Commercial roofs and residential roofs have some similarities including their primary function of protecting your property from the elements. But, they also have plenty of differences. The most significant difference between commercial roofs and residential roofs is the slope of the roof that is determined by the size of the building. Obviously, residences are a lot smaller than commercial properties, so they typically have a steep slope roof that uses materials like architectural tile, asphalt shingles and slate. Since commercial roofs are a lot larger, commercial roofs tend to be flat or only slightly sloped. In this post, we will go over the major components of commercial roofing.

These roof systems use TPO, PVC, and EPDM. They are very flexible materials that are preferred by many building owners because it resists peeling, cracking and other types of weathering. Their main characteristic is they are designed to be installed in a single layer. There are two main categories of single-ply roofing : thermoplastic membranes and thermoset membranes.

This material is most commonly used on low slope roofs and includes reinforced roof sheets with heat-welded seams and are highly reflective. TPO is a single-ply membrane, commonly composed of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that has been polymerized together. TPO is part of the thermoplastic membrane category and comes in a lot of different colors. There are several methods to install the membrane, including mechanically attached, adhered, or ballasted.

PVC roofing material is made up of two layers of PVC with a polyester reinforcement scrim in between. The top ply contains additives that make the membrane resistant to UV. The bottom ply is generally darker and contains plasticizers for flexibility— this helps make installation easier. Other benefits of a PVC membrane are longevity, durability and fire resistance. PVC is also weldable which means it can be welded to an adjoining sheet making it watertight.

EPDM stands for “ethylene propylene diene monomer,” a chemical compound that is known for its elasticity and toughness. EPDM roofing employs a material that has the ability to resist the constant bombardment of ultraviolet light and all the sun’s damaging rays. EPDM is one of the most popular commercial roofing materials. It’s a very desirable method because it combines low cost with resilient strength.

Metal roofing is known for its aesthetics, longevity, and durability. Metal roofing can be used on both low-slope and steep roofs, many building owners prefer the look and durability that comes with metal roofs.

Though green roofs may not be suitable for every space, when they are in place, they can help to reduce energy costs with natural insulation, create enjoyable spaces for people and animals, and absorb stormwater. Green roofs, in general, improve air quality.

No matter what kind of commercial roof you are looking to install, contact Slate Property Restoration. We handle all kinds of different roofing projects and we have the expertise to design, repair, install and replace all types of different commercial roofing systems. Contact us today, we’d love to chat about your roofing project.