Flat roofs have a lifespan. This is the reality of things, even when you take good care of the roof by regularly inspecting and maintaining the roof whenever necessary. At the end of a commercial flat roof’s life, you must replace it. There are various options to choose from.

Herein are the top commercial flat roof replacements systems for your consideration:

1. Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Built-up roofing, better known as BUR, is one of the most popular commercial building roof systems that property owners turn to when replacing an old roof. For starters, the roof is composed of multiple layers, giving the roof effective insulation properties. This roofing system is also very attractive as it contains various gravel top coats.

However, like every other roofing system, BUR does have its own unique set of drawbacks. For instance, the multilayer of the roofing system adds plenty of weight to the roof structure. This necessitates additional reinforcing of the joists. Additionally, the installation of the BUR system is very disruptive to the business operations as the building must be completely vacated for the roof to be installed.

2. Single-Ply EPDM

Ethylene propylene diene monomer system, better known as EPDM or simply rubber roofing is a roofing system composed as single-ply rubber compound. Rubber roofs are known to have exceptional durability and a very stellar life expectancy.

However, rubber roofs are very maintenance intensive. The numerous seams that use adhesives also make this roofing system very susceptible to the elements giving rise to problems.

3. Modified Bitumen

For commercial property owners looking for a more environmentally friendly roofing system, the modified bitumen is a good option. The single-ply system reduces the energy bill by reflecting solar radiation. The system is usually rolled onto the roofing surface and adhering the material. Traditionally, installing this material entailed applying the modified bitumen in layers and heating the material with a blowtorch. These days, you simply have to peal the material and install it.

The biggest disadvantage of modified bitumen roofs is their vulnerability to scuffing and tearing. If your roof has plenty of traffic, you can expect a modified bitumen roof to tear and scuff.

4. PVC

PVC roofing is very easy to install and they have stellar durability. They are also very reflective and resist water ponding, negating a major issue with flat roofs.

However, they are not a seamless roofing system. PVC is applied in rolls, requiring the installation of many seams. That said when the rolls are installed using heat-welding the sheets form a strong bond than using adhesives.

5. Roof Coatings

Roofing coating systems are perhaps the best roofing systems to install on a flat roof. Michael Grist of Excel Projects, a large high rise glass replacement and roof repair company in the Toronto area, says, “They’re low-maintenance, have insulating properties, and lower roof temperatures by up to 80 degrees”.

Applying the roof coating system can repair and restore an existing roof to a ‘like-new’ condition reducing the need to replace your roof. Doing this can infuse up to 18 years of life to your roof. The coatings are also waterproof, sealing up the roof and protecting it from Mother Nature’s elements. These days, it’s important to select an ENERGY STAR® roofing system.

You should also know that applying roof coating is much cheaper and less labor-intensive than removing an old roof and installing a new roof. Importantly, during the entire process, you can open your business; there is no downtime. And should you require a re-coat down the road, you can have the roof re-coated.

Metal roofing and asphalt shingles are perhaps the popular roofing options, and that is why we will be comparing the pros and cons of the two.  So, let’s get going!

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a top pick for roofing houses with more than 70% of single-family homes in American have this roofing material on their properties. However, that number has registered a slight drop over the past years due to the introduction of metal roofing materials that are more durable and energy-efficient.

One of the reasons why asphalt shingles are common in the market is the fact that they are relatively cheap. The other reason is that they are attractive, durable, and can go the job (protect the home and its inhabitants from adverse weather).

When shopping for the asphalt shingles, you will come across two variants:

1)    Fiberglass shingles

The fiberglass shingles that have a meshed mat made from fiberglass that’s covered in asphalt. Granules are then introduced as the top layer to help reflect sunlight. The fiberglass asphalt shingles are highly resistant to wear and tear, and they are light and sturdy.

2)    Organic asphalt shingles

The shingles are made from recycled paper saturated in asphalt and granules at the outer layer. They tend to be bulkier to work with compared to the fiberglass shingles. However, they are the most stable, able to withstand strong winds. The may still feature on most home, but the organic shingles have been slowly phased out of the market and their production slowing coming to a halt over the past decade. The manufacturer stopped making these shingles because they dry out thus becoming prone to moisture adsorption and consequently less-waterproof.

Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles

Some of the top reasons for most homeowners to opt for asphalt shingles are the roofing material for their home are:

• Fiberglass shingles have exceptional fire resistance and provide excellent fire protection.

• The shingles exude a certain elegance that makes with an ideal choice from any home style.

• They have a better range of choices and are very affordable.

• They are durable, can last for around 30 years in a home located in areas with moderate climate.

• 3-tab shingles are a sound choice for roofing repairs of a home that is to be listed in the real estate market.

• Asphalt shingles are available in an array of color, style, and size with options that can mimic slate, stone, and shakes.

• It is easy to handle the installing of asphalt shingles as a DIY project if you have the experience and equipment for the job.

• The shingles take away the need to install the standard roof sheathing.

• The standard architectural shingles have a rating for winds of up to 110-130mph while the 3-tab single can withstand 60-70 mph.

• Homes in heavily-forested areas can benefit best from high-impact shingles such as the ones GAF manufactures.

• The repair process for most shingles is easy and cost-effective.

