Choosing the Right Roof System for Your Commercial Property

Running a business requires investment. The key is making sure you see a return on that investment (ROI). That’s just as true with your roof as it is with your R&D or marketing efforts. 

The right roof system can secure your property, lower your utility bills, and give you peace of mind. The wrong one opens you up to leaks, big AC bills, and excess worry during Florida’s increasingly severe storms. 

Fortunately, you have options. Exploring them helps you home in on the right choice for your specific property and your business’s short and long-term goals. 

Exploring your commercial roof system options

Commercial roofs fall into a few major categories:

Flat roofs

These are most common, and for good reason. They let the business owner easily access the roof for maintenance, servicing the HVAC system, or anything else they need. 

Here, one of the best options is a thermoplastic olefin (TPO) roof system. TPO roofs offer a few notable advantages, including:

• Affordability: With lower material costs and straightforward installation, TPO roofing gives you a more cost effective option than other flat roofing options like modified bitumen. 

• Energy efficiency: This white material reflects the sun’s rays, helping you keep cooling costs down. 

• Durability: TPO has built-in resistance to tears and punctures, and it defends against mold and UV damage from the sun. Plus, this material can expand and contract during temperature fluctuations, delivering flexibility that helps it withstand Florida’s seasons. 

• Low environmental impact: Unlike PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofing, TPO roofs are made without chlorine. And when you’re ready for a new roof, the material is fully recyclable. 

Because it delivers a good blend of affordability and durability, it’s no surprise that many commercial property owners choose flat roof systems that use TPO. 

Metal roofs

Running a business is a complicated endeavor, as is leasing commercial property. Whether you own your business location or you’re maintaining commercial space for your lessees, less to worry about is ideal. That’s why commercial property owners increasingly choose metal roofing. 

If you want a set-it-and-forget-it roof system, choose metal. It’s tough enough to withstand hurricane conditions and is fire-resistant. 

Metal roof systems don’t need much to stay in good shape, either. Unlike other roofing systems, metal doesn’t need to be painted or sealed. With minimal maintenance, your roof can last 50 years or more.

Plus, with a wide range of available finishes, metal gives your commercial property the sleek look it deserves. And a reflective coating on the roof can help to reduce your cooling costs by as much as 25%. 

Specialty systems

Maybe you want a roof that can do more. With solar panels, for example, you can generate electricity for your commercial property to use, lowering your utility costs. Solar technology has advanced to the point that it’s sturdy enough to withstand even hurricane-force winds. 

Or maybe you want to focus on reducing your utility costs in another way. With a silicone coating, you can achieve a cool roof to keep your building more comfortable and your AC bill manageable. 

Clearly, you have a lot of options. Talking to a roofing expert can help you pinpoint the best choice for your specific commercial property. 

Cost considerations to help when choosing a roof

Any savvy business or property owner will heavily consider cost when choosing their commercial roofing system. To help there, we have a few key considerations: 

Operational cost

Your roof has a direct impact on the cost to run your business. Choosing a more energy efficient option like a TPO roof system or a metal one with reflective coating helps you cut your overhead. Going solar helps you bring utility costs down even further. 

Lifespan and ROI

Crunch the numbers to determine the cost per year of the roof system you’re considering (divide the cost of the roof by its expected lifespan). This helps you get a feel for the kind of ROI you’ll see on that roofing system over time. 

Preventative care

You also need to think about how maintenance costs will impact your bottom line. With a metal roof, the concern here is minimal for at least a few decades. 

If you go with a flat roof, you should know that you can usually coat your roof to extend its lifespan. This helps you get years or even decades of leak-free warranty protection at about half the cost of a new roof. 

This is a general overview. You’ll be much better able to decide on the right roof when you know the true cost for your commercial property. To talk through options and get a quote, contact us.