Choosing the right commercial roofing is vital to ensure that all contents inside the business’ building are protected from any harm or loss. Commercial and residential buildings are built differently from each other. There are two essential factors to consider when dealing with commercial roofing – durability and longevity. The ability to resist the elements of nature and continue to provide a long service life must be considered; repairs are expensive and replacement is not always an option to every company. Other important aspects to recognize are: types of materials; their cost; and the location.

Durability and Longevity

Durability should be the top priority when choosing the best commercial roofing supplies. Modern technology has helped to significantly increase the durability of all of the materials used to repair or replace the top of the building which has in turn created a longer lifespan for the roof. Asphalt shingles may last 20 to 30 years; slate and tiles can last up to 70 years; and metal may last 30 to 50 years, possibly even a century. Choosing a high performance component with excellent durability will help the business save money without disruptive and costly repairs.

Types

Generally, there are four common commercial types of material available on the market: metal; asphalt shingles; slate; and tiles. Metal roofing material is quite expensive yet lightweight, durable and comes with a longer life expectancy when compared to anything similar. Asphalt shingles are cheap and come in different colors; they are also fire resistant and easy to repair. Slate is durable and long-lasting, although very heavy and extremely costly. Tiles are appealing with their many available colors and styles; however, they are fragile and require a great deal of caution be taken during installation and repair. All four types of material have different life expectancies, which allow a business owner to choose the right one suited for that company’s budget and desired style.

Cost

The price of these four varying roofing elements also varies. The most common type of asphalt shingles cost approximately $680 to $3,700 per 1,700 to 2,100 square feet. Metal can cost approximately $5,100 to $22,000 depending on the type of metal used. Tiles that are stylish can be priced at approximately $7,650 to $21,000. Slate will cost approximately $17,000 to $84,000 per 1,700 to 2,100 square feet.

Location

The location of a commercial building is another unique consideration in selecting the right roofing supplies as different weather conditions may significantly impact their longevity. Hail storms, hurricanes, snow, and intense heat are the natural enemy of a roofing system which dictates that proper selection suited to each location must be accomplished. For example, a business owner would want to choose an impact-resistant roof if the company is located in a hail-storm prone area. A roof with a reflective coating should be considered if the business is located in an area that experiences intense heat.

Selecting the best commercial material requires several important considerations. Prior to deciding which type is appropriate for a commercial building, a business owner needs to check the durability and longevity of the materials as well as the type, cost and location of the company. Durability and cost-effectiveness are important things to consider before choosing the one that is right for the business!