What Are The Best Types Of Commercial Roofing Materials?

If you own a business or industrial building, you may be aware that commercial roofs are built differently than house roofs. Unlike residential roofs, industrial roofs are generally flat or low-sloped. 

Property owners often face a common question: What are the best types of commercial roofing materials? This is because there is a variety of materials available on the market. 

At BRH Enterprises LLC, we are your local roofers serving Mayville and the surrounding areas in Wisconsin, and we understand that choosing the right material for your building is very important. 

In today’s article, we will walk you through all the details about different commercial roofing materials that you can choose in 2025. To discuss your options with our professionals, call us today at (920) 249-4228.

*Please note: Price ranges listed in this article may not reflect the final cost of your project. Prices are subject to change based on various factors such as local labor rates, material quality, and more. All costs established in this article are rough estimates based on average industry rates. 

Common Commercial Roofing Materials 

So, without any further delay, we will start with common commercial roofing materials you can choose for your building.

#1 TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) 

TPO is one of the most popular commercial roofing systems today. This single-ply roofing material is made from a mixture of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber, making it both flexible and durable. The material comes in large sheets that are mechanically fastened or heat-welded together during installation.

TPO roofs typically cost between $4 to $14 per square foot, including installation. The lifespan of a properly installed TPO roof ranges from 20 to 30 years. This roofing material works well in Wisconsin’s climate because it can withstand both extreme cold and hot temperatures.

Pros

👉 Its white, reflective surface provides excellent energy efficiency, helping to reduce cooling costs during Wisconsin’s warm summers.

👉 The material shows strong resistance to UV rays and chemicals while maintaining durability against punctures and tears. 

👉 It performs exceptionally well through temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for our local climate, where temperatures can swing between seasons. 

👉 The material is also environmentally friendly and can be easily recycled at the end of its lifespan.

Cons

👉 The quality of material can vary significantly between manufacturers, so it’s important to choose a reputable brand for your TPO roofing membrane. 

👉 Some older TPO membranes may not perform as well as newer ones, which is why working with experienced contractors who understand these differences is important. 

👉 Professional installation is also necessary to maintain warranties and ensure long-term performance.

#2 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) 

PVC roofing systems have gained popularity in commercial applications, particularly where chemical resistance is a priority. This thermoplastic material creates a strong yet flexible membrane that offers excellent durability and performance characteristics.

Installation costs for PVC roofing systems typically range from $5 to $12 per square foot, positioning it as a mid-premium option. These systems generally last 20 to 30 years when properly maintained, providing reliable protection throughout their service life.

Pros

👉 PVC roofs have outstanding chemical resistance, making them particularly valuable for restaurants, laboratories, and industrial facilities where grease or chemical exposure might occur. 

👉 PVC roofing systems feature hot-air welded seams that create a monolithic membrane, virtually eliminating the risk of seam failure. 

👉 The material’s high reflectivity helps reduce cooling costs during summer months, and its inherent fire resistance adds an important safety feature.

Cons

👉 PVC systems may have higher initial costs compared to some alternatives, though this is generally offset by lower maintenance requirements and energy savings. 

👉 The installation requires specialized equipment and skilled professionals for proper seam welding and overall system integrity.

#3 Modified Bitumen 

Modified bitumen is another popular choice for commercial roofing systems. This roofing material is made with a reinforced fabric that is coated with asphalt and various modifiers that enhance its performance. The system uses multiple layers, typically including insulation, base sheets, bitumen membranes, adhesive layers, and protective surfacing.

The cost for modified bitumen roofing generally ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot installed, making it a mid-range option for commercial properties. When properly installed and maintained, these roofs typically last 20 to 25 years in Wisconsin’s varying climate conditions.

Pros

👉 Modified bitumen roofing systems have impressive durability because of their multi-layer construction. 

👉 The material effectively resists water penetration and protects against UV rays and other environmental factors.

👉 Its multiple layers create a robust barrier that stands up well to Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles. 

👉 The system also provides good tensile strength and flexibility, allowing it to handle building movement and temperature changes without compromising its integrity.

Cons

👉 Installing modified bitumen roofs requires careful attention to detail, particularly for proper drainage design. 

👉 Water pooling can become an issue if the roof isn’t correctly sloped. 

👉 The installation process often involves using torches, which requires experienced professionals to ensure safety and proper application. 

👉 Some property owners might notice an odor during and shortly after installation, though this typically dissipates over time.

#4 Built-up Roofing System (BUR)

Built-up roofing systems are made from alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics, which results in a thick, durable membrane. The final layer typically includes a protective coating or gravel surface.

Built-up roofing costs typically range from $4 to $7.50 per square foot installed. These systems can last 20 to 30 years when properly maintained, offering excellent value for commercial property owners in Wisconsin.

Pros

👉 The multiple layers in a BUR system provide exceptional protection against water infiltration and severe weather conditions. 

👉 If one layer experiences damage, the remaining layers continue to protect the building. This is important in our region, where severe weather events like hailstorms and heavy snow can challenge roof integrity. 

