It’s only a matter of time before even the highest quality commercial roof requires repair or replacement.

Here in Colorado, business and property owners have their choice between numerous industrial roofing systems. Our harsh climate calls for flat- or low-sloped commercial roofs that provide adequate protection from heavy rain, hail, snow, and winds. 

At A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors, we specialize in consulting with Colorado building owners who are looking for the most affordable and most effective commercial roofing material to safeguard their assets. A lot of times, we get this question: “What is the best commercial roofing material on the market?”. The answer to this question requires a bit of an explanation, which is why we’ve dedicated this article to it. 

Roofing Material Pros and Cons

If there was one commercial roofing material that was the cheapest, most versatile, and most resilient, we’d have an easy answer to our question. If only it was so easy!

The reality is that there are at least a dozen different fundamental commercial roofing materials to choose from, and they each have their own list of pros and cons. 

Some of the most popular commercial roofing material used in Colorado include Built-Up Roofing (BUR) membranes, metal roofing, modified bitumen, thermoset, and thermoplastic. Let’s dive into each one. 

Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Membranes

BUR membranes represent some of the oldest and most proven technologies in commercial roofing. Ideal for flat- or low-sloped roofs, a BUR membrane consists of two basic ingredients: asphalt and gravel. These combine to form a unified layer that is often applied more than once to…well…’build up’ the roof. 

BUR roofing systems are comparatively inexpensive, long-lasting, and very easy to repair. They can be messy to install, however, and they’re not as energy efficient as some of the available alternatives. 

Metal Roofing 

Colorado business owners love their metal roofs, and for good reason! Metal roofs last a very long time, they’re aesthetically pleasing, and they do a great job of shedding snow and protecting from rain leaks. They’re also very easy to clean, and they install fairly quickly.

Best Commercial Roofing Material

However, metal roofs can be on the more expensive side, especially if you choose a more premium metal. Some of the options are: 

  • Corrugated steel
  • Tin
  • Aluminum
  • Metal tile
  • Silicon-coated steel

Unfortunately, metal roofs aren’t great for some roof shapes, including flat or low-sloped ones. 

Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen is like BUR roofing in that the material construction is similar. However, bitumen membranes come in large rolls that are often melted onto the roof in big swaths. 

This type of commercial roofing material uses a fabric base as a carrier for the protective layer. In this way, it’s extra-durable, and is a great option for high-impact roofing applications. It’s also widely available, and most professional commercial roofers are comfortable working with it. 

Thermoset Roofing Membrane

The most popular thermoset roofing membrane on the market today is EPDM, and it’s earned a reputation for its durability and versatility. Typically constructed using a single-ply layer of rubber, EPDM roofing membranes are great for roofs in climates that fluctuate a lot (i.e., Colorado!). 

These commercial roofs are also a great choice for their energy-saving properties. They are available in a variety of colors and reflective coatings that help to shield the building from UV and thermal energy exposure. 

Thermoplastic Commercial Roofs

PVC and TPO are common types of thermoplastic commercial roofing systems. They’re a great choice when you need a roof that stands up to the Colorado climate but you also don’t want to break the bank. 

These materials have an especially high resistance to fire and high winds, adding more peace of mind (and lower insurance rates, in some cases). 

Which Is Best for You? Contact A-to-Z Roofing to Find Out! 

The best commercial roofing material is going to vary according to the needs of the customer and the climate that the roof is located in. Budget, roof size, building use, and other factors also come into play. 

Only a qualified, professional roofing company like A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors can truly match you with the commercial roofing system that is best for your building. To learn more about how our expert team can help you select the best roof for your flat-roof or low-slope commercial building, contact us today. 

Whether you’re in the Denver metro area or somewhere along the front range, we have the team, tools, and proven experience you want in a roofer. We look forward to working with you! Contact us today for a free estimate.