Commercial Roofing Types

Commercial Roofing Solutions for Colorado Buildings

Commercial roofing systems vary by building design, roof slope, drainage requirements, budget, and intended use. Colco Roof helps property owners evaluate suitable roofing materials and systems for commercial buildings throughout the Colorado Front Range. See our full list of service areas.

There are three main categories that determine your commercial roof type:

Commercial Roof Styles

Shed Roofs

A shed roof is similar to a flat roof, but with just a little more pitch. Great for warehouses and additions to smaller business buildings.

Gable Roofs

A gable roof is not very common among commercial properties, depending on the business itself. A gable refers to the triangular portion of the wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches. It looks like an upside-down V. This type of style is what you generally see in neighborhoods. It’s one of the simpler styles, however gable roofs are not ideal for high wind areas like Fort Collins, Greeley or along the Front Range, because they easily can catch wind much like a sail or a plane’s wing would.

Hip Roofs

A hip roof style has four sloping sides with no vertical roof lines or walls. Hip roofs are both square and rectangular. They have a more complicated truss and rafter structure. They are most common with residential properties, but are seen on some commercial properties as well.

A-frame Roofs

An A-frame roof has sides with very steep angles (roofline) that usually begin at or near the foundation line, and meet at the top in the shape of the letter ‘A.’ This roof style is mostly seen with churches, small businesses, restaurants and other structures of the like.

Folded Plate Roofs

Folded plate roofs use connected sloped sections to create a strong, distinctive roof structure. They are commonly found on larger commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings.

Commercial Roof Materials

Metal

Metal roofing is a durable option for many commercial buildings. Available systems include standing-seam panels and other metal roof assemblies. Proper installation, drainage, coatings, and regular maintenance can help extend the roof’s service life.

EPDM

EPDM is a flexible synthetic rubber membrane commonly used on low-slope commercial roofs. Its seams are typically joined with adhesive or seam tape, and proper installation and drainage are essential for long-term performance.

TPO

TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane commonly used on low-slope commercial buildings. Its seams are heat-welded to create a continuous roofing system. TPO is available in reflective colors and provides resistance to ultraviolet exposure and certain chemicals.

PVC

PVC is a durable single-ply membrane used on low-slope commercial roofs. Its heat-welded seams create a continuous roofing system, and the membrane provides resistance to moisture, ultraviolet exposure, and many chemicals.

Commercial Roof Pitch

Roof slope affects drainage, material selection, installation requirements, and maintenance. It is expressed as the number of inches a roof rises vertically for every 12 inches of horizontal run. Commercial buildings commonly use low-slope systems, while some properties have steep-slope sections requiring different roofing materials and installation methods.

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