Commercial Roof Types: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Roof for Your Business

Choosing the right commercial roof type is one of the most important decisions a business or property owner can make. The roof protects your building, employees, inventory, and equipment from the elements, but it also impacts energy efficiency, maintenance costs, and the building’s overall lifespan.

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we specialize in commercial roofing services across Northeast Ohio, including Youngstown, Cleveland, Akron, and surrounding areas. Our team helps businesses choose, install, and maintain the right roof for their property. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most popular commercial roof types, their advantages, drawbacks, costs, and maintenance needs to help you make an informed decision.

---

1. Why Choosing the Right Commercial Roof Type Matters

Your commercial roof is more than just a protective barrier. It plays a critical role in:

• Building longevity: The right roof can last decades with proper maintenance.
• Energy efficiency: Some roofs reflect heat or provide insulation, reducing HVAC costs.
• Maintenance costs: Durable roofing materials reduce repair frequency and costs.
• Safety: High-quality roofing reduces the risk of leaks, water damage, and structural issues.

Investing in the best commercial roof type for your building ensures long-term savings, comfort, and protection.

---

2. Common Commercial Roof Types

Commercial roofs come in various materials and systems, each suited to different building types, climates, and budgets. The most common commercial roof types include:

2.1 Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Overview:
Also known as tar and gravel roofing, BUR consists of multiple layers of asphalt and felt, topped with gravel. This traditional system is popular for low-slope commercial buildings.

Benefits:

• Long lifespan (20–30 years)
• Excellent fire resistance
• Superior UV protection due to gravel topping
• Highly durable against heavy foot traffic

Drawbacks:

• Heavier than other roof types, requiring a strong deck
• Gravel can dislodge over time
• More labor-intensive installation

Ideal for: Warehouses, schools, industrial facilities

---

2.2 Modified Bitumen Roofing

Overview:
Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based roofing system enhanced with modifiers to improve elasticity and UV resistance. It’s often applied in sheets using hot or cold adhesives.

Benefits:

• Flexible and durable in temperature fluctuations
• Excellent waterproofing
• Easy to repair compared to BUR

Drawbacks:

• Shorter lifespan than BUR (15–20 years)
• Requires periodic inspection to maintain integrity

Ideal for: Low-slope commercial roofs where flexibility is needed

---

2.3 Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Single-ply membranes are factory-made sheets installed over a commercial roof deck. The most common types include TPO, PVC, and EPDM.

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

• Reflects sunlight, reducing cooling costs
• Lightweight and durable
• Seams are heat-welded for strong waterproofing

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

• Resistant to chemicals and punctures
• Excellent UV resistance
• Long lifespan (20–30 years)

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

• Cost-effective
• Highly flexible and easy to install
• Black membrane absorbs heat, which can increase energy costs in warm climates

Benefits of Single-Ply Membranes:

• Lightweight
• Energy-efficient options available
• Quick installation

Drawbacks:

• Susceptible to punctures (especially EPDM)
• PVC can be more expensive

Ideal for: Office buildings, retail centers, and facilities where energy efficiency is a priority

---

2.4 Metal Roofing

Overview:
Metal roofs are increasingly popular for commercial properties due to their longevity and durability. They can be made from steel, aluminum, or copper.

Benefits:

• Extremely durable (40–70 years)
• Fire-resistant
• Low maintenance
• Energy-efficient with reflective coatings

Drawbacks:

• Higher initial cost than BUR or single-ply systems
• Noisy during rain or hail without insulation
• Requires professional installation to avoid leaks

Ideal for: Warehouses, factories, agricultural buildings, and commercial structures seeking a modern aesthetic

---

2.5 Gravel Roofs (Built-Up Roofing Variations)

While technically a form of BUR, gravel roofs are worth mentioning separately because of their popularity in industrial and commercial applications.

