What are commercial roofs made of? [ Infographic ]

Posted on 20 February 2023

Most commercial roofs are flat or low-sloping, unlike residential roofs which tend to be pitched. Flat roofs are not only easier to install and very affordable but they can often provide valuable space to store equipment. Since flat roofs do come with some downsides, including suffering harsh effects from the elements and requiring more maintenance, it’s important to ensure you choose the right material for your roof. If you’re wondering what are commercial roofs made of, read on.

What are commercial roofs made of

4 common materials for commercial roofs

Since a new roof is such a significant investment for most businesses, it makes sense to consider your options carefully before deciding which system to opt for. Consult with our experienced roofing specialists who will be able to offer you the expert advice that you need. Keep reading to discover the most common materials for commercial roofs in Grimsby.

Single-plyRoof Lead work in Grimsby

Single-ply is one of the most common materials for commercial roofs. A single-ply membrane roof consists of sheets of synthetic polymer which are made from either thermoplastics or synthetic rubber. Since we can reheat and remould thermoplastics, they are normally the most popular option for single-ply roofs. 

Not only are single-ply roofs incredibly durable, ensuring they will last long into the future, but they’re also eco-friendly when compared with other more traditional roofing materials. There are a few different types of single-ply membranes for commercial roofs. These include:

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO)

Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM)

Built-up felt

Also known as Reinforced Bituminous Membranes (RBM), built-up felt systems use felts that have very high tensile strengths. Even though they’re incredibly strong they’re also flexible, ensuring they can expand and contract. There are two different construction methods for installing built-up felt roofs – hot and cold. 

With the hot method, we use a gas torch to bond the felt to the surface. The cold method either attaches the felt mechanically, or bonds it using hot air and adhesives. Whilst both methods come with benefits, the hot method is usually the better option since it provides a more robust, longstanding solution. The cold method tends to be more common in lightweight projects or where the use of gas torches isn’t advisable.

Built-up felt roofing systems are not only quite impressive in regards to their durability but they’re also fairly inexpensive. Compared to other roofing membranes like PVC, asphalt and rubber, felt roofs tend to be much cheaper to install, maintain and repair should they become damaged.

Metal 

When our customers ask us “What are commercial roofs made of?”, they rarely expect us to say metal. Metal roofs have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for commercial buildings. Steel, zinc, aluminium and copper are common options. Not only are metal roofs incredibly hardwearing – withstanding harsh weather conditions including rain, ice and snow – but they also tend to be mildew, rot and fire resistant. Plus, we can install them on roofs with low pitches, unlike tiles and shingles. 

Metal roofs are a very eco-friendly option. As well as using recycled metals like steel, the roofs themselves are often recyclable. Metals tend to do a better job at preserving heat too, which means that heating your property will likely cost you less. At the same time, a metal roof can also help to keep a property cool in the hot summer months.

You might assume the downside of metal roofing is its appearance. You may be picturing corrugated metal sheets. However, whilst corrugated metal is still widely used, these days, metal roofing is modern and lightweight, with a large range of colours and profiles to choose from. Some look like traditional roofing tiles whilst still having the benefits of metal roofs. 

Facias in Louth

Liquid applied roofing

Liquid applied roofing refers to the process of applying a polyurethane liquid membrane as a roof coating to a new roof or existing roof. The aim is to make the roof waterproof and able to withstand the harshest effects of the elements. With an existing roof, it’s known as a “liquid overlay”. Liquid applied roofing is an extremely versatile solution since it can be applied to either flat, pitched or domed roofing systems, and on a wide range of different materials, including steel and asphalt.

One of the key benefits of liquid applied roofing is that it provides a totally seamless solution. Since we apply it as a continuous coat, there are no areas where water can get underneath. With systems such as single-ply, EPDM and bitumen felt, water can eventually penetrate the roofing and cause damage. Liquid applied roofing provides a long-term, watertight protective layer for your roof. 

Commercial roofs in Grimsby

Now you know the answer to the question “What are commercial roofs made of?”, you may be looking to hire a roofing company in your area. At Raven Roofing and Repairs, we specialise in the installation of commercial roofs in Grimsby, using a range of materials to meet our clients’ needs and budgets. Once we’ve installed your new roof, we’re on hand to carry out regular roof maintenance and repairs, ensuring that it stays looking and functioning its best long into the future. We’re on hand to deal with all your commercial roofing requirements. 

Contact us

If you’re looking for a leading installer of commercial roofs in Grimsby, look no further than Raven Roofing and Repairs. Call us on 01472 565 084 or 01507 640 072 to discuss your roofing needs with one of our friendly team. You can also get in touch by sending us a message via our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Whether you need more information about different roofing systems we offer or you’d like a quote, we can assist.

