Maintaining your commercial property is an important responsibility of a business owner. When it's time for such an update, you may wonder what roofing material is best. According to Roofer's Guild, the number of roofers will grow 5% over the next decade, and many of them work on commercial properties. Here are common materials that commercial roofers may use on your building.

1. EPDM

Have you ever heard of EPDM? It stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer, which is resistant to UV rays and other weather elements. It's a flexible material that's very easy for commercial roofers to repair when needed. This durable roofing can last you as long as 30 years or more, states Roofing Magazine. However, the color palette is limited, as it only comes in black or white hues. Your commercial roofers would attach it through three different processes; they may either mechanically attach it, ballast it, or use a full adhesion process.

2. PVC

If your commercial property has a low slope roof, PVC is often used. It stands for polyvinyl chloride and comes in various levels of thickness. An advantage of this type of commercial roofing material is the savings you'll have when cooling your space. It can reflect heat away from your roof that comes from the sun. If you pride yourself on running an energy-efficient property with low environmental impact, PVC is a good material to top your roof off. With regular roofing maintenance, you can expect this material to last up to 20 or 30 years, per How to Look at a House.

3. Roll Roofing

Roll roofing is an asphalt-based roofing material that comes in rolls of 100 square feet, states The Spruce. Before you get excited about this type of roofing, consider the commercial structure you're using it for. Due to its aesthetics, or lack thereof, it's better for structures like garages and sheds. Maybe your commercial business is an auto mechanic shop or a facility where you host workshops; roll roofing would be best for those structures because your commercial space is more utilitarian. This type of roofing lasts between five and eight years, per The Spruce.

4. TPO

Another option for low slops is TPO, which stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. This material is preferred for its chemical resistance, flexibility, and durability. TPO roofing is helpful when you want to reduce energy costs because it has reflective properties. With proper maintenance, expect this roof to last between 15 and 30 years, states Medium.

5. Metal

The popularity of metal roofing increases every year for several reasons. You're just as likely to see a metal roof on a residential property as on a commercial one. Additionally, metal is highly versatile because you can use it for both steep and low-slope roofing. Compared to other roofing on the list, it has the longest lifespan possible. According to Bob Vila, your metal roof can last 40 to 70 years.

In other words, your commercial metal roof may outlast your lifetime. Choose from different types of metals, such as aluminum, steel, copper, or zinc. Your metal roofing can be further customized with various protected sealants and finishes. When you're adding a roof to your main commercial space and you want the best curb appeal, metal roofing is a good choice.

Metal is also top-notch when it comes to durability. Is your business in an area prone to high winds and heavy storms? Your metal commercial roofing can withstand winds up to 140 mph, according to LBM Magazine. It also has a Class A fire rating, a major safety feature against lightning strikes and areas prone to brush fires.

As a responsible business owner who wants to protect their investment, you must find the right roofing for your building. Thanks to advances in roofing technology, you have more options than ever. However, you must also find the right commercial roofers with the knowledge and expertise to install the best roofing. You should find a commercial roofer who gives you more than one material option and meets all the safety and quality standards required by the industry. You don't have to look any further than our experienced team at Turnkey Roofing of Florida, Inc. For more information about our commercial roofing materials, contact us for an estimate.