If you’re a commercial or industrial building owner in need of a new roof or looking to build a new structure, the many different types of commercial roofing materials on the market can be overwhelming. Concrete, clay, and slate tiles are the most durable commercial roofing materials.How do you know which is the best option for your specific construction project?
Some of the most common commercial roofing materials are:
- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)
- TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
1) EPDM:- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofing is also known as rubber roofing.
PROS:- One of the most significant benefits of an EPDM roof is its low cost, as it is one of the least expensive roofing materials available. It is also relatively simple to install and lightweight, requiring no reinforcement of the roof deck. A high-quality EPDM roof has a lifespan of up to 20 years.
CONS:-Now for the disadvantages of EPDM roofing. If you want an aesthetically pleasing roof, this is probably not the type to go with. EPDM resembles an unfurled inner tube when rolled out on a roof. The black color, which is the most common for EPDM, can put a strain on your air conditioning system because it absorbs the majority of the sun’s rays and exterior heat.
2) TPO:- TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofs have grown in popularity, particularly among commercial building owners.
PROS:- TPO roofing, like EPDM roofing, is one of the more affordable types of roofing material, and in most cases is less expensive than EPDM. TPO’s white color helps to reflect sunlight, reducing heat buildup inside your structure.
CONS:- TPO roofing has a surprising number of disadvantages. First, its quality varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you really don’t know what you’re going to get unless it comes from a highly reputable manufacturer.
3) PVC:-PVC roofing is made up of two layers of PVC roof material with polyester acting as a reinforcement between the layers. In addition, the layers contain additives that make the material UV-stable and flexible while also preventing curing. It is lightweight, just like EPDM and TPO.
PROS:-PVC roofing has a relatively long lifespan on a flat or low-slope roof, and it is also known for its durability. PVC is also resistant to moisture, fire, wind, and chemicals, and the heat welding installation process used with PVC roofs creates a permanent bond between each roofing sheet and secures the seams.
CONS:-There are a few drawbacks to PVC roofing. For starters, it is a costly option. PVC also shrinks over time, which can cause seams to pull, corners to lift, and leaks to form. An older PVC roof is prone to shattering and puncturing in cold weather, and PVC roofs can be difficult to repair because the hot air welds used on a new PVC roof do not react well with an old roof.
Since they both have heat welding and similar advantages, PVC and TPO are frequently compared. The primary distinctions are that PVC is more chemically resistant, TPO is better for the environment, PTO is better at fire resistance, and PTO is more puncture resistant. However, any option is typically preferable to EPDM.
