6 Factors to Consider When Selecting a Commercial Roofing System

Whether you’re a building owner or property manager, selecting a high-quality commercial roofing system is crucial to protecting your establishment. A well-installed roof safeguards occupants from the elements, helps prevent costly structural damage, and contributes to overall comfort and energy efficiency. At Birdcreek Roofing, we work closely with business owners to help them understand their roofing options and choose solutions that support long-term performance and reliability.

While working with a trusted contractor is an important part of the process, it’s also essential to understand which roofing system best fits your specific needs. In this article, we’ll outline the key factors you should consider when selecting a commercial roof to help ensure smooth and efficient business operations.

1. Your Building's Future Plans Empty heading

Empty heading

When selecting a commercial roofing system for your establishment, you must always consider the business’s or the owner’s plans. If the owner plans to keep the property for a long time, they may be willing to invest in a more expensive but durable option. On the other hand, a shorter-term plan may be ideal if you want to sell your building soon. 

Besides the incoming projects, you must also consider the roof’s lifespan. Different commercial roofing systems can have varying life expectancies, from ten years to half a century, with proper maintenance. 

2. Your Budget Empty heading

 heading

When purchasing a commercial roofing system for your establishment, remember that your work continues even after settling the initial cost. You should also consider the roof’s long-term factors, such as maintenance and repair costs and warranties. 

While cheaper materials may initially cost less, experts don’t recommend this option because it can cause more frequent and costly replacements. On the other hand, investing in high-quality materials can offer you benefits like energy savings or a good warranty. That way, you can save more money in the long run. 

3. Your Existing Roof and the Building’s Physical StructureEmpty heading

Empty heading

Before selecting a commercial roofing system, you must evaluate the roof’s current state, including the material’s type, the existing structures it houses, protrusions, and accessibility requirements. 

You should also consider your building’s air conditioning units, vents, and skylights because they can affect the installation and maintenance of different roofing systems and may even determine if your current roof is ideal for reroofing or needs a replacement. 

Additionally, you must consider how often people will need access to your roof. Materials like ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) aren’t good at withstanding foot traffic, and metal roofing can be hazardous to walk on despite its durability. 

4. Your Building’s Location, Immediate Surroundings, and ClimateEmpty heading

Empty heading

When selecting a commercial roofing system, you must consider the structure’s physical location, building codes, nearby hazards, and the climate’s expected weather conditions. The locality’s environment is essential because a high-quality roofing system must be strong enough to function in different environmental conditions. 

For instance, a metal roof may be ideal for regions experiencing heavy snow and hail. In contrast, a reflective system like Flexion works best for a desert climate. On the other hand, EPDM may be ideal for businesses in areas experiencing extreme heat and cold. 

5. The Businesses Inside Your BuildingEmpty heading

Empty heading
When selecting a commercial roofing plan, you must also consider the business being conducted within the building. Retail stores need an energy-efficient system, while less-efficient but more affordable options work best for warehouses storing non-temperature-sensitive items. 

Restaurants and manufacturers will likely need to select commercial roofing systems that can accommodate ventilation and withstand chemical and oil damage. 

6. Environmental Impact Empty heading

 heading

When looking for a commercial roofing system, consider its environmental impact. Determine if manufacturers created it from recycled materials, made it reflective, or can accommodate insulation or solar panels. That way, you can increase your building’s energy efficiency.