The global roofing materials market size is growing at an unprecedented rate. By the end of 2022, demand for these materials will surpass 14 billion square meters per year. That makes the roofing sector one of the most robust at the moment, despite the recent economic hardships brought on by COVID-19.

As commercial property owners switch to more efficient and eco-friendly types of roofing, demand for roofing materials remains strong.

Whether you’re thinking of replacing a roof on one of your commercial properties or installing a new one entirely, there are a variety of options you can choose from. In today’s blog, we look at the commercial roofing materials that dominate the market currently.

Single-Ply Roofing

One of the most common types of roofing for commercial buildings is single-ply roofing. Single-ply roofs are made from a single layer of material, typically PVC or TPO.

Consumers love single-ply roofing because of its affordability compared to most other common roofing materials. Additionally, single ply roofs are very easy to install. These roofing systems are also very lightweight, meaning they pose little threat to your building’s structural integrity.

However, single-ply roofs are not without their drawbacks. One of the biggest is that they have a shorter lifespan and are more susceptible to leaks and tears. Additionally, single ply roofs can be damaged more easily by severe weather conditions.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt is arguably the most popular roofing material on the market.

Like single-ply roofing, asphalt is affordable. It’s just the right type of roofing when you’re trying to balance quality and price.

On the downside, asphalt shingles have a relatively short lifespan compared to other types of roofing materials

TPO Roofing

TPO roofs are made from a single layer of synthetic materials, including polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber.

TPO roofs have many of the same benefits as single-ply roofs. They’re easy to install, lightweight, and perfect for people working on a budget. Additionally, TPO roofs have a higher resistance to fire and UV rays than most other types of roofs.

Among the drawbacks of these commercial roofing systems is the fact that they can be more prone to leaks. TPO roofs also require regular maintenance and cleaning to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris.

EPDM Roofing

EPDM roofing is made from a synthetic rubber material that’s been vulcanized or treated with chemicals to increase its strength. This type of roofing is most often used on flat or low-slope roofs.

EPDM roofing can last over 30 years with proper care and maintenance. These roofs are also very resistant to fire, wind, punctures, and UV rays.

Installing a roof can be more difficult than when using other types of roofing materials. They also require special adhesives and fasteners to ensure a secure seal. If you’re not comfortable with this type of installation, it’s best to hire a professional.

Additionally, EPDM roofs can be damaged by chemicals, so it’s important to avoid using harsh cleaners or solvents on these types of roofs.

Built-Up Roofing

A built-up roofing system is composed of multiple layers of materials, including tar, gravel, and asphalt. This type of roofing is most often used on flat or low-slope roofs. Here’s more info on how to care for flat roofs.

With proper maintenance, built-up roofs can last many years. They’re also very resistant to the elements.

However, built-up roofs are more expensive than most other types of roofing. They’re also very heavy, which means they can put a strain on your building’s structural integrity. Additionally, these types of roofs can require a significant amount of maintenance to remain in good shape.

Metal Roofs

For a long time, metal roofs were most commonly seen on barns and other types of agricultural buildings. However, metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular for commercial buildings as well. Popular options include aluminum, steel, and copper.

One of the biggest benefits of metal roofs is that they’re very durable. With proper care, these types of roofs can last decades, depending on the exact type of metal used. 

Another advantage of metal roofs is that they’re energy-efficient.This can lead to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

The only real downside to metal roofs is that they can be more expensive than other types of roofing. However, the initial investment is often worth it in the long run. Additionally, these types of roofs can be noisy during rain and hail storms.

Liquid Applied Roofing

Liquid applied roofing is a type of roofing that’s quickly becoming more popular in recent years. This type of roofing is applied as a liquid and then dries to form a solid, seamless layer over your roof.

Liquid applied roofing is very versatile. It can be used on nearly any type of roof, including flat roofs, metal roofs, and built-up roofing systems.

Another benefit of liquid applied roofing is that it’s very easy to repair. If there’s ever any damage to your roof, all you need to do is reapply the liquid. This makes liquid applied roofing a great option for people who don’t want to deal with the hassle of traditional roofing repairs.

The main drawback of liquid applied roofing is that it requires special training and equipment to install correctly. For this reason, the project can prove more expensive than other roofing systems,

Choose the Ideal Types of Roofing for Your Business Properties

As you can see, there are many types of roofing that you can use for your commercial property. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each to know which roofing type suits your needs best.