If you've bought an old building to renovate for your business, you have several decisions to make, including the type of roofing you have put on. There are multiple options in commercial roofing, and you may want to consider price, appearance, and potential maintenance needs when comparing choices. Here are four points to consider when selecting commercial roofing materials.
1. The Roof Slope
Commercial buildings often have low-sloped or even flat roofs. This narrows down your choices since you can't put shingles on a flat roof. However, there are some good choices in flat roofing materials. You may want to talk to your roofer about putting a membrane roof on your building. These are easy to apply and easy to repair. The membrane can even sometimes be put over the existing roof. Another option for a flat roof is spray foam. Spray foam is applied so it forms a continuous roofing material that has no seams, so the risk of roof leaking is diminished.
2. The Longevity Of The Roof Materials
Unless the roofing material is easy to repair and replace, you probably prefer a roof that has a long expected lifespan. A good choice when it comes to longevity is metal roofing. Metal can be used on low slopes and steep slopes. It also has an attractive appearance that gives your building visual appeal from the street. Metal is durable and should last for several decades. You'll still want the roof checked and repaired regularly, but investing in a metal roof could be a good choice for your building.
3. The Suitability Of The Material
You also want to consider the best type of material for your building based on the type of business you have. If you will manufacture products and release steam or emissions out the roof, then you need a roofing material that tolerates such treatment. If your building is a professional office building, you may want a more upscale roof, such as clay tile or slate.
However, your budget is important too, and you may want the most economical roofing material that goes well with your building. In that case, you might want to choose asphalt shingles, as long as your roof has a slope.
4. The Roof Appearance
Whether your building has a sloped or flat roof, there is a commercial roofing material that's a good fit when it comes to appearance. Flat roof membranes and spray foam create a uniform white surface for your roof that can be seen from above.
You might also want to choose a flat roof membrane that's held down with gravel for a more interesting look when seen from tall buildings nearby. Shingle, metal, and tile roofs can be matched to your building's architecture and exterior colors to create an appearance that's appealing to clients and customers.
For more information, reach out to a commercial roofing service.
