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Commercial Roofing Guide: Roof Types

This Commercial Roofing Guide Outlines the Most Common Roof Types

As expert Gainesville roofers, our team at Skyline Contracting knows firsthand which commercial roof types perform best against the strong storms, heavy rains, and extreme heat we face over the course of the year. Each of the most common commercial roofing materials has its own unique advantages, and we always ensure our customers get the best option for their needs. Here in Gainesville, the most commonly seen commercial roof types tend to be:

Metal roofing
EPDM
TPO
PVC

While other materials may be used as well, such as modified bitumen or even built-up roofing, single-ply membranes and metal roofing are the most common. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Let’s take a closer look at these commercial roofing systems.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has surged in popularity within both residential and commercial roofing spaces. There’s a whole lot to like about metal roofing: it’s extremely durable, it can last for half a century or longer, and it’s generally energy efficient and sustainable.

However, metal roofing also tends to be on the more expensive side compared to other options. Commercial property owners will have to determine if this upfront investment is worth the long-term benefits of a metal roof.

Advantages:

Lifespan (40–70 years or longer)
Resistance to all types of damage
Energy efficiency
Sustainability (recyclable)

Disadvantages:

Upfront cost to install
Requires an experienced roofer
May become dented, detracting from appearance

EPDM

Aside from metal roofing, single-ply membranes consistently rank among the most commonly chosen commercial roof types. Each of these materials is installed in a similar manner, with rolls of material spread across the roof and sealed at the seams to form a watertight barrier. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, and it is a form of synthetic rubber frequently used in commercial roofing. It has good resistance to impact damage, is straightforward and quick to install, and can last longer than many single-ply membranes—around 30–50 years. However, it lacks energy efficiency and heat resistance due to its dark color, and this can also leave it vulnerable to UV damage. Advantages:

Highly affordable
Straightforward to install
Fairly long-lasting

Disadvantages:

May be damaged by heat and UV rays
Can shrink over time
Not chemical resistant

PVC

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is another type of single-ply roofing membrane. This roofing material is one of the oldest single-ply membranes still in use today, with PVC and EPDM both introduced in the 1960s. Naturally light in color, PVC can keep large buildings cool relatively easily, which matters a great deal here in Gainesville. PVC is straightforward to install, like all single-ply membranes, and is also fairly affordable. Most notably, perhaps, is that PVC boasts incredible chemical resistance, which can be very relevant for restaurants and other buildings that process foods or chemicals. That said, it is typically slightly more expensive than TPO and EPDM, may leach chemicals as it degrades, and has a shorter lifespan of around 25 years. Advantages:

Relatively affordable
Straightforward to install
Light color produces a cooling effect
Excellent chemical resistance

Disadvantages:

Slightly more expensive than other single-ply options
Less environmentally friendly
Shorter lifespan compared to other materials (20–30 years)

TPO

Last but not least, TPO (short for thermoplastic polyolefin) is the most recent addition to the family of single-ply membrane commercial roof types, seeing first use in the 1990s. TPO products were originally intended to provide the combined advantages of both EPDM and PVC, and they’ve lived up to that promise fairly well.

TPO is typically light in color, resistant to impact damage, chemically resistant, slightly cheaper than PVC, and stands up very well against moisture thanks to its heat-welded seams. It is also more environmentally friendly than PVC. That said, if improperly installed, those seams can be a weak point.

Additionally, TPO was not able to improve upon the expected lifespan of PVC, as it typically lasts around 20–30 years as well.

Advantages:

Relatively affordable
Extremely watertight
Good chemical resistance
Light color produces a cooling effect

Disadvantages:

Requires an experienced roofer to ensure proper sealing
Shorter lifespan compared to other materials (20–30 years)

Skyline Contracting: Gainesville’s Commercial Roofing Experts

Here at Skyline Contracting, our experienced commercial roofers have experience installing a wide range of roof types. Rather than pushing one single roofing system, our team works with our customers to understand their needs and make recommendations to suit their budget, their business, and the design of their property.

If you’re in need of a commercial roof replacement, we’re Gainesville’s leading experts in all things commercial roofing. Reach out to our team to schedule an inspection!

Commercial Roofing Guide: Roof Types

This Commercial Roofing Guide Outlines the Most Common Roof Types

Metal Roofing

EPDM

PVC

TPO

Skyline Contracting: Gainesville’s Commercial Roofing Experts

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