You’ve just started a new business in Akron. You haven’t found a building that you really want to buy yet, so you decide to take matters into your own hands and have one built from the ground up.
While there is a lot you will have to think about when having your building done, what you do with your roof will take a large amount of consideration.
You have a ton of options to work with whether you care more about durability, aesthetics, or a little bit of both. To help you make your decision, here are 7 different roof styles that you can choose from:
1. Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing, or “tar and gravel” roofing, has been around for well over a hundred years now. It’s made by applying layers of coal tar asphalt and fabrics straight on the roof. The number of layers that are used is dependent on how many you want there to be.
The best part about this roof type is that it’s sturdy. It can easily last 40 years or more if you keep it maintained, which isn’t hard because it’s pretty low maintenance. It’s waterproof so you don’t have to worry about moisture seeping into your building and causing mold or other damage.
2. EPDM
EPDM roofing, or ethylene propylene diene terpolymer roofing, is a material created out of a mixture of sawdust, rubber tires and slate dust. The best way to install it is to strip the roof down, apply some adhesive, and roll the EPDM down.
Thanks to the materials used and the easy installation, EPDM is the most inexpensive commercial roof option available to you. It’s lightweight so your roof won’t need any reinforcement.
It’s seamless, meaning leaks don’t occur often and if one does happen, it’s easy to repair it. It also holds up pretty well in hot, sunny weather.
The only disadvantage to EPDM is that it’s not exactly “stunning”. You can combat this by asking the installers to apply stone to it. Not only will this improve the appearance but it will make it even more stable.
3. PVC
If you’re worried about durability and want a roof that will last for over 20 years, PVC is what you want to go with. It seals tightly to your building so it isn’t going anywhere.
If your business is a restaurant, you’ll be happy to know that the roof is fireproof. It will take a serious mess up from one of your kitchen staff to set it ablaze. It drains rainwater but if moisture does set in and cause plants to grow they won’t be able to harm the roof.
The only real disadvantage of this roof type is that it’s expensive. You’ll pay a lot out of pocket to install it but you’ll save money in the long run. It will last a while and it does a good job of heating and cooling your building so your AC won’t have to work as hard.
4. Thermoplastic Roofing
Thermoplastic material is made out of a combination of ethylene propylene and polypropylene. Like PVC, it’s durable and can last for over 20 years if you maintain it properly.
If you own a restaurant often the chemicals that cooking meat give off can travel through the vents and wear down your roof over time. These chemicals don’t bother thermoplastic roofing.
It doesn’t allow for water build up and even if moisture gathers on the roof, it’s resistant to bacteria. It’s strong against the weather and you can have it reinforced so it’s fire resistant as well.
The best part is that you can have all this for pretty cheap because the materials are easy to come by and the installation is simple.
5. Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is another roof type that is installed in layers like the built-up roofing. If you want to put a few chairs on your commercial roof for employees or customers to sit and eat or chat then you’ll want to go with this roof type because it can handle heavy foot traffic.
Maintenance is simple for bitumen. You’ll need to have them inspected on a regular basis and keep them clean.
6. Asphalt
Rolled asphalt commercial flat roofs are the most common of all these roof types due to its ease of installation and low cost. As the name suggests it’s rolled on to the structure and uses tar to adhere it.
If you’re getting a new roof as part of a renovation, you’re going to want customers to be able to start coming back in ASAP. Asphalt roofing is not only easy to install but it can also be put down fast. You’ll be back making money in no time.
7. Metal
Metal roofing is the oldest type around for a reason. It works. It’s so lightweight that it can be installed right on top of your old roof.
If you’re worried about it rusting, you can have a coating applied that will make it waterproof and UV-resistant.
Speaking of resistance, metal roofs are fire-resistant and won’t aggravate the fire if one does break out. The best part of going with metal is that it will last you 40 years or more.
Awesome Roof Styles For Your Commercial Building in Akron
Whether you’re having a new building built or renovating an old one, you’ll have a ton to consider when it comes to your roof. One thing is for sure, there is a roof style to suit any kind of need that you have whether it be durability, fire-resistance, or simple aesthetics.
We hope that you’re able to use this helpful guide to make your roofing decisions in Akron.
Decided on a roof type and ready to have it built? Go here to request our professional roofing services.
