When it comes to commercial buildings, the roof is not just a structural necessity—it’s a critical component that protects the building, employees, and assets from the elements. Choosing the right commercial roofing system can impact a building’s longevity, energy efficiency, and maintenance costs. With so many options available, understanding the common types of commercial roofing is essential for business owners, property managers, and facility operators.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
One of the oldest and most traditional commercial roofing systems is built-up roofing, often referred to as BUR. This type of roof is constructed using multiple layers of bitumen, alternated with reinforcing fabrics called felts.
The top layer is typically covered with gravel or a reflective coating to protect against UV rays and provide durability. BUR systems are well-known for their longevity and resilience, often lasting 20 to 30 years when properly maintained. They provide excellent waterproofing and are suitable for flat or low-slope roofs. However, installation can be labor-intensive, and repairs may require professional attention to avoid compromising the multiple layers.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified bitumen roofing is a more modern evolution of traditional BUR. It combines asphalt with modifiers such as APP (atactic polypropylene) or SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) to increase flexibility and durability. This roofing type is typically applied in sheets using heat or adhesives, and it works well on low-slope commercial roofs. Modified bitumen roofs are resistant to cracking, can withstand extreme weather conditions, and are relatively easy to repair. Business owners who want the proven reliability of built-up roofing but with enhanced flexibility often choose this option.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) Roofing
EPDM roofing is a single-ply membrane made from synthetic rubber, making it a popular choice for commercial buildings with flat or low-slope roofs. Known for its durability and flexibility, EPDM can resist UV radiation, ozone, and weather extremes, which helps extend the roof’s life. One of the main advantages of EPDM roofing is its cost-effectiveness, both in installation and long-term maintenance. EPDM membranes can last 20 to 30 years with proper care and are available in black or white, allowing businesses to benefit from reflective properties for energy savings.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing
TPO roofing is a single-ply, heat-welded roofing system that has gained popularity for commercial buildings due to its energy efficiency and durability. Typically available in white or light colors, TPO roofs reflect sunlight, reducing cooling costs and helping buildings meet energy efficiency standards. TPO membranes are resistant to punctures, chemical exposure, and UV degradation. Their seamless installation reduces the risk of leaks, making them a reliable choice for low-slope commercial roofs. TPO roofs are also lightweight, which can simplify installation and reduce structural load concerns.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Roofing
PVC roofing is another type of single-ply membrane known for its durability and chemical resistance. PVC membranes are highly resistant to fire, wind, and water, making them suitable for buildings exposed to harsh environmental conditions. This roofing type can be heat-welded to create a continuous, leak-resistant surface. Additionally, PVC roofs are energy-efficient, often incorporating reflective surfaces that reduce heat absorption and lower cooling costs. PVC roofing systems are especially popular for commercial buildings that handle chemicals or require extra fire protection, such as industrial warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
Metal Roofing
While metal roofing is more commonly associated with industrial or agricultural buildings, it is increasingly used in commercial applications. Metal roofs are available in panels or shingles made from steel, aluminum, or copper. They are known for their strength, longevity, and ability to withstand severe weather conditions, including high winds and heavy rain. Metal roofs are also energy-efficient, especially when coated with reflective finishes. One consideration is the upfront cost, which is higher than many other commercial roofing types, but their lifespan—often exceeding 50 years—can justify the investment.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing
Spray polyurethane foam roofing is a versatile option that provides excellent insulation and waterproofing. Applied as a liquid that expands into a foam, SPF forms a seamless and durable layer over the roof. This system can be applied over existing roofs, reducing the need for tear-offs and minimizing waste. SPF roofing is energy-efficient, as the foam provides insulation and reduces air leaks. It also has a long lifespan and can be recoated to extend performance. SPF roofing is particularly beneficial for complex roof shapes where a seamless, custom fit is advantageous.
Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing Type
Selecting the right commercial roofing type depends on several factors, including the building’s design, climate, maintenance budget, and energy efficiency goals. Flat and low-slope roofs often benefit from BUR, EPDM, TPO, or modified bitumen systems due to their waterproofing capabilities. Buildings requiring high durability or chemical resistance may be better suited for PVC or metal roofing. Additionally, property managers should consider long-term costs, warranty options, and the expertise of local roofing contractors.
Commercial roofing is a significant investment that protects a building’s structure, occupants, and assets. Understanding the common types of commercial roofing—from traditional built-up roofs to modern TPO, PVC, and metal options—allows business owners and facility managers to make informed decisions that balance performance, durability, and cost. Each roofing system has unique benefits and considerations, and selecting the right one can improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance, and extend the lifespan of the roof.
