commercial flat roofing

Commercial Flat Roofing

When it comes to commercial flat roofing, building owners and facility managers face a critical decision in selecting the best material to meet their building’s needs. Among the most popular choices are EPDM, TPO, PVC, BUR Roofing, and Modified Bitumen. Each material offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks. Today we will take a deep dive into EPDM, TPO, PVC, BUR Roofing, and modified Bitumen roofing options and which one might be best for you.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
  • Pros:
    • Durability: EPDM roofs are known for their resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and extreme temperatures.
    • Cost-Effectiveness: It is one of the most cost-effective options for large flat roofs due to its relatively low material and installation costs.
    • Longevity: An EPDM roof can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.
    • Environmental Impact: EPDM is often made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan.
  • Cons:
    • Aesthetic Limitations: Typically available only in black, which can absorb more heat unless treated with a reflective coating.
    • Vulnerability to Punctures: While durable, it can be susceptible to punctures from foot traffic or equipment on the roof.

Learn More About EPDM Roofs

TPO Roofing (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
  • Pros:
    • Energy Efficiency: TPO membranes are usually white, reflecting sunlight and helping reduce cooling costs in warmer climates.
    • Flexibility: TPO roofs can handle building movement and settling better than other materials.
    • Installation: TPO membranes are lightweight and their installation process can be more efficient, as the seams are heat-welded to create a watertight bond.
  • Cons:
    • Longevity Concerns: While TPO has many advantages, there have been concerns about its longevity and performance over time compared to other options.
    • Chemical Exposure: TPO can be sensitive to certain types of oils and solvents, potentially leading to degradation.

Learn More About TPO Roofs

PVC Roofing (Polyvinyl Chloride)
  • Pros:
    • Chemical Resistance: PVC roofing is resistant to chemical exposure, making it ideal for buildings that may have exposure to oils or other chemicals.
    • Durability: PVC roofs are robust, with heat-welded seams that provide excellent water resistance.
    • Fire Resistance: PVC materials are highly fire-resistant, which can be a critical consideration for commercial buildings.
  • Cons:
    • Cost: PVC can be more expensive than other single-ply roofing options due to its chemical composition and performance characteristics.
    • Environmental Concerns: PVC manufacturing and disposal pose environmental challenges due to the presence of chlorine and other chemicals.

Learn More About PVC Roofs

BUR Roofing (Built Up Roofing)
  • Pros:
    • Durability: BUR systems are exceptionally durable due to their multiple layers, which provide robust protection against water, weather, and mechanical damage.
    • Waterproofing: The layered construction of BUR offers excellent waterproofing capabilities, making it an ideal choice for buildings in areas with heavy precipitation.
    • UV Protection: The surface layer of gravel or stone in BUR systems helps reflect UV rays, protecting the roof from sun damage and reducing the building’s overall heat load.
    • Fire Resistance: The materials used in BUR, especially when capped with gravel, are inherently fire-resistant, enhancing the safety of the building.
    Cons:
    • Weight: The multiple layers of materials make BUR systems quite heavy, which might require strengthening of the roof structure, especially in older buildings.
    • Installation Complexity: Installing BUR involves hot-applied bitumen, which can release fumes and poses a fire risk during application, requiring skilled labor and safety precautions.
    • Maintenance Requirements: Although BUR is generally low-maintenance, it does require regular inspections and upkeep to address any issues like blisters or cracks that can develop over time.
    • Heat Absorption: If not coated with a reflective material, traditional BUR systems can absorb heat due to their dark color, potentially increasing air conditioning costs.

Learn More About BUR Roofs

Modified Bitumen
  • Pros:
    • Sturdy: Modified bitumen roofs are extremely tough and are less likely to puncture and tear, ideal for high-traffic roofs.
    • Flexibility in Cold Weather: This material remains flexible in colder temperatures, preventing cracks and other damage.
    • Ease of Repair: Modified bitumen can be easy to repair and maintain over time.
  • Cons:
    • Heat Absorption: Being a dark material, it can absorb a significant amount of heat, which might increase cooling costs if not properly coated.
    • Installation Risks: The installation process involves hot application methods, which can be a fire hazard if not handled correctly.

