A commercial roof well-suited to withstand local weather conditions is essential for the long-term protection of any building.
To achieve this in Texas, building owners need to know which commercial roofing options are available based on their building type as well as size and how each can suit their needs.
This brief roofing guide can help Texas property owners who are ready to call a commercial roofer recognize different roofing systems and other factors they should consider when it is time to invest in a new commercial roof.
The Factors To Consider For Commercial Roofing
When choosing a new commercial roof for their buildings, there are many factors besides price that Texas property owners must consider to ensure they make a good, informed decision:
- Extreme Weather Conditions - Commercial roofing in Texas must be able to withstand the extreme heat the state experiences most of the year, plus the heavy rains and high winds that are also common. In areas where hurricanes and/or hail frequently occur, this is even more critical.
- Maintenance Requirements - Property owners should fully understand the type and amount of maintenance each roofing system requires and be able to commit to hiring a commercial roofer to protect their investment and preserve the condition of the roof.
- Durability and Longevity - Building owners should understand how durable each roofing system can be expected to be with proper care and how long it is expected to last. This information is essential for finding a cost-effective roof for a particular building based on initial cost, maintenance investment, and other factors.
- Energy Efficiency - Roofing is directly related to energy costs. A more energy-efficient commercial roofing system that is properly installed with the right type and amount of insulation beneath it can reduce energy consumption and save money.
- Appearance - Depending on the type of building and its roofing architecture, appearance may or may not be an important factor in choosing a commercial roof.
What Roofs Do Texas Commercial Roofers Suggest?
Taking the above factors into consideration, there are many suitable commercial roofing systems for building owners to choose from. When properly installed and maintained by a professional roofer, these are some of the durable and reliable systems:
- Modified Bitumen/BUR Systems - Layered asphalt and felt systems, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing are two of the more commonly used commercial roofs due to their general durability and affordability. They do require considerable maintenance and have relatively short lifespans in comparison to other types of commercial roofs.
- Membrane Roofing - EPDM and TPO plastic and rubber membrane roofing systems are durable, energy-efficient, heat-resistant, and cost-effective, with lifespans of twenty years or more. They can experience shrinkage over time and are more expensive than asphalt-based systems.
- Spray Foam Roofing - Polyurethane spray foam roofing installations are lightweight, watertight, and energy efficient, with high R-values, although application can be a problem in areas with high humidity.
- Metal Roofing - Durable and reflective metal panel roofing is suitable for large buildings with at least a slight pitch to them. It can be noisy and must be carefully installed by professional commercial roofers to ensure wind resistance.
- Shingle and Tile Systems - For smaller commercial buildings, aesthetically pleasing asphalt and wood shingles plus slate and clay or concrete tiles are all suitable. Based on their functional design, shingle-style systems are only recommended for structures with pitched architecture.
Talk To A Skilled Texas Commercial Roofer
A great commercial roof is essential to protect a building against the often extreme Texas climate.
With so many commercial roofing choices at so many price points, it can be difficult to know which is the best one.
An experienced commercial roofer can discuss the many options with building owner customers and help them decide on the one that will provide cost-effective protection for their needs!
