Roofs are an important aspect of any building, but it is easy to overlook yours. If your industrial building's roof is looking a bit worn, it may be time to consider replacing it. However, as with residential roofs, there are many options to consider for your industrial building roof. If you would like to learn more, check out these four popular options to see which is right for you.

1. Built-Up Roof

Built-up roofs were invented in the 1800s and have been used for commercial buildings since the 1970s, but thanks to their many benefits, they remain a popular option. As the name suggests, this type of roof is crafted by putting layers together to build it. The layers consist of roofing felts, tar fabric, and hot asphalt.

As a result, a built-up roof is incredibly durable and requires little maintenance to keep it in good condition. In addition, a built-up roof is water-resistant, fire-resistant, and has UV protection. On the downside, however, the layers make the roof incredibly heavy. Plus, the roof may be prone to cracks and blistering, and the dark colors cause the roof to absorb a lot of heat.

2. Spray Foam

Spray foam can be used as insulation or as a roofing material. The material is sprayed on in liquid form, and as it dries and hardens, it expands, making it great at sealing all holes and cracks to provide excellent energy efficiency. Since the foam is white, it also reflects the sunlight, so the building absorbs less heat.

A spray foam roof is another durable option, but unlike a built-up roof, it does need constant care and maintenance. However, the biggest drawback to spray foam is that it must be installed correctly and under the right conditions to be effective.

3. Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen is a type of membrane roof, and you can think of it as a better form of asphalt roofs. Unlike traditional asphalt, however, the modified bitumen provides better seals. Modified bitumen is great for cold weather because the material stays flexible even in freezing conditions. This means it is less likely to crack.

Modified bitumen does have some fire-resistant properties, but other roofs beat them by far. In addition, modified bitumen roofs don't last as long as other materials, and they are more likely to experience damage from foot traffic. If heat must be used to seal the roof, there is also a risk of fire damage and/or fumes. However, newer modified bitumen roofs don't need heat to seal.

4. Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are another popular option for industrial buildings. This is largely due to their long lifespan and energy-efficient properties. In fact, in some cases, a metal roof can last up to 70 years. Like spray foam, metal naturally reflects the sunlight, so your building stays cooler. In addition, it is easy and cheap to maintain and withstands water, wind, and ice well.

Metal is a more expensive option, but you may save money in the long run if the roof lasts a long time. Noise may be a concern, but metal roofs can be built with layers to help dampen the noise. The leading issue with metal roofing is how much they expand and contract in heat/cold. This can lead to minor wear and tear like small holes and gaps. Naturally, this will reduce the energy efficiency and waterproofing features. 

Choosing the right roof for your business is important. In most cases, industrial buildings have flat roofs, so regardless of the material, make sure you have good drainage. If you would like to learn more, or if you're ready for a quote, contact a commercial/industrial roofing contractor in your area today.

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