Commercial building owners understand the importance of a quality roof to protect inventory, equipment, and staff. They also typically possess a keen sense of costs and return on investment.
While the hard costs of roofing material and labor are easy to spot, the soft costs of roof replacement also bear consideration. While certainly not exhaustive, the high-level list below illustrates just how quickly the soft costs of roof replacement accumulate.
- Schedule Roof Inspection
- Review Inspection Report
- Compare Repair vs. Replace Costs
- Decision to Pursue Replacement
- Research/Select Material Options
- Request Roof Replacement Estimates
- Develop Replacement Budgets
- Evaluate Ongoing Repairs vs. Replacement
- Review Tax & Financial Data
- Recommendation to Replace Roof
- Gain Approval for Roof Replacement
- Make Finance Arrangements
- Request Bids from 2-3 Contractors
- Compare Bids and Statement of Work
- Request Revised Bids
- Check Installer Credentials
- Select Installer
- Review/Approve Statement of Work
- Ensure Installer Insurance Coverage
- Project Management Efforts Before & During Replacement
- Move Equipment & Operations as Necessary
- Lost Time Due to Interruption to Daily Operations
- Lost Revenue
When considering the time each step above requires, it is no surprise that commercial building owners are beginning to emphasize roof longevity over the lowest initial installation cost.
Metal roofing offers several unique advantages compared to other roofing materials, with longevity being one of the biggest. Below we outline the pros and cons of some of the most popular commercial roofing options for commercial, industrial, and architectural projects.
Common Architectural/Commercial/Industrial Options
Product
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
Life Expectancy
:
20–30 years
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Durable and flexible
- Energy efficient (white reflective surface)
- UV- and fungi-resistant
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Improved long-term track record in the U.S. market
Cons
- Ongoing maintenance required
- Quality and performance vary by manufacturer
- Can be slippery when wet
Life Expectancy:
20-30 years
Pros
- Highly durable
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Strong resistance to wind, fire, UV, and water
- Energy efficient and recyclable
- Performs well in harsh environments (restaurants, industrial buildings
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than TPO or EPDM
- Foot traffic can still cause damage in cold temps, though less than in older versions
- Repairs can be more challenging
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
Life Expectancy:
20-30 years
Pros
- Low cost
- Fire & weather resistant
- Proven long-term performance
- Easy to install and repair
- Available in white for improved reflectivity
- Recyclable
Cons
- Requires periodic maintenance
- Can shrink over time, stressing seams and flashings
- Black membranes absorb heat unless reflective versions are used
Life Expectancy:
15–30 years
Pros
- Very durable and impact-resistant
- Fire resistant
- Walkable surface
- Simple to repair
Cons
- Very heavy, may require structural reinforcement
- Slower installation process
- Susceptible to wind uplift
- Declining popularity compared to membranes
- Fumes during installation
Life Expectancy:
15-25 years
Pros
- Proven, widely used system
- Flexible in varying temperatures
- Easy to install
- Resists foot traffic better than some membranes
Cons
- Dark surfaces absorb heat
- Torch-applied systems carry fire risks
- Limited tolerance for ponding water
- Prone to surface damage from impacts
Life Expectancy:
20-40 years
Pros
- Reduces heat island effect
- Improves stormwater management
- Enhances energy efficiency
- Adds green space and improves air quality
- Fire resistant
Cons
- High upfront cost
- Heavy—requires structural support
- Requires ongoing specialized maintenance
- Permitting and codes vary by location
Life Expectancy:
40–70 years
Ultimately, the best roofing option for you depends on factors like budget, appetite for the time and work involved with each roof replacement, the architectural style of your project, local climate, and personal preferences.
If we can be of any help as you weigh options, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to help!
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