Types of Commercial Roofing in Montana – Pros and Cons

June 30, 2021

Types of Commercial Roofing in Montana –  Pros and Cons

Big Sky Country – the land of endless blues, whites, and rolling hills. While its beauty remains unsurpassed, equally triumphant is the weather it throws our way. With extremes experienced in Montana, there is no underscoring the importance of a building’s roof. When it comes to commercial roofing, considerations to keep in mind are the overall cost of installation, energy efficiency, lifespan, and ability to protect your business’s assets. At Ace Roofing we use decades of experience in commercial roofing to advise customers of their options and the pros and cons of each. We are proud to offer three types of commercial roofing: membrane, metal, and shingle. More on that below.

Membrane

Membrane roofing is a staple in the commercial roofing world and has been the workhorse of the industry for over 30 years. Generally used for flat and low-slope roofs, its ease of installation and energy efficiency makes it a common choice in both new and replacement installations.

Pros

• Membrane is well regarded for its strength, durability, and ability to resist wind. As a result, it is favored in areas that experience extreme weather conditions.
• The materials that make up the roofing are naturally fire-resistant and serve as a formidable fire retardant in the case of fire.
• The roofing is resistant to chemicals, oils, and animal fats, making it a great fit for restaurants, which may emit cooking oils and fats through rooftop ventilation.
• Due to its color and reflective attributes, membrane-style roofing works great at keeping internal temperatures down and reducing overall damage to the roof from the sun’s rays.

Cons

• Cost of installation. Due to the strength and durability of membrane roofing, it requires labor-intensive installation and high up-front costs. While this can scare off some, more times than not it remains a great investment.

Metal

Another formidable material that is well known for its longevity and strength, metal is primarily used on roofs with steep slopes or where that sleek metallic look is desired.  

Pros

• With a wide range of steel and metal types that can be used, each building can choose a look that best suits its façade and offers the best benefits for the weather conditions experienced.
• Can be installed on steep slopes, making it a favorite in modern building styles that feature a more pronounced roof.
• Due to the inherent strength and durability of metal, these roofs, when treated properly, last considerably long. Metal roofs can last up to 50 years in the right conditions.
• Considering the slippery nature of the material, along with its use in sloped environments, metal is a great option for locations with snowfall, as it will tend to slide off the roof unassisted.
• Fire-resistant.

Cons

• As with membrane, good things come with a higher price tag. Installing metal roofing can be a laborious task, and the upfront costs will be greater than some alternative options.
• Can be susceptible to rust if not treated properly.
• Noisy if not properly insulated. Especially during heavy rain.

Shingle

Known mostly for their use on residential buildings, shingles have a practical use in commercial buildings with sloped roofs.

Pros

• Can be cost-efficient, especially if asphalt shingles are used.
• Allow for localized spot repairs if necessary.
• A wide array of design options is available if architectural shingles are used.

Cons

• Often has a short lifespan and is not recyclable.

Picking the appropriate type of roofing for your commercial property can be a daunting task, especially in a state with the range of elements that Montana is known for.

Looking for Commercial Roofing in Montana?

Leave the hard work up to the experts and contact Ace Roofing today for a consultation.