The Four Best Flat Roof Materials
Replacing your commercial roof isn’t like buying a new blend of coffee for the office — you don’t make a decision this big on a whim. If you’re looking to replace the roof on your business or one of the buildings you manage, you do your research and you find the best flat roof materials for your needs and your budget. In this article, we’ll analyze what are, in our opinion, the four best flat roof materials for a commercial or industrial business property.
With a marketplace crowded by a ton of options, deciding on the best flat roof materials for your project can be difficult. J. Smucker Contracting can help — we’re a commercial-only roofer that specializes in both roof coatings and total roof replacement.
High-Performing Commercial Roofing Material Types
When analyzing the different commercial roofing material types, you’ll want to know about the lifespan, the bottom line price, and the ease of maintenance of each of your options. We break down the most popular and best commercial roof materials that you should consider when replacing your business’s roof.
PVC Roofing
For many projects, PVC roofing is our preferred choice as the best flat roof material on the market. PVC roofing is somewhat more expensive than other single-ply commercial roofing materials, however it offers a wide range of benefits for the price. First, the reinforced membrane makes PVC roofs resistant to impact damage and the cracking which normally shortens the lifespan of single-ply roofs. PVC roofing is one of the best flat roof materials because it is low maintenance with a long lifespan. At J. Smucker Contracting, we offer a 20-year warranty on new PVC roofing we install. In addition, just like TPO roofing, PVC is a reflective white color which is useful as it dramatically lowers the business’s energy bills.
Metal Roofing
A commercial standing seam metal roof is the ideal choice for a building with a roof slope greater than 2 inches. Metal is different from most other commercial roofing material types for a few reasons. Due to the expert installation process and the nature of the material, metal is the most expensive roof type to have installed. However, metal roofing has the longest lifespan, lasting between 20 and 30 years. Metal is an extremely durable material and is immune to cracks that affect single-ply roofs. However, metal roofs can be susceptible to leaks around the seams and roof edges.
TPO
This very popular roof type is also among the best flat roof materials to install. Not only is a TPO roof an inexpensive option, it has a decent lifespan between 10 and 20 years. In addition, these white-coat roofs have all of the same energy saving properties as PVC roofs. Plus, they require less maintenance than EPDM roofs, as the seams are heat welded to prevent leaks. Click here to learn more about TPO roofing solutions
Modified Bitumen Roof
When compared to other commercial roofing materials, modified bitumen stands out as the more-budget friendly option. Modified bitumen roofs use an asphalt membrane as the base of the roof itself. This surface is susceptible to cracking and blistering which reduces the typical lifespan to just 10 to 15 years. While the lifespan is less than the more advanced options, the price point alone can make modified bitumen one of the best flat roof materials for some businesses.
If you know you need a commercial roof replacement, we’re the team to trust. At J. Smucker Contracting, we have experience with all 4 of the best commercial roofing material types.
Roof Restoration
While J. Smucker Contracting is experienced in roof tear-offs and full-roof replacement, we often recommend using a commercial roof restoration as an alternative. Based around our Conklin roof coating solution, roof restoration fixes leaks and other areas of damage while keeping your business’s roof protected for more than a decade. Our commercial roof restoration coatings completely cover the old and damaged roof, essentially creating a roof that is better than when it was new.
Learn more about roof replacement vs restoration.
Learn More about the Best Flat Roof Materials
Whether you know you need a new roof or you’d like to explore cost-effective roof restoration, it is a major decision that has a massive impact on your business. Research and consultation plays a crucial role when deciding whether you want to explore total roof replacement, as well as the best flat roof materials for your situation.
We offer a roof inspection and free consultation to help any potential clients with this decision. Contact us to setup your conversation today — and for your free quote!
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