A Look at the Various Types of Commercial Roof Materials

No two businesses are alike, and neither are any two commercial roofs. Commercial roofs will differ from each other from the equipment they hold to the type of materials that make up their composition. Every kind of roof and roof material has its pros and cons. 

Here, we will look at some of the most common types of materials used on commercial roofs and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each one:

Polyvinyl Chloride Membranes

Known in the roofing business as PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride Membranes are one of the most popular commercial roofing materials. PVC roofs are made up of two layers of roofing material with a polyester layer in the middle for reinforcement. PVC is popular because it is extremely durable and long-lasting. It is also resistant to fire and moisture. The main downside is that PVC can be expensive compared to other roof materials. The material can also be difficult to repair when it ages.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer

EPDM is commonly known as rubber roofing. This roofing material is easy to install, lightweight, long-lasting, and is one of the most inexpensive roofing materials. While EPDM roofs will last a long time in perfect conditions, they do puncture easily. Rubber roofs can also spring leaks easily if they are not properly adhered and leaks are difficult to detect in this material. EPDM is also not considered to be very aesthetically pleasing for buildings where the roof will be visible.

Metal Roofs

Many different kinds of metal can be used in commercial roofing from copper to galvanized steel to aluminum. Each type of metal has its own advantages and disadvantages but, generally, metal roofs are among the most durable and long-lasting roof options. Metal opens up a whole world of design options for a building, and the material is usually used for buildings where looks are a concern. Metal roofs also tend to be more fireproof than other types of roofing material, but it can be expensive.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin

In most cases, thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, is the cheapest roof material available. TPO is similar to both PVC and EPDM, but it is 100 percent recyclable. TPO is a lightweight membrane that is typically heat-welded at the seams rather than adhered like EPDM—however, it can also be mechanically fastened. This welding makes TPO more resistant to leaks than EPDM, but the material also has many disadvantages. TPO is prone to shrinking and cracking. The material is also not fire-resistant. 

Spray Polyurethane Foam

SPF is a plastic that is sprayed out as a foam that then solidifies and expands over a rooftop. This foam seals off gaps on the roof and is extremely insulated, helping owners save on energy bills. SPF is typically layered onto a roof underneath another roof coating. Applying SPF is a specialized skill, and not all roofing companies offer it. Applying and maintaining this material can be expensive.

Because this type of roof is difficult to repair and replace, Maxwell strongly recommends against having this type of roofing material installed. 

Asphalt

Asphalt is an older method for commercial roofs. The material is rolled out and pressed onto a roof deck. Asphalt roof systems are typically more expensive than PVC, EPDM, and TPO but are also more durable and long-lasting. They are very tough and puncture-resistant due to the multiple plies included in the system. This type of material is recommended for manufacturing plants or any roof that will have roof traffic or penetrations. 

Our roofing experts at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. are committed to helping every client figure out the best type of roofing material for their project. To learn more, contact Maxwell today.

Client Spotlight: Baker Twins Real Estate

Providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service, adding to the customer’s bottom line

The Baker twins, Andy and Chad Baker, own and operate multiple businesses within the real estate and pet care industries. Their first venture, Baker Twins Real Estate, is a portfolio of residential and commercial properties in the Nashville area. Five years after starting in real estate, the Baker twins opened a pet daycare, The Dog Spot, and a pet supply store, Spot’s Pet Supply

Baker Twins Real Estate began with flipping foreclosures throughout Nashville. The company grew quickly into the twins’ three separate businesses, as they found a need for a pet daycare in the neighborhood of one of their properties. As the company continues to grow, the Baker twins have maintained the small-business culture that their employees and customers have come to expect and love. The entrepreneurs now have more than 50 employees between the three locations.

Though they don’t flip houses as often as when they started, Andy and Chad now spend their time managing their properties and focusing on their petcare ventures. 

“We are all in the pet business because we love animals, so it’s pretty hard to have a bad day around here,” says Andy Baker. 

The Opportunity

 The Baker twins own multiple properties around Nashville and needed help managing the roofs on their commercial buildings. After a friend in the real estate business recommended Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc., Baker Twins Real Estate became a Maxwell customer over a decade ago. 

“We have been using Maxwell for years. They have installed new roofs at several of our commercial buildings, replaced roofs, and made repairs. Regardless of what they are doing for us, they are professional and always responsive,” says Baker. 

The Solution 

As the company’s full-service commercial roofing partner, Maxwell provides Baker Twins Real Estate with new roof construction, roof repair and maintenance, and roof replacements. Baker Twins Real Estate finds that Maxwell’s work saves them money in the long-term. 

“Using the best materials has allowed us to reduce our HVAC costs and will require us to replace the roofs less frequently, saving us a lot of money in the long run,” says Baker. “We know Maxwell will provide the best materials with expert installers and will be around to stand behind their work if there are any issues,” he adds.

Baker finds that Maxwell’s responsiveness and overall dedication to a quality job well done is what sets our service apart from the rest. “You can count on Maxwell to do things right, and there isn’t a better place around for all your roofing needs,” he affirms.