Commercial Roofing Material Options

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing options in both commercial and residential applications. Made out of asphalt, these are made from petroleum manufacturing and offer good protection against the weather. On the flip side, they don’t handle strong winds as well as other options and will need more maintenance than other roof types.

We recommend it for:

Commercial installations with sloped roofs, and constructions where a low budget is the main need. Asphalt shingles are also a good option in projects with unique roof shapes, since they can be installed in different shapes to ensure proper coverage.

Why we like it:

• Easy installation: Since it’s one of the most common roofing materials in Florida, most contractors have extensive experience installing asphalt shingles. This material doesn’t require specialty equipment, so crews of any size can install it.
• Affordable: One of the reasons for its popularity is the relative affordability of asphalt shingles, both on the materials and on the installation budget.
• Lightweight: This allows installation even in buildings that couldn’t handle heavier roofs. However, keep in mind this feature also makes them more prone to flying off when exposed to strong winds.

Types of warranties

Some asphalt shingles have a lifetime warranty, but expect to change them every 15 to 25 years even with regular maintenance. However, manufacturers’ warranty generally cover defects for 10 to 45 years depending on the specific brand. Keep in mind regular wear-and-tear, including hail damage and broken sections after high-wind storms, won’t be covered under the manufacturer's warranty.

Metal Roofing

A classic when it comes to commercial roofing, metal roofs are an incredibly durable alternative for any building. This specific roof type is available as a single screw-down metal panel (for smaller buildings), or as standing-seam roofs with separate metal panels locked together. Both of these are great for commercial applications that need a long-lasting material that will stand the test of time. We also recommend metal roofs for buildings with a steep slope or with elaborate roof designs.

We recommend it for:

This is a great option for sloped roofs with or without different sections. We’ve also seen great results when used as tiny house roofing, offering flexibility for novelty shapes (since it can be bent) with amazing durability.

Metal has been the preferred choice for church roofs since it’s a high-performance option that accommodates different slopes. Plus, modern metal roofs for churches can have different coatings to replicate the original look, preserving tradition without sacrificing longevity.

Why we like it:

• Long-lasting: Metal panels will last between 40 to 80 years depending on the material. With proper maintenance, a high-quality metal roof will last 100+ years! This also means the year-on-year cost of metal roofs is lower than traditional asphalt tiles that need to be replaced every 12 to 20 years.
• Sustainable: Unlike traditional asphalt tile, metal offers an environmentally-conscious option for commercial roofing. Metal roofs are composed of 25% to 95% recycled material and once its lifetime is over they can be recycled.
• Energy-efficient: To lower the bills of your commercial building, a metal roof is the way to go. According to State Farm insurance, installing a metal roof lowers the radiant heat and results in up to 25% reduction of cooling costs during summer.
• Hurricane-resistant: There’s a reason why most of the homes left standing after Hurricane Michael devastated Mexico beach had a metal roof. When properly installed following updated code, metal roofing can handle wind gusts of 200+ mph. While aesthetic damage is expected, metal panels remain attached and won’t leak after the wind has subsided.

Types of warranties

Since the biggest threat to metal roofs is corrosion, a majority of the products come with a paint warranty for the manufacturer. This covers the coating (paint finish) of the roof panels, a key element to protect the metal underneath. Kynar 500 coating is considered one of the top performers, and comes with a manufacturer's warranty of 30 years.

Depending on the substrate choice (the actual metal below the paint), the actual warranty will vary and cover specifics. For example, Galvalume offers a warranty that protects against perforation (caused by rust), but not against surface rust.

Warranties can be confusing, so we’re happy to help. Our team would love to talk about the warranties that apply to your commercial roofing choice, so let us know if you’d like to have a chat!

Tile Roofing

Ceramic tiles are a classic roofing option great to give your building a traditional look. Nowadays, you have the choice between concrete and composite tiles. Both of these have similar benefits, including proven durability (50+ years) and providing insulation against the harsh Florida sun.

Our team prefers Eagle and Brava tiles for commercial applications. For plain concrete, our team uses Eagle tiles. Composite tiles mix ceramic with other materials to make a durable, non-porous tile that is mold-resistant. These have more color and shape choices; Brava tiles in particular are one of our favorites for commercial roofing applications. This brand has a Miami-Dade County certification, meaning it has passed one of the most stringent certifications in the country regarding hurricane testing.

We recommend it for

Perfect for commercial buildings with a slope. Ceramic tile is incredibly resistant and has been a favorite for mall roofs, department store roofing as well as for entertainment center roofing in Florida. It’s also a great option in locations prone to hurricanes: properly installed tile can handle up to 180 mph wind gusts.

Why we like it:

• Different finishes: Ceramic tile roofing has come a long way. Nowadays, both Eagle and Brava offer a multitude of styles that replicate every look from classic clay to cedar shakes and natural slate. Our clients love the possibility of recreating a traditional look with the benefits of new materials.
• Fire- and hail-resistant: Ceramic tiles have a Class A fire rating, meaning they won’t burn even during a wildfire and will protect your property during storms.
• High-wind tested: With modified installation, ceramic tiles can handle winds of 100+ mph and up to 180 mph for Eagle tiles.
• Sustainable: Concrete tiles can be recycled and reused.

Types of warranties

Brava tiles have a warranty that covers up to 80 mph wind gusts under standard application, and up to 110 mph winds with modified installation. Eagle tiles, on the other hand, have a warrant of up to 180 mph winds with modified installation.

Both brand options have a limited transferrable lifetime product warranty that covers the individual integrity of the tiles and specific manufacturing defects. Keep in mind the warranty certificate needs to be properly registered to ensure you’re covered!

TPO or Rubber Roofing

Made of a mix of rubber and plastic polymers, this roof type is a great long-lasting option for commercial applications. Rubber roofing seals the roof and offers a fully waterproof layer.

We recommend it for

Rubber roofing is the best option for low-slope or no-slope buildings that will have light foot traffic. This is a great material for school roofs, as well as warehouse roofs  and industrial roofing that need a cost-efficient, seamless option.

Why we like it

• Customizable insulation: Customers can choose the specific insulating layer below the rubber sheet, meaning you can personalize it to fit your needs.
• Energy-saving: The most widely used TPO material is white, meaning it readily reflects UV rays. This lowers the heat absorbed by the building and can lower your energy bill in the summer months.
• Cost-effective repairs: When installed and maintained properly, TPO roofing lasts around 15 to 20 years. However, it’s possible to perform a silicone restoration membrane system if the roof isn’t overly worn out. This freshens up the finish, reinforces the entire roof and allows you to get a new 10 to 20-year warranty on the material.
• Low-maintenance: These roofs require minimum upkeep, making them the material of choice for industrial roofing application.

Types of warranties

The warranty will depend on the specific components chosen for your roof. In our experience, product manufacturers offer a solid commercial application warrant on the components that can protect you from leaks and other manufacturing defects. In general, manufacturers offer a 10 to 20-year warrant, which is enough for most customers. Plus, if you do a silicone membrane restoration, you can get another 10 years of warranty without needing to replace the entire roof.

Want personalized advice on how to choose the right roof for your commercial application? Give us a call! Our team is happy to answer any questions.