For a business, the roof is a business decision before it is a building one: downtime costs money, leaks ruin inventory, and a failed roof can close the doors. Most commercial buildings have low-slope roofs, which are sealed rather than shingled. Here are the systems we install and how to think about choosing one.
TPO single-ply
TPO is a reflective, heat-welded membrane and one of the most common choices on commercial roofs. Its welded seams turn a flat roof's biggest weak point into a strength, and its white surface can lower cooling costs. See TPO roofing and our deeper look at TPO membrane roofing.
EPDM rubber
EPDM is a durable rubber membrane with a long track record, often a cost-effective choice on simpler roofs. The trade-off versus TPO comes down to seams and reflectivity; our TPO vs EPDM guide compares them directly.
Modified bitumen and built-up
Modified-bitumen and built-up systems suit roofs that take foot traffic or need extra durability. They are heavier, multi-ply systems with a long history on commercial buildings.
Spray foam (SPF)
Foam is sprayed as a seamless, self-flashing layer that also insulates, and it can often go over an existing roof as a re-cover without a tear-off; see foam roofing. It is a strong option for adding insulation and stopping leaks at once.
How to choose
The membrane matters, but drainage, insulation, and detailing matter more, and the right system depends on your building and how you use it. We assess all of that before recommending one; see commercial roofing and why a maintenance plan protects whichever system you choose.