To protect your commercial building from severe weather, you need a durable, flexible roofing system. The system must withstand temperature extremes without failing, and also withstand high winds and large hail. Storm-resistant commercial roofing materials, such as metal, plasticized membranes, and modified bitumen, will provide the protection you need to keep your occupants and property safe.
What to look for in storm-resistant commercial roofing
Storm weather in Wisconsin includes high winds, heavy rain, hail, and snow and ice. Choosing the right roofing system for your building requires material that can withstand all these elements. Here’s what to look for in storm-resistant commercial roofing materials:
- High wind rating – Commercial roofing materials should be rated for winds of 100 mph or more. Membrane systems are tested under UL standard 1897, which rates the material’s ability to adhere to the roof deck. Metal roofing is tested to ASTM E1592, while entire roof assemblies are tested to UL Standard 580.
- Impact resistance – Roofing should be able to handle impacts from large hail or debris. Look for those that are UL Class 4 tested, as they’ve been shown to withstand the impact of a 2-inch steel ball without damage.
- Proper installation – Using a local roofing company with experience in Wisconsin’s climate can help ensure that your roof is installed correctly, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. They’ll also be there to help when extreme weather strikes, and you need repairs.
- Ice/snow durability – Sloped surfaces that allow snow to slide off or sufficient drainage on flat roofs will help prevent ice dam formation. Ice dams can be highly damaging to your roof’s structure and can cause leaks.
Best commercial roofing materials for storm resistance
Sloped and flat roofs require different materials. Sloped roofs should shed water and snow, while flat roofs require a waterproofing membrane. With this in mind, here are our recommendations for the best storm-resistant commercial roofing materials:
Metal roofing (sloped)
Many commercial buildings feature metal roofs for their exceptional durability, impact resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Metal roofs can be constructed from steel or aluminum and are available in a variety of colors to match your building’s exterior. Metal has one of the longest lifespans for commercial roofing, but it is more expensive than other options.
Most metal roofing has a Class 3 or 4 impact-resistance rating. Metal may dent when struck by large hail or debris, but this typically doesn’t cause a leak. It’s also highly wind-resistant, with some systems rated to withstand winds up to 140 mph. This is due to the interlocking connection between metal panels and the concealed clips that secure them.
Membranes (flat)
Membrane roofing systems made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) are popular choices for flat roofs. They’re both economical, durable, and lightweight, and can improve energy efficiency when light colors are chosen. They perform well in extreme weather conditions, and a thicker layer of either one will provide more protection.
Both roofing types can be attached directly to the roof deck (using adhesive or fasteners) and feature heat-welded seams, which improve wind resistance and protect against uplift. Some systems are rated for wind speeds up to 130 mph. The flexibility of both materials improves impact performance, though TPO performs slightly better.
Modified bitumen (flat)
Asphalt combined with polymers provides a strong, multi-layered roofing system that’s designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Its durability and flexibility make it a strong choice for commercial roofs in Wisconsin.
Because of its flexibility and its typical installation in multiple layers, modified bitumen provides excellent protection against hail and debris impacts. In particular, systems with SBS (styrene butadiene styrene) added to the asphalt enable the membrane to absorb impacts without cracking. It also performs well in high winds, especially when attached to the roof deck with adhesive or mechanical fasteners.
No matter where you’re located in Wisconsin, New Roofs can help you select the best storm-resistant roofing system for your commercial building. Whether it’s a roof on a new building or a reroof project, our experienced and knowledgeable team can recommend the right system for your needs. Contact us today.