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4 Types of Roofing Materials to Consider for Your Commercial Construction Project

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Everything in your commercial construction build needs to be both pretty and practical, and roofing is no exception. It has to be tough enough to withstand Minnesotan weather season after season, yet show-stopping enough to be the cherry on top of your architectural design, drawing in customers with its charm.

What accomplishes both of these ideals, of course, depends on the exact nature of your commercial construction project; there’s truly a right roof for everyone. At Miller Architects & Builders in St. Cloud, we are providers of construction project management services, so we understand the vast selection of materials best suited for commercial projects.

Let’s examine a few common commercial roofing types to help point you in the right direction!

Built-Up Roofing

If you’re looking for something inconspicuous yet hardy, built-up roofing is it. It’s made up of layering tar onto supportive fabrics, then finishing off the top with a layer of gravel. It’s difficult to see from street level, meaning that it can be a wonderful roofing choice for those looking to draw attention to other areas of their architectural design.

Another primary appeal of built-up roofing lies in its durability. Few things are tougher than asphalt and stone, after all. Plus, because there are few seams, this roofing type isn’t prone to leaks. It’s also incredibly low-maintenance after installation to boot!

Metal Roofing

Though you may associate this type of roofing with pole barns, metal roofing has come a long way in recent years, rendering itself modern-looking and attractive. Though pricer, you reap the benefits of this material in durability and sleek good looks.

As a bonus, it’s also incredibly energy efficient, as it can both reflect UV rays that heat up your building and be made of recycled material. If you’re interested in green building solutions, this may be the material for you!

Learn more about green-thinking techniques in our blog “Green Architecture: The Basics.”

EPDM Roofing

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer roofing—EPDM for short—is a rubbery roofing material that’s rolled out in strips and sealed with adhesives. Learn more about it from the EPDM Roofing Association.

One of EPDM roofing’s primary benefits is its low environmental impact. It’s also both economically smart and tough, but care needs to be taken on the part of the architect with more aesthetically focused builds so that this roofing type doesn’t get in the way cosmetically.

Asphalt Roofing

Commonly used in residential applications, asphalt roofing is also beginning to surge in popularity in the commercial sector, as well—much for the same reasons it’s beloved when it comes to homes. It’s durable, visually appealing, and comes in a wide variety of colors and shapes, which makes it a great fit for nearly any architectural design.

Practically the only limit of asphalt roofing is that it cannot be used on flat roofs, as the shingles then lose some of their ability to protect from leaks.

Miller Architects & Builders: We’ve Got Your Back From Pre to Post Construction

We’ll support you through every decision you need to make surrounding your build. Reach our St. Cloud office today at 320-251-4109.