Your warehouse roof is the main aspect of protecting your belongings, equipment and tools inside your warehouse. It endures harsh weather conditions from the hot Australian sun to strong hail storms. You must identify the most appropriate roof for your warehouse depending on location, size, usage and time period. There is a range of warehouse roofs on the market today, all customisable to suit you and your warehousing needs. Let’s look at the best roofs for your warehouse.
The type of roof your warehouse you decide on has influence over the longevity of your commercial building. If you opt for a cheaper alternative for a roof, you will receive the quality you pay for and thus it will not last nearly as long as a higher quality roof. It’s important to take in all factors when deciding on an appropriate roof, be sure to weigh up all the pros and cons. Luckily we’re here to do that for you!
Majority of commercial roofs are flat or low sloped, meaning there are a few options to decide between. There are 3 common roofs, which are ideal for warehouses of all types. These include:
Built-Up Roof Membrane
Built-Up roofing membrane is typically made of tar and gravel which allows layering. This type of material is flexible as you can decide how many layers you would like, enabling you to control pricing and determine how durable you would like your roof to be. It is a great option for those after a traditional low-slope roof, additionally, it is one of the few cost-effective options on the market today, while offering durable qualities.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are one of the most common types of roofs for warehouses, and there are various types of metal materials. These types include:
- Corrugated galvanized steel
- Derived from zinc, aluminium, silicon-coated steel
- Copper
- Aluminium
- Metal Sheets
- Tin
- Lead
- Stainless Steel
- Stone-coated steel
Metal is subject to a range of elements, however warehouse metal roofs are layered in protective materials to ensure no damage is received from harsh sun and various outside conditions. Metal roofs have a range of advantages including their appearance, they have a sleek look which looks great from the outside. However, the appearance of your roof may look good, but always consider durability and your price range overlooks. Metal roofs although they look good, they also hold great fire-resistant qualities. Fire-resistant roofs are vital for warehouses close to bush fire locations, or warehouses which deal with fire inside. Metal roofs are sturdy and durable in comparison to typical commercial roofs. Metal roofs are also a sustainable option for your commercial warehouse.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Reinforced materials have been placed onto your roof acting as a ‘carriers’ for bitumen after this is split into sections and installed in layers. Bitumen roofs that have been maintained or modified are the most simple roofs on the market, these types of roofs can be maintained by a regular annual cleaning service. Modified roofs are mixed between rubber membrane to ensure it is effective and efficient to install. For an energy-saving option, bitumen roofs are perfect for reflecting ferocious light and therefore will lower your energy prices. This type of roof does not handle heavy foot traffic well, so warehousing roofs that are subject to foot traffic will opt for a different roof.
TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin)
TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin) is one type of roof that is installed as one sheet and will be ordered by magnitude lighter. It is the complete job for your warehouse, whether your warehouse is currently being used, or your warehouse is vacant, TPO can be installed at any time. The TPO sheets are usually white and will offer reflective qualities. Warehouses in humid nearly boiling environments should opt for a TPO roof as they will save you thousands and thousands of energy bills from air conditioning. TPO sheets are very durable making them ideal for warehouses that utilise their roof regularly. However, when the sheets break this means possible water damage to the warehouse. To prevent this, make sure your roof receives proper maintenance annually.
Identifying the perfect roof for your warehouse is important. It protects your warehouse goods inside from harsh outdoor elements. You must decide on a sturdy roof especially if you will be walking on your warehouse. Contact Black Cat Commercial Roofing today and we will be more than happy to assist you with your warehousing roof!