One of the best ways to protect your business or commercial property is by investing in a high-quality roof. However, with the number of commercial roof types available, choosing the best material can be a challenge. You’ll have to consider the size and pitch of your roof, as well as your budget and environmental conditions.
From tried-and-true choices like built-up roofs (BUR) and metal to innovative and eco-friendly solutions, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), solar panels, and green roofs, each material has its unique advantages and disadvantages that will impact your final decision.
In this article, we'll examine the pros and cons of the different types of commercial roofing systems to help you decide. Once you’ve compared your options, give All Elements, Inc. a call at 763-314-0234 or fill out our contact form to get started. We’re experts at installing commercial roofs and helping you pick the best material.
Single-Ply Roofing
When looking at commercial flat roof types, single-ply roofing is a great option. You have several roofing membranes to choose from, including:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is a flexible white roofing material known for reflecting UV radiation and resisting chemicals.
- Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). TPO is a relatively new type of commercial roofing also known for reflecting heat, but at a lower price point than PVC.
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Also known as “rubber roofing,” EPDM is a durable synthetic rubber that has been used for decades in commercial roofing.
Single-ply roofing materials have a lot of similarities, but this table outlines some of the key differences.
| Feature | PVC | TPO | EPDM |
| Cost Per Square Foot | $6 to $12 | $6 to $12 | $5.50 to $12 |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years | 15-30 years | 12-25 years |
| Typical Color | White | White | Black |
| Grease & Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Moderate |
| UV Resistance | Good | Good (regular washing required) | Excellent |
| Hail Resistance | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent |
| Potential Drawbacks | Can be slippery when wet | Seams can fail prematurely in extreme high heat | Black color can absorb heat and make your building warmer |
When comparing the types of commercial flat roofs in Minnesota, you have to think about a wide range of environmental factors that can affect your roof’s lifespan. With periods of heavy rain, snowfall, hail, strong winds, and extreme high and low temperatures, it can be challenging to find the best material.
Contact the roofing experts at All Elements, and we can help you find the best types of commercial roofing for your individual situation.
BUR Roofing
In addition to single-ply roofing, All Elements also specializes in the repair of built-up roofing, also known as BUR. This traditional roofing system consists of multiple layers of asphalt and bitumen, alternating with reinforcing fabric layers, such as fiberglass or felt. The layers are then topped with gravel or a reflective coating to protect against UV rays.
Because of its construction, a BUR roof is also known as a gravel-and-tar roof. It’s known for its durability, and thanks to its multiple layers, it provides good protection against hail, high winds, and extreme temperatures.
BUR costs between $7.50 and $18.00 per square foot, making it one of the more expensive commercial building roof types. Unfortunately, it also has a shorter lifespan than other commercial flat roof types, lasting an average of 10-20 years. However, regular inspections and maintenance can extend the life of your roof.
Metal Roofing
Made from various metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper, metal roofing offers a sleek, modern look that can enhance the overall appearance of your commercial property.
With proper maintenance, metal roofs for commercial buildings can last up to 50 years or more, and they are highly resistant to fire, pests, and rot.
Compared to modified bitumen (MB) or BUR roofs, metal roofs can be more expensive upfront. However, their long lifespan can offset the initial investment. For higher-end materials like copper, zinc, or steel, metal roofs can cost up to $30 per square foot. However, the cost will be lower for metals like aluminum or tin, which are between $4 and $11 per square foot.
Seamed steel roofing systems can be installed on very low-slope roofs, such as those on large steel buildings. However, it cannot be applied to completely flat roofs.
That said, you can install it on a pitched roof, unlike most other types of commercial roofing systems. This makes it a great choice for buildings with gabled roofs. And in Minnesota, a metal roof is great for keeping snow from accumulating on your building, as it tends to slide right off.
Considering a metal roof? Contact All Elements for a metal roofing quote and guidance on choosing the best type of metal.
Shingle Roofs
When looking for types of commercial roofs, shingles are probably not at the top of your list. While asphalt roofing is typically more common among residential roofing systems, it can be a great option for some commercial buildings, such as:
- Office buildings.
- Multi-family units and apartments.
- Shops and strip malls.
- Restaurant facades.
- Storage facilities.
Popular for their affordability and durability, asphalt shingles are applied to a roof in overlapping layers, creating a protective barrier against the elements, including strong winds and heavy rain. They are also fire-resistant, providing additional protection for your commercial property.
Traditional asphalt shingles are ideal for some properties, but a longer-lasting alternative to consider is F-Wave roofing. F-Wave tiles look like shingles, but they are composed of synthetic materials that last up to 50 years, compared to the 15-20 year lifespan of asphalt.
All Elements installs traditional asphalt shingles and F-Wave roofing. Contact us to learn which option is best for your commercial property.
Eco-Conscious Roofing
Some types of commercial roofing systems are considered eco-friendly on their own. For example, PVC is recyclable and its highly reflective surface is excellent for keeping cooling costs down. But you can make your roof even more energy-efficient by adding solar panels or investing in a green roof.
- Solar panels can be added to most commercial roof types. Commercial buildings are great places to install panels because they typically get direct sunlight throughout the day, and much of the space is unused. If you install solar panels before 2033, you can also take advantage of a 30% tax credit.
- Green roofs or rooftop gardens can reduce the surrounding air temperature and keep your building cooler. Not only that, they can improve the air quality and provide a shady area for employees to take breaks. In metro areas like the Twin Cities, green roofs can also filter out pollutants and reduce stormwater volume, both of which are great for the environment.
Which Type of Commercial Roof is Right for Your Business?
All types of commercial roofing systems have their unique characteristics and benefits, ranging from affordability and durability to energy efficiency and sustainability. You can trust our Twin Cities roofing expertise to help you choose the best material.
Whether you opt for traditional options like asphalt and metal roofing or more modern choices like TPO or F-Wave, it's important to work with a reputable contractor with experience installing and maintaining the type of roofing you choose.
If you need help deciding on the best roofing system for your commercial property or your current roof requires repairs, All Elements can help! Contact us today for questions or to request a quote.