How to Choose the Right Roof System for Your Commercial Facility

Selecting the optimal roof for your commercial facility is an important decision that can greatly influence the operating expenses of your building. Given the multitude of options, each tailored to specific requirements, it is imperative to thoroughly assess your facility's precise needs before reaching a decision. This guide offers valuable insights into diverse commercial roofing types, enabling you to make well-informed choices based on the unique challenges of your industry, location and specific requirements.

Challenge: My Facility is Exposed to Chemical Exhaust

Manufacturing plants, food processing plants, laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, printing and publishing buildings - many commercial facilities may emit various chemical elements during daily operations. If your facility is exposed to chemical exhaust, it is crucial to understand how it may interact with your roof’s surface. The chemical resistance of your roof system will play a significant role in its long-term performance. Depending on the type of chemicals you may be working with, consider the following:

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Resistant to a broad spectrum of chemicals and pollutants, including acids.

Metal Roofs: Certain metals, such as aluminum and stainless steel, are corrosion-resistant and can withstand exposure to some chemicals. Coated metal roofing systems with corrosion-resistant finishes can also enhance chemical resistance.

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) and silicone Roof Coatings: Flexible and easy to install, these solutions may drastically improve the chemical resistance of your current roof system. 

Challenge: My Roof May Be Exposed to Fire

Located in an area prone to wildfires? Is open fire, welding or commercial cooking a part of your daily operations? When it comes to commercial buildings, especially those where fire resistance is a crucial consideration, several roofing materials are known for their outstanding performance. Here are some options:

Metal Roofs: Particularly those made of steel, aluminum or copper are inherently fire-resistant. They have a high melting point and are non-combustible. Metal roofing is often rated Class A, providing excellent fire protection.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Rated Class A, TPO resists flame spread and can be a good choice for commercial buildings where fire safety is a priority. PVC roofing membranes are difficult to ignite, do not combust and are available in Class A rating. 

What to remember: The overall fire performance of the roof system can also be influenced by factors such as the underlying insulation, deck materials and the installation method. Additionally, it is essential to inspect the condition of your roof and projections after potential exposure to flying embers. 

Challenge: My Building Is Exposed to Harsh Weather Conditions and Drastic Temperature Changes

North America experiences a wide range of weather and climate extremes, such as storms, hail, high winds, extreme heat, high UV exposure and snowfall. Each region may face unique challenges. However, there are plenty of roofing options available to protect your facility from these elements.

Metal Roofs: Resistant to high winds, heavy snow loads and hail. Additionally, a roof coating can be applied to metal roofs to help improve their resistance to rust and corrosion. 

Built-Up Roofing (BUR): Multiple layers of BUR roofs provide durability, resistance to extreme weather and impact damage like hail or flying debris. 

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Resistant to UV radiation and temperature extremes, these systems are ideal for locations experiencing prolonged periods of heat followed by seasonal or nightly temperature drops. These membranes are very flexible and will expand and contract with your entire building in response to the outside temperature shifts. This will help minimize premature wear and tear in such conditions. 

Challenge: My Facility is Focused on Minimizing its Environmental Impact

Specific roof systems aim to reduce environmental impact, promote sustainability and enhance energy efficiency. Here are a few examples:

Cool Roof Systems: Reflective surfaces reduce heat absorption, lowering cooling costs. A properly installed and maintained cool roof system will help you postpone a reroof by reducing temperature-related stress.

Garden Roofs: Roofs designed with landscaping are often called "garden" or "green" roof systems. These installations include a waterproofed deck for the foundation, a root barrier, drainage layers, soil substrates and vegetation itself - creating a multi-level extension of your space! These installations improve energy efficiency by providing natural insulation, reducing the urban heat island effect, capturing and filtering rainwater and reducing stormwater runoff. 

Daylighting and Solar: Enhancements like skylights or solar panels will help lower your electricity bills and reduce reliance on grid power.

Check out the Green Roofing Solutions page for more information.

Challenge: My Facility is Subject to Strict Codes, Regulations and/or Joint Commission Inspections

Whether you are in charge of a hospital or a cold storage facility, roof leaks can spell trouble. Consulting with CentiMark roofing professionals with experience providing solutions for sensitive and highly regulated environments is a must. Depending on your location, climate, functions, local codes and other unique factors, you may have a variety of options and custom solutions to fit your roofing needs.

Choosing the correct roof system is crucial for your building's envelope. Your choice can significantly impact the durability of your roof, maintenance costs and energy efficiency in the long run. The good news is, there are various roofing types available to meet your specific needs. However, it is essential to evaluate your facility's exact requirements before making a decision. Whether you need protection against chemical exposure, fire hazards, harsh weather conditions or you need to adhere to strict codes and regulations, consulting with roofing professionals from CentiMark can help you find a customized solution that aligns with your facility's unique needs. Need help visualizing or presenting a roof solution to the rest of your team? Take advantage of our proprietary commercial roofing configurator, CentiVision. Ultimately, your choice of roofing material is an investment in the future of your building, as it plays a pivotal role in preserving its integrity.