The longevity of a commercial roof depends directly on the materials that are used to build the structure. Commercial roofs can be built with a wide range of materials with some of the most popular choices including:
- Composition: Otherwise known as asphalt shingles, a composition roof can be used on contemporary commercial buildings. However, compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles have a relatively short lifespan in a commercial structure of 15-30 years.
- Expect to pay $50-$150 per 10 x 10 square.
- Fire-resistant.
- Wood: Wood shakes or shingles are an attractive roofing solution for a commercial structure since they are available in redwood, cedar, southern pine, and other wood materials. While most wood shingles are cut by a machine, wood shakes are hand cut for a more natural look. A wood roof has an average lifespan of up to 20 years.
- Expect to pay $100-$165 per 10 x 10 square.
- Easy to repair and replace.
- Metal: Metal roofs are incredibly popular in commercial facilities, especially atop a steel structure like a barn or storage shed. A metal roof may be made from tile, steel, aluminum, or copper with an average lifespan of up to 50 years. Metal roofs are beneficial for a business since they provide additional insulation with solar reflection to cut down on energy costs considerably.
- Expect to pay roughly $100 per 10 x 10 steel square, up to $600 per 10 x 10 copper square.
- Low-maintenance roofing solution.
- Concrete: Concrete tiles for roofing are versatile in their use and available in a wide range of textures, shapes, colors, and styles. Concrete roofing is surprisingly lightweight and can provide a business with added protection against insects and fire to meet a number of strict fire codes. Concrete roofing has an average lifespan of more than 50 years.
- Expect to pay from $300-$600 per 10 x 10 square.
- Durable, long-lasting roofing material.
- Fiber Cement: A fiber cement roof is made up of clay, concrete, and wood fiber. This roofing material mixture is fireproof and resilient; it can be shaped to resemble roof shakes. Many businesses are attracted to fiber cement roofs since they aren’t as heavy as concrete so extra roof supports aren’t necessary. A fiber cement roof can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years.
- Expect to pay $500 per 10 x 10 square.
- Recyclable roofing material.
Beyond the basics, other types of commercial roof materials are emerging on the market, like:
- Thermoplastic: Fastest-growing type of commercial roofing system; constructed from highly durable materials with high temperature tolerance and low temperature flexibility. Resistant to ozone, UV, and chemical exposure with a lifespan of more than 20 years.
- Photovoltaic Panels: A solar energy roofing system for use with membrane, glass, and roof-mounted tile; used to absorb sunlight and convert it into energy for electrical power. Can help to control a commercial facility’s energy expenses.
- EPDM Rubber: One of the longest-lasting commercial roofing materials available; easier to install, maintain, and repair compared to other roofing materials.
- Green: Flat roofing partially or entirely covered with soil and plant life over a waterproof membrane; can help to absorb urban heat and improve the insulation properties of a roof. Can lengthen the lifespan of a roof by 2 to 3 times and save on heating and cooling.
