According to industry researcher IBISWorld, there are currently "81,679 Roofing Contractors businesses in the US as of 2022, an increase of 0.6% from 2021." With so many contractors in the roofing industry, it can be challenging to know where to look for commercial roofs!

Then there's the issue of commercial roofing types that you have to consider. How do you figure out what's the best commercial roofing option for your business?

Well, to narrow things down a bit, we've put together five common commercial roofing types for you to take a look at. By the end of reading this, you should feel a lot more confident about reaching out to the right contractor for a commercial roofing system that will serve you well.

Here are the commercial roofing types to consider.

1. Single-Ply Membrane Roofs

The evolution of commercial roofing systems has led to the rise of single-ply membrane roofs in America. The reason for this is that they are incredibly effective at covering large areas in a cost-effective manner.

One popular type of single-ply membrane roofing is TPO roofing. A TPO roof is made up of a synthetic single layer and then a scrim to reinforce it. This type of roofing applies to commercial flat roofs.

Our company offers some of the best Effingham roofing services and can provide you with high-quality single-ply roofing. We also provide TPO roofing systems, along with PVC and modified bitumen options.

2. Commercial Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have been a go-to solution for commercial roofers for a very long time now. Manufacturers often make these roofs with galvanized steel, and it comes in a corrugated form. Other materials that manufacturers may use to make such roofs include tin and aluminum.

Metal roofs are lightweight and easy to install. They are a cost-effective solution, and roofers can enhance metal roofs by waterproofing them with special coatings. They can also add UV and rust protection to a metal roof.

You will have various color options to choose from with metal roofs. But, one of the best things about metal roofs is they can handle extreme weather conditions, like heavy snow and high winds. They can also be energy efficient if manufacturers make them with recycled material.

3. Commercial Shingle Roofs

Shingle roofs are very common for homes, but businesses opt for them too. If you have steep roofs on your commercial property, you should look into getting shingles.

If you want your business to be more aesthetically pleasing, shingles are the way to go. They come in various colors and styles that can match the desired look of your business.

It's common to see shingles being made from composite materials, ceramic, asphalt, slate, and even wood. If you need to cover a large area with shingles, you might want to opt for asphalt shingles for cost-effectiveness. Many roof contractors will provide warranties for such roofs for periods of, say, 20 to 30 years, for example.

4. Built-Up Roofs

Built-up roofs have several layers and have been around for multiple decades. A common name for a built-up roof is a "tar and gravel roof."

The materials that roofers use for the layers can be different, depending on your and the roofer's preferences. For instance, a roof contractor might use layers of tar and asphalt along with other fabrics to create the final product. Then, the final layer will often be gravel for protection against the elements.

One clear benefit of this roofing type is it can last for 40 years or more. The key is to have regular roof inspections so that roofers can keep it in top shape for you over its lifetime. As well, these roofs provide UV protection and excellent waterproofing.

5. Spray Foam Roofing

Spray foam polyurethane (SPF) roofs are eco-friendly options for businesses that want commercial roofing. They are ideal for extensive coverage over large-scale facilities for manufacturing and industry.

Quite simply, roofers will spray the SPF on an existing roof surface. The foam then expands and creates a hard layer of protection will several benefits.

For starters, SPF roofs can handle any sort of weather conditions that are thrown at them. In general, it doesn't matter if you choose to have this type of roofing in very hot or cold climates; it will still serve its purpose. And the great thing about SPF roofs is they offer excellent bang for your buck!

Some of the benefits include energy efficiency, great durability, and no chance of tear-offs with SPF roofing. They are also watertight!

Choosing Between Different Commercial Roofing Types

Now you know some of the most common commercial roofing systems that you'll find on the market. Knowing which type might best suit your business can be tricky.

A good first step is to have your roofing contractor come over and inspect your current roofing system or proposed plans for building a roof. But before that, you need to find a reliable and reputable roofing contractor in the first place.

To find a good roofing contractor that you can stick with, you can start by searching for local and regional companies online. Once you make a shortlist of a few that look decent, then head over to an independent review site to see what previous clients have said about each company. A website like Trustpilot will reveal to you a lot of useful info about how a roofing company conducts itself and whether its services are worth it or not.

You might also want to go by recommendations if you know people who have had similar roofing work done to what you want. In the end, the key is to make sure you trust the roofers you choose so that you can have a lasting business relationship with them and no chance of future roofing disasters!

