Commercial buildings are designed to be a lot more different from residential ones. They are built with durability kept in mind. This means that when compared to residential buildings, commercial buildings have a lot of differences in their structural elements as well. For instance, commercial buildings have roofs that are quite different from what you would find on a residential building. Commercial buildings also have a far greater variety of roofs than normal buildings. Today, we are going to talk about commercial roofs. This might sound really boring, but it is also important information. We should all be intimately familiar with our rooftops.
When it comes to a commercial building, a roof does more than just keep the cold out. It ensures that your business and everything related to it is safe from the elements. Now, everyone wants their business to be as secure as possible. This is why you should make an effort to invest in a good roof for your building. Whether you are about to have a new structure built or you’re thinking of renovating an old one, you shouldn’t skimp on your roof. But before you begin making calls to the best commercial roofing companies in Denver, you should first learn a thing or two about commercial roofs.
What Makes Commercial Roofing Different?
Residential roofs give you a combination of style and functionality. This makes them look good, but it compromises their performance to an extent. Commercial roofs place greater emphasis on functionality. This makes them a lot better at everything that you would expect from a roof. They do a better job at being insulating and water proof. They also have a longer lifespan than residential roofs. They are more durable and most commercial roofs don’t require too much maintenance work either. Some commercial roofs can last for as long as 50 years.
What Kind of Materials Are Used in Commercial Roofs?
Their long lifespans mean that commercial roofs are generally made of heavy-duty materials. Their materials are also good at insulation. Commercial roofs can be made using:
- TPO, EPDM, and PVC membrane systems. These kinds of roofs have sheets of synthetic materials glued or bolted on top of them. Their installation is quick and easy. And they provide a decent amount of insulation and water proofing. Membrane system roofs are popular for their cost effectiveness and ease of installation.
- There are also Built Up Roofs (BUR). These roofs are made of different layers of materials stacked on top of one another. These roofs can consist of any number of layers of materials. This makes them great at being waterproof and insulating. These roofs are also cost effective. However, their installation can be a bit dangerous since the tar/bitumen is applied as well. The application of tar/bitumen results in the release of noxious fumes during installation.
- Metal roofs have been in use for a very long time. They are by far the most durable type of commercial roofs. Metal roofs can be cost effective or expensive depending on the type of metal you use. They are popular in areas where roof durability is important. Metal roofs are also environmentally friendly as they don’t involve any synthetic materials.
- Apart from these common roofing options, there are a variety of other options available as well. One can go into specialty roofs if they have specific requirements that normal roofs cannot meet.
What Kind of Roof Should You Go For?
With all the different options available, it can be hard to figure out what kind of roof do you need. Afterall, a roof is a long-term investment. You want to be absolutely sure that you go for an option that fulfils your needs. Picking a roof can be tough, but if you approach it in the right way, the process will become easier for you.
The first thing you need to figure out is your budget. Your budget will have a huge impact on what you can go for. Knowing your budget will narrow down your options and help you put things into perspective. After this, you should think about the weather conditions in your vicinity. Do you deal with extreme temperatures? Is heavy rain and snow frequent? Your area’s weather conditions play a huge role in determining what kind of roof you need. Wetter areas will prioritize waterproofing. Areas with extreme temperatures will place more value on quality insulation.
Investing in a new roof is a systematic process. You should note down all the factors that you can think of. And after that, you can begin thinking about what is right for your building. A quality roof will make sure that your building’s interior stays in great shape. It will also prevent your building’s structure from succumbing to the elements.