The decision between EPDM, TPO, PVC, and Modified Bitumen for commercial flat roofing involves considering several factors, including climate, building usage, budget, and maintenance expectations. Each material has distinct advantages and potential drawbacks, making it crucial to evaluate which characteristics align best with your specific needs.

For those in hotter climates, TPO or PVC might be preferable due to their reflective properties. In contrast, buildings in colder environments or those with heavy rooftop equipment might benefit from the durability and flexibility of EPDM or the toughness of Modified Bitumen.

Consulting with a commercial flat roofing professional who understands your local environment and building codes can further guide your decision, ensuring that your investment enhances your property’s value and functionality for years to come.

Call for your professional inspection!

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Monty Adams profile picture
Monty Adams
22:04 21 Feb 26
Alex really took care of me, dealt with all of the insurance hassles. New roof looks great
Billie Mills profile picture
Billie Mills
22:04 19 Feb 26
Excellent job, very professional, timely, and quality was great! A very special shout out and thank you to Devin Espinoza for all his help. Also his crew was great did a great job for us.
Alexander Rob profile picture
Alexander Rob
17:51 19 Feb 26
Very informative and professional.
kenton love profile picture
kenton love
17:12 19 Feb 26
Brock Schneider was great to work with! He was very knowledgeable and took the time to answer any questions that I had. He made sure that I understood the entire process and what to expect at each milestone, to ease my stress. I would highly recommend Brock to anyone who may need any roofing work!
Brandi Sincevich profile picture
Brandi Sincevich
16:22 05 Feb 26
If you need a roof repair or a new roof, please give these guys a call, you will not be disappointed. They are absolutely wonderful to work with. We had some shingles get blown off during a massive windstorm. I called them and they were out there to do an estimate within the week and then had the repair done within 2 weeks which is phenomenal! Alex communicated with me throughout the entire experience. He wanted to ensure that the shingle match was on point so offered to contact our builder and gave me sample shingles to take home and match. They even checked back after the work was done to ensure I was satisfied and sent someone out the next day to check on things. This is customer service at its finest. Also need to mention the grade of shingles used were well above what I already have on my roof. I can’t wait to have them take care of my roof when I need a new one!
Walter Mills profile picture
Walter Mills
22:51 22 Jan 26
CCX staff were very helpful with all of our questions before, during and after installation of our new roof, soffits and gutters. No more roof leaking in our garage!

Alex Odishoo was with us throughout the entire process.
Peter Norton profile picture
Peter Norton
22:30 16 Jan 26
We engaged CCX Roofing for our home build in Tetonia, Idaho. After reviewing multiple bids, CCX came in right where we needed to be financially, and we really enjoyed our early conversations with Brock on the sales side. He was responsive, personable, and easy to work with during the initial stages.

We gave the go-ahead in early August 2025 with the understanding that the roof would be completed sometime in October. Early conversations gave us the impression that our project would move fairly quickly.

Because our home has a 100% metal roof, CCX coordinated with Teton Steel for measurements and materials. Teton Steel ended up being a major delay, pushing the project back by well over a month before the metal order could even be placed. To CCX’s credit, it felt like they were actively pushing Teton Steel to get things moving and to ensure measurements and orders were correct.

That said, I was originally under the impression that underlayment would begin fairly soon after signing the agreement. In reality, underlayment did not start until early October due to CCX finishing other projects. While it was ultimately completed, I do wish there had been clearer communication upfront that this phase might be delayed by several months.

The first metal was finally delivered the last week of October, and the quality looked great. Although the material took much longer to arrive than expected, we were fortunate to still have workable weather. Around this time, it was mentioned that the roof might not be completed before winter, which was concerning given that when I signed the agreement in August, I specifically asked if the roof would be completed that year and was told yes. Between the delays with Teton Steel and CCX’s project backlog, the install timeline extended much longer than anticipated.

Metal installation began on October 28, 2025. There was snow that morning, and the crew spent significant time clearing the roof before starting. The metal crew finished around November 15, and they were truly the standout part of our experience. They arrived at sunrise, worked until dark, were hardworking, professional, and went above and beyond. I interacted with them often and even brought them lunch. They worked incredibly hard to get our project done, and they deserve real recognition—they were by far the stars of the company.

