Are you seeking commercial roof installation? You may have a steep learning curve if you are a new commercial building owner (or recently purchased investment properties such as apartment buildings or warehouses).

For example, you might suddenly have to learn about insuring your commercial property, repairing your commercial HVAC system, and maintaining your commercial roofing systems.

We want to help. Let us teach you the basics of common roofing materials for commercial buildings. This brief guide to commercial roof installation will enable you to gain some background knowledge before having a discussion with your roofing contractor.

Five Commonly Installed Commercial Roofing Systems

Here are the basic types of industrial roofing systems used throughout the country.

Metal Roofing

Metal is a common material used for commercial roofing because of its durability and long lifespan. Besides being very strong, metal roofing is fire resistant. A metal roof can also help reflect the sun’s rays, which will boost your HVAC system.

Single Ply Membrane

Single-ply commercial roofing systems have one layer on the roof membrane. There are two types: TPO and PVC. Both are white in color and provide a reflective surface on the roof. These commercial roofing systems are also resistant to chemicals, grease, and oil.

BUR Roofing

BUR stands for “Built-Up Roofing.” This type of roofing system is assembled in alternate layers of roofing felt and asphalt. The multiple layers of a BUR system create a strong, durable seal on a flat roof and good insulation on top of your building.

Modified Bitumen Roof

A modified bitumen system is very similar to a BUR system, except the asphalt includes synthetic rubberized polymers. The polymers make the roof more resistant to cold temperatures and increase the life span (compared with a typical BUR system.) By the way, it’s helpful to know that these roofing systems are commonly referred to as “torched” systems.

Roof Coating Systems

Roof coatings extend the service life of BUR, metal, modified bitumen, single-ply, and SPF roof systems. Coatings protect roof membranes from ultraviolet light degradation while providing a fire-resistant, watertight layer on your existing roof. The most common types of roof coatings are acrylic, polyurethane, and silicone.

Commercial Roofs Require Professional Maintenance

Besides learning the basics of the most popular commercial roof systems, you also need to be aware that a flat roof system needs to be inspected periodically. Proper maintenance may allow you to put off an expensive roof replacement.

Adding a coating system may increase the energy efficiency of your building –and that means you can put off learning about HVAC systems for a while longer.

Contact AAA Roofing for a Roof Installation Estimate

Do you need Northern CA, Southern CA, or Idaho roofing contractors? We also provide roofing services in Orange County. Call today to connect with the premier commercial roofers – AAA Roofing.

AAA Roofing and Waterproofing, LLC works with all the leading western state roofing manufacturers. Since we aren’t tied to one commercial roof system or project, we are free to suggest the system that is right for you.