The advantages of asphalt shingles mentioned above speak volumes as to the popularity of this roofing option.

But you also need to consider the pitfalls of having such a roof over your head. Below are a few words of caution about asphalt shingles:

• While there can never lack some positive regarding asphalt shingles, overall the lifetime costs of installing shingles in your home can be higher than the metal roofing options because they will be replaced sooner and more frequently than the metal roofing.

• Regarding the durability of this material, the cheap asphalt shingles in the market can work for less than 12 years in areas that are sunny or with hot climates.

• The rapid rise and drop in temperatures soon cause the singles to warp or develop cracks.

• Homes with poorly vented attics have asphalt shingled roof with short lifespan because of the trapped heat that drastically reduces the shingle lifespan.

• The asphalt shingles industry say that its products are recycled and can be reused for paving. However, there are a few facilities that handle the recycling of asphalt shingles. Moreover, they are the least environmentally friending roofing materials in the market.

• The complete replacement of the asphalt roofing is necessary once the two layers are spent. The old sheets are ripped off to create room for a fresh cover, which can be quite costly.

• The risk of mold and algae invading the home is relatively high with using asphalt shingles and thus then need to have the material tested and treated with anti-stain and anti-algae treatments to curb such a scenario.

• Get the shingle up to the roof in bundles can be tasking because the singles are heavy.

Metal Roofing

Some of the old home and building still boast of metallic roofs. The roofing option as gradually regains fame due to the sudden demand for eco-friendly and durable roofing choices among the homeowners.  And while the technology for the manufacture of the metal roofing has evolved, the material is still made and distributed in rolls of rigid sheet. They can include modular press-formed panels or vertical-seam panels that are coated with colored granules or painted.

Today manufacturing methods for the metal roofing materials avail an array of options that range from the conventional styles to the modern designs that mimic tiles, shingles, and shakes. Most of the metallic roofing materials are made from light metal such as zinc, aluminum and lightweight steel. Copper metal roofing materials are also available but are pricey.

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

If you are wondering what is so good about metal roofs, then the following may be some compelling information:

• The metal roofing has a wide range of styles that mimic tile, shingles, slate, and shakes, and available in an array of colors.

• The roofing material is durable, can last 50 – 100 years and has warranties of over 30 years.

• Metal is a reflective surface; it reflects the radiant heat of the sun keeping the home cool and aiding in lower energy costs.

• Most metal roofing materials are fire retardant and with a Class-A fire rating.

• The installation of some style of metallic roofs, such as the ribbed panels and corrugated sheets, are cheap and quick to install.

• The metal roofing materials are designed to shed snow and rain with ease, and this means that homeowners do not have to worry about the formation of ice dams on their roofs during extreme cold.

• The material for metal roofing is 100% recyclable.

• Some of the metal roofing products are highly robust, lightweight, and impact- resistant.

• Metallic roofing is a practical application for any type and systole of home including cottages and cabins.

• Some of the top-end products are designed to meet the stringent wind uplift standards and other qualities for withstanding adverse weather conditions.

While the above merits are enough to convince you that metal roofs are a worthwhile investment, you also need to base your final decision on a comparison of some of the drawback of metal roofing.

The potential disadvantages of metallic roofs include:

• The installation of metal roofs is significantly higher compared to the cost of installing wood roofing and asphalt shingles.

• They metallic roof systems require the addition of a substrate or solid sheathing to minimize the amount of noise that the roof will make especially when hit by rain, hail or strong winds.

• The light metal roofing materials can be dented or punctured when hit by heavy objects; thus a replacement is necessary, and this is costlier than replacing wooden tile and asphalt shingles.

• Some of the robust metallic roofing systems may do their job of protecting the home from strong winds or storms but may be an obstacle that prevents firefighters from breaking through to battle fires.

Some other roofing materials to consider might include the following

Wood shingles and shakes

The wooden tiles, shakes, and shingles are the ideal choice if you are thinking along the line of a rustic style. They work best for homes in areas where there is enough sun to ensure they stay dry. But their durability is also subject to quality installation.

Clay, concrete or composite tiles

They are molded roofing materials with each type having a unique attribute that makes it a better choice over the other. For instance, clay will last longer than the composite tile but is costlier. The choice often boils down to preference and practicality.

Slate roofing:

Slates are an ideal choice for upscale stone and brick homes. They are an affordable option that can result in a finish with a distinctive look and feel.

Tesla solar tiles

The roofs are relatively new and are still in the testing phase. They may have shown tremendous promise with the aim of filling in the gap of energy-efficiency in roofing systems and solution. However, the Tesla roofs may be nothing more than vapourware.

How to Save Money and Get A Great Roof

Objectively, there always is room to save some money when doing any home renovation project or building a new one. You should consider getting the quality material at affordable prices and hire good labor at a low cost. The secret is to avoid going for the cheaper offers for the materials or labor or else you will end up with a failing roof that soon starts falling apart.

So, your efforts to save a few bucks should see you get estimated from a few reputable and experienced roofing contractors who are licensed and insured. They should be familiar with or specialize in the kind of roof you want. And point out to them that you also have a few other companies that are interested in handling the project; thus they should quote their best, and most affordable prices with work and product guarantees.