When you manage a commercial property, it can be more important than many think to know what kind of roof your building has on top. From planning regular maintenance and scheduling repairs to determining property value and budgeting for replacement, knowing the specific type of commercial roof is key to making informed decisions. However, being unsure about where to start is easy, given the numerous structural styles and materials available. Keep reading to learn the most common types and how to recognize their core features.
Determine Your Roof Structure
The first clue that can help you identify a commercial roof is the structure or shape. Most commercial buildings ultimately fall into two categories.
Flat or Low-Slope Roofs
Most commercial roofs fall into this category. Most aren’t entirely flat, as a slight slope permits water drainage. Look at your building’s roof from the interior or street view. If it has a very shallow pitch, it’s flat or low-slope. Standard flat roof systems include PVC roofing, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber roofing, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing (BUR).
Pitched Roofs
A pitched roof has a noticeable incline and is more commonly seen in warehouses, smaller commercial buildings, or converted residential spaces. Common pitched roof materials include wood shakes, concrete or clay tiles, asphalt shingles, or metal panels.
Identify the Roofing Material
Once you ascertain the roof slope, you also need to identify the surface material. You can look for particular signs if you can access the roof safely, but you can also hire someone else to handle this for you.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
BUR is a frequent choice for older commercial buildings or bigger structures with flat roofing. It should feel layered and dense underfoot because there are usually multiple asphalt layers combined with fiberglass or felt, often topped with a reflective coating or gravel.
Modified Bitumen
This may resemble black rubber or even resemble shingles. As a rolled asphalt material, it frequently has granules. It’s heat-applied or might have self-adhered seams, and it’s common for flat roofs when the initial owner was balancing durability with cost.
EPDM (Rubber Roofing)
This roofing material is commonly used on flat roofs when a building manager prioritizes long-term performance and durability. It can feel bouncy and flexible underfoot, and the membrane may be black and smooth, resembling rubber. Seams can be chemically bonded or taped.
TPO or PVC Roofing
Look for heat-welded seams and a single-ply white membrane. Modern commercial buildings might have this if previous owners or managers valued energy savings. The reflective surface is known for its energy efficiency.
Metal Roofing
This is common for sloped roofing on industrial buildings, warehouses, and retail stores. Yours might have a standing seam or corrugated design, with sheets or panels made of copper, aluminum, or steel.
Shingle Roofing
Shingle roofing is a standard choice for historic buildings, small businesses, and converted homes. It’s typically installed on a pitched roof with underlayment using overlapping composite, wood, or asphalt shingles.
Review Building Records or Blueprints
Check your building’s records and documentation for roof specifications that may be listed in the original blueprints, warranty paperwork, maintenance logs, and insurance assessments. Contact previous property managers or owners for insights into the roof installation date, type, and repair history.
You can also have a licensed commercial roofer perform a detailed inspection to identify the system and evaluate the condition. They can also suggest the best maintenance or upgrade strategy. Professional assessments are instrumental before filing insurance claims, undertaking major repairs, and planning capital expenditures.
Know Your Roof, Protect Your Investment
Identifying commercial roofing involves more than just labeling materials. Doing this helps you extend the roof’s lifespan, protect your building, and avoid needless expenses. Whether you’re managing a pitched metal roof or a flat TPO system, investing the time in understanding what you have empowers you to maintain it effectively. If you’re unsure where to start, schedule a roofing inspection; a precise diagnosis now can prevent costly surprises tomorrow.
HT Roofing & Construction offers roofing services to residents and businesses in Lenexa and the surrounding communities. Our roofing services include commercial roofing, inspections, repairs, and replacements. Contact HT Roofing & Construction for assistance in identifying your commercial roof and any service needs you may have for it.
