Depending on your company, your warehouse likely contains either 1) the products your business offers or 2) the materials to make that product (as well as your employees). Keeping your products and employees safe helps to ensure that your operations run smoothly, which makes choosing the right roofing material that much more important.
You want to know that the roofing material on your warehouse roof will hold up during harsh conditions and prevent unwanted damages.
Often, the material you choose for roof repair or replacement depends on individual budget as well as the size of your establishment and the weather conditions in the area you operate in.
A Complete Guide to Warehouse Roofing Solutions
So, what materials should you consider for your roofing system? Below are some diverse options, when it comes to commercial roofing materials, that will protect the interior of your warehouse.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are not often used for large building locations, but can provide customization at a low cost for small warehouse roofs. Along with protection against fire and water leaks, asphalt can offer a wide variety of colors and styles.
Liquid-Applied Roofing
This form of roofing material can be applied to any existing roof structure for added warehouse protection. Liquid materials can help fill in cracks and gaps within the roof structure and are typically used for preventing water damage. (However, there are other more efficient methods of doing so that we’ll address later on.) Liquid-applied roof coatings include the following:
Silicone Coatings
For roofs that are prone to large amounts of pooling, this option may be right for you. Silicone coatings are less likely to give way under extreme amounts of water pressure, but are not ideal for conditions with frequent heavy physical stress.
Acrylic Coatings
This option is better for roofs that endure a lot of foot traffic, and acrylic coatings tend to work best on low-slope roofs.
Installation of an acrylic coating depends heavily on the weather. If you are located in an area with frequent rainfall, the weather may delay your installation process. Additionally, liquid-applied roofs tend to cost a bit more due to heavy labor fees.
Metal
There are a variety of metals that can be used for your warehouse roof installation. Aside from being an extremely protective material, metal roofing offers plenty of different appearances which can enhance the overall look of your business and has one of the longest lifespans.
However, there is one metal material that stands out among the rest, and that in-demand material is aluminum.
Like other metal roof types, aluminum is durable and fire-resistant, but also comes with a few extra perks.
Choosing an aluminum-based material is perfect for those wanting a fast installation process. It can be easily adapted to fit any roof structure and is extremely lightweight.
Single-Ply Membrane Roofing
All single-ply membranes are applied to roofs by rolling a rubber-like material over a surface and securing the rubber to the deck. These roofing systems can be secured using chemicals, ballasts or fasteners, and the type of method used depends on the type of the roof.
Here are a few of the most commonly installed single-ply membranes:
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
TPO membranes are a cost-effective option for roof replacement and new builds; and it’s no surprise that it’s the most frequently used material for commercial roofs.
The key benefits of this material include its corrosion-free guarantee as well as its reflective properties.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Similar to many other materials, PVC delivers when it comes to durability and fire-resistance. But, those aren’t the only benefits!
PVC’s internal properties consist of a self-extinguishing material that provides additional protection for products inside your warehouse in the event a fire breaks out.
This high-quality, durable material outlasts many other types of roofs, even in harsh conditions, such as high winds. However, PVC roofing does not come at a low cost. Depending on your individual needs, investing more money into a material like PVC, with its extended lifespan, may be worthwhile.
Multi-Layered Membrane Roofing
Unlike single-ply membranes, multi-layer membranes use overlapping layers during the installation process. Layers typically consist of fabric or fiberglass sheets and tar or liquid polymers.
Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing (BUR) is one of the most common types of roof systems in the commercial roofing industry. The material consists of a few layers of sealants and membranes with a final layer of gravel. The multi-layer feature makes this option great for insulation.
Built-up roofing is also cost-effective—which lends even more to its desirability. Depending on your location, you may want to select this type of roofing to keep your products stable during all seasons.
Modified Bitumen
For buildings that do not need frequent access to the roof, modified bitumen roofs are a great choice. The bitumen is combined with a rubber membrane to create a durable surface that reflects light.
Choosing this commercial roofing option is an excellent energy-efficient option. Typically, you’ll see a decrease in your energy bill due to the amount of reflected light/heat. However, it does not hold up against frequent foot traffic.
Similar to the built-up roofing option, this material is also very cost-effective, which may be a deciding factor when choosing your ideal roof.
Reach Out to TEMA Roofing Services
Regardless of your business, TEMA Roofing Services prides itself on delivering quality consultations that answer the most pressing questions about your commercial building.
Whether you are in the market for a new roof, roof replacement or simply need roof repairs, TEMA Roofing has you covered.
To learn more about our roof installation process or to inquire about your warehouse roofing needs, feel free to contact us.
