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Pros & Cons of Different Roofing Systems for Commercial & Industrial Buildings in WI


We build & maintain all types of commercial flat roofing systems. Contact us for a free cost estimate.

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The best material for a flat roofing system combines insulation with protection and sustainability for a roof that requires minimal maintenance while protecting your building from damage.

Material options include TPO, modified bitumen, gravel, rubber, plastic, spray foam and more. The best type of commercial flat roof depends on your budget, building size, climate and how long you need it to last. 

U.S. Roofing offers free commercial roofing consultations to help you determine what type of materials and and services will work best for your building.

TPO - Thermoplastic Polyolefin

US Roofing Inc specializes in TPO roofing systems, which are quickly becoming the industry standard. We will install new roofing or reroof your building using any materials you choose, however we believe TPO roofing systems offer the best value to Wisconsin businesses. 

TPO and its benefits



Lifespan: ~30 years

Pros
 
  • One of the most durable roofs available
  • Lowers cooling costs in summer because it is UV reflective
  • Heat-welded seems provide incredible leak resistance - wide rolls mean fewer seams
  • Eco-friendly, 100% recyclable after its service life
  • Repairs are inexpensive and easy if necessary
Cons
 
  • Color options are limited
  • Servie life is still shorter than EPDM
  • Requires extremely professional installation due to heat-welded seams

 

U.S. Roofing offers TPO roof repair and TPO roofing installation for commercial & industrial flat roof systems.

EPDM/Rubber Roofs

Rubber roofs (also known as EPDM roofs) are durable, low-cost roofs common across Wisconsin. The system is comprised of a rubberized mat glued over an existing roof, providing an air-tight barrier between the interior and exterior of a building.

Lifespan: ~50 years

Pros
 
  • One of the most inexpensive roofs available
  • Comprised of one rubber sheet, meaning there are no seams or breaks
  • Virtually waterproof with quick, easy repairs
  • Almost completely fire-resistant
Cons
 
  • Small leaks may develop over time
  • EPDM is vulnerable to punctures from falling branches, hail or work boots
  • Appearance may detract from curb value

 

U.S. Roofing offers EPDM/Rubber roof repair and EPDM roofing installation for commercial & industrial flat roof systems.

PVC Roofs

PVC (or Polyvinyl Chloride) roofs are made of a flexible, layered thermoplastic membrane. PVC is affixed to roofs in sheets ranging from 45-90 mm thick, and 6-12 ft. wide, and has similar characteristics to EPDM roofs. While PVC is most well-known for its resilience, if offers a variety of other advantages:

Lifespan: ~20 years

Pros
 
  • PVC roofs are among the strongest membrane roofs available
  • The roof-membrane bond is impermeable to moisture
  • Resistant to fire, wind, chemicals and water
Cons
 
  • Higher cost
  • Shorter lifespan compared to other roofs

 

U.S. Roofing offers PVC roof repair and PVC roofing installation for commercial & industrial flat roof systems.

Built Up Roofs (Asphalt)

Built up roof membranes have been used for over a century as a reliable, durable roofing solution. Also known as “tar and gravel” roofs, these roofs use alternating layers of asphalt and aggregates to create the final roofing membrane, which is then glued to an existing roof.

Lifespan: ~10-20 years

Pros
 
  • ~10-20 year lifespan
  • Cold BURs are eco-friendly, as they aren’t toxic
  • Reliable waterproofing and UV protection
  • Extremely cost-efficient
Cons
 
  • Some kinds of BURs give off toxic fumes when applied
  • Slow installation process, resulting in higher labor costs
  • Susceptible to wind and water damage
  • Weather-dependent lifespan

 

U.S. Roofing offers Built up roof repair and built-up roofing installation for commercial & industrial flat roof systems.

Modified Bitumen Roofs

Sometimes referred to as the “modern built up roof,” modified bitumen roofing applies the same concepts as a BUR with a few key differences. Modified bitumen (MB) is an asphalt-based flat roof material, and unlike BUR, it can be installed with both hot and cool adhesives. These are sometimes referred to as "torch down flat roofs" when installed with a propane torch.

