Owners of commercial property who require a superior roof to protect their property and mitigate related threats forces you to invest in commercial roofing services. Surprisingly, commercial property owners have a wide range of options when it comes to design.
Want to learn more about the pros and cons of different types of commercial roofs? Let’s take a closer look
Scrap Roofs
This roofing system has been a popular choice for over a century. It typically consists of a base layer of tar, asphalt, and other support elements, followed by a top layer of gravel or stone.
Benefits:

• Cost of installation. Compared to other roof systems, they are relatively simple to install, and the materials utilized are reasonably priced.
• Maintenance is simple. Other than routine maintenance and inspections, they require little attention and servicing once installed. Repairing the top layer is very simple, but locating leaks beneath the top layer can be tricky.
• They feature numerous layers, including a top layer with no joints or seams, which improves their waterproofing. When compared to other roof systems, the many layers make it more favorable to foot traffic. They also provide excellent UV protection, which helps extend the useful life of the membrane, lower roof temperatures, and minimize excessive temperature swings inside the structure.
• Proper installation and maintenance will give them more than a 30-year life span.

Disadvantages:

• Performance in cold weather. BUR systems are relatively rigid. They often outperform in mild or warm areas rather than frigid ones.
• Toxic scents from hot tar and asphalt might be an issue during installation.
• The many layers of tar, asphalt, and stone/gravel contribute significant weight to the structure of the building, necessitating reinforced roof joists in some cases.
• These roofs are for practicality rather than aesthetics. For businesses with specific aesthetic requirements, BUR systems are not the ideal choice for visible roofs.

Metal Roofs
Widely regarded as the most durable of the three basic types of roofing, metal roofs are capable of lasting 50 years or more if properly installed and maintained. However, not all metal roofs are the same. Panels come in various lengths, forms, and material kinds and varying gauges and fastening systems that hold them to the building.
Benefits:

• There is no denying that metal roofs have advantages, but they are far from ” set it and forget it.” Metal roofs still require regular care and maintenance to last the intended amount of time.
• Maintenance is simple. Standing seam metal roofs, which are somewhat more expensive than the alternative exposed fastener system, can be less expensive to maintain. Exposed fasteners deteriorate or become loose due to expansion and contraction and quickly lead to leaks if not monitored and dealt with regularly.
• Metal roofs have a sleek, high-end appearance customized with coatings and paint options to meet a company’s brand requirements.
• It is weatherproof. Metal roofs are highly resistant to UV rays, rain, snow, mold, and mildew. Metal is also non-combustible and fire-resistant.

Disadvantages:

• Cost of installation. Higher-end metal roofing systems may necessitate a higher initial cost due to the high cost of supplies and the labor-intensive method required to complete the work correctly. However, if properly maintained, the return on investment can be substantial over time.
• Metal roofs can be problematic for buildings with numerous penetrations. The more holes punched into a metal roof, the more opportunities for water to enter and damage the electric wiring to your flat panel skylights, bathroom lights, and other wirings placed above the ceiling.
• Foot traffic — Metal roofs are frail. They get dens quickly when technicians access the roof to service HVAC units, for example. A metal roof can potentially get dented by hail.
• Rain and hail may make a lot of noise on metal roofs if they aren’t adequately insulated.

Single-Ply Roofs
Today, single-ply roofs are by far the most common roofing system. They also offer the most variety, thicknesses, and price points. The most well-known single-ply roofs are rubber or plastic.
Benefits:

• Cost of installation. Many site managers are drawn to the relatively modest installation cost but fail to consider the expected long-term consequences.
• Lightweight and adaptable. Single-ply roofs are less stressful on the structure of a building than other roof designs. Their adaptability allows them to stretch and adapt to the natural movement of a building.
• Utilities are expensive. Depending on the environment, single-ply systems can be white, gray, or black. They are helping to maximize the reflecting or heat-retaining characteristics of the building while lowering utility bills inside.

 Disadvantages:

• One of the drawbacks of single-ply systems’ lower starting cost is their shorter estimated useful life. Because their seams are prone to leaking, many begin to show visible deterioration within 5-7 years.
• A single-ply roof can be easily damaged, if not punctured, by foot traffic and debris.
• Buildings with many penetrations may incur higher installation costs and be more prone to leaks in and around those regions.

By orienting yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of each roof type, you can choose the best one to fill your needs. Another tip no matter what type of roofing material you are using, always get them professionally installed.