Metal Roofing For Commercial Buildings: The Pros And Cons

Posted on: 27 January 2022

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When the average person thinks of commercial roofing, they tend to imagine popular materials like tar and gravel or built-up roofing, membrane roofing like PVC, EPDM, TPO, or asphalt rolls. That's because these materials are common sights in any business district. So it might be surprising to learn that metal roofing is quickly becoming one of the most popular roofing options available. But is metal roofing really right for a business? Here are a few of the pros and cons to consider as you determine whether or not metal is right for your building.

PROS

Fire Resistant

A major benefit of choosing metal as the material of choice for your business is its fire resistance. Fire is a major concern for any business as one unexpected blaze can destroy both lives and livelihoods. Choosing a metal roof can dramatically reduce the risk of a fire quickly spreading through your building and destroying it. It can also provide a little peace of mind.

Energy Efficiency

Any money you can save on energy costs is money that can be used to grow your business, and that's why metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for commercial buildings. When paired with light-colored paint with a UV-resistant coating, commercial metal roofing can achieve an emissivity of 90%. Emissivity is the level of infrared energy radiating from an object. That means only 10% of the sun's heat is getting in.

Long Lifespan

Another major benefit of choosing metal roofing for your business is the long lifespan. A metal roof installed by experts can last up to 30 years for your business. And because metal roofing requires very minimal maintenance, that means up to 30 years of hassle-free roofing without the maintenance needs that many other commercial roofing products require.

CONS

Costly

The biggest disadvantage of choosing metal is the cost. Compared to other commercial roofing options, metal roofing is one of the more expensive options out there. However, when paired with its other benefits such as a long lifespan, low maintenance, and energy efficiency savings, many business owners believe the long-term savings are worth the short-term costs.

Noise

One drawback of metal as a material for commercial applications is the noise factor. A metal roof can create audible noise in rain and windstorms when rain strikes the panels or when the panels vibrate in the wind. If this is a problem that will affect your day-to-day operations, you should consider using a different material.

Contact local roofers to learn more.