Houck Blog

The 6 Best Commercial Roofing Materials For Every Industry

Category: Roof Maintenance

Choosing the right roof is critical for protecting a commercial property, ensuring durability, and minimizing long-term maintenance costs. With so many options available, finding the best commercial roofing materials for your facility can feel overwhelming.

From warehouses and office buildings to retail spaces and industrial facilities, each structure has unique needs that influence the ideal roofing choice. In this guide, we’ll break down the six best commercial roofing materials, highlighting their benefits, suitability, and the characteristics that make them a smart investment for your business.

How to Choose the Best Commercial Roofing Material

Multiple factors will influence your decision when navigating the numerous commercial roofing options available to you. Before we dive into the different types of commercial roofing systems, it’s important to consider the following questions.

What Is Your Roof’s Visibility?

If aesthetics are important to you and your roof is more visible, you’ll most likely want to consider materials that not only offer functionality but also visual appeal. This enhances the overall appearance of your facility and may increase its property value.

How Much Foot Traffic Does Your Roof Experience?

Roofs that are frequently walked on must be able to withstand heavy foot traffic without compromising the safety of those who access them. Therefore, the best commercial roofing materials for you are those that are durable and slip-resistant.

Is Your Roof Exposed To Chemicals?

When roofs are exposed to grease, acid, or other chemicals, they’re at higher risk of needing repairs and replacements. If this is the case for your facility, the best commercial roofing material for you will be one that is resistant to corrosion and damage.

What Climate Are You Located In?

Sun exposure, wind exposure, and temperature fluctuations will also influence your decision. The best commercial roofing material for hot weather is UV-resistant, reflective, and reduces heat absorption. Conversely, the best commercial roofing material for cold weather can withstand high winds, heavy snowfall, and other harsh winter conditions.

6 Types of Commercial Roofing Systems

Here’s a quick overview of the top commercial roofing materials used in various industries and by building owners and managers.

1. Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Systems: TPO, PVC, and KEE

Single-ply reflective membrane systems are among the best commercial flat roofing materials for low-slopes. Options such as TPO, PVC, and KEE are valued for their strength, straightforward installation, and impressive energy-efficient properties.

These roofing membranes are engineered to handle extreme conditions, offering strong resistance to weather, chemicals, and daily exposure. Their hot-air-welded seams deliver exceptional performance, helping create a reliable and watertight roof system.

Key benefits:

• Long lifespan, typically lasting 20–30 years with proper maintenance.
• Excellent protection against heat, aging, and UV degradation.
• High resistance to extreme environmental conditions, including temperature swings and harsh weather.
• Cost-effective alternative to more complex built-up roofing systems.
• Energy efficiency is achieved through their reflective, heat-reducing surfaces.
• Faster, easier installation, minimizing disruption and labor costs.

Ideal for:

• Manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Educational facilities
• Office and retail buildings
• Warehouses and distribution centers

2. Liquid Applied Roof Coating Systems

Advanced roof coatings offer an effective alternative to a full roof replacement. Designed to extend the lifespan of your existing roof, these systems also improve appearance while preserving the historical character of your building.

Since these systems can be applied to many different roof types and come in a wide range of colors and custom options, they are one of the best commercial roofing materials for helping to lower energy usage and utility costs.

Additionally, these coating systems are simple to maintain and repair, providing strong protection and long-term performance. Their easy application and fast curing process make them an excellent choice for facilities that must remain operational throughout the project.

Key benefits:

• High resistance to weather, chemicals, and mold/mildew.
• Minimal maintenance and easy repairability.
• Rapid curing time reduces downtime during installation.
• Versatile application across many roof types and conditions.
• Energy-saving performance helps reduce utility costs.
• Protects and prolongs the life of existing roofing systems.

Ideal for:

• Industrial facilities
• Educational facilities
• Office and retail buildings
• Warehouses and distribution centers
• Historic or heritage buildings

3. Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems

Modified bitumen roofing systems are specifically designed to handle expansion and contraction caused by heat and sunlight. Therefore, these are the best commercial roofing materials for withstanding dramatic temperature shifts and resisting water infiltration.

They are known for their durability, slip resistance, and strong performance in extreme weather conditions. Typically thicker than other commercial roofing options, these systems can be installed using either cold adhesives or hot asphalt.

Key benefits:

• Excellent resistance to expansion and contraction from temperature changes.
• Highly durable construction that withstands heavy use and harsh environments.
• Strong waterproofing capabilities protect against leaks and moisture damage.
• Slip-resistant surface, ideal for roofs that require foot traffic.
• Reliable performance in both hot and cold climates.
• Thicker membrane options for enhanced strength and longevity.

Ideal for:

• Manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Educational facilities
• Office and retail buildings
• Warehouses and distribution centers

4. Rubber Roofing Systems: EPDM

Rubber systems are an excellent commercial roofing option for complex or multi-level roof structures. Thanks to its durability, it resists impacts and performs well under intense sunlight and high temperatures. When installed by an experienced team like Houck, rubber roofing systems can often be applied over an existing roof, providing a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a roofing material that is particularly well-suited for low-slope roofs because of its exceptional durability and long service life. It protects buildings from severe weather while requiring very little ongoing maintenance.

Key benefits:

• Outstanding durability that withstands harsh environmental conditions.
• Long lifespan, offering reliable performance for decades.
• Minimal maintenance needs, reducing long-term upkeep costs.
• Superior weather resistance, including UV, heat, wind, and hail protection.
• Versatility for low-slope or complex roof designs.
• Potential for installation over existing roofing, lowering project cost and disruption.

Ideal for:

• Manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Educational facilities
• Office and retail buildings
• Warehouse and distribution centers
• Municipal and government buildings

5. Metal Roofing Systems

Metal roofing combines long-lasting durability with an attractive appearance, making it a popular commercial roofing choice for numerous properties. Whether you need repairs for an existing roof or are considering a new installation, the experienced team members at Houck can provide comprehensive support.

Available in various configurations, such as standing seam, metal roofing systems can deliver 40 years or more of dependable performance when properly maintained.

Key benefits:

• Exceptional longevity, often lasting 40 years or more.
• Strong resistance to air and water intrusion, helping prevent leaks and structural damage.
• Low maintenance requirements result in reduced long-term operating costs.
• High durability against severe weather, impact, and temperature fluctuations.
• Attractive architectural appearance, available in multiple styles and finishes.
• Custom fabrication options for enhanced design flexibility and performance.

Ideal for:

• Manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Educational facilities
• Office and retail buildings
• Warehouses and distribution centers

6. Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Systems

Built-up roofing (BUR) is one of the most widely used and best commercial roofing systems. It consists of multiple layers of bitumen paired with reinforcing materials such as fiberglass or polyester, and is finished with a top layer of gravel or another protective surface. Known for their long-lasting performance, BUR systems can provide up to 30 years of service with proper upkeep.

Key benefits:

• Exceptional durability due to multiple reinforced layers.
• Strong protection against weather and UV exposure.
• Excellent waterproofing from its layered construction.
• Low-maintenance requirements when regularly inspected.
• Long service life, often lasting up to 30 years.
• Proven performance as one of the most established commercial roofing systems.

Ideal for:

• Manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Educational facilities
• Office and retail buildings
• Warehouses and distribution centers

Ready to protect your commercial property with the right roof?

Contact our experts today to explore the best commercial roofing materials for your business and get a free consultation!