Here’s a challenge for you — close your eyes and take a quick moment to imagine “a commercial roof.” Chances are that something like TPO or EPDM springs to mind, right? Yet, metal roofing is the fastest-growing segment in the commercial roofing market.
Want to know why — and why commercial metal roofing may or may not be the best choice for your building?
Whether you’re getting ready to have your roof replaced or you’re in the middle of a new construction project, metal roofing definitely calls for a closer look. After all, your building and assets deserve the strongest, most durable protection modern roofing has to offer!
Persistent Metal Roofing Myths That Need to be Busted — Right Now
Although more and more property owners — residential and commercial alike — choose beautiful, durable metal roofing, usually persistent myths keep doing the rounds. Before you can consider the unique benefits of commercial metal roofing, including an impressive 30 to 75 year lifespan, it’s time to send them packing. Welcome to Myth Busters, metal roofing contractors’ edition.
No, those (arguably ugly) corrugated metal roofing sheets you might see on top of old barns and warehouses aren’t your only option. You can now choose from all sorts of designs (standing seam metal roofing, flat seam roofing, panel systems, and even shingle-style metal roof tiles) and all sorts of materials. Beyond galvanized steel and aluminum, you can also choose zinc, copper, stainless, and coated steel — among other materials.
No, your new commercial metal roofing materials aren’t doomed to rust within years. With modern coatings, they’re about as prone to corrosion as that EPDM or TPO roof you are also considering.
No, metal roofing isn’t unusually noisy. With the right type of insulation, you won’t even notice there’s a severe hailstorm outside.
No, commercial metal roofing isn’t out of the question if your building has an especially complex or curved roof design. A skilled metal roofing company can make your beautiful new roof work for you, no matter the architecture of your commercial building.
No, metal roofing isn’t incompatible with solar panels. Most systems are designed with them in mind.
Finally, nope — commercial metal roofing won’t turn your building into a sauna. In fact, metal roofing is extraordinarily energy efficient. Rather than trapping heat in your building, reflective coatings help to bounce it right off so that you can look forward to a more comfortable building and lower energy bills.
So, now that you know where these metal roofing myths should go (the way of the dinosaurs!), you’re probably curious to find out what makes this roofing material so special. Every great roofing option does have its fair share of drawbacks, so we’ll look at those, too.
Why Might Commercial Metal Roofing Be the Right Choice for Your Building?
Business has been good for metal roof companies — but exactly why has the popularity of this material shot through the roof in recent years? The answer is simpler than you might think. Metal roofing is:
- Incredibly durable, even compared to other high-end commercial roofing systems. Depending on the precise system you choose, your shiny new roof could last you between 30 and 75 years! When you choose commercial metal roofing, you invest in a bright future.
- Metal roofing is incredibly energy efficient. That’s due to a combo of inherent properties and added reflective roof coatings. Your new roof has the potential to bring your energy costs down by as much as 25 percent, without taking any other steps.
- Metal roofing isn’t indestructible, but it comes pretty close. Mold, mildew, heavy loads, and temperature fluctuations won’t damage your metal roof, making this roofing option quite low-maintenance compared to many other commercial roofing systems.
- Your new commercial metal roof will be environmentally friendly in that it’s recyclable and often made from recycled materials, too. In combination with the energy savings it’ll give you, that makes metal commercial roofing a greener choice.
What About the Drawbacks?
Yes, we run a metal roofing company — but we wouldn’t be doing right by you if we just covered the upsides of commercial metal roofing. As with every kind of roofing, there are drawbacks, too.
The first one is the price tag. While metal roofing can be very affordable, that only really applies to basic options like corrugated sheets. If you’re looking for durability, energy efficiency, and low-maintenance roofing, you want higher-end choices. Your upfront costs will be higher than with TPO or EPDM in that case — but it’s an investment that will pay for itself over time.
Then, there’s the fact that commercial metal roofing is heavier than single-ply roofing systems. If your building is old and has limited load-bearing capacity, metal roofing won’t always be the right choice.
Beyond that, metal roofing systems take expertise to install correctly. A faulty installation carried out by roofers who don’t know what they’re doing could put your business at risk, and it’s not always easy to find commercial metal roofing companies with extensive experience.
If you choose Titan’s seasoned team, that’s one worry you won’t have. We’re a family-owned company with decades of experience in the field. We won’t just install your new roof perfectly, but we’ll also make very sure that you get the roofing system that’s best for your particular commercial building.
Got More Questions About Commercial Metal Roofing?
You might not spend much time thinking about your commercial roofing system on a daily basis, but your roof is a key player in your business. There’s no room for error. If you’re considering commercial metal roofing for your building, you’ll have lots of questions.
The Titan Roofing and Construction would be happy to walk you through your options and discuss the pros and cons of every system in more detail. If you’re looking for a Jackson TN commercial roofer that does metal roofing right, we’re just a phone call away.
Grab your free estimate today, and make a list of burning questions you want answers to. The Titan team will be right with you!