5 Things to Consider for a Commercial and Industrial Roofing System

©2015 Ben’s Roofing, Inc.

Commercial and institutional buildings, with their large expanses of low-slope roof, pose particular challenges in roofing materials and installation. While you should always consult with your roofing contractor about the best choice for your needs, read on for a list of considerations to be take into account.

Weight
How much load can your building’s structure support? The traditional Built-Up Roof (BUR), with its multiple piles of membrane and ballast, is one of the heavier options, several times heavier than metal roofing or the cheap but short-lived asphalt roll roofing. Single-ply PVC, TPO, and KEE systems are also lightweight. Heaviest are tile and concrete.

Eye Appeal
Who will see your roof? If your building has windows overlooking parts of the roof, attractiveness will be a factor in your selection. Industrial roofing doesn’t have to be ugly; for example, the modern Lightweight Insulating Concrete (LWIC), while heavy (despite its name), gives a handsome appearance, and there are good-looking composition shingle options too. If you have, or are thinking of, enhancements such as a rooftop decked area for employees, or large planters with low-maintenance ornamentals, see the next point concerning extra stress on specific roof areas.

Foot Traffic and Other Loads
Will people regularly walk on your roof or on parts of it? Will heavy objects be placed on parts of the roof? Resilience is an important factor here. Some materials can be brittle under added weight, so be sure your roofer knows about any extra jobs your roof will be doing besides keeping the rain out.

Weather Conditions
Insulation is a component of your roof and will depend on your climate. Further, extremes of cold and heat cause thermal expansion and contraction, stressing some materials. High UV levels experienced in the sunniest locales are a factor in choice of roofing as well. Your roofing contractor will be familiar with the local climate and will know which materials are best suited to it.

Cost
As always, a product with initial low cost may not be cheapest in the long run. If you need to slap on a roof at the lowest cost right now, rolled asphalt is an option. On the other hand, modern synthetic rubber roofing membranes, including thermoset types such as EPDM and CSPE, perform brilliantly and often come with warranties that give the buyer peace of mind.

Your Commercial Roofing Experts in Oakland Can Help

At Ben’s Roofing, we have years of experience working with customers to find the best fit for their building and the budget. Contact us today at (510) 690-8570 so we can serve your roofing needs.