Which Is Better For A Commercial Roof – Asphalt Shingles or Cedar Shakes?

Cedar roofing is preferred by many over asphalt roofs for its natural appearance and traditional character.

As well-loved as cedar shakes may be, they are definitely at the higher end of the price scale for shingle roofing, causing many to pass on them.

Price aside, is one better than the other?

Here is a quick comparison of the two to help decide if you want to have roofer services install asphalt or cedar on your home or building.

All About Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes are a traditional wood type of shingle-type roofing adored by many for the classic look they give to any home or structure.

Having stood the test of time, they have been used as a roofing material for centuries if not longer due to the many qualities cedar possesses.

Cost seems to be the biggest deterrent for most people.

  • Durability and Longevity - Rough cut, with a thicker bottom than a standard shingle, cedar shakes will last around 30 years if well-maintained and periodically coated in a protective sealant to keep moisture out. They are durable against most weather conditions and undamaged by ice, snow, hail, and wind, though fire-resistance is a problem.
  • Ease of Installation - Because they must be nailed down individually, cedar shakes can take considerably longer for a roofer service to install.
  • Appearance - The classic, chestnut-colored look of new wood that matures to a soft silver patina over time is the main attraction for those who like cedar shake roofs. Cedar wood offers a timeless look like no asphalt shingle or other wood or material can match.
  • Maintenance Requirements - Like other wood roofing, cedar shakes must be cleaned every few years to keep algae and moss that eat away at the wood from growing on them. These roofs should also be periodically coated with a wood sealant to slow UV damage that can turn them brittle and rot from absorbing too much water.
  • Cost - Cedar shake roofing usually costs about one-third more than a comparable installation of premium architectural or dimensional asphalt shingles.

All About Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt roofs have advanced considerably over the years, with today’s products being much more attractive and long-lasting than the very first iteration of this roofing.

Available in many shapes and styles that mimic other materials, it has become the most popular type of shingle roofing mostly due to the price.

  • Durability and Longevity - Asphalt roofs come in many variations in size, look, style, and quality, so the longevity of each product will differ anywhere between 20 and 40 years. Premium asphalt roofing is fairly durable against most weather conditions and more fire-resistant than wood roofing, but can be blown off easily in strong winds and is easily damaged by hail and ice-damming.
  • Ease of Installation - Asphalt shingles are one of the easiest materials for roofer services to install, so the installations go fairly quickly.
  • Appearance - Though designer architectural and dimensional shingles can mimic other materials including wood shakes and shingles, they still do not compare in beauty to natural cedar shakes that go on bright and slowly age over time and give a traditional look to any structure.
  • Maintenance RequirementsAsphalt roofs are nearly maintenance-free except for a cleaning every so often if there is any algae or mold found growing on it due to moisture.
  • Cost - Premium, longer-lasting dimensional shingles usually cost one-fourth to one-third less than a roof made of cedar shakes.

Cedar Shakes or Asphalt Shingles - Which Is Better?

Taking the different categories into account, it is easy to see that cedar shakes surpass asphalt shingles in durability and preferred appearance, while the asphalt prevails in ease of installation, fewer maintenance requirements, and lower cost.

Premium lifelong products also last longer than cedar shakes.

Which Is Best For You?

Although it seems the answer to this question might be clear, it really depends on your personal preferences and the details that matter most to you.

Ultimately, both are superior options in shingle roofing that will perform well with care and look great on a house or building.

The main factor about cedar shakes is their classic look and the amount of character they add to a building.

If appearance is a prime element for you and you are fine with paying a little more for roofer services and replacing your roof a little sooner, cedar is a great choice.

When a great look at a lower cost is your goal, dimensional shingles including ones that look like cedar shakes are the next best option!

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The Abundant Benefits of Commercial Tile Roofs!

Commercial tile roofs are exceptionally beautiful, adding great character to any home where they are installed; however, they are also expensive, certainly more so than a simple asphalt shingle roof.

So why even consider tile roofing, other than the appearance?

There are actually quite a few reasons why it’s worth the added expense to have a tile roof installed on your home or small building!

1. Energy Efficiency

When properly installed by tile roofers, these tiles can make your commercial property more energy-efficient and reduce your heating and cooling bills because of their thermal properties.

They absorb UV rays and prevent them from passing into the building, releasing them at night after the sun goes down and also absorb interior heat in winter without releasing it into the atmosphere, keeping a home warmer overall.

2. Durable and Long-Lived

Tile roofs are very durable when expertly installed by commercial tile roofing companies and able to withstand storms, strong winds, and some hail without becoming damaged - plus, they are also fire-resistant.

The material is known to last upwards of a century or more, making the investment in commercial tile roofs a very efficient one over its lifetime.

