Product Selection Guide For Your Commercial Metal Roofing Project
When selecting a metal roofing product for your commercial project, it's important to note that not all products are created equal. Plus, what works for one facility may not work for another. To make the right choice, you'll need to consider the specific requirements of your project and then find a product that matches those requirements in the best way possible.
Here's your guide to choosing the right metal roofing product for your commercial building.
Code Requirements
The U.S. construction industry is regulated. For many decades, building construction has been subject to strict compliance laws in the interest of public safety. Consequently, state and local building codes play a crucial role in the product chosen for commercial metal roofing.
Before choosing a particular metal roofing product over the others, it helps to get acquainted with the building code requirements that apply to your site so you can have a good idea of what's acceptable and what's not.
Roof Slope
The slope of your commercial roof does matter when it comes to choosing a metal roofing product. Different roof surfaces require different slopes to function properly.
For instance, standing seam metal panels are primarily intended for low-slope roofing applications because they come in large sheets that can cover the entire run of the roof: the distance from the ridge of the roof to its edge (just right above the gutter line). The use of the wider panels means there are fewer opportunities for water to infiltrate the roof surface.
Metal roofing tiles or shingles, on the other hand, will require more seams and fasteners, which will only increase the risk of roof leaks. As a result, they make sense for commercial roofs with steep slopes.
Desired Visual Appeal
Your metal roofing system is going to cover the whole commercial building. Depending on how high or low its slope will be, it may or may not impact the curb appeal of the property. For commercial roofing applications where the roof slope is low enough, aesthetics may not be a major concern.
But for steep-slope applications, the style, texture, color, and general appearance of your roofing product will play a key role in the decision-making process.
Picking the right commercial metal roof can be a daunting task, especially if it's your first time shopping for a roofing product. If you need help with product selection, feel free to consult your local commercial roofing company.