The roofing materials you use on your commercial property determine its value and your experience. Whether it is a roof replacement, a new installation, or simple repairs, you need a material that offers more. And that might pause the question, “which is the best roofing material for commercial roofing?
We will be answering this question by discussing three common materials used by most roofing companies in San Antonio, TX. We will also consider factors when choosing a commercial roofing material.
What is the Best Roof for Commercial Buildings?
There are so many roofing options on the market today. But not all of them could be right for your specific needs. Your roofing company should consider the primary factors and recommend the most suitable material for a fantastic job.
So, if you own a commercial building but are not sure which roofing material to pick for replacement, consider the following three options for a start:
TPO Roofing
In the world of single-ply membrane roofing, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is one of the most preferred materials. It’s a great choice if you have a business property that requires a new roof or a replacement. Many roofing experts recommend TPO as an excellent choice in the modern market.
So, what is TPO? It is a roofing system made from a single layer of synthetic and reinforcing scrim. It’s most common for flat roofs due to its strength, ease of installation, and durability.
A TPO roof can be 10-, 12-, or 20-feet wide sheets to meet specific roofing needs. The sheets are easily rolled up and carried to the construction site.
One of the reasons TPO gained quick acceptance is its naturally reflective surface. It effectively reflects the sun’s rays, keeping a cool temperature inside and saving you from AC expenses. Today, the material has a 40% market cap, as reported by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
How is TPO installed
The first step is to prepare the substrate by cleaning or reaping off the existing roof. Next is the installation of the insulation, for which you have three options:
- Polyisocyanurate or Polyiso. If you have a good budget, we recommend going for this insulation. It’s the most expensive but has the largest R-value.
- Expanded Polystyrene or EPS. This is one of the best roof insulation materials with a high R-value. It does not retain water.
- Extruded Polystyrene or XPS. This semipermeable insulation is identifiable by its blue, green, or pink color.
Next, a bonding adhesive is used to attach the TPO membrane to the cover board, although some contractors prefer mechanically fastening it. A hot-air gun is then used in welding the seams.
How much does it cost to install TPO roofing?
Many contractors recommend TPO for commercial roofs because installing it’s much easier and more affordable. Get ready to spend anywhere between $3.50 and $7.50 per sq ft on material and labor. However, the price might be higher depending on the demand and the current market.
The total cost is determined by:
- The roof size
- Roof type
- Choice of material
- Installation requirements
- Warranty and possible insurance claim
Ensure you hire a contractor who will get the roof installed properly at affordable costs. A TPO roof repair might cost much less, but it also depends on the installer.
Why choose TPO roofing
A TPO roofing system has so many advantages. Consider the following:
Durable
A TPO roof can give you up to 30 years of service when properly installed. Although it requires serious maintenance, it will still deliver excellent results.
Various insulation options
A single-ply membrane does not come with insulation. This could be a limitation, but also an advantage where the customer can choose their preferred insulation.
Underwriters laboratory class A fire resistance
A class A rating means TPO has excellent fire resistance factors. The fire retardant chemicals in it make it a perfect choice for fire-prone areas.
Great reflective
TPO promises excellent reflective and retentive features. It’s a white material that reflects UV light, keeping your property cool and safe. This saves you a lot of money during summer.
Easy maintenance
Maintenance can be quite costly for some roofs. But TPO makes things easy. Even with a detailed roof inspection, you might spend so little.
PVC Roofing
Another material you will find very attractive for your commercial roofing system is PVC. It’s one of the strongest options out there, with the ability to handle even the most extreme weather conditions.
You may have seen PVC on several houses and commercial properties in Texas. That’s because it’s a preferred material where endurance and durability is a crucial factor. It’s also much easier and affordable to install.
What is PVC?
Thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride is another incredible single-ply membrane common on many Texas homes and commercial properties. It’s a type of plastic; hence, it promises affordability and durability for commercial properties. It ranks third in the market of synthetic polymers.
PVC roofs are quite strong. They handle roof traffic much better than asphalt shingles and metal roofs, which has earned them extensive popularity.
PVC vs. TPO and EDPM
PVC, TPO, and EPDM are both excellent membrane roofing materials. Each has properties that should be right for your house and commercial building.
PVC has a larger market capitalization that TPO, although it depends on the manufacturer and quality. Always work with a reputable and fully licensed roofer on all your projects. That is the only way you can be guaranteed excellent materials.
In terms of cost and energy efficiency, TPO is much cheaper, with an Energy Star certification of a cool roof than PVC. Also, TPO is more resistant to tears, punctures, impact, and water damage due to its flexibility.
If you are looking for the cheapest membrane roof, EPDM should be your perfect choice. Also, you can get it in sheets up to 50 ft wide, making it faster to install and less costly on labor.
PVC is most preferred because it can be re-welded in selected sections, making it easier to repair than the other options. Concernin longevity, these can last up to 30 years.
It might cost more during the initial installation, but the long-term benefits are much greater. It can withstand rain, snow, UV rays, and other elements much better. You need to get the best installer.
Liquid Applied Roofing Systems
If you are tired of the frustrations that come with roof effectiveness and maintenance costs, liquid-applied systems could be your perfect solution. You may be aware of composite shingles, a single membrane, and metal roofing systems for commercial buildings; liquid-applied roofing coatings, on the other side, may be rare.
What is Applied Liquid
Metal, slate, membrane, shingles, tiles, and composite roofing materials all have several limitations. These include cracks and seams, which can become real issues for commercial roofs in San Antonio, Alamo Heights, and other areas in Texas. And that is why manufacturers came together to find a solution for all these problems, creating chemically applied roofing systems.
In short, liquid-applied systems seek to resolve all issues experienced by rubber roofs and other options. A high-quality roof made of this material promises incredible strength and durability.
Why choose liquid-applied roofing
It takes alot to try out new materials for your roof. However, sometimes that’s all you need to get the best results. Here are some advantages of using liquid-applied material for your roof:
Less costly
These roofs are easy to install. Also, they are durable and long-lasting, making them a cost-effective option for many customers.
Convenient and easy installation
In most roof installations, a roofing service will require you to stop your business’s operations by replacing a roof or for minimal repairs. That is different from liquid-applied roofs since there are no huge piles of roof materials.
Easy fit material
If you need a remodeling job, consider this material. A polyurethane or two-part epoxy base is found in most liquid-applied roof coatings, making it easy to fit on any existing surface. You won’t need extra touches on your current flat commercial roof.
Easy repair
Roof maintenance and repair tasks can take a lot from the property owner. Chemically applied coatings make things easy. You don’t need to reap off the entire roof since any repair coat will easily attach to the existing roof.
How to Choose the Right Commercial Roofing Material
With so many roofing materials on the market, finding the right one can be a bit overwhelming. Here are factors to consider:
- The roof type. Do you have a flat or steep slop roof? For instance, a tile roof or composite roofing material is not right for a flat roof, which is why they are not easily recommended for commercial properties. Choose a roof that fits your roof.
- Your budget. How much do you want to spend on your roof? Metal and Slate roofing is among the cheapest options for residential homes. But for the commercial market, it all comes down to material quality.
- Your preference. In most cases, it all comes down to your preference. All the features above are great, but not everyone will find them so. Talk with your roofing experts for recommendations.
Instead of going through all this trouble, you can just leave everything to the experts. Bison Roofing is one of the most reputable roofing companies in San Antonio. Call for free quotes and inquiries.