Commercial roof materials are very similar to residential ones, except that they must cover a larger area and some additional options are available to property owners. If you’re undecided about which material is best, read on as we introduce you to each type and what commercial roofers in Indianapolis advised us about each.
Types of Materials
Some of the most common kinds of materials are:
- Polymer Membrane
- Metal Roofing
- Asphalt Roofing
- Slate Roofing
- Roofing Shingles
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)
- Thermoplastic polyolefin roof (TPO)
- Spray polyurethane foam (SPF)
Polymer Membrane
This is a popular material due to its flexibility and ease of installation. It’s also praised for its waterproofing capacity.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs in Indianapolis are a common choice for commercial use since machinery can easily be placed on the roof while being out of the way of the public. What’s more, those in the Indianapolis metal roofing industry praise its longevity and the fact it can stand high winds, making this a great option worldwide.
Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt roofing is most commonly used for low-sloping roofs. It is relatively cheap and easy to install. However, due to the way it is pieced together, the seams are left open to the elements, meaning they can tear or rip. Repairs are often needed, and it isn’t very energy efficient.
Slate Roofing
Slate materials are very commonly found, especially over the years, and can even last centuries. Commercial roofers in Indianapolis state that slate is resistant to algae and fungus, making it last even longer.
Roofing Shingles
This is more common on residential roofs but can be seen in commercial roofing in Indianapolis. In this instance, a fiberglass base will be applied by commercial roofing contractors in Indianapolis, followed by an asphalt coating.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
Another name for this popular material is rubber. It’s lightweight, easy to install, inexpensive, and can last up to 20 years. Commercial roofers in Indianapolis also praise this material for being difficult to damage or scratch.
A significant downside to this type of roof is the extra stress it can cause on your air conditioning because this black material absorbs a lot of heat. Moreover, EPDM is prone to puncturing, so hail or workman’s shoes can cause significant damage.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roof (TPO)
This is one of the most cost-effective options for commercial roofing in Indianapolis, especially since the white color reflects heat and can save you money on energy bills. It’s also resistant to algae growth and mildew, making it a long-lasting option.
However, commercial roofing contractors in Indianapolis warn that the quality of these roofs varies in extremes, and it can be challenging to find a good quality TPO. What’s more, it’s not fire-resistant, so it can be dangerous if it catches fire.
Seek Expert Advice from Your Local Contractors
If you’re still struggling with whether to choose between a metal roof in Indianapolis or EPDM or TPO, seek advice from an expert. There are plenty of commercial roofers in Indianapolis who will be more than happy to help you.