👉 The gravel surface adds extra protection against UV rays and provides good fire resistance.

Cons

👉 The installation process is labor-intensive and can be time-consuming compared to single-ply systems. 

👉 The multiple layers make these systems relatively heavy, so the building structure must be able to support the weight. 

👉 Installation can also be weather-dependent, as proper adhesion requires dry conditions.

#5 Metal Roofing Systems

Metal roofs represent a premium option for commercial buildings, offering exceptional durability and longevity. Modern metal roofing systems come in various materials, including steel, aluminum, and zinc, each with specific advantages for commercial applications.

The cost of commercial metal roofs typically ranges from $5 to $25 per square foot installed, making it one of the more expensive options initially. 

However, these systems can last 40 to 70 years, significantly longer than most other commercial roofing materials. This longevity makes them cost-effective over time.

Pros

👉Metal roofs work well in Wisconsin. The material easily sheds snow and ice, reducing the risk of winter damage.

👉 It offers superior wind resistance, which is important during severe storms and occasional tornadoes.

👉 Metal roofs also provide excellent protection against hail damage, though extremely large hail may cause cosmetic denting. 

👉 The material’s fire resistance adds another layer of protection for commercial properties.

Cons

👉 Metal roofs can be noisy during hail and rainstorms unless additional insulation is installed.

👉 They may dent from large hail or falling debris, affecting the roof’s appearance and possibly compromising functionality.

👉 The initial installation cost is slightly higher compared to other commercial roofing systems.

👉 Metal roofing may expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially leading to fastener issues over time if not properly installed.

#6 EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) 

EPDM represents one of the most widely used single-ply membrane systems in commercial construction. This synthetic rubber material comes in large sheets, generally black or white, and provides really nice performance in various weather conditions. The membrane consists of a highly engineered rubber compound that provides excellent weathering characteristics.

The cost for EPDM roofing generally ranges from $4 to $10 per square foot installed, making it one of the more affordable options for commercial properties. When properly installed and maintained well, EPDM roofs can last 20 to 35 years in Wisconsin’s climate, offering excellent value for the investment.

Pros

👉 EPDM systems are adaptable to temperature extremes, maintaining flexibility even in the coldest Wisconsin winters. 

👉 The material resists ozone and ultraviolet radiation exceptionally well, which helps prevent premature aging and deterioration. 

👉 Its lightweight nature places minimal stress on building structures, and the large sheet sizes mean fewer seams where potential leaks might develop.

Cons

👉 The black version of EPDM, while more common and less expensive, can absorb heat during summer months, potentially increasing cooling costs. 

👉 The membrane can be susceptible to punctures from sharp objects, though this risk can be mitigated through the proper installation of protective layers and regular maintenance.

Bonus Option: Green Roofing Systems

Green roofing systems, while not a single material, are an increasingly popular option for commercial properties, especially in urban areas where environmental considerations play a large role in construction decisions. These systems incorporate living vegetation atop a waterproof membrane, creating a sustainable and environmentally beneficial roofing system.

Green roofing systems generally range from $10 to $40 per square foot installed, making them one of the more expensive options initially. However, when properly maintained, these systems can last 40 to 50 years while providing numerous additional benefits that can offset the higher upfront costs.

Pros

👉 Green roofs excel in managing stormwater runoff, reducing the urban heat island effect, and providing insulation. 

👉 Living roofs can also help lower heating and cooling costs while creating valuable green space in urban environments. 

👉 The vegetation and growing medium protect the underlying waterproof membrane from UV radiation and temperature extremes, potentially extending its lifespan.

Cons

👉 These systems require careful consideration of structural capacity, as they can be significantly heavier than conventional roofing systems, especially when saturated with water. 

👉 They also require regular maintenance of the vegetation and careful attention to the waterproofing system beneath. 

👉 The installation process is more complex than traditional roofing systems and requires specialized expertise in both roofing and landscaping.

How To Choose The Right Commercial Roofing Material For Your Property

Each of these commercial roofing materials comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. Choosing the right commercial roofing material for your building means considering several key factors.

In Wisconsin’s mixed weather patterns, you’ll need to evaluate how each material handles both extreme cold and summer heat. Consider the total lifecycle cost, including initial installation, maintenance requirements, and potential energy savings. 

Your building’s specific use plays a crucial role – restaurants might benefit from PVC’s chemical resistance, while offices could maximize value from green roofing’s energy efficiency.

Remember that the right installation and maintenance are important for any system’s longevity.

Also Read: 5 Best Commercial Roofing Companies In Mayville

Get Professional Commercial Roofing Services In Wisconsin

At BRH Enterprises LLC, we are your local roofing company in Mayville, WI. Whether residential or commercial, we are here for all your roofing needs. 

If you aren’t sure which roofing material is right for your property, our professionals are here to assist you. With years of experience in the roofing industry, our team has years of experience and expertise to handle your roofing project. 

We also provide free roof inspections in Mayville and the surrounding areas in Wisconsin. To schedule your free roof inspection today or for a no-obligation discussion with our professionals, reach out to us at (920) 249-4228.