7 Types Of Commercial Roofs San Diego Business Owners Choose For Their Buildings

Commercial business owners, similar to homeowners, have a choice when it comes to roofs and the type they want to be installed on their buildings. Again, like homeowners, the choice of which roof to install comes down to the owner’s budget and building needs. Business owners need to be mindful of the integrity of a roof long after it’s been installed.

What do you need to consider when it comes to your business?

When you’re in the market for a new commercial roof, be sure to keep the following in mind:

• Property’s health
• Weather conditions
• Surrounding environment

Every one of these will affect the lifespan of the roof.

With so many roofing options, it’s not hard to feel overwhelmed in choosing the right roof for your San Diego business.

After all, there are pros and cons for every one of them, and choosing the wrong one could result in more money in the long run and an odd look for your building.

Built-Up Roofing Membrane

Built-up roofing (or BUR) is comprised of interchanged tar and gravel that is extremely flexible. These layers of roofing membrane help increase durability and lower costs. This membrane system, which has been available for several years, is a callous type of roof. On top of that, it’s cheap to mount onto the roof, can be easily repaired and can withstand traffic.

It’s UV resistant, but it can reflect heat. Two key drawbacks to a built-up roofing membrane are:

• Must be replaced every few years
• Leaks are more difficult to find the older the roof is

However, with regular maintenance, it’s an option worth considering for many business owners.

Flat Roofs

Many commercial business owners will choose flat roofs, especially in the area of commercial and industrial commerce. Flat roofing was widely seen in the 1920s and has grown in popularity since. Why is that? When it comes to cost-effectiveness, they are extremely cost-effective compared to pitched or slope roofs. Fewer materials are used because the amount of square footage is less. Due to their easy-to-install nature, this translates into tremendous savings.

Flat roofs are available in various colors, but most business owners opt for white due to their reflective nature and ability to save them money on cooling costs.

Flat roofs can be detrimental because they don’t drain well at all and can lead to pooling. You can avoid this issue by hiring an expert contractor with experience in commercial roofing for the installation and maintenance needs.

Green Roofs

One of the most adaptable commercial roofs on the market is the green roof, with the biggest takeaway being its ability to keep elements from penetrating through the roof. They are great for drainage management and boost energy efficiency. They are an eco-friendly option but also costlier than traditional roofs. Don’t let the price scare you because it ultimately pays off.

Low-Sloped Roofs

Industrial buildings, such as factories, warehouses and apartment complexes, often have low-slope roofs installed. They look flat initially, but they do come with a light angle to them. This slight angle keeps water from pooling, going into saddles, valleys and drains. In most cases, there is a reduced need for a professional roof repair company to address water problems.

Low-sloped roofs also don’t need a lot of square footage, so fewer materials are needed for installation and repairs.

If it is snowing and the snow does not melt right away it can add weight to the roof with can be a disadvantage if it becomes very heavy. Also always make sure you adhere to the building codes of the San Diego area. However, when compared with each other, the advantages of low-sloped roofs outweigh the downsides they come with. After all, are easy to install and maintain.

Metal Roofs

It’s not uncommon to see commercial buildings with metal roofs installed on them. That’s because metal roofs have a lifespan of 40 to 60 years. These roofs can be found in all types:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Corrugated galvanized steel
• Stainless steel

Many metal roofs have integrated solar or integrated snow removal systems. If you want sustainable roofing options, metal roofing is the way to go. Not only can they withstand the elements, but they also have a robust fire-resistant rating and still look great after installation.

A metal roof can rust, so you need additional surface layers to protect it. Doing so reduces the damage caused by sunlight, pollution, moisture, and more.

Pitched Roofs

While mainly seen on residential homes, some business owners choose them for their buildings. A pitched roof provides better run-off for water and snow and is often combined with flat and low-sloped roofs.

A steep roof structure means liquid and debris can easily roll off, with little possibility of leaks and mold growth. It also eliminates the need for regular repairs and maintenance. That’s also the drawback. While it’s less likely maintenance will need to be regular, making repairs and maintaining the roof will be much more difficult. A professional will need to be hired to make these repairs safely.

Shingle Roofs

Commercial buildings can benefit from shingles, especially if they have steep rooflines. They can be found in various materials like architectural, asphalt, ceramic, plastic and slate. Asphalt is typically preferred because of how easy it is to install and keep up with. The shingles are cheap and functional across all mediums.

Shingle roofs do not last near as long as other commercial roof types, and they are highly prone to mold and mildew. Architectural materials will need to be used to boost its lifespan, and multiple asphalt shingles on one another can also increase its lifespan expectancy.

Regular maintenance is necessary to eliminate the buildup of algae and moss while also ensuring there is no damage or dips occurring.

Find The Right Roof Type For Your Commercial Business

Since there are so many kinds of roofs to choose from for your business, you want to hire a company that understands what you want and gives you options that best fit your needs and budget. This company should have only the best and most experienced commercial roofing contractors on staff to meet your specifications, budget and timeframe. This is where Gen819 Roofing & Solar can help you.

Gen819 Roofing & Solar provides San Diego’s commercial business owners with the best services around. We’re dedicated to meeting your roofing needs that meet your budget and completed on time.