What’s the Best Commercial Roofing Material?

Choosing the right commercial roofing material is one of the most critical decisions a business owner or property manager can make.

The material you select influences your building’s energy efficiency, long-term maintenance costs, and how long the roof lasts before needing replacement.

Each building—whether a warehouse, office, school, or retail outlet—has unique roofing needs. That’s why it’s essential to understand which materials work best for your structure, climate, and budget.

At Certified Roofing Company, we guide property managers, developers, and facility operators through these decisions to ensure they invest wisely and avoid costly mistakes.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Roofing Material

Climate & Weather Conditions

The climate around your building plays a major role in how a roof performs.

In hot, sunny climates, UV-resistant and reflective materials help reduce cooling costs.
In rainy or snowy areas, durability and drainage capabilities are critical.
Areas prone to high winds require secure, impact-resistant roofing systems.

A mismatch between material and environment can lead to premature failure.

Building Structure & Design

Flat roofs are common in commercial settings, but not all materials work well on flat or low-slope structures.

You’ll also need to consider:

Load-bearing capacity of the building
Roof size and shape
HVAC or solar units on the roof

Lightweight options like TPO are ideal for older buildings with limited structural load support.

Durability & Longevity

The lifespan of roofing materials varies significantly:

TPO: 15–20 years
EPDM & PVC: 20–30 years
Metal: up to 50 years

While some materials cost more upfront, their longevity offsets the investment over time.

Energy Efficiency & Insulation

Cool roofing materials reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, helping reduce energy costs.

Look for systems with:

High solar reflectance
Strong insulation (R-value)
ENERGY STAR® or LEED compliance

SPF and TPO are top performers for buildings prioritizing energy efficiency.

Cost: Installation vs. Lifetime Value

Initial installation cost is important—but so is the total cost of ownership.

For example:

BUR and EPDM have lower installation costs but higher maintenance needs.
Metal and SPF cost more initially but need fewer repairs over time.

Think long-term when comparing materials.

Maintenance Requirements

Commercial roofs should be easy to maintain and inspect.

Seamless systems like SPF reduce leak points.
EPDM and TPO are easier to patch and repair.
BUR requires more frequent maintenance.

Facilities with limited downtime benefit from low-maintenance solutions.

Environmental Impact

If sustainability is a priority, consider:

Recyclable materials like metal
Low-VOC products
Systems that reduce energy use

Green building certifications may also influence your decision.

Fire and Chemical Resistance

Certain industries require roofs that resist fire or chemical spills:

Restaurants: need grease-resistant PVC
Manufacturing: require fire-rated and chemical-proof membranes

Always factor in your building’s use case.

Overview of Common Commercial Roofing Materials

TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin):
Lightweight, reflective, and energy-efficient. Welded seams provide durability.
Best For: Flat roofs in warm climates.

EPDM (Rubber):
Durable, low-cost, and great for cold weather. Easy to patch.
Best For: Older buildings and cold regions.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):
Fire and chemical-resistant with strong seams.
Best For: Restaurants, factories, and industrial buildings.

BUR (Built-Up Roofing):
Layered asphalt system with good insulation and durability.
Best For: Budget-friendly, traditional buildings.

Modified Bitumen:
Flexible, weather-resistant, and easier to install than BUR.
Best For: Versatile use with varying exposures.

Metal Roofing:
Long-lasting, fire-resistant, and energy-efficient.
Best For: Warehouses, schools, and high-traffic areas.

SPF (Spray Polyurethane Foam):
Seamless, highly insulating, and ideal for complex roofs.
Best For: Energy-focused and custom-shaped roofs.