What is the Best Commercial Roofing Material?
This is a very loaded and subjective question. Ask five roofers, and you will probably get six answers! This is mainly because most roofers are going to push what they like, not what is best for you and your particular roof situation. They may do this because it’s the material they are most comfortable installing. Or they could be pushing the material they get the best deals on (most roofing companies contract with wholesale roofing material companies). Another reason to push a particular roofing material could very well be the material they have the most stock lying around. Sometimes it’s the material they get the most incentives or kickbacks to sell. Lastly, it may just be the “flavor of the week” so to speak.
The predominant material has changed and evolved many times over the years. Many years ago, it would have been a ballasted roof. Then EPDM was the predominant material. Over the last few years TPO and PVC have become more popular and mainstream. But at the end of the day, you need to make the decision based on what is best for your roof, your budget, and the weather and environmental factors in your area. Let’s dive in.
In years past, EPDM, made of a synthetic rubber, was the predominant commercial roofing material
What roof is typically used in commercial roofing?
As stated above, this has evolved and changed over the years. Now, the three most common are EPDM, TPO, and PVC. EPDM is the black rubber roof most people associate with a flat commercial roof. It is most common because it is the cheapest. But like everything else, the cheapest is usually so for a reason. It doesn’t last long, and only comes with a ten year warranty. The install savings are short-lived when you are installing EPDM at a rate of 2 and sometimes 3 to 1 over TPO or PVC. You also don’t achieve the energy savings with EPDM that you do with TPO or PVC as the latter is white and reflects sunlight. TPO and PVC are the more expensive common roofing materials, but they last a lot longer, often coming with 25 year warranties and outliving EPDM roofs substantially.
PVC is an excellent option for flat to low-sloped commercial roofs
What's with all the abbreviations?
Ok, we get it. There’s lot’s of secret lingo in roofing material talk… is it all meant to make the roofer trying to sell you a new roof seem smart and confuse you? Well maybe… but generally speaking no. Let’s take a moment to define our roofing terms.
- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is the flat black rubber roofing material you see very often
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) a white single ply roofing material – a step above EPDM
- PVC – (Polyvinyl Chloride) Plastic, single-ply roofing material. Great for cooling and energy efficiency
- MOD BIT (Modified Bitumen)asphalt based roofing material which is considered a close cousin to BUR roofing
- BUR (Built up roofing) is a roofing system that is layers of asphalt and usually stones
- Single Ply – This refers to the roof not built up as there is only one layer of either EPDM, TPO or PVC. This does not mean one big piece. There will be seams that are welded. But it is one single layer.
Commercial vs Residential Roofing
The main difference between commercial and residential roofs is that residential roofs are sloped. Therefore, asphalt shingles are mostly used. Asphalt shingles cannot be used in low or no sloop roof situations. There are some other options that are used in residential like standing seam or slate, but an architectural asphalt shingle is the most commonly used. Commercial buildings sometimes have sloped roofs as well, but are more often flat – requiring a fully sealed roofing membrane that can handle the standing water that comes with a flat roof.
And the winner is...
(Drum roll)…
Overall, PVC is the best commercial flat roofing material you can get. It has the best warranty, the best energy savings, and does the best with the environmental and climate challenges we have in the north east. It’s more flexible than even the TPO, which allows it to handle the constant expansion and contraction that comes with our rapid temperature changes and even handles small debris like branches falling onto it better. If your budget allows for it, PVC is the way to go. If not, TPO would be the next best option; as it has many of the same qualities for a little less money. EPDM should only be used in very low budget scenario’s as you just aren’t getting the long term value you want out of your roof replacement.
Amish Roofers Lancaster PA
We hope this article was informative. Our goal was to give you an honest depiction of the various commercial roofing materials on the market.
If you have a commercial or residential roofing project on the horizon, and would like to experience an honest, quality roof build from beginning to end, give J Smucker Contracting a call at 717-768-0339.
We bring Amish building excellence and integrity to every single roofing project, and are more than capable of handling any size commercial roofing project. Ask our customers! You can read our Google reviews HERE. We’re located in the heart of Lancaster County and service the trial-state area.
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