Types of Commercial Roofs

commercial flat roof

A roof is a roof, is that what you’re thinking?  Certainly, there is some truth to the statement – regardless of the type of building (commercial, industrial, residential) or even the style and material used in the roof, roofs serve a similar purpose.  They provide structure and shelter, so yes – in a way, a roof is a roof.  But with that in mind, you might be surprised to learn that there are many different types of roofs; in particular, there are four main categories of commercial roofing systems.  If you’d like to learn more about green roofing, EPDM roofing, photovoltaic solar panel roofing, and thermoplastic roofing, read on.

Green Roofing

As the name implies, green roofs are those that are more environmentally friendly.  They are sometimes constructed from recycled materials, or they have features that mitigate our carbon footprint.  Not surprisingly, green roofing systems have become increasingly popular over the past couple of decades.  If you are interested in installing a green roof, you’re probably already aware that they are constructed in such a way that they offset urban heat island effects and provide exceptional insulation.  Green roofs are usually flat roofs that are covered in full or in part by soil and vegetation over a waterproof membrane.  These systems help to process carbon dioxide in urban environments while also absorbing heat thereby reducing the effects of the urban heat island.  These systems also improve the insulation value of roofs and often feature lifespans up to three times as long as other roofing systems.  Plus, with the improved insulation, business owners save on heating and cooling the building’s internal environment.

EPDM Roofing

Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) roofing systems are exceptionally durable and versatile.  Their lifespan and versatility ensure they are a great option for a wide range of climates.  Most importantly, EPDM roofs are usually easy to install and maintain which makes them a popular choice for commercial roofing.

Photovoltaic Solar Panel Roofing

Most business owners can attest to the impact of rising energy costs which lead them to seek solutions to reduce spending on heating and power.  Photovoltaic solar panels are installed over a roof and convert the energy of sunlight so that it can be used to power a building.  These roofs tend to be expensive to install and maintain, but the energy savings make them a wise investment.

Thermoplastic Roofing

Finally, thermoplastic roofing systems are widely popular for commercial buildings.  They feature highly durable materials with exceptional temperature tolerance making them almost impervious to the effects of ultraviolet rays, ozone, and even chemicals.  With lifespans exceeding 20 years and features that make them highly resistant to fire and other forms of damage, thermoplastic roofing systems are a great choice.