Customer Reviews
Raven Roofing & Repairs Ltd
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Maggie N
Very good quality work from Raven Roofing done on our guttering and tiles.I appreciated being told exactly what had been done and how.The work was carried out quickly and for a very reasonable price.
alice judge
Great service from Raven Roofing and Repairs, came out to assess, and quickly fitted us in for necessary repairs, would definitely recommend.
Tessa Heelas
Prompt reply to email. Arranged to assess within 1 week. Did the job promptly as arranged. Good price
Shawn Bosworth
Chris and his apprentice were brilliant! Came out in the miserable rain and made my roof water tight again. I had several quotes from other roofers, cowboys trying to milk my desperation for silly money. Chris was honest, fair and reasonably priced. Highly recommended, thanks!
mark appleby
Extremely Happy with Job!Chris, Quickly assessed the roof and gave options on what could be done.Once Date Agreed, delivered on time with a very professional looking job. Job was in Feb and Chris and Team went out of their way to get the job done even though weather was bad at end of week. They left Work area very clean. Highly reccomend them!
Bev Barley
Thanks for doing a first class job would highly recommend Chris for a job well done
Robert Meadows
Mike Downs
Fantastic, would recommend to anyone who needs roof work. Polite, helpful and super fast. Thanks so much.
Lisa McMahon
Had a leak from my roof. Chris came out the same day althoughthe weather wasn't good. He surveyed the roof and found the problem immediately (a tile had slipped), took photo's before and after replacing the slipped tile. I asked how much I owed him - he said there was NO charge as it was a quick repair. What a lovely, kind, genuine guy! Would highly recommended him and his company.
Roland Packer
We recently had the roof on our extension replaced by raven roofing. Chris and his young helper couldn't have been more helpful. Work done to a very high standard. Quote honoured to the penny. Genuinely nice people and a real pleasure to do business with. Will definitely call them for the services they offer, when needed.
Michelle Packer
Can’t recommend this company enough. Did a great job on our roof , very friendly team , punctual, good quality work and good value for money . Many thanks
Carol Howden
Very friendly team and carried out a great job. Arrived and just got on with the job. Looks great
andrew engeham
Competitive price and excellent workmanship.Highly recommended.
Keith Brown
Great company great service
John Hornsby
Came on time very Satisfied with wat was done. Will be using them again if needed
Omer Khalifa
renegade jokerrr
Fantastic service! Nice and friendly guys! Very quick work! Great customer service! If I need any repairs in the future i will use Raven again.
Margaret Dabb
After being let down by another firm i rang Chris in desperation. Within an hour he arrived, looked at work, discussed, priced and booked a date. Arrived on time, everything ran like clockwork even in the awful heat they had to work through. Very well organised, very tidy, would have no hesitation in recommending his work. Many thanks
Zoe Gibbons
Can’t recommend Chris and his team more, they were all friendly, polite and efficient and left my patio tidier than it was before! Nothing was too much trouble and good quality work and price. I’d definitely recommend Raven Roofing to all my friends and family.
Alan Grosschmidt
Would Recommend Raven Roofing.We had new gutters and facias fitted all round the house.We were really pleased with the completed job.I did point out a minor oversight, which Chris promptly dealt with.The quote for the job was very competitive and I doubt you could get it done cheaper.So deserves 5 Stars.
Andrea Goforth
Was very happy with the prompt, professional, and friendly service provided by this company . They were so quick to help me out and repair a badly storm damaged roof. It is such a joy to have a service provider come when they say they will! Reasonable price and good quality workmanship too . Thank you, Raven Roofing .
Mandy
We had the tiles down the gulley re-bedded.Very professional and cleaned up afterwards. Really friendly and very kind guy and we will definitely be using Raven Roofing again in the new year to do our guttering! Thanks Chris 👍🏻
Mike Prior
they repaired a dislodged tile free of charge. Just asked To be remembered for other works and telling my friends
Sally Melton
Had a skylight fitted. Excellent service, fitted my job in even though extremely busy. Was absolutely delighted the attention to detail was perfect. Made sure everything was tidied up and taken away. Thank you again. Would highly recommend.
Ali Wickham
Peter Hogarth
These guys did a great job repointing my roof gulleys
Pamela Blow
Samantha Blow
Excellent service, I would highly recommend :)
Derek Coates
Chris promptly repaired the front guttering which is now ok.
Lee Popham
Rang raven to come and fix my roof after last months storm, came next day and repaired, very happy with service and price, will definitely use again.
Mark Barnard
Very good reliable service all work guaranteed
kevin langley
When we needed urgent roof repairs, Raven Roofing & Repairs came to the rescue. Great quality work undertaken by true professionals.
Steve Nowell
I recently had repairs done to my roof. The response and service were excellent, nothing was too much trouble and the work carried out effectively and efficiently
Kelly Brewer
Excellent service, recently had repairs carried out on my house roof, Chris was really friendly, work carried out to a great standard at a great price 🙂
AerinB
We have used Raven Roofing several times for small repairs as we didn't want to go to the expense of a new roof, but recent torrential rain forced us to accept we needed a new roof. We were dreading the bill but Raven Roofing were very reasonable (not sure if I'm allowed to say how much).The scaffolding arrived and was put up promptly, Raven Roofing arriving a couple of days later to start work, the only delays were due to bad weather and Raven Roofing contacted us to let us know about any delays which we really liked, usually builders don't bother. Raven roofing were polite, friendly and courteous at all times.Out roof was completely stripped and replaced in a week, all rubbish was removed and the gardens left looking tidy.The roof itself looks fantastic...we are very very pleased and highly recommend Raven Roofing.
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