As a business owner or facility manager, one of your top priorities is to maintain a secure environment for everyone who sets foot on your premises. The roof of your commercial building plays no small part in keeping your entire operation running safely and smoothly. After all, it is the primary bulwark between the harsh outdoor conditions and your property, assets, and people.
No matter how advanced they may be nowadays, not just any type of commercial roofing will do for your area. For instance, commercial roofing in Greenville, SC that is suited for mountain climates may not be right for a business in Seattle dealing with heavy rain or another in Kansas City facing tornadoes. Thus, when investing in a brand new roof, it’s crucial to take into consideration your business’s location and unique climate challenges.
Let’s take a look at the recommended commercial roofing systems for each type of weather event so that you can make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Wind
If your area experiences frequent high winds, tornadoes, and hurricanes, you’ll want a roofing system that has high uplift resistance. Wind uplift happens when the air pressure above the roof is lower than the pressure below it, causing the roof structure to get lifted or torn off. When exposed to high uplift pressure, mechanically attached or ballasted roofs will experience increased tension around the seams and fasteners. Compare this to fully adhered systems, which will evenly distribute uplift pressure and thus hold up best against heavy winds.
Unique to single-ply membrane roofing (TPO, PVC, and EPDM) is their suitability for both mechanical and adhesive installation. If you live in a windy region, talk to your trusted roofing contractor about fully adhered single-ply roofing. Metal roofing is another system offering high wind resistance. An honorable mention goes to tile and slate roofing due to the sheer weight of the stone, which can resist up to 160 mph winds.
Rain
In areas with frequent rainstorms, you’ll want a roofing system that won’t expand and contract with the fluctuating humidity and temperatures. Your roofing material also should not be prone to erosion or mold and algae growth. Given these prerequisites, we can rule out wood shakes and asphalt shingles.
Single-ply roofing is once again an excellent option for rainy regions due to its rubber or thermoplastic membrane, which seals the entire roof without using seams to prevent water infiltration. The flexible membrane can also easily handle the thermal expansion and contraction caused by weather changes. On the other hand, flat roofing systems, in general, may be more prone to ponding water and its associated negative effects.
Metal roofing is the clear winner against rain due to its sloped shape, durability, and resistance to organic growth. However, multi-ply roofing, such as built-up and modified bitumen, shares first place with metal when it comes to rain. The multiple plies (or layers) and variety of top coatings available afford enhanced leak resistance. Plus, the tinny sound of rain on metal can reach cacophonous levels that a multi-ply system won’t create.
Snow & Cold
A snowy and cold climate will require roofing systems that can handle heavy snow loads and prevent ice dams. Once again, a standing seam metal roof is a great option. Its interlocking panels can handle the weight of snow and resist ice build-up, while its sloped shape allows snow to slide right off. EPDM is another prime choice, with a synthetic rubber membrane that can expand and contract in extreme temperatures without cracking or splitting. For cold climates, stone-based roofing materials like tile, slate, clay, and concrete provide the best insulation and insulation-related energy efficiency.
Hail
A commercial property that receives high amounts of hail each year will require a roofing system that can withstand heavy impacts without puncturing easily. Clay tile will be too fragile for the job, and asphalt shingles may fracture and get knocked off. Metal roofing is highly durable against impacts, but the noise may just be too much unless you are able to invest in a special coating.
Modified bitumen is the most solid choice, as it is known for being puncture-resistant, easy to install and maintain. EPDM will also perform well, given that its core component is rubber, and the hail will simply bounce off.
Heat
Hot and sunny environments will need roofing systems that are well-insulating and resistant to UV rays and fire. Metal is typically known as one of the most fire-resistant roofing materials available, and it also provides an ideal setup for installing solar panels. In addition, clay, tile, and concrete are extremely fire resistant and also provide superior insulator benefits, keeping your office space cool and reducing cooling costs.
If you live in a tropical area, it may be worth considering High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Though a more unconventional material for commercial roofing as it is designed to imitate thatch, this type of plastic is one of the best for standing up to UV rays and fire.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re facing wind, rain, snow, hail, or heat, there’s a commercial roofing system that can protect your business and keep it running smoothly. By understanding the different options and their pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that will save you money, time, and headaches in the long run.
Don’t wait until the next storm hits – consult with your local professional roofing contractor to obtain valuable insights on the best roofing system for your local environment, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