When it comes to commercial buildings, the roof is not just a structural necessity—it’s a critical component that protects the building, employees, and assets from the elements. Choosing the right commercial roofing system can impact a building’s longevity, energy efficiency, and maintenance costs. With so many options available, understanding the common types of commercial roofing is essential for business owners, property managers, and facility operators.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
One of the oldest and most traditional commercial roofing systems is built-up roofing, often referred to as BUR. This type of roof is constructed using multiple layers of bitumen, alternated with reinforcing fabrics called felts. The top layer is typically covered with gravel or a reflective coating to protect against UV rays and provide durability. BUR systems are well-known for their longevity and resilience, often lasting 20 to 30 years when properly maintained. They provide excellent waterproofing and are suitable for flat or low-slope roofs. However, installation can be labor-intensive, and repairs may require professional attention to avoid compromising the multiple layers.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified bitumen roofing is a more modern evolution of traditional BUR. It combines asphalt with modifiers such as APP (atactic polypropylene) or SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) to increase flexibility and durability. This roofing type is typically applied in sheets using heat or adhesives, and it works well on low-slope commercial roofs. Modified bitumen roofs are resistant to cracking, can withstand extreme weather conditions, and are relatively easy to repair. Business owners who want the proven reliability of built-up roofing but with enhanced flexibility often choose this option.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) Roofing
EPDM roofing is a single-ply membrane made from synthetic rubber, making it a popular choice for commercial buildings with flat or low-slope roofs. Known for its durability and flexibility, EPDM can resist UV radiation, ozone, and weather extremes, which helps extend the roof’s life. One of the main advantages of EPDM roofing is its cost-effectiveness, both in installation and long-term maintenance. EPDM membranes can last 20 to 30 years with proper care and are available in black or white, allowing businesses to benefit from reflective properties for energy savings.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing
TPO roofing is a single-ply, heat-welded roofing system that has gained popularity for commercial buildings due to its energy efficiency and durability. Typically available in white or light colors, TPO roofs reflect sunlight, reducing cooling costs and helping buildings meet energy efficiency standards. TPO membranes are resistant to punctures, chemical exposure, and UV degradation. Their seamless installation reduces the risk of leaks, making them a reliable choice for low-slope commercial roofs. TPO roofs are also lightweight, which can simplify installation and reduce structural load concerns.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Roofing
PVC roofing is another type of single-ply membrane known for its durability and chemical resistance. PVC membranes are highly resistant to fire, wind, and water, making them suitable for buildings exposed to harsh environmental conditions. This roofing type can be heat-welded to create a continuous, leak-resistant surface. Additionally, PVC roofs are energy-efficient, often incorporating reflective surfaces that reduce heat absorption and lower cooling costs. PVC roofing systems are especially popular for commercial buildings that handle chemicals or require extra fire protection, such as industrial warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
Metal Roofing
While metal roofing is more commonly associated with industrial or agricultural buildings, it is increasingly used in commercial applications. Metal roofs are available in panels or shingles made from steel, aluminum, or copper. They are known for their strength, longevity, and ability to withstand severe weather conditions, including high winds and heavy rain. Metal roofs are also energy-efficient, especially when coated with reflective finishes. One consideration is the upfront cost, which is higher than many other commercial roofing types, but their lifespan—often exceeding 50 years—can justify the investment.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing
Spray polyurethane foam roofing is a versatile option that provides excellent insulation and waterproofing. Applied as a liquid that expands into a foam, SPF forms a seamless and durable layer over the roof. This system can be applied over existing roofs, reducing the need for tear-offs and minimizing waste. SPF roofing is energy-efficient, as the foam provides insulation and reduces air leaks. It also has a long lifespan and can be recoated to extend performance. SPF roofing is particularly beneficial for complex roof shapes where a seamless, custom fit is advantageous.
Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing Type
Selecting the right commercial roofing type depends on several factors, including the building’s design, climate, maintenance budget, and energy efficiency goals. Flat and low-slope roofs often benefit from BUR, EPDM, TPO, or modified bitumen systems due to their waterproofing capabilities. Buildings requiring high durability or chemical resistance may be better suited for PVC or metal roofing. Additionally, property managers should consider long-term costs, warranty options, and the expertise of local roofing contractors.
Commercial roofing is a significant investment that protects a building’s structure, occupants, and assets. Understanding the common types of commercial roofing—from traditional built-up roofs to modern TPO, PVC, and metal options—allows business owners and facility managers to make informed decisions that balance performance, durability, and cost. Each roofing system has unique benefits and considerations, and selecting the right one can improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance, and extend the lifespan of the roof. Whether planning a new installation or replacing an aging roof, consulting with a professional roofing contractor can help identify the best solution for your commercial property.