Common Commercial Roof Types Explained

With plenty of commercial roofing types to choose from, it's best to get the professionals in to assess your needs and make suggestions for what they think would suit your business best. Then, if the quote sounds reasonable for the work, give the go-ahead!

At Mid-State Construction & Roofing Inc., we offer a whole range of high-quality commercial roofing options. If you would like to see our full range of services, head over to our website to learn more.

A well-built roof is an essential component of a commercial property. It helps to protect the building's interior from the exterior elements, improve energy efficiency, protect indoor air quality, and reduce pests and parasites. As with a residential roof, a commercial flat roof is durable and long-lasting, though they do have an expected life expectancy.

In this blog post, we will look at the average life expectancy of a commercial roof and how this varies depending on the different materials used. We will also highlight some of the other factors that determine life expectancies, such as maintenance, weather conditions, and ventilation.

If you are looking for quality commercial roofing services in Effingham, IL, and its surrounding communities, your premier choice is Mid-State Construction & Roofing, Inc. Keep reading to learn more about commercial flat roofs.

How Long Does a Commercial Flat Roof Last?

With proper installation and routine maintenance from a professional roofing company, a commercial flat roof has an expected life expectancy of between 10 and 35 years. As we will see below, one of the primary factors for life expectancy is the type of material used.

It is essential that a business partners with a reputable roofing company for both installation and routine maintenance in order to get the most out of a roof. A roof that has been poorly installed and has been neglected is far more likely to encounter issues compared to a professionally installed and serviced roof.

Types of Flat Roofs

As noted above, there are different materials that can be used to construct a flat roof. The specific material used will have a big bearing on life expectancy. Let's take a look at some of the most common types of materials used in commercial flat roofs.

BUR

A "built up roof" is made up of several layers of bitumen and fabrics. This type of roof offers excellent protection from the exterior elements as well as insulation.

After around 15 years or more, this type of roof will start to show signs of damage and age; with proper maintenance, a BUR system can last for upwards of 20 to 30 years depending on the number of layers.

EPDM

An ethylene propylene diene monomer roof is made up of rubber membranes, which support optimal protection and insulation. For climates that are prone to hail storms, an EPDM roof is highly recommended.

With proper installation and care, an EPDM roof can be expected to last for 20-plus years. Other benefits of this roof type include the fact that it is affordable, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient.

PVC

One of the longer-lasting commercial flat roofs is PVC (which stands for polyvinyl chloride). It provides water resistance and quality protection from even the most challenging climates. Well-built, a PVC roof can last for upwards of 30 years.

In addition to durability, PVC is resistant to wind, moisture, fire, and chemicals. It is also environmentally friendly, given that it is recyclable after the expiration of its service life.

Modified Bitumen

Another highly durable commercial roof option is modified bitumen. With proper installation, this type of material can be expected to last for 20-plus years. Modified bitumen roofs require very little ongoing maintenance, offer protection from harmful elements and sunlight, and are completely water-resistant.

It performs excellently in extremely cold weather. Because it does not become brittle, it is less likely to create leaks. What's more, it is energy-efficient and tear-resistant.

TPO

A TPO commercial roof, which stands for thermoplastic polyolefin, has a life expectancy of anywhere between 15 and 30 years. Constructed of a single-ply membrane with polymer fillers, TPO roofs are known for their durability and strengths. They provide excellent protection from UV rays.

Spray On Coating

A spray polyurethane foam coated roof is comprised of 3 layers that combine to provide excellent protection from harmful elements such as UV rays and wind. With proper maintenance, a spray-on coated roof can last for a number of decades.

Other Factors That Affect Lifespan

Outside of the material used, there are a number of other factors that play a role in determining life expectancy. Let's take a look at 3 of those here.

Maintenance

With proper care and catching problems early, the above life expectancy estimations can be easily increased by several years. We recommend that you schedule regular cleaning for your roof and look to minimize foot traffic as much as possible.

Weather Conditions

Certain types of material are better suited to certain weather conditions, which should be factored in during the installation phase. Extreme weather conditions can affect a roof's life expectancy. Exposure to sun, heavy rain, storms, and high winds can all serve to degrade roofing material.

Ventilation

Another factor to consider here is ventilation. A properly-ventilated roof will help to prolong the lifespan of a commercial roof. This is because it creates a balance between air intake and outtake.

With proper ventilation, moisture and heat will not build up, avoiding the build-up of mold and rot.

The Life Expectancy of a Commercial Flat Roof

The bottom line is that the level of installation and maintenance has a major impact on the life expectancy of a commercial flat roof. With proper care by a reputable and experienced roofing service, many roofs can last for 40-plus years.

