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Writer's pictureChad Dodson Roofing

What Are The Different Types of Commercial Roofing?

Updated: Sep 13, 2023

Commercial roofing systems are available in many styles and shapes. They range from tile to modified bitumen shingle roofs with pipe or flat felts. The materials used for commercial roofing are usually lighter weight than the materials used for residential roofs.

To help you better understand the different commercial roofing systems available today, let's discuss some of them!



commercial roofing

Built-Up Roofing Systems

Built-up roofing systems are also called BURs or modified bitumen shingle roofs. They use lightweight felt paper laminated to the top of a single-ply base sheet for additional strength. The base sheets can be either EPDM (rubber) or TPO (plastic). Both have excellent elasticity and wide temperature ranges.


The most common BUR configuration includes a 5/12 pitch built-up roof with torch-down installation. The torch down process involves installing self-adhesive asphalt coated base sheets and using propane torches to heat the asphalt, melting it into place. This type of commercial roofing system is considered heavy duty because of its ability to resist hail and protect during inclement weather.


Metal Roofing Systems


Metal roofing systems are prevalent in commercial buildings. Commercial building owners can choose from multiple metal roofs, including standing seam, corrugated steel, and domes. The kind of metal selected for a commercial building will depend on its climate region and insulation. For example, in hot areas such as Texas, sun to solar reflectance must get considered.


Green Roofing Systems


Green roofing systems are gaining popularity in commercial buildings today. Green roofs provide several benefits beyond those that can get realized by conventional roofs, including energy savings and improved aesthetics.


Clay Tiles


Clay tiles are another type of commercial roofing system you may encounter when looking at potential products. Clay tiles are made from natural clay or shale and molded into roofing shapes. They are then fired in high-temperature kilns to give them their durability and strength. Clay tiles are usually a more expensive choice but have many advantages, including excellent resistance to fire, damage from impacts, and termites.


Thermoplastic Roofing Systems


A thermoplastic system consists of two primary components, a gel coat, and the plastic film. The gel coat is applied to aluminum sheets and allows the plastic film to remain slide-able during installation. This system makes installing commercial roofing systems more cost-effective than their metal equivalents.


Tilt-Up Roofs

A tilt-up roof consists of steel panels bolted to a steel frame. Once the panels get installed, they get secured to each other using railings for a finished look. Tilt-up roofs can consist of commercial roofing material and are particularly useful in colder regions where weather is unpredictable.

If you need a new or commercial replacement roof in the Abilene, Texas area and could use some help deciding which configuration is best for your building, please get in touch with the pros at Chad Dodson Roofing to discuss your project today!



2 Comments


williamgeorgeabc55
Nov 02, 2021

A quality metal roof will literally save thousands of dollars during the time it is on a home. Metal roof doesn't damage easily and this can reduce the cost of major roof repairs.

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michellamandaaa
Oct 12, 2021

You can search a local roof repair company on the web and then check their website reviews on the web. It can help you to have the best deal on the commercial roof repair and installation.

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