Commercial Roof Types

Flat, TPO, EPDM, Metal, Asphalt & More

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Expert Commercial Roofing Solutions for North Jersey Businesses

Choosing the right commercial roofing system for your North Jersey business is a critical decision that impacts your operations, energy costs, and long-term maintenance expenses. The extreme weather conditions in Morris, Essex, Passaic, and Bergen counties require roofing systems specifically engineered to handle heavy snow loads, ice formation, intense summer heat, and severe storm conditions. At CKG Contractors, we help business owners navigate the complex world of commercial roofing to find solutions that protect their investments while maximizing operational efficiency.

Our decades of experience installing and maintaining commercial roofs throughout North Jersey gives us unique insight into how different roofing systems perform in our challenging climate. We understand the specific building codes, snow load requirements, and weather-related challenges that affect commercial properties in our region.

Flat Roofing Systems – The Commercial Standard

Flat roofing dominates the commercial landscape in North Jersey for compelling practical reasons. These systems provide easy access for HVAC equipment, allow for rooftop installations like solar panels or cooling towers, and offer cost-effective coverage for large building footprints. However, flat roofs in our region must be designed to handle significant challenges.

Snow Load Considerations 

North Jersey commercial buildings must support snow loads that can exceed 50 pounds per square foot during severe winter weather. Proper flat roof design includes structural evaluation, adequate drainage to prevent ice dam formation, and membrane systems that remain flexible during freeze-thaw cycles. Our installation process ensures your flat roof meets or exceeds local building codes while providing reliable protection year-round.

Drainage Critical for Performance 

New Jersey’s intense summer thunderstorms can dump several inches of rain in short periods, while spring snowmelt creates additional drainage challenges. We design comprehensive drainage systems with adequate capacity for North Jersey’s weather patterns, including primary drains, overflow systems, and proper sloping to prevent ponding water that can lead to membrane failure.

Modern Membrane Technologies 

Today’s flat roofing membranes far exceed the performance of older built-up systems. We install advanced single-ply membranes that resist UV degradation during hot summers, remain flexible during cold winters, and provide superior waterproofing protection against our region’s variable weather conditions.

TPO Roofing – Energy Efficient & Durable

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) roofing has become the fastest-growing commercial roofing choice in North Jersey, and for good reason. These white, reflective membranes significantly reduce cooling costs during our hot, humid summers while providing exceptional durability against weather extremes.

Energy Performance in North Jersey Climate 

TPO’s highly reflective surface can reduce roof surface temperatures, making them a top choice during North Jersey’s summer months, when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. This heat reduction translates to energy savings and reductions in cooling costs after TPO installation.

Weather Resistance Advantages 

TPO membranes excel in our New Jersey’s temperature extremes, maintaining flexibility from -40° F up to 200° F. This performance range easily handles North Jersey’s winter lows and summer highs while resisting damage from thermal cycling. The heat-welded seams create watertight connections that withstand high winds and driving rain common during severe weather events.

Installation and Maintenance Benefits 

TPO’s lightweight construction reduces structural stress on commercial buildings. Plus, the single-ply membrane system requires fewer penetrations than traditional multi-layer systems, reducing potential leak points. Maintenance requirements are minimal, with most systems requiring little more than annual inspections and occasional cleaning.

EPDM Roofing

Proven Performance for Demanding Commercial Applications

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber roofing has protected North Jersey commercial buildings for decades. This “rubber roofing” system offers exceptional durability and weather resistance, making it ideal for businesses requiring long-term, low-maintenance solutions.

Extreme Weather Durability 

EPDM performs exceptionally well during North Jersey’s harsh winters, remaining flexible even at temperatures well below zero. Unlike some roofing materials that become brittle in cold weather, EPDM maintains its elasticity, preventing cracking and splitting during freeze-thaw cycles. The material also resists UV degradation, ozone exposure, and chemical damage.

Superior Waterproofing 

EPDM’s rubber composition creates an impermeable barrier against water infiltration. The material can withstand ponding water indefinitely without degradation, making it ideal for commercial buildings with challenging drainage conditions. Properly installed EPDM systems provide decades of leak-free performance with minimal maintenance.

Cost-Effective Long-Term Solution 

While EPDM may have higher initial costs than some alternatives, its longevity and low maintenance requirements make it cost-effective over the system’s lifespan. Many EPDM roofs in North Jersey have provided 25+ years of service with minimal repairs, making them excellent investments for budget-conscious businesses.

PVC Roofing – Chemical Resistance and Superior Performance

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) roofing membranes offer unique advantages for specific commercial applications. Restaurants, manufacturing facilities, and buildings with chemical exposure benefit from PVC’s superior chemical resistance and easy maintenance characteristics.

Chemical and Grease Resistance

PVC roofing excels in applications where chemical exposure or grease contamination is concern. Restaurant exhaust systems, manufacturing processes, and food service facilities benefit from PVC’s resistance to oils, acids, and cleaning chemicals. The smooth surface allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, essential for businesses with strict sanitation requirements.

