Choosing the right roofing material for a commercial building is one of the most important decisions a property owner or manager can make. A roof is more than a protective covering—it’s a critical part of a building’s structural integrity, energy performance, and long-term maintenance strategy. With so many options available, it’s important to understand what materials are out there, how they perform, and where each one excels.
At Rhino Roofers, we offer a range of commercial roofing systems and coatings tailored to the needs of businesses in Austin, San Antonio, and throughout Central Texas. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common commercial roofing materials and explain how to evaluate which is best for your building.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
TPO is one of the most widely used commercial roofing membranes in the U.S., and for good reason. It’s a single-ply, heat-weldable material known for its UV resistance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Typically installed in white or light colors, TPO reflects sunlight and helps reduce heat absorption—an important feature for buildings in warm climates like Central Texas.
Best suited for: Flat or low-slope roofs, especially those where energy efficiency is a concern. TPO is commonly used on office buildings, shopping centers, and warehouses.
Pros:
- Reflective surface lowers cooling costs
- Resistant to UV, punctures, and chemicals
- Relatively low material and installation costs
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM is a black rubber-like membrane known for its flexibility and long lifespan. It’s particularly good at withstanding temperature extremes and can last for decades with proper care. EPDM is often fully adhered or ballasted, depending on the roof structure.
Best suited for: Large, flat commercial roofs where long-term durability is a priority and solar heat gain is less of a concern.
Pros:
- Proven performance over 40+ years
- Highly resistant to UV and ozone
- Flexible and easy to repair
Considerations: Because EPDM is typically black, it absorbs heat unless covered with a reflective coating.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based roofing material that includes polymer modifiers to enhance performance. It’s applied in layers—either hot-applied, torch-applied, or with cold adhesives—and may be finished with a protective cap sheet or coating.
Best suited for: Low-slope roofs that require strong waterproofing. Often used in schools, hospitals, and other institutional buildings.
Pros:
- Durable, multi-layer construction
- Excellent resistance to foot traffic
- Compatible with a wide range of roofing details
Considerations: Installation can be labor-intensive and may require flame or heat application.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC roofing membranes are known for their resistance to chemicals, grease, and fire. Like TPO, PVC is heat-welded at the seams and has a reflective surface that reduces solar heat gain.
Best suited for: Restaurants, commercial kitchens, and buildings where rooftop grease, oil, or chemicals may be present.
Pros:
- High resistance to chemicals and fire
- Strong, durable, and flexible
- Reflective surface helps control cooling costs
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
SPF is a unique roofing material that’s applied as a liquid and expands into a dense, insulating foam. It creates a seamless barrier across the entire roof and can be recoated periodically to extend its lifespan.
Best suited for: Irregular roof shapes, roofs with lots of penetrations (vents, HVAC units), or situations where high insulation value is desired.
Pros:
- Seamless, waterproof installation
- Exceptional thermal insulation (high R-value)
- Lightweight and adaptable to complex surfaces
Considerations: Requires expert installation and ongoing re-coating every 10–15 years for optimal performance.
Metal Roofing
Metal is a durable, long-lasting option that can be used on sloped commercial roofs. It’s often made from steel, aluminum, or copper and is either standing seam or corrugated.
Best suited for: Warehouses, distribution centers, agricultural buildings, and any structure looking for longevity and a traditional appearance.
Pros:
- Lifespan of 40–60 years
- Low maintenance
- Fire and weather resistant
Considerations: Higher upfront cost, but lower maintenance and longer life can offset this over time
Commercial Roof Coatings
In addition to full roofing systems, Rhino Roofers offers commercial roof coatings that can restore, protect, and extend the life of an existing roof. These coatings are particularly useful when a full roof replacement isn’t necessary.
Urethane Coatings
Urethane is highly resistant to abrasion and mechanical wear. It’s a great choice for roofs with high foot traffic or where equipment may be serviced regularly.
Best suited for: Commercial roofs that need added protection without a full replacement—particularly those with foot traffic or hail exposure.
Rubber Roof Coatings
Rubber coatings provide flexible, waterproof protection and are often used to restore aging EPDM or modified bitumen systems.
Best suited for: Older roofs that need new waterproofing without major reconstruction.
Note on Coatings: Coatings are not a permanent solution and must be applied correctly and maintained over time. Also, if a commercial roof already has two layers, building codes typically prohibit adding another coating or membrane. In such cases, a full tear-off is required.
What Factors Should Influence Your Decision?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which commercial roofing material is the best. Instead, the ideal solution depends on several building-specific and environmental factors:
1. Roof Slope and Size
Flat or low-slope roofs limit your options to membrane systems, while sloped roofs can accommodate metal or shingles.
2. Climate
In a warm, sunny region like Austin or San Antonio, reflective membranes such as TPO or PVC can reduce energy use. Buildings exposed to hail or high wind may benefit from metal or urethane-coated systems.
3. Chemical or Equipment Exposure
Restaurants and factories need materials that can resist grease, oils, and rooftop exhaust. PVC and urethane coatings are strong options.
4. Budget and Lifecycle Costs
Some systems have lower upfront costs (like EPDM), while others require more investment but offer decades of durability (like metal or SPF). Maintenance, repairs, and coatings can all impact your long-term return.
Work With Rhino Roofers to Find the Best Roofing Material
So—what’s the best commercial roofing material?
The answer depends on your building’s structure, the environment it operates in, and your long-term budget. Some properties benefit from reflective, energy-saving membranes like TPO or PVC. Others require the rugged durability of modified bitumen or metal. In many cases, commercial roof coatings offer a cost-effective way to extend the life of an existing system.
At the end of the day, the best commercial roofing material isn’t just about product specs—it’s about fit. Fit for the weather, fit for the purpose, and fit for your budget.
Before making a decision, it’s always wise to schedule a professional inspection and get expert input tailored to your building. With the right material and proper installation, your roof will do its job for years to come.