Choosing a commercial roof is an important decision. A single leak could ruin thousands of dollars in electronics or inventory in just a few minutes. You have to think about how much money you want to spend right now versus how much you want to deal with repairs 10 years down the road. Every material has its own strengths and weaknesses, which is why it’s important to look at the pros and cons of each.
The Popular Choice of TPO and PVC
Many business owners choose single-ply membranes, such as TPO or PVC. Because these roofs reflect heat instead of soaking it up, your air conditioning system does not have to work nearly as hard during those scorching July afternoons. TPO is generally cheaper to install. This makes it a favorite for people who are trying to stick to a strict budget while still getting a modern look.
Unfortunately, these materials are relatively thin. A heavy hailstorm or a dropped tool from a repairman can cause a puncture that is hard to find. If you live in a place with lots of trees, a falling branch might slice through a TPO roof much easier than it would through a thicker, old-fashioned surface.
The Strength of Built-Up Roofing
If you want a roof that can take a beating, you might look at a built-up roof. People often refer to these roofs as “tar and gravel.” This system uses multiple layers of asphalt and fabric topped with a thick coating of stones to create a shield that is immensely hard to damage. You can walk on these roofs all day long without worrying about creating a leak. This is great if you have workers constantly checking on equipment.
The downside is that these roofs are significantly heavy. They require a building with a very strong skeleton to support all that extra weight. They also take much longer to install. The smell of hot tar can be quite strong while the crew is working on your building.
Metal Roofing and Long-Term Value
Metal is another popular option for commercial spaces. It can last for 50 years or more if you take care of it properly. While a metal roof is expensive to buy at the start, you rarely have to worry about it catching fire or rotting away like other materials might. If a fire starts in a nearby building, the metal surface provides an extra layer of protection that could save your entire business from going up in flames.
The main problem with metal is that it can be quite noisy when it rains. It can also expand or shrink as the temperature changes throughout the day. This movement sometimes causes screws to back out over time. So, you still have to pay someone to go up there and check the fasteners every once in a while.
At the end of the day, your roof is the only thing standing between your hard work and a weather disaster. You should think about how long you plan to own the building and what types of storms hit your area most often before you make a final call. Call Nevada Exteriors in Las Vegas, NV today for all of your commercial roofing needs.