3. Easy Installation and Maintenance

Although most commercial tile roofing companies must follow a specific process to correctly install these tiles, overall it’s a fairly straightforward process that goes reasonably quickly.

Once installed, tiles remain waterproof and require little to no maintenance other than to wash them periodically and check for cracked or chipped tiles and then replace them to maintain the integrity of the whole installation.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Another great thing about choosing a tile roof is that they are all made from natural materials and involve a more environmentally-friendly production process.

In addition, when they are removed by commercial tile roofers, the material can be either ground and recycled or simply disposed of where they will decompose and become a part of the earth once again.

5. Unaffected by Rot or Insects

Unlike most other materials installed by tile roofers that can be affected by mold, mildew, algae, and rot from moisture or damaged by insects or other pests, tile is not affected by any of that.

Made from earthen materials, tiles do not provide a surface on which any of these organisms or creatures can invade.

6. Many Materials and Varieties

Roofing tiles are made from a variety of organic materials including clay, cement, ceramic, and slate.

The first three materials are made using molds and available in various shapes and styles suitable for different architectural styles and can also be coated with glazes that offer a variety of colors.

7. Add Beauty and Character

Last and certainly not least, commercial tile roofs add so much beauty and character to a small building; they can greatly increase curb appeal, raise property value, and make a building really stand out in the neighborhood.

So Many Positive Benefits to Tile Roofs!

When the time comes to for a new roof on your small business location, there are countless materials options for you to choose from.

Because of the great benefits you can get from tiles, it’s definitely worth looking into them and be rewarded with a lifetime roof installation from a commercial tile roofing company that can transform the look of your building!

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Commercial Roofing Services – Let Pros Do The Work!

If you are in need of emergency repairs, new roof installation, or regular roof maintenance on the roof of your commercial building, then this is the right place for you!

Follow along while we look in greater detail at the above listed roofing services that you might need for any commercial roof.

Older Commercial Roofs

It is important to understand that commercial roofs that are old and damaged can cause a number of unforeseen problems.

So you definitely shouldn't ignore commercial roofing problems such as leaks and rotting because if they are not taken care of, these problems can lead to bigger and costlier future problems.

Moreover, if your commercial roof is old and been damaged in any way, it is really important for you to replace the roof as unrepaired issues or damage could be costing you energy dollars while making repairs could lower your energy loss and save a considerable amount on your energy bills.

Value of Commercial Roofing Companies

If you think you can fix any problems with a commercial roof, you better think again!

It is necessary to hire a certified and experienced commercial roofing company to work on your commercial roof because they excel at:

  • Material Choice - The kinds of roofing materials which experienced commercial roofing companies use are highly durable, long-lasting, look really great, and increase the value of your property!

  • Safety Compliance - Certified and reputable roofing companies are dedicated to safety compliance and will always provide you with a safe commercial roof repair or installation!

  • Design Compatibility - Qualified commercial roofing services can help you choose an appropriate roofing system that best suits your needs and works well with the existing building design!

  • Prompt Service - These roofing professionals install roofs in minimal time so your day-to-day business needs won't be affected while they are working on your roof which can help save you money and time!

Need For Roof Maintenance

Whether you want a brand new commercial roof installation or need to repair your existing roofing structure, it is imperative to hire a top quality commercial roof contractor who can provide you with a great roof as well as provide regular roofing maintenance to ensure that your roof remains in good condition.

It is important to understand that regular maintenance helps a great deal in identifying potential problems that can be repaired to prevent any problems from worsening.

Final Thoughts

Proper roofing services are essential for any commercial roof and if a company offers regular maintenance as well, then you can eliminate a lot of stress along with saving a lot of money on future repairs costs!

Commercial roofs are expensive, so don't risk losing money on your roofing investment – always rely on the services of experienced commercial roofing services!

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A Close Look At Various Flat Roofing Systems!

Roofing in Dallas Texas

Commercial roofing is very different from residential roofing since much of it involves protecting buildings with flat tops. If your building has a flat roof, you need a system that will be watertight, thermally efficient, and long-lasting in all kinds of weather. Today there are three main options for you to have installed by flat roofing services, each with various advantages and disadvantages. Discuss the options with your contractor to determine which one is best for your building.

Built Up or BUR System

BUR roofing is a commercial system that is done by applying multiple layers of roof tar and asphalt gravel to create a watertight layer over the top of the building. This system has been in use for more than 100 years and is one of the simplest and lowest cost methods still in use today.

In addition to ease of installation and relatively low cost, BUR commercial roofing offers a few other advantages that have made it so popular over the years. BUR is very durable in most climates and provides a thick, protective layer that is not easily damaged.

