Commercial Roof Types

It’s not usually the first thing you notice, but your roof says a lot about you and your business. How does your roof reflect your business and your appearance?

Commercial roofs come in various shapes and sizes, all unique to the business they cover. We offer some types of roofs that are more common among residential properties, but also a variety of common commercial types of roofs.

We have included a few of the most common types of commercial roofs and roofing materials – both natural and synthetic – to fit your business budget and style.

Commercial Roof Materials

Metal Roofs

To protect all that’s under your business’s roof, metal roofing is one of your longest lasting options. On Top Roofing can extend its life even more with our periodic application of an elastomeric coating that prevents rusting and galvanization. Life expectancy is 50 plus years.

Single-Ply Membrane

A great option for a long-lasting roof, our single-ply membrane is cost effective and easy to maintain. Installation is torch-free and it performs great under the elements. With high reflectivity in our white and tan options, it qualifies for energy star approval. Other standard color options include black and grey. Life expectancy is 20-35 years.

TPO

In the single-ply family, this thermoplastic roofing is ideal for flat roofs. TPO sheets are heat-welded to one another to become one impenetrable unit that protects your building from all the elements. TPO is also resistant to most chemicals. Life expectancy is 20-30 years.

EPDM

This synthetic rubber is highly resistant to heat and water though it is not heat-welded. EPDM is a great option for flat roofs that have positive pitch so that water does not collect on its surface. Life expectancy is 25-35 years.

PVC

Thermoplastic PVC roofing is extremely strong as its heat-welded seams form a permanent, watertight bond that is stronger than the membrane itself. PVC membranes are sometimes referred to as the “Alfa Romeo” of single-ply membranes. Lifespan of PVC is roughly 25-35 years.

Commercial Roof Styles

Shed Roofs

A shed roof is similar to a flat roof, but with just a little more pitch. Great for warehouses and additions to smaller business buildings.

Gable Roofs

A gable roof is not very common among commercial properties, depending on the business itself. A gable refers to the triangular portion of the wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches. It looks like an upside-down V. This type of style is what you generally see in neighborhoods. It’s one of the simpler styles, however gable roofs are not ideal for high wind areas like Fort Collins, Greeley or along the Front Range, because they easily can catch wind much like a sail or a plane’s wing would.

Hip Roofs

A hip roof style has four sloping sides with no vertical roof lines or walls. Hip roofs are both square and rectangular. They have a more complicated truss and rafter structure. They are most common with residential properties, but are seen on some commercial properties as well.

A-Frame Roofs

A-frame roofs have sides with very steep angles (roofline) that usually begin at or near the foundation line, and meet at the top in the shape of the letter ‘A.’ This roof style is mostly seen with churches, small businesses, restaurants and other structures of the like.

Folded Plate Roofs

Think of a folded plate roof style like a series of gable roofs placed side by side to each other, almost like an accordion (or folded plate). These are very common among commercial buildings such as warehouses and public buildings like libraries or convention centers.

There are many other styles of commercial roofing, which we’d be glad to go over with you in person, to make the best possible decision for you, your family and your home.

Commercial Roof Pitch

Knowing the pitch or angle of your roof is helpful when you’re thinking of additions or remodels, roof repairs or roof replacements for your business.

Your business’s roof pitch is calculated by the number of inches the roof rises vertically for every 12 inches that the roof extends horizontally. If your roof rises 8 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run, your roof has a 8-in-12 pitch.

Flat Roof—Anything under 2-in-12 pitch.
Low Slope Roof—Anything from 2-in-12 to 4-in-12 pitch.
Steep Slope Roof—Anything above 4-in-12 pitch (usually up to 21-in-12 pitch).

Roof Types