Commercial Roofing Systems
The right roof system depends on how your building is used, the slope of the roof, the equipment on it and your budget. Advanced Roofing & Paving installs and repairs every system below on commercial buildings across Metro Atlanta, and we will recommend the one that fits, not the one we happen to stock.
Low-Slope vs. Steep-Slope Commercial Roofs
Most commercial buildings have low-slope roofs, often called flat roofs, that need a continuous waterproof membrane. Sloped commercial roofs usually use metal panels that shed water. The first question for any building is which of those two groups it belongs to.
Single-Ply Membranes
Single-ply roofing is one flexible sheet membrane covering the whole roof. TPO and EPDM are the two most common types on Atlanta commercial buildings.
Multi-Ply Asphalt Systems
Multi-ply systems build waterproofing from several layers, so one damaged layer does not mean a leak.
Metal Roofing
Multi-ply systems build waterproofing from several layers, so one damaged layer does not mean a leak.
Roof Coatings and Restoration
Installation Methods
| System | Roof slope | Seams | Surface color | Commonly chosen for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPO | Low | Heat-welded | White (reflective) | Large flat roofs, warehouses, retail |
| EPDM | Low | Taped or adhered | Usually black | Large low-slope roofs, offices |
| Built-up (BUR) | Low | Multiple plies, no single seam line | Gravel or cap sheet | Roofs needing redundancy and traffic resistance |
| Modified bitumen | Low | Torched, mopped or self-adhered laps | Granulated cap sheet | Roofs with foot traffic and equipment |
| Metal | Steep or low (standing seam) | Mechanical seams and fasteners | Many finishes | Sloped roofs, industrial buildings |
| Silicone coating | Over an existing low-slope roof | Seamless | White (reflective) | Restoring a mostly dry aging roof |
How to Choose the Right System
Building use
grease exhaust, chemicals or heavy foot traffic narrow the options
Roof slope and drainage
flat roofs need a continuous membrane and good drainage
Existing roof
whether you can recover or coat, or must tear off
Energy goals
white, reflective surfaces reduce heat gain in Atlanta summers
Budget and timeline
upfront cost versus expected service life
How Scan Results Change the Plan
01
Commercial roof repair
02
Commercial roof replacement
03
New roof installation
04
Roof maintenance
QUESTIONS
Commercial Roofing Systems FAQs
On low-slope commercial buildings, single-ply membranes such as TPO and EPDM are among the most common systems.
TPO is a thermoplastic membrane with heat-welded seams, usually white. EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane with taped or adhered seams, usually black.
Service life depends on the system, installation quality, climate and maintenance more than the material alone. Ask for the manufacturer warranty term on each option you compare, and see our guide to roof warranties.
Yes. During a replacement we can change systems if the building's structure, slope and use allow it.
Not Sure Which System Fits?
Ready to make an informed decision about your roof? Contact us to schedule a professional inspection and get clear guidance on your roof needs.