Are you planning to build or renovate a commercial building soon? Likely, you are wondering which type of roofing is best for such a building. Either way, your goal should be to use the best quality roof that would last long.
A commercial roof’s longevity depends on various factors. This article will enumerate the three main contributors to a roof’s performance to help you determine the right kind of roofing for your structure.
Factor 1: Weather in Your Area
The number one enemy of the roof is the weather. Harsh weather could affect the quality of your roof. A few ways it could do that are as follows:
- High temperatures. During summertime or periods of extreme heat, the roof heats up during the day and rapidly cools down at night. This could cause your roof material to expand and contract excessively, weakening over time.
- Snow, ice, and water. Exposure to thick snow that becomes heavier than the roof’s maximum load capacity can lead to its eventual collapse. When the snow melts, the water could pool and seep into the material. Water is one of the worst contributors of damage to roofs. Other than leaks, water issues could lead to mold and mildew growth on the ceilings and other parts of the house exposed to it.
Factor 2: Type of Roof You Use
There are various types of roofs to choose from. In this case, we are going to talk about the structures—flat roofs, low-sloped roofs, pitched roofs, and more. Each of these types has advantages and disadvantages.
Choosing a flat roof is a more economical option, and it is also the quickest to finish, making it a common choice among commercial buildings. However, flat roofs without appropriate drainage could result in quick degradation over time. When water cannot be released, it could leak cause the roof material to weaken over time.
Opting for a low-sloped roof could address the stagnant water concern, but when heavy snowfall strikes and they quickly melt, the roof might not be able to bear the weight. You must take your local weather concerns into account to know which type works best for your structure.
Factor 3: Your Choice of Roofing Material
Every type of roofing material has a different lifespan. Whatever you choose could tell you how long your roof might last. Here are some of the common roofing materials and their expected lifespans:
- Asphalt. You can expect asphalt to last from 15 to 40 years. It still depends on the quality of the materials you choose and some external factors. If using this material, make sure that you go with a steep-slope roofing type to ensure its longevity.
- Metal. If you want a long-lasting roof that is also cost-effective, metal is a good material. But, again, the type of metal you use and how you place it over the roof could affect its actual lifespan.
- PVC. If you want a safe and energy-efficient option, PVC is a good choice. It might be more expensive than others, but it has a self-extinguishing factor because of its fire-retardant properties. These properties could be incredibly useful in industrial situations or businesses that need to handle fire and high temperatures.
Conclusion
If you are after a long-wearing roof for your commercial building, you need to consider these three factors before you decide. In addition, what are the extreme weather conditions your roof could experience? Thinking about it could help you determine the type of roof you should have and the materials you should use. To make the best decision, consider asking opinions from professional roofing experts in your area.
If your existing commercial roofing needs repair or replacement and you are looking for commercial roofing contractors in the Greater Birmingham area, you are on the right page. 5 Star Roofing and Restoration, LLC can get your roofing right. Whether you are looking for commercial roofing systems or residential roofing, our company would give you the quality and efficient roofing service you need. Contact us today to learn more.