Commercial Roofing Materials: A Complete Comparison for Building Owners
Your business buildings are a big investment, and how you take care of those investments directly impact your bottom line. Your roof not only protects your business structure, but it also protects your assets, materials, people, equipment, and customers.
But whether you’re building a brand new structure or need help figuring out the best material for your reroofing project, understanding the materials you can choose from can make a big difference in the longevity and performance of your roof.
In this article, we’ll go through some of the most common commercial roofing materials that Buffalo business owners should consider when the time comes for a replacement.
Choosing the Best Commercial Roofing Material for Your Buffalo Business
When you’re dealing with a commercial roof, you have some different options available beyond the usual shingles or metal, though we’ll discuss these options as well. The extreme weather in upstate and western New York can really batter your roofing system, which is why we’ll only discuss options that work successfully in our region.
Single-Ply Roofing Membrane
Single-ply roofing membranes include a range of materials that can create a strong seal on your roof against the elements. However, PVC often doesn’t perform as well in the extreme weather of our region, so we’ll keep our discussion down to the two that we find provide the best performance in the area. This type of roofing material is also referred to as a thermoplastic roof membrane.
TPO
The first type is thermoplastic polyolefin, commonly called TPO. TPO is known for being cost-effective, energy efficient, and resistant to damage from ultraviolet light. It’s also more visually appealing to many people. It is more impact and air resistance durable; however, it doesn’t last as long as our second type of membrane roofing.
EPDM
The second type is a synthetic rubber made from ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers, commonly called EPDM. EPDM has the benefits of being longer lasting, as well as remaining flexible and weather resistant throughout its lifespan of up to 30 years. However, it isn’t as attractive as TPO in many situations.
Self-Adhesive Roll Rubber
With the rapid shifts in weather that can take place in western and upstate New York, sometimes the most important aspect of your roofing installation is speed. In this case, self-adhesive roll rubber roofing can be a great option to consider. Because it’s self-sealing, it avoids the dangers of a built-up asphalt roof that can require the use of chemicals, open flame, or torches. This material can have some drawbacks however, including a shorter lifespan.
Roofing Coatings
Sometimes the best roofing replacement is not having one. When your roofing system is complex, adding a high-quality roofing coating to the surface allows you to quickly seal your failing roofing system without the serious issues of keeping your structure vulnerable to the elements for an extended period of time. There are several different types of coatings available, depending on your specific needs and desires, which vary in ease of application, expected roof foot traffic, lifespan, UV stability, and similar areas of concern.
Metal Roofing
Of course, if your structure consists of a metal structure that is beginning to feel its age, why not simply replace the failing metal roof with a new one? Metal roofs are renowned for their long lifespan, durability, and speed of installation. They can often go up within a few days, depending on the size of your structure, and have warranties that can last decades, depending on the specific roofing metal you select.
Asphalt Shingles
Of course, for smaller businesses, simple asphalt shingles can work in some circumstances. In these cases, you’ll want to ensure that you have a proper roof slope to shed snow in the winter, and that you select a high-quality shingle that has a long lifespan and warranty. This can help prevent the disruption and cost of frequent replacement. Asphalt shingles are also easy to repair, limiting maintenance and repair costs for the most part.
As you can see, there are some wonderful options to consider when you’re thinking about roofing materials for your business. If you need help finding the perfect fit for your building’s needs, the experienced roofing professionals at AVA Roofing in Buffalo offer commercial roofing materials like TPO, EPDM, metal, asphalt and much more. Why not take a few minutes to give us a call or contact us through our website to learn more?
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Roofing Materials
Metal roofing offers the longest lifespan at 40 to 60 years, making it the most durable option. Among membrane systems, EPDM and modified bitumen both provide 20 to 30 years of reliable service. The most durable choice for a specific building depends on the roof design, usage patterns, and maintenance commitment. A well-maintained membrane system can outperform a neglected metal roof.
EPDM is generally the most affordable commercial roofing system for new installation, with costs starting around four dollars per square foot. Roof coatings are the most affordable option for extending the life of an existing roof, starting at approximately two dollars per square foot. When evaluating cost, consider total lifetime cost including maintenance and expected lifespan rather than just initial installation price.
Neither is universally better. TPO offers superior seam integrity through heat welding and better energy efficiency from its reflective surface. EPDM offers a longer track record, greater flexibility in extreme cold, and easier field repairs. The best choice depends on the specific building, budget, and priorities. In WNY, both perform well when properly installed and maintained.
Yes, with some limitations. EPDM with mechanical attachment can be installed in cold weather. TPO requires heat welding, which can be performed in cold conditions but requires more skill and care. Torch-applied modified bitumen can be installed in cold weather. Cold-applied adhesives and coatings generally require temperatures above 40 degrees. An experienced commercial roofing contractor will select the right method for the conditions.
Key indicators include multiple active leaks, widespread membrane deterioration, saturated insulation visible in core samples or infrared scans, persistent ponding water, and total repair costs approaching 30 percent or more of replacement cost. If you are spending increasing amounts on repairs each year with diminishing results, replacement is typically the more cost-effective path forward.
Yes. AVA Roofing & Siding installs and services EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen, metal roofing, and coating systems for commercial buildings across Western New York. Our team evaluates each building individually and recommends the material that best fits the structure, budget, and performance requirements. Contact us at 716-343-7663 for a commercial roofing consultation.
Need help choosing the right roofing material for your commercial building? Contact AVA Roofing & Siding at 716-343-7663 or visit avaroofing.com to schedule a consultation. We’ll assess your building and recommend the best system for your needs and budget.
