing materials will hold up best in our local area. We know what kind of weather your roof will be facing and the set of challenges your commercial property will face. Reach out today to schedule a roof inspection and to learn more about upgrading your commercial roof.