Benefits:

• Protects asphalt layers from UV rays
• Provides fire resistance and weight to resist wind uplift
• Low maintenance compared to single-ply roofs

Drawbacks:

• Gravel can wash away over time, exposing asphalt
• Requires professional maintenance and occasional replenishment

Ideal for: Low-slope commercial buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities

---

2.6 Green Roofs

Overview:
A green roof incorporates vegetation and soil over a waterproof membrane. While not as common as traditional commercial roofs, green roofs are gaining popularity for sustainability and energy efficiency.

Benefits:

• Improves insulation and reduces energy costs
• Reduces stormwater runoff
• Enhances air quality and urban aesthetics

Drawbacks:

• High initial cost
• Requires structural support for additional weight
• Ongoing maintenance for vegetation

Ideal for: Office buildings, municipal facilities, and eco-conscious commercial properties

---

2.7 Cool Roofs

Cool roofs are designed to reflect sunlight and heat rather than absorb it. These can be single-ply membranes, metal, or coated BUR systems.

Benefits:

• Reduces cooling costs in hot climates
• Extends roof lifespan by reducing thermal expansion
• Can qualify for energy-efficiency incentives

Drawbacks:

• Higher initial cost
• May require specialized installation

Ideal for: Retail centers, office buildings, schools, and commercial facilities in warm climates

---

3. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Roof Type

Selecting the right commercial roof type depends on several key factors:

3.1 Roof Slope

• Low-slope roofs: Ideal for BUR, modified bitumen, TPO, EPDM
• Steep-slope roofs: Better suited for metal roofing, shingles, or tiles

3.2 Climate and Weather Conditions

• Hot climates: Consider reflective cool roofs, TPO, PVC
• Cold climates: Metal roofs and BUR systems handle snow and ice well
• High-wind areas: BUR, modified bitumen, and properly installed metal roofs offer wind resistance

3.3 Building Use

• Heavy foot traffic: BUR or reinforced single-ply membranes
• Chemical exposure: PVC or coated metal roofs
• Eco-conscious facilities: Green roofs

3.4 Budget

• Initial cost vs. long-term value is crucial. BUR may be cost-effective initially, while metal roofs last longer but have higher upfront costs.

3.5 Maintenance Requirements

• Some roofs, like metal and single-ply membranes, require minimal maintenance.
• Gravel and BUR systems may need gravel replenishment and periodic inspections.

---

4. Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your commercial roof ensures long-term durability and protection:

4.1 Schedule Regular Inspections

• Inspect roofs twice a year, ideally in spring and fall
• Check for punctures, cracks, blistering, and water pooling

4.2 Clean Debris

• Remove leaves, branches, and dirt to prevent drainage issues

4.3 Repair Minor Damage Promptly

• Address leaks or small cracks before they escalate into expensive problems

4.4 Maintain Flashing and Seals

• Inspect and reseal roof edges, HVAC penetrations, and skylight areas

4.5 Consider Preventative Maintenance Plans

• Many commercial roofing contractors, including S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, offer scheduled maintenance to extend roof life

---

5. Costs of Commercial Roof Types

Here’s a rough estimate of commercial roof type costs per square foot:

Roof Type	Average Cost	Lifespan
BUR / Gravel	$5–$10	20–30 years
Modified Bitumen	$6–$12	15–20 years
TPO	$6–$12	20–25 years
PVC	$7–$15	20–30 years
EPDM	$5–$10	15–20 years
Metal	$8–$20	40–70 years
Green Roof	$15–$30	20–50 years
Cool Roof (coated)	$6–$15	15–25 years

Note: Costs vary based on building size, roof complexity, materials, and labor.

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we provide detailed estimates and financing options to make commercial roofing more affordable.

---

6. Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Replacement

Regardless of the type, all roofs have a lifespan. Common signs it’s time to replace your commercial roof include:

• Persistent leaks
• Large areas of damage or missing materials
• Ponding water or poor drainage
• Age exceeding recommended lifespan
• Frequent repair needs