Lifespan: ~12-20 years

Pros
 
  • Seamless, waterproof cover requiring minimal maintenance
  • Less likely to suffer major cracking or hail damages
  • Holds up well in both warm and cool climates
Cons
 
  • Susceptible to long-term exposure to standing water
  • Heated installation can present a fire hazard

 

U.S. Roofing offers modified bitumen roof repair and modified bitumen roofing installation for commercial & industrial flat roof systems.

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofs

SPF roofs are an adhered roof system composed of two liquid chemical compounds: isocyanate and polyol. The foam hardens into a rigid insulation that both protects and insulates the implemented area, and can be used on any surface allowing unwanted airflow.

Lifespan: ~50 years

Pros
 
  • SPF Roofs are easy to install (lower labor costs)
  • Thermal and moisture barriers decrease overall energy costs
  • Maintenance is relatively easy and quick
  • Provides sound-proofing benefits
Cons
 
  • Can only be installed in certain weather conditions (lacking ice, moisture or standing water)
  • Low resistance to punctures and damage
  • Higher up-front cost

 

U.S. Roofing offers spray foam roofing repair and SPF roofing installation for commercial & industrial flat roof systems.

Gravel Roofs

Gravel is used on top of other roofing materials as a form of protection. The gravel, spread across a commercial flat top roof, both weighs down and shields roofing materials from damage. Gravel roofing can be used alongside most roofing options, but is most commonly found on built up roofs.

Lifespan (combined with a BUR roof): ~25 years

Pros
 
  • Extra protection against UV rays and harmful weather
  • Gives a longer lifespan to the underlying roof
  • Helps water evaporate more quickly
Cons
 
  • Prone to mold from water trapped underneath the rocks
  • Walking on the gravel can push rocks against the roof, risking punctures
  • Less effective as time passes

 

U.S. Roofing offers gravel roof repair and gravel roofing installation for commercial & industrial flat roof systems.

Acrylic Roofs

Acrylic roofs are seamless membranes adhered on top of existing roofs. Acrylic coatings often require multiple layers to be effective, with liquid acrylic being applied like paint, and then hardening into a protective barrier. Acrylic roofing is comparable to EPDM roofs.

Lifespan: ~5-10 years

Pros
 
  • Easy and quick to apply
  • Works well in most climates
  • Highly reflective
  • Minimal toxicity
  • Low-cost
Cons
 
  • Loses thickness over time
  • Need to be applied at 50°F or above
  • Susceptible to standing water

 

U.S. Roofing offers acrylic roof repair and acrylic roofing installation for commercial & industrial flat roof systems.

Green Roofs

Also known as living roofs, green roofs are partially or completely covered in plant life over a waterproof membrane. Beyond aesthetic value, green roofs offer a range of economic and structural benefits to commercial roofs:

Lifespan: Indefinite (requires basic plant care)

Pros
 
  • Absorbs moisture, keeping membrane safe from water damage
  • Provides added insulation, decreasing energy costs
  • The lifespan of a roofing membrane increases 3x after greening
Cons
 
  • High upfront cost
  • Maintenance costs are often higher (depending on the specific green roof)
  • Can attract pest insects
  • Heavier composition; Tends to put more weight on a building’s structural support

 

U.S. Roofing offers green roof repair and green roofing installation for commercial & industrial flat roof systems.

 

 

Commercial flat roof material recommendations in Wisconsin

The best way to choose the highest value material for your flat roof system is to speak to an experienced commercial roofing company about the specifics of your building and industry.

U.S. Roofing has been on the leading edge of repairing, installing and maintaining industrial and commercial flat roofs in Wisconsin since 1979. We provide free consultations for commercial roof repair and replacement, and free estimates. From our Watertown headquarters, we build the best commercial flat roof systems in several southeast Wisconsin counties.

Get a free commercial roofing material consultation or cost estimate by contacting U.S. Roofing today.