Heat-Welded Seam Technology

PVC seams are heat-welded to create permanently bonded connections stronger than the membrane itself. This technology eliminates the adhesive-dependent seams found in other systems, providing superior long-term performance and resistance to seam separation during thermal cycling.

Reflective Energy Benefits

Like TPO, PVC membranes provide excellent solar reflectance, reducing cooling costs during North Jersey’s hot summers. The white, reflective surface helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while reducing HVAC system stress and energy consumption.

Modified Bitumen

Reliability and Modern Technology

Modified bitumen roofing combines time-tested asphalt technology with modern polymer improvements, creating versatile systems suitable for various commercial applications throughout North Jersey.

Multi-Layer Protection

Modified bitumen systems typically include multiple layers of protection, providing redundancy against leaks and weather damage. Base sheets, intermediate plies, and cap sheets work together to create robust waterproofing systems capable of handling our region’s extreme weather conditions.

Installation Versatility

These systems can be installed using various methods including torch application, hot asphalt, cold adhesives, or self-adhering membranes. This versatility allows for installation in various weather conditions and building configurations common in North Jersey commercial construction.

Proven Track Record

Modified bitumen has protected North Jersey commercial buildings for decades, with many installations still performing well after 20+ years of service. The system’s ability to handle foot traffic, minor impacts, and weather extremes makes it suitable for various commercial applications.

a commercial roofing contractor inspects a robust metal roof while surrounded by various roofing samples and tools in a well-lit urban construction office, highlighting the careful evaluation process for selecting the ideal roofing material based on specific regional needs.

Commercial Metal Roofing

Premium Performance and Aesthetics

Commercial metal roofing has gained popularity in North Jersey due to its exceptional longevity, weather resistance, and architectural flexibility. These systems excel in our challenging climate while providing distinctive aesthetic appeal.

Snow Shedding Performance

Metal roofing’s smooth surface and thermal properties facilitate natural snow removal, reducing the ice dam problems common with other roofing systems. The material’s thermal conductivity helps prevent uneven melting patterns that lead to ice formation along roof edges.

Wind and Impact Resistance

Properly installed metal roofing systems resist wind uplift forces exceeding 120 mph, providing security during severe thunderstorms and occasional hurricane conditions. The material’s impact resistance protects against hail damage common during spring and summer storms.

Longevity and Value

Metal roofing systems often provide 40+ years of service with minimal maintenance, making them excellent long-term investments. The material resists corrosion, UV degradation, and thermal damage while maintaining its appearance throughout its service life.

Commercial Asphalt Roofing

Cost-Effective Solution for Specific Applications

While less common for large commercial applications, asphalt roofing remains viable for certain commercial buildings, particularly smaller structures and those with steep-slope configurations.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR) 

Traditional built-up roofing systems provide reliable protection for commercial buildings with specific requirements. Multiple layers of asphalt and reinforcing materials create robust waterproofing systems suitable for various commercial applications.

Steep-Slope Applications 

Commercial buildings with pitched roofs can benefit from the weather protection these commercial-grade asphalt shingle roofing systems provide.

Professional Roof Coatings

Extending System Life

Roof coatings provide cost-effective methods for extending the life of existing commercial roofing systems while improving energy efficiency and weather resistance.

Silicone Coatings 

Silicone coatings excel in North Jersey’s climate due to their flexibility and waterproofing properties. These coatings remain elastic during temperature extremes, preventing cracking and maintaining watertight protection. Silicone systems resist ponding water indefinitely, making them ideal for buildings with drainage challenges.

Acrylic Coatings 

Acrylic coatings provide excellent UV protection and energy efficiency benefits. These systems reflect solar energy while providing renewed weather protection for aging roofing systems. Acrylic coatings are cost-effective solutions for extending roof life while improving building energy performance.

Reflective Coating Benefits 

Both silicone and acrylic coatings significantly reduce roof surface temperatures, cutting cooling costs during North Jersey’s hot summers. Many commercial clients report 10-30% reductions in energy costs after coating application, making these systems excellent investments.

Choosing the Right System for Your Business

Selecting the optimal commercial roofing system requires careful consideration of multiple factors including building use, budget constraints, energy efficiency goals, and long-term maintenance preferences. Our experienced team evaluates each project individually to recommend systems that provide optimal performance for specific applications.

Climate Considerations 

North Jersey’s extreme weather conditions eliminate some roofing options while making others particularly attractive. We recommend systems proven to perform reliably in our climate while meeting your specific operational requirements.

Building Code Compliance 

Commercial roofing installations must meet strict building codes regarding fire resistance, wind uplift resistance, and snow load capacity. Our installations exceed minimum code requirements while providing optimal long-term performance.

Energy Efficiency Opportunities 

Many commercial roofing systems qualify for energy efficiency rebates and tax incentives. We help clients identify opportunities to reduce installation costs while improving building performance.

Ready to explore commercial roofing options for your North Jersey business? Contact CKG Contractors today for a comprehensive roof evaluation and expert recommendations tailored to your specific needs.