These materials are applied in one layer across your entire roof, hence single-ply. On top of the easy installations that save you money on time and labor, EPDM, TPO, and PVC rarely crack or get affected by weather.

 

TPO is used more than any other in America because of its ability to reflect UV rays, reducing interior heat. The lack of seams due to welding also prevents leaks from forming, which means less chance of moisture damage.

 

Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a thermoplastic membrane that’s available in light colors, like white or gray.

 

PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride, which is a multi-layer membrane that resists sunlight while retaining temperatures below. It’s a long-lasting material that holds up to intense heat. One of the best features is the option to lower costs by welding sheets together.

 

The other single-ply material is EPDM, which is a compound of chemicals that form durable sheets that can easily be installed. It can withstand a large amount of punishment, weather, and UV without losing strength.

 

While TPO is the most-common, EPDM is a close second choice for many commercial roofs because of its low price point and quality of protection. Once again, though all of these sheets are typically used on buildings with a low slope.

 

 

There are 4 common alternatives for commercial roofing: BUR, Modified Bitumen, Liquid Applied Roofing, and Metal.

BUR stands for Built-Up Roofing, which is a high-grade roofing material that alternates between layers of asphalt or tar and a holding fabric. It can be as many layers as you want, which increases the cost with each layer, but the design prevents leaks or seams.

 

With serious flexibility and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, Modified Bitumen can also be applied with layers. However, it also offers different installation methods that can be laid at any time of the year. The best thing is that Bitumen is good against fire or severe storms.

 

Metal roofs add a flair to your roof, being very reflective of sunlight. Metal is good for any angle of roof and offers the kind of strength that you would expect from metal roofing.

 

Commercial and residential roofs alike can use this material for its aesthetic and quality.

 

Last, but not least, is the relatively-new liquid applied roofing, a type of material spray that expands to cover your entire roof. Most contractors will apply 2 layers to ensure complete coverage, but this material doesn’t give off scents or require much effort to install.

 

That means you can keep the doors open while the installation is being done, but all of these choices provide good protection for your commercial business.

However, you can always do more with a fresh coat.

 

 

While you don’t necessarily need a coating on your roofing materials, it wouldn’t hurt, especially in certain climates. These liquid coats, like silicone, are most-used on metal roofing because of their ability to reduce heat, save electricity, and increase the material’s lifespan.

 

 

One of the most-common roofing additions in commercial structures is solar panels. These photovoltaic accessories convert sunlight into energy, providing power naturally and saving your business money over time.

 

This is particularly a great option for the southern region or any location with ample sun exposure throughout the year. Still, there’s another eco-friendly option called a green roof that basically puts a garden or some form of greenery on your roof.

 

Not only can this be a great addition for your employees to enjoy on their breaks, but it’s a natural way to naturally create oxygen and reduce heat in your commercial structure.

 

Whatever you decide, these are good ideas for the betterment of your business!