How to choose the best commercial roofing system for your building

Selecting the right low-slope (flat) roofing system is about matching real-world conditions—not buzzwords. Your ideal solution depends on five drivers: exposure (grease/chemicals), foot traffic & equipment, climate & hail, roof geometry/detailing, and budget vs. lifespan. Our quiz weighs these factors to recommend TPO, EPDM, PVC, or SBS modified bitumen, then invites you to a free Spec Review with CMP so we can validate the choice against drawings, photos, core samples, and warranty goals.

What matters most

• Grease & chemical exposure: Restaurants, food processing, or industrial solvents call for membranes that tolerate fats and chemicals.
• Foot traffic & puncture risk: Frequent service visits, many penetrations/curbs, or rooftop amenities increase the value of rugged, multi-ply options.
• Climate & hail: Cold-weather flexibility, UV stability, and impact resistance vary by system.
• Energy & reflectivity: White “cool roof” membranes can lower cooling loads in sunny climates.
• Layout & detailing: Complex edges, parapets, drains, and penetrations favor materials that detail cleanly.
• Budget vs. lifecycle: Consider total cost of ownership—install cost, maintenance, and typical service life.
• Re-cover vs. tear-off: Substrate condition, moisture, and code requirements determine whether you can re-cover or need a full replacement.
• Insulation & slope: Proper R-value and positive slope to drain (target ~2%) extend roof life and reduce ponding.

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Quick comparison: TPO vs EPDM vs PVC vs SBS

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

Best for: Large, open roofs seeking a cool white surface and cost-effective performance.
Why owners choose it: Heat-welded seams, bright reflectivity, fast installs.
Keep in mind: Add walkway pads where traffic is heavy; avoid persistent grease exposure.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

Best for: Cold climates, hail-prone regions, and owners prioritizing time-tested durability and budget-friendliness.
Why owners choose it: Excellent UV/ozone resistance, flexible in low temps, long track record.
Keep in mind: Standard black EPDM is not reflective (white EPDM options exist); seams are typically taped/adhesive, not welded.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Best for: Grease/oil/chemical environments—restaurants, food plants, labs, and certain industrial settings—plus owners who want weldable seams and high reflectivity.
Why owners choose it: Outstanding chemical/fat resistance, heat-welded seams, strong fire performance.
Keep in mind: Typically higher upfront cost; ensure compatibility when re-covering over asphaltic materials.

SBS Modified Bitumen (multi-ply)

Best for: Heavy foot traffic, frequent service, many penetrations, and owners prioritizing rugged, puncture-resistant assemblies.
Why owners choose it: Multi-ply durability, excellent puncture/tear resistance, strong detailing.
Keep in mind: Heavier and more labor-intensive; choose cold- or self-adhered where open flame is restricted; select reflective cap sheets if “cool roof” performance is desired.

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Installation approaches & what they mean to you

• Mechanically attached (single-ply): Fast, lightweight, strong wind performance; more fasteners/plates visible under the sheet.
• Fully adhered: Smooth, clean look; great for irregular decks and high-wind zones; requires compatible adhesive and prep.
• Self-adhered/cold-applied (SBS): Low-odor, code-friendly alternative where torches are restricted; excellent detailing.
• Torch-applied (SBS): Robust seams and speed in experienced hands; may be limited by fire codes or building occupancy.
• Fleeceback & recover options: Adds cushion over rough substrates; can help in re-cover scenarios if moisture and code allow.

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Benefits you can expect with the right match

• Lower lifecycle cost: Fewer leaks, fewer emergency calls, and predictable maintenance.
• Energy savings: High-albedo membranes (TPO/PVC and select SBS cap sheets) can reduce cooling loads.
• Uptime & safety: Systems selected for traffic and detailing reduce punctures around units and walkpaths.
• Compliance & warranty: Assemblies tailored to wind uplift, fire ratings, and manufacturer guidelines protect your warranty.

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FAQs

Is a white roof always better?
It’s often beneficial in sunny, cooling-dominated climates. In cold-dominant climates, reflectivity is still valuable but must be weighed alongside hail resistance, snow/ice behavior, and energy profiles.

What about coatings?
Roof coatings can be a smart maintenance or restoration strategy for specific substrates in good condition. They’re evaluated separately from this quiz and confirmed during a Spec Review.

How often should I maintain a new roof?
Plan semi-annual inspections plus post-storm checks. Keep drains clear, add walkway pads at service paths, and maintain curb/penetration flashings.

Can I re-cover instead of tear-off?
If moisture mapping/core cuts show the substrate is dry and code permits, a re-cover may be possible. If wet, trapped moisture typically necessitates tear-off and deck repairs.

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Next step: Free Spec Review with CMP

Your quiz result is a smart starting point—but every building is unique. In a Spec Review with CMP, we’ll confirm the best commercial roofing system (TPO, EPDM, PVC, or SBS), align warranty length and budget, and issue a project-ready recommendation.
Book now: You’ll be redirected to our contact page to schedule, or visit cmproofing.ca/contact-2/ anytime.