Yet BUR does have a few significant disadvantages, including the fact that it is very messy to install and has reduced flexibility in cold weather. This can lead to cracks that progress to damaging leaks. Additionally, BUR is not very environmentally friendly as it is made from toxic materials and has low thermal efficiency, leading to higher utility bills.

Modified Bitumen System

Modified bitumen commercial roofing is an improvement on the BUR system. This system uses multiple layers of thick fabric made from fiberglass, polyester, and asphalt gravel that are adhered to the top of the building to form a waterproof barrier. When correctly installed by flat roofing services who are experienced with this material, modified bitumen offers the same advantages of BUR, plus a few more.

It is flexible in all temperatures and highly crack and impact resistant. Modified bitumen is also easier and cleaner to install than BUR in most cases.

The main drawbacks with modified bitumen are the need for some type of heat appliance to install it and, like BUR, the lack of thermal efficiency. To avoid fires that could be caused by using torches to seam this material, many flat roofing services now use cold installation techniques or hot air welding machines. Thermal efficiency can be easily improved by applying UV reflective coatings.

Membrane Systems

Single-ply membrane roofing systems are newer systems that are rolled onto the top of the building and then fastened down in a variety of ways. They are available in either EPDM rubber or plastic polymer. These systems offer many benefits over BUR and modified bitumen systems as they are very clean to install and provide a consistent, durable, and lighter weight barrier over your building.

Membrane systems form tight and flexible layers over any flat roof. There are also some options, like white TPO, that offer highest levels of energy efficiency available in commercial products.

Disadvantages with single-ply membrane systems are they can be punctured or torn, making repair necessary. In addition, they can be more costly than other options; however, this is usually offset by lower utility costs and higher durability.

Commercial roofing has come a long way in recent years, with many new products available to handle a wide variety of roofing challenges. While BUR is still in use today, modified bitumen and membrane systems have become more popular due to the many advantages they offer. If it is time to consider a new roof for your commercial building, work with experienced flat roofing services who can assist you in making the right installation choice!

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What Is The Value of Single Ply System Roofing?

Roofing in Dallas Texas

Single ply system roofing has become a preferred option in commercial roofing today due to the many advantages it offers. In the past three decades, membrane systems have improved considerably, now providing a cleaner and easier option for your roofing needs. Before you invest in another asphalt-based, layered system, consider the value of single-ply membranes and how they can work for you.

Easier, Cleaner Installation Process

In comparison to BUR systems that require the spreading and curing of multiple layers of odorous, messy, and toxic materials, single ply system roofing is much easier and cleaner to install. It only requires that the membrane be rolled out and then fitting and fastening down. These systems are also more environmentally friendly, requiring few, if any, toxic preparations to adhere and seal them.

Minimal Maintenance Required

When properly installed, membrane roofing requires only the basics in terms of yearly maintenance. Regular inspections to check fasteners and seals as well as observe for leaks is all that is necessary in most cases.

Lightweight and Energy Efficient

Membrane commercial roofing is much lighter than BUR, creating less stress on your building. When installed in white or lighter colors, membrane systems are also more reflective, making them more energy efficient in warmer climates.  

Multiple Types Available

There are multiple single ply system roofing products available today to fit various needs according to climate, building construction, and budget. EPDM membranes are made from rubber products, while TPO and PVC membranes are constructed from thermoplastic and polymers. Each type provides different advantages, such as different seaming and fastening methods as well as varying degrees of UV, acid rain, and wind resistance.

Fully adhered systems may be preferable over mechanically fastened membranes in high wind regions and some ballasted varieties are also available. Your commercial roofing service can help you choose the best option for your building.

More Durable In the Long Run

Membrane roofing can also be more durable than a BUR installation on commercial buildings because it suffers less UV damage. This reduces the chance of leaks caused by cracks in the surface. It is also less likely to blister, is more flexible than many other materials and remains impervious to water as long as the installation remains well-sealed and affixed.

A Cost-Effective Option

While single ply system roofing is more expensive than BUR, its many advantages considerably outweigh the lower price of BUR. Between its lighter weight and minimal maintenance requirements, you are less likely to have to deal with expensive repairs or stress to your building. Higher reflectiveness and greater energy efficiency means lower cooling costs.

The faster and cleaner installation process equates to fewer hours of labor and lower material and cleanup costs. Most importantly, higher weather resistance means less chance of leaks that can cause substantial damage to your building over time.

Of course, getting the most from membrane systems does require installation of the right system and ensuring that all required maintenance is provided; the end result is a more reliable and cost-effective commercial roofing option. Before you settle for roofing based on price alone, look into the many benefits of protecting your building with one of the strong, convenient single ply system roofing choices available today!

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