For commercial roof installation, replacement, and repair in Effingham, IL, and its surrounding communities, contact Mid-State Construction & Roofing, Inc. Get a free inspection today and see how you can increase the length of your commercial roof lifespan.

Did you know the commercial roofing market was worth close to $10.56 billion last year?

According to Maximize Market Research, the segment is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 6.2% and climb to $15.15 billion by 2027.

You can expect to pay thousands or tens of thousands of dollars for a commercial roof, depending on the roofing system you buy and the square footage of your roof. So, you'll want to maintain it to preserve your investment.

Are you interested in learning how to maintain your office roof properly? Here's a look at 3 tips for proper commercial roof maintenance.

1. Book Regular Inspections and Maintenance

It's important to schedule routine inspections and maintenance for your flat roof during the spring and fall seasons.

But if any issues arise between those two scheduled periods, don't hesitate to contact a professional commercial roofing company to render the assistance needed.

For instance, if there's a storm, the wind might cause damage to your roof. You won't want any damage to go undetected and unfixed for too long. Failure to get things corrected promptly will make matters worse.

Maintenance also means clearing snow from your roof during the winter. The weight of snow and ice can place undue stress on your roof. This accumulation can cause pooling water and leaks, leading to interior and exterior damage.

During roofing inspections, the service provider will observe the roofing system to check for noticeable punctures, missing portions, abrasions, clogged drains, and more. The service provider will then recommend what should be done.

It's a job best left to professional roofers who understand how to do it safely. The service provider will climb onto your roof and remove debris, clean gutters, unclog roof drains, and make any necessary repairs.

2. Trim Nearby Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs can increase the aesthetics of any commercial property. But you'll want to be mindful when it comes to any trees or tall shrubs that are above or near the roofline of your building.

Whether you do the job in-house or hire a landscaper, you need to ensure that the branches or limbs are regularly trimmed so they don't end up damaging the roofing system membrane and shortening the life of your roof.

It's also important to keep leaves, needles, and limbs from falling on your roof. These things can clog your roof's gutter system and damage your roof.

If the need arises to remove trees too close to your commercial building, hire a licensed arborist to get the job done correctly. The last thing you'll want is to have an uncertified and unlicensed person cut down a tree.

You might be responsible for any damage caused by unlicensed people who you get to cut down trees. Pay the premium for a professional.

It's worth it since trimming trees and tall shrubs and removing trees that are too close to your building can help protect your roof over the long haul.

3. Make Repairs to Avoid Costlier Problems

You've no doubt heard the old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It's a saying that holds true when it comes to your commercial roofing system. You can prevent many issues with preventive measures.

Investing in inspections and maintenance will help. A professional roofing company will assess your roof both from the ground and the roof, which will ensure the service provider finds any issues that need to be addressed.

If you get your roof washed annually, moreover, you can remove mildew, moss, and mold so that they don't take root, spread, and slowly damage your roof.

Losing a few panels due to a violent wind storm might not seem like a big deal. But if your roof is missing portions, the elements will adversely impact the exposed sections. This will shorten your roof's lifespan.

If things get out of hand, you'll have to dig deeper into your pocket to fix your roof. You don't want the sort of problems that potentially require you to shut down your office and lose revenue.

By taking preventative measures to maintain your roof and proactively fixing problems that arise, you'll be able to avoid costly problems.

Bonus: Watch Where You Walk

It's important that you avoid going on your roof. Yes, trying to go up on your commercial roof is dangerous. But doing so can also damage your roof. Professional roofers know roofs inside and out. They can do so safely.

The last thing you'll want is to invest in a quality roof and then ruin it by walking around on it--even if your intention is to do routine maintenance.

You won't want to void a warranty because of a problem that could easily be avoided. Make an appointment with a professional roofing company.

Commercial Roof Maintenance Is a Must

Commercial roof maintenance is a must if you want your roofing system to last. Buying one will require a tangible investment, so it only makes sense to invest in inspections, maintenance, and repairs so that it doesn't fail prematurely.

Do you need a commercial roof or roof maintenance? If so, we have what you need. In fact, if you contact us now, you can get a free inspection of your commercial roof or a free estimate for a new roofing system.

We're here to help with all your commercial roofing services needs. If you own a business in and around Effingham, IL, get in touch.

By 2025 the United States roofing market is expected to reach 17 million dollars. When we think of roofing, many of us picture traditional residential homes with pitched roofs, but commercial roofing is also crucial to the industry.

