Shingle, Metal, TPO or PVC: Building Materials for Commercial Roofing
It’s time to replace your commercial roof, but what kind of shingles or roofing material do you choose?
Each roofing material has advantages and disadvantages, and they each have their own time to shine. Choosing the right commercial roofing material the first time can help you save money rather than replacing your roof sooner due to inappropriate materials. KBS Companies can help you decide which roofing material is best for your business, including shingles, metal, TPO, or PVC.
Let’s take a look at the four types of commercial roofing material so you can decide the best course of action for your business.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most inexpensive and easiest to install. They also come in various styles and colors that can help your roof stand out against surrounding businesses. If your business already has asphalt shingles, then replacing your roof with the same material will be much easier.
Asphalt shingles are made of a base mat of organic material like cellulose fibers or inorganic material like glass fibers. This mat is saturated and coated with asphalt and then surfaced with ceramic-coating mineral granules.
Advantages of Asphalt Shingles
Some of the advantages of asphalt shingles include:
● Affordable and Good for ROI
● Easy to Install
● Wide Variety of Styles
● Durable Against Weather Conditions
● Low Maintenance
● Energy Efficient
Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are not and can come with some disadvantages compared to other roofing materials.
● Less Durable than Other Materials
● Can be Damaged by High Winds and Hail
● Mildew is a Common Problem
● Could Be More Energy Efficient
When Should You Use Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a more lightweight roofing material, which means they put less strain on your business’s structure. This is particularly important for residents of Minnesota and other snowy states, as accumulated snow puts extra weight on your roof. However, if you have a steeply pitched roof, shingles are not the smartest choice.
Metal Roofing Material
Metal roofs are a great option for durability and weather resistance. They are highly durable and have a longer lifespan than most other roofs, lasting up to 50 years or more.
Metal roofs are typically made from a variety of materials, including copper, aluminum, steel, and tin.
Advantages of Metal Roofs
Some advantages of metal roofs include:
● Longevity and Durability
● Excellent Weather Resistance
● Energy Efficiency by Reducing Heat Absorption
● Very Low Maintenance
● Environmentally Friendly and Recyclable
● Can Be Color Matched to Many Colors
Disadvantages of Metal Roofs
Some disadvantages of metal roofs include:
● More Expensive Than Other Options
● Noisy
● Expansion and Contraction of Fasteners
● Can Be Damaged by Large Hail or Tree Branches
When Should You Use a Metal Roof?
Metal roofs should be used in climates where there are extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and hail storms. They are also fire-resistant, which is beneficial for warmer climates that can be affected by wildfires.
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefun) Roofing
TPO roofing is a durable and resistant roofing material made from ethylene-propylene rubber and manufactured with fillers such as talc, fiberglass, and carbon fibers. TPO is very flexible and strong enough to withstand weather conditions and some damage.
TPO was developed in the 1990s as an alternative to PVC roofing, and it has become popular because of its performance as a flat roof material.
Advantages of TPO
TPO comes with many advantages, making it a strong choice for a commercial building.
● Highly Affordable
● Highly Reflective to Improve Energy Efficiency
● Durable Against UV Rays and Chemicals
● Lightweight to Reduce Structural Load
● Low Maintenance
● Quick Installation
Disadvantages of TPO
Let’s look at some disadvantages of TPO roofing material.
● Longevity in Question Due to Age of Technology
● Does Not Hold Up to High Heat
When Should You Use TPO?
TPO is a great material for flat roofs and low-sloped roofs. It keeps the rooms below it much cooler, making it better for summer air conditioning. However, if you are located in a state with very extreme heat, TPO will not hold up.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Roofing
PVC roofing is a single-ply white membrane that can be used on commercial buildings as a roofing material. Like TPO, PVC can keep rooms below cooler and is a great option for flat roofs. PVC roofing is also flame-retardant and known for its excellent weather resistance.
PVC roofing material is made of polyvinyl chloride, otherwise known as plastic. It’s made from a lower percentage of oil and petroleum than TPO.
Advantages of PVC
Here are some advantages of PVC roofing material:
● Durable
● Waterproof Against Heavy Rains
● Low Maintenance
● Energy Efficient
● Recyclable
● Fire Resistance
Disadvantages of PVC
Some disadvantages of PVC include:
● Contains Dangerous Chemicals Additives
● Poor Heat Stability
● Can Emit Toxic Fumes When On Fire
When Should You Use PVC?
PVC is a good option for a single layer of protection over an existing flat roof. If you live in an area with intense wind and severe storms, PVC can help keep your building protected.
Who Should I Choose for a New Roof? KBS Can Help!
KBS partners with many different companies to bring you the best roofing materials in the country.
We recommend CertainTeed, ELK, and Owens Corning for shingles because of their quality and durability. For metal roofs, we have partnered with Metal Sales, the metal roof professionals. And for TPO or PVC roofing material, KBS likes ELK, who we have been partnered with for a long time. That is an endorsement in itself!
If you need help deciding between our partners for roofing materials, give KBS Companies a call any time. We’ll help you make the right decision for your business.
You can reach us in Plainview, MN at 507-532-3855 or send us a message on our website.