Commercial Roofing Types

A Guide to Different Commercial Roofing Types

An essential aspect of building construction is the composition of commercial roofing in Calgary. It protects commercial buildings and plays a significant role in the overall aesthetics of the structure. Choosing the right type of commercial roofing for your building is crucial as it directly impacts the roof’s durability, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements. Before contacting any commercial roofing companies in Calgary, consider the different types of commercial roofing materials and their benefits and drawbacks here.

Different Types of Commercial Roofing in Calgary Available

Commercial Roofing Types
Heating and melting bitumen roofing felt for commercial roofing installation.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Built-up roofing (BUR), commonly referred to as BUR, is a traditional roofing material made up of several layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics, such as felt or fibreglass. The layers are then topped with a layer of gravel or crushed stone. BUR roofing is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials available, making it popular for commercial roofing in Calgary. It is also relatively low-maintenance and provides excellent waterproofing properties. However, BUR roofing can be heavy and require extra structural support.

Modified Bitumen Roofing (MBR) Roofing

Think of modified bitumen roofing (MBR) as a cousin to BUR roofing. It is similar to BUR roofing in that it comprises layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics. However, MBR roofing uses modified bitumen and asphalt with added polymers. The added polymers make MBR roofing more flexible and durable than BUR roofing. MBR roofing also comes in various colours, making it an excellent option for buildings with specific colour requirements.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Roofing

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) roofing is a synthetic rubber roofing material popular in commercial roofing. It is relatively easy to install and has a long lifespan of up to 50 years. EPDM roofing is also lightweight, making it an excellent option for buildings with weight restrictions. However, EPDM roofing can be punctured easily, and repairs can be costly.

Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) Roofing 

TPO roofing is a single-ply roofing material that many commercial roofing companies in Calgary have seen rapidly gaining popularity in commercial roofing. It is made up of a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. TPO roofing is relatively easy to install and maintain, and it is highly reflective, making it energy-efficient. If you want to make greener choices, TPO roofing is also recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly option. However, it’s important to note that TPO roofing can be prone to punctures and can shrink over time.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Roofing 

PVC roofing is another single-ply roofing material commonly used in commercial roofing. It is made up of a thermoplastic material, which is highly reflective and energy-efficient. PVC roofing is also durable and resistant to chemicals and pollutants, making it an excellent option for industrial buildings. However, PVC roofing can be expensive and can become brittle over time.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a popular commercial option due to its durability and longevity. It is also highly reflective and energy-efficient, making it an excellent choice for buildings susceptible to Calgary’s summer heat waves. You can choose from various metal roofing materials, such as aluminum, steel, and copper. However, metal roofing can be noisy during heavy rain or hail and is expensive to install.

Green Roofing 

As many have gravitated toward greener initiatives, so have commercial building owners. That’s where many end up choosing to opt for green roofing. Green roofing is a roofing system that incorporates vegetation and plants to create a living roof. It’s highly energy-efficient and provides insulation for the building, reducing the need for heating and cooling. It is also aesthetically pleasing and can improve air quality by reducing pollutants. However, green roofing can be expensive to install and maintain.

City Roofing & Exteriors consistently takes pride in serving Calgarians. At City Roofing, we understand the importance of customer satisfaction. We put safety, quality work and on time delivery as our top priority. We work hard to assist our customers in providing proper roofing systems to meet their budget and needs. We offer completed roofing services in Calgary and area on both residential and commercial projects. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with our work and recommend City Roofing as your roofing consultant and contractor. Give us a call at 403-608-9933 or send an email to [email protected].

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