The Top 8 Most Common Commercial Roofing Types: Ultimate Guide

Roofing is one of the most crucial parts of a commercial building . Just like with a residential home, it protects the structure from inclement weather, leaks, impacts, and more. 

However, a commercial building is usually a far more expensive investment you need to protect, and you have your manpower dedicated to day-to-day operations; meaning that the roof and serious upkeep can take away from your resources. 

To make it worse, if something does happen to your roof, you might have to stop production entirely until it’s fixed.

So, what is the best type of commercial roof you can get to prevent all that?

Well, we’ve got a list of the top 8 commercial roofing types you can choose from for unmatched results.

Take a look.

1: Shingles

When you think of shingles on a roof, you probably think of residential homes. They don’t tend to be on too many large commercial buildings that you frequent every day such as big box stores. However, they are a great option, and in some circumstances, they’re the best option .

Shingle roofs add a sense of timelessness to many smaller establishments such as bars, restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, and other commercial buildings that tend to have a more "homely" appearance. That doesn’t mean that shingles can’t be used on other buildings. It really comes down to budget, the company’s needs, and of course, the aesthetic of the business.

There are two things to consider, though.

First, a shingle roof is a lot cheaper than many other types of commercial roofs . So, it’s a lot easier for smaller businesses, or businesses with small profit margins, to afford one in comparison to far costlier options.

Then, there’s the fact that it won’t last as long . Unfortunately, shingle roofs are more susceptible to damage that forces early replacements.

2: Metal

Metal is actually a group of roofing types. You can get a metal roof in a variety of metal options such as steel, copper, or aluminum . Each one of those options will have its own pros and cons. So, we’re going to cover the general facts that apply to all of them.

First, this gives the building a professional and more modern look . It’s simply more streamlined, and the coloring of some metal types can add tremendous aesthetic appeal to the building.

Metal is also considerably more durable and less likely to be seriously damaged by the weather or most impacts. So, it will last longer with minimal repairs.

The issue with metal is that most of roof types can rust, and the others can oxidize. Luckily, both of those issues can be handled early with minimal visual changes.

However, not every roofing company offers metal roofs.

3: Green Roof

This is a rather unique roofing option, and while it won’t match modern design themes for most commercial buildings, it can be both an eco-friendly and branding-friendly option .

This is literally a roof that is designed to have greenery grow on it . The plants suck up most of the water when it rains instead of letting it run off the roof. They also work as an extra layer of insulation, and that can help cut back on HVAC costs.

However, this is a very time-consuming and resource-intensive roof . You have to maintain it regularly to keep it from growing out of control, dying, or becoming damaged.

4: Modified Bitumen

If you’re looking for an inexpensive roof that is easy to install and reliable, the modified bitumen roof might be right for you. It’s a simple 2-layer roof consisting of a layer of tar and a layer of fiberglass .



This makes a sturdy roof that can withstand the elements well. However, it heats up fast, smells, and doesn’t last long. You will likely need to have the tar layer repaired within a couple of years, and it will need a full replacement faster than any other type of roof.

5: Spray-on Foam

This roof is among the cheapest commercial roofing types, cheaper than a modified bitumen, but it’s also another option that might need regular replacements.

This is simply a foam made from polyurethane, and it’s sprayed onto the roof to seal it . This completely removes the worry of water damage, and it can slightly insulate the building more, but it’s also prone to getting torn up in harsh weather.

6: PVC Membrane

A PVC membrane is another cost-effective roof that is becoming more popular, but it’s usually seen in specific industries; not the general commercial world.

This is essentially a plastic roof. That’s not a bad thing. It’s resistant to most forms of element-based damage. It’s not extremely weak against impacts, either. Of course, it won’t hold up like a roof made of steel, but it is great for areas that don’t have a lot of overhead impact risks.

7: BUR

BUR, or “built-up roofing” is an incredibly strong type of roof made of asphalt and gravel built up in layers . Hence the name. This is great if your commercial roof is going to be walked on, used for storage, or otherwise see a lot of abuse. It’s also resistant to practically all forms of damage.

The problem is it doesn’t last too long, and repairs are difficult. So, full replacements will need to be made more often than with something like a metal roof that lasts decades.

8: EPDM

Finally, you have EPDM roofs. These are rubber roofs that are nearly impervious to water damage, heat damage, ultraviolet rays, and wind . They can be great options in extremely windy and sunny areas.

However, these roofs are also difficult to repair, gouge easier than other roof types, and they don’t tend to look very good in most commercial establishments. They’re usually used in warehouses, production buildings, and other commercial buildings that don’t need to appeal to the public.

Get Your Commercial Roofing of Choice with Dana Logsdon Roofing and Solar

Now that you know everything about the most common commercial roofing types, you are ready to make an informed decision for your business. 

If you’re a commercial business owner and you’re looking for a professional roof installation or roof repair , contact Dana Logsdon Roofing & Solar, today. We have decades of experience serving San Diego and El Cajon, and we’re dedicated to satisfying our community.