What You Should Know: The Pros and Cons of Commercial Roofing Types

While a commercial roof isn’t something most people notice, it does play a crucial part in the longevity of your building. That’s why it’s important to choose the right commercial roofing system. As an experienced San Antonio commercial roofing company, we want our customers to know the different types of roofing systems and materials available. 

The Pros and Cons of Commercial Roofing Types

Let us help you determine what type of roof is best based on climate, weather, surrounding environment and other factors. Consider the following commonly used roofing types and materials for commercial roofing in San Antonio:

Commercial Flat Roofs

Commercial flat roofs are most commonly used because of their many advantages. They are less costly than slope and pitched roof, easier to install and are less costly to maintain and repair.

A commercial flat roof:

• Can be used with a variety of different types of materials and membranes
• Allows for easier access for maintenance and repairs
• Less likely to suffer damage in storms or strong winds
• Accommodates equipment such as air conditioners, satellite dishes and solar panels

While there are many advantages to a flat commercial roof, there is one major disadvantage and that is poor drainage. 

Unlike slope or pitched roofs, water can pool on a flat roof and break down the roofing materials over time. More so, pooling water can result in leaking within the building if not resolved. 

Low Sloped Commercial Roofs

Low sloped roofs are commonly used on commercial buildings for their ability to allow for water drainage.

Low sloped commercial roofs offer similar advantages to a flat roof in that they:

• Require less materials and are less costly than steep sloped roofs
• Can be easily accessed for maintenance and repairs
• Allow for placement of equipment such as air conditioners, solar panels and satellite dishes

As with commercial flat roofs, the disadvantage to a low sloped roof is that they still need to be kept free of debris such as leaves and water. Even though there is a slight slope, water can pool if there isn’t proper installation of drainage. 

Commercial Steep Pitched Roofing

Unlike flat or low sloped commercial roofing, steep pitched roofing is visible. This type of roof is chosen when the building owner desires to incorporate design elements to the roof such as gables and decorative caps. 

There are advantages to a steep pitched roof, as compared to other roofing types, including:

• Less drainage and standing water issues
• Less likely to have leaking or mold problems 
• Less need for removal of leaves and branches
• Typically last longer than flat and low steeped roofs due to less need for maintenance

The disadvantages include the fact that maintenance and repairs will not be as easy, and therefore, may be more costly than having a low or slightly sloped roof. There also won’t be any extra space for equipment, which may narrow this type of roof as an option for commercial buildings. 

Commercial Metal Roofing

Commercial metal roofing has become popular because it’s attractive, doesn’t require much maintenance and typically last up to 50 years. Metal roofing comes with many options and can be used in low and steeped sloped roofs. 

Advantages of commercial metal roofing include:

• Rain and snow slide off, no water pooling issues
• Reflects sun rays keeping building cool
• Fireproof, helps prevent the spread of fire
• Lighter weight puts less strain on the building
• Quick installation
• Less maintenance and repairs

While they do last longer than most roofs, the upfront costs are higher for commercial metal roofing. You’ll also want to be aware of property and people around the building during snowy and rainy seasons, as the precipitation will easily fall off a metal roof.

Commercial Asphalt Roofing

While they aren’t the longest lasting commercial roofing systems, a commercial asphalt roof can hold up for decades if installed correctly. It also incur lower upfront costs. 

Other advantages of asphalt roofing include:

• Durable and less likely to leak
• Resistant to fire and UV damage
• Less costly to install

One of the drawbacks of asphalt roofing is that in extreme temperatures or storms, it may not perform as well as other roofing types. The asphalt can crack in extreme heat and the granules can become displaced during hail or severe storms, compromising the integrity of the roof.

TPO Roofing

Used in flat roof tops, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is an inexpensive, thin roofing membrane that covers the surface of the roof. The advantages of using this material include:

• One of the cheapest materials for roofing
• Its white color can reflect sun, decreasing heat within the building
• Flexibility with installation

While TPO is a durable material, it’s a newer product on the market, which makes it difficult to know just how long it will last. 

A Commercial Roofing Company You Can Trust

If you are looking for an established San Antonio commercial roofing company, you’ll want to call Tomlin Roofing Professionals for a FREE roofing inspection. We’ll review your options and help you decide the best course of action for your commercial roofing project. Call or text us today.