If you're wondering how commercial roofing differs from residential roofing, there are several things that set them apart. In this article, we'll explain these differences.

What Classifies as a Commercial Vs. Residential?

Commercial buildings are any buildings where a commercial activity takes place. They include a variety of building styles housing restaurants, warehouses, hotels, offices, retail spaces, and more.

Residential buildings are homes that serve as private living spaces. They can be single-family homes, apartment buildings, mobile homes, or townhomes.

Materials

Both commercial and residential roofs often use shingles, underlaying, flashing, sheathing, and tar paper in their construction. The quality of materials for commercial roofing is often better than residential materials because they need to cover a larger area, support large units, and last a long time.

Because commercial roofs are designed for function, they are usually flat and don't have as many material options. The materials used for commercial buildings are tar and gravel, single-ply coverings, acrylic, metal, EPDM, bitumen, or PVC.

The most common material in residential roofs is asphalt shingles, but ceramic, metal panels, slate, tile, and wood shakes are other materials common in home roofing.

Design

The most noticeable difference between residential and commercial roofs is their design. Commercial roofs are more practical and have flat or low-sloped roofs. This design allows them to be more load-bearing than residential homes to withstand the elements and heavy machinery and provide easy access for workers.

Many residential roofs are pitched, but the overall design comes down to the homeowner. Homes don't have to be as practical as commercial buildings, so owners are free to make more stylistic choices.

Size

While homes come in plenty of sizes, the size difference between roofs is not an extreme difference. Commercial buildings, however, have larger square footage and need a roof that supports the larger shape and structure.

Commercial buildings like warehouses often cover millions of square footage. This is another reason you'll find flat roofs on these types of buildings. It is more cost and time-effective for buildings of this scale.

Cost

The cost of commercial roofing is more expensive than residential. The cost of roofing on a residential home varies depending on the quality of materials chosen by the homeowner.

The size of residential buildings is one of the major factors affecting the cost because it calls for more materials and manpower to install. In addition to size, they also require specialized laborers, protective equipment, and tools that add to the expenses.

Installation

Installing a roof on a residential home is a standard roofing process for qualified roofing professionals. With commercial roofers, expert roofing contractors are a must.

On commercial buildings, the roofs must meet added safety requirements, house industrial-sized equipment, withstand heavy loads, work around piping, meet strict timelines and stand up against the elements. Because of these added demands, a large team of specialized laborers is on the job to help with installation.

Maintenance

Commercial and residential roofs require the same regular maintenance, although, with commercial buildings, it may take more time to complete. The following tasks allow you to keep up with roof maintenance.

Keep It Clean

Keeping your roof clean is one of the best ways to maintain the life of your roof. The build-up of debris creates clogs, backs up your gutters or drains and, leads to water damage, and encourages algae growth.

Clear Excess Snow

Excess snow and ice add extra weight to your roof that causes damage. After a heavy snowfall, your roof may experience leaks, ice dams, and other issues if not addressed.

Regular Inspections

You should inspect your roof for issues regularly. In the instance of a storm, heavy rain, or snow, you'll want to check for damage as soon as possible to prevent any minor issues from developing into larger ones.

For commercial buildings, or if you aren't comfortable checking at home, hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof twice a year. By being proactive with inspections, you're more likely to detect problems early before major damage occurs.

Fix Problems Right Away

If you do discover a problem, don't put it aside for another day. Even if the issue appears small, many problems with roofs can develop into something that may cause damage to other parts of your building.

Call a professional the second you notice signs of trouble to prevent expensive, long-term damage.

Schedule Professional Maintenance Services

Roof maintenance is a big task and often calls for professional maintenance services. Commercial roofing services, in particular, must cover a larger surface area and perform specialized tasks to keep everything running smoothly.

Signs You Need Roofing Services or Replacement

Unsure if you need roofing services? There are several signs that it may be time to call a professional:

• Age of the roof
• Blistering
• Leaks
• Damaged shingles
• Higher energy bills
• Sagging
• Open seams

If you notice any of these issues, hire a skilled roofer to inspect the damage and determine the next course of action. In minor cases, a simple repair might be all that's needed, while a total replacement might be the only solution for more severe problems.

Get the Job Done Right With Commercial Roofing Services

When working with a commercial building, an extra level of skill and care is needed to get the job done right. At Mid-State Construction and Roofing Services, we offer commercial roofing services, roof installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement.

Contact us for your free assessment today.