Understanding Your Choices for Commercial Roofing

When you own a commercial building and need a new roof installed, you will need to examine your choices carefully. Your commercial building is probably much larger than a residential home so that the roof itself will be more expensive to repair or replace, simply because it requires more materials. In turn, you want to ensure that you opt for the right investment that will work well for your building and last over the years. Note your various choices for commercial roofing and some advantages and disadvantages of each, and then discuss your options with a roofing contractor as needed.

1. Built up roofing

Sometimes referred to at BUR, built up roofing involves a layer of bitumen and then a layer of fibers; these are alternated to create membranes. These membranes are typically applied in cross sections on the roof for maximum strength. The bitumen is usually composed of tar, asphalt, or another similar product, and heated. The odor of the roof is typically its biggest disadvantage, whereas a BUR roof is very strong and durable and very weatherproof. It can sometimes be applied right over other roofing materials so there is little to no tear-off involved.

2. Metal roofing

A metal roof is often made of sheets of aluminum, as aluminum is very lightweight and doesn't rust and corrode. Other metals, including steel, copper and zinc, can also be used. The metal is typically coated with an epoxy or other sealant to protect it from corrosion and damage due to exposure to the sun. Metal roofs can typically be powder coated in a variety of colors, so they can be very attractive. They can also often be made from recycled pieces, and the metal roofs themselves are typically easily recyclable so the pieces stay out of landfills if you should choose to have the roof removed at a later date.

3. SPF roofing

This type of roofing is a foam material that is sprayed over the roof, often over existing roofing materials.  The foam can typically be applied in a number of layers as needed; this provides added insulation for a building and makes the foam stronger against inclement weather. The foam is very lightweight and because it's sprayed over existing materials, there is often no need for a tear-off before the new roof is applied. The foam also allows for greater control over the roof shape, so it can be made to create sloping for added drainage of rain or snow.

For more information, contact A.C.R. Roofing Pty Ltd or a similar company.