With so many flat roof systems in Florida, which ones are the best? This guide will look at different commercial flat roofing options and which one works best in different situations. If you want to know more about the different types of flat roofs, this article can help you out! For additional information about commercial and residential roofs, visit us at thesarasotaroofers.com.
Difference Between Commercial and Residential
When thinking about how to choose a flat roof, you should know that there are two major differences between commercial and residential flat roofs. The first is their design. It goes without saying that commercial structures are larger than residential ones, so it makes sense that commercial flat roofs tend to be sturdier. In addition, many commercial buildings have loading docks or other high-traffic areas where water run-off can pose a safety hazard if not properly addressed. Another major difference between commercial and residential flat roofs is their lifespan. As anyone who has a leaky roof can attest, residential flat roofs don’t last as long as commercial ones do.
In addition, residential flat roofs are prone to leaks because they lack guttering. This is not a problem with commercial ones since they tend to have extensive gutters and downspouts along with drainage systems on which water flows away from your structure.
Built-Up Roof (BUR)
In a built-up roof, multiple layers of felt and asphalt are applied to create a single protective layer. Most flat roofs are built-up, but they’re also used on sloped roofs. A thermal barrier is often added between two or more layers to prevent heat transfer from inside and outside your building. The top surface of a built-up roof can be covered with gravel, sand, stone chips or other granular materials. Although it’s not as durable as other types of commercial roofing in Florida, it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Also known as an asphalt roof, because its top surface is usually made of asphalt shingles.
Drawbacks include not being very durable when exposed to harsh weather conditions like hail storms, leaks easily if damaged by objects falling onto it from above, and doesn’t last long if frequently walked upon or stepped on by people who aren’t careful about wearing shoes that don’t damage the roof material.
Metal Panel
Metal roofing is a popular choice for commercial and residential buildings, due to its durability and low cost. There are three main types of metal roofing: copper, steel, and aluminum. Copper roofs are much more expensive than steel or aluminum, but they also last longer and better resist corrosion than any other material used on roofs.
Steel roofing is much cheaper than copper, but it’s also less durable. Since steel expands and contracts with heat, cold, and humidity changes, it can warp or crack under heavy weather conditions. The most common type of steel roofing is corrugated steel roofing—also known as corrugated iron—which has an orange-brown color. Corrugated metal roofs are good insulators that don’t rust easily, so they are a good choice for areas with rain or snowfall.
Modified Bitumen Membranes
Asphalt modified flat roof membranes are rubberized materials that are laid down on top of a stable base such as bitumen. Modified flat roof membranes have proven to be an excellent choice when it comes to rooftop waterproofing solutions. The rubberized asphalt found within these modified membrane systems allows them to be resistant to water and flexible, making it an excellent choice for high traffic commercial locations or areas with heavy snowfall.
Asphalt modified flat roof membranes have become popular due to their proven resilience and resistance to water. This is an excellent choice for high traffic areas or locations that experience frequent rain or snow fall. A quality modification system can also extend the life of your roof and make it more resistant to dangerous leaks as time goes on. The flexibility within these systems allows them to work effectively in weather conditions such as wind, heat, cold and more.
Single-ply membranes as in TPO, PVC, and EPDM
Single-ply membranes are among the most common roofing types found across commercial flat roofs because they’re economical and durable. They work best when a waterproof but breathable roof is needed, such as in a swimming pool or garage. Their advantages include being long lasting, easy to install, and fairly cost effective.
The single-ply membranes are made from polymers, such as polypropylene, that have a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, which helps them resist cracking when subjected to temperature changes. This makes single-ply membranes ideal for harsh environments where you may see significant temperature fluctuations. In addition, their durability means that you can get years out of one if properly maintained.
Spray Polyurethane Foam-Based
A two-component spray foam that cures to form an extremely tight bond between surfaces. It’s ideal for commercial roofs in Florida, such as those found on retail stores, because it’s very resistant to water penetration. The closed-cell foam also has insulation properties and will expand as it’s exposed to heat, which makes it especially useful if you live in a climate with extreme temperature swings during certain times of year.
It’s a good choice if you need your roof to be extremely weather resistant, but it is usually more expensive than other types of flat roofs. It’s also harder to install and doesn’t come with many aesthetic options, so it might not be right for projects that have design or visual requirements.
Commercial Roof Cost
Generally, the cost of a commercial built-up roof is between $5.50 and $8.50 per square foot in materials and labor. For example, if you have an area of 5,000 square feet to cover with your new commercial roofing system in Florida, you can expect to pay between $27,500 and $42,500 total. This figure usually includes any additional costs such as permits or architectural plans that may be required by your city or county.
In order to decide on which commercial roof is right for your property, you should also consider some basic factors about your local climate. The type of roof that works best in Florida might not be right for a snowy region like Boston. Some roofs are designed specifically for regions with heavy rainfall and strong winds Floridians experience where others are better suited for dry climates.