During final inspections, there were a few minor issues, all of which were handled efficiently and professionally.

A few weeks later, once the rain started, we noticed a leak in the great room near the fireplace. The chimney was scheduled to be stoned later, but our expectation was that the roofing underlayment and metal work around the base of the chimney would already be properly sealed. Getting someone out to inspect the issue required consistent follow-up. Weather and snow were cited as concerns for accessing the roof, which is understandable, but given the size of our project and an active leak, I had hoped for a faster response. I also requested twice that Cody, the owner, call me (communicated through Brock with confirmation), but I never received a call.

Ultimately, through coordination between CCX and our general contractor, it was determined that the stone contractor would be responsible for sealing the chimney area.

Overall, we enjoyed working with many people at CCX and appreciated the quality of the metal install and the effort of the crew. However, communication around scheduling, timelines, and follow-up could have been clearer and more proactive, especially when issues arose.

I plan to update this review after a full year, once we’ve experienced all four seasons with the roof.
April Mills profile picture
April Mills
20:34 22 Dec 25
Alex Odishoo is such a pleasure to work with, as are the other staff at CCX! Special thanks to this team for the work they did on my Delta metal roof, soffits, facia and gutters. I needed wrap around service and that is what I got. Start to finish, the entire project was timely, professional and thorough. If I needed anything, Alex was Johnny-On-The-Spot. 10/10 would recommend Alex and the team at CCX for your next big investment.
Michelle Denison profile picture
Michelle Denison
02:41 07 Aug 25
The dude that helped us named Brock Schneider was so helpful and very knowledgeable about the product that he sales. I was very surprised and impressed with the quality and installation. The crew that worked on our house was amazing!!! they had our roof done in 10 hours. We have witnessed in our neighborhood other roofs taking 3-5 days to be completed. So grateful to have this roof completed and the leaks taken care of. The price was reasonable.
Margo Billman profile picture
Margo Billman
01:25 10 Jul 25
Brock Schneider was our sales associate for CCX and he did a great job working with us on a new roof for our rental house. He was very good at explaining the product that he had suggested and all the material that would go on the roof. In checking out that product, it has one of the best warranties on the market. The process was very smooth and he kept us informed from beginning to end. The roofing crew arrived on site on the morning we were told they would, and they did a great job and they left our property very clean. We are very happy with this roofing job!
Scott Brower profile picture
Scott Brower
02:13 30 May 25
CCX did an amazing job on my roof! They were efficient and easy to work with! Alex and Danielle went above and beyond to make it all work!! I highly recommend them!
Photo from customer review
Denae profile picture
Denae
23:02 27 May 25
My roof was done in a day and we are so happy with it. It's a great investment into our home. Brock Schneider was great to work with and is a great person, easy going and honest.
Photo from customer review
Michelle Clark profile picture
Michelle Clark
15:31 24 May 25
CCX Roofing Siding Gutters did a great job.
Verna Shelton profile picture
Verna Shelton
21:11 23 May 25
We dealt with Alex O, great job matching siding, thanks
Ron Orbison profile picture
Ron Orbison
01:59 22 May 25
Eric was great! He very prompt and VERY courteous. I appreciate what he did for us. I would recommend Eric to anyone.
Dennis Thorpe profile picture
Dennis Thorpe
18:23 20 May 25
When Mr. Alex Odishoo showed up to give me a bid on my roof I was impressed in the way he conducted himself. He went about accessing my roof, laying out material, work to be accomplished, warranty, clean up, and time frame. He was in no hurry to leave without explaining all aspects to me and answering all my questions and putting it into a contract that showed all we talked about. His professionalism, knowledge, skills, and ability allowed me to make an easy discussion. His crew of four showed true skills and workmanship completing the job in one day as Mr. Odishoo said would be. Also Mr. Odishoo did not waste time from contract to job completion. I was over all pleased.
Archie Smith profile picture
Archie Smith
15:37 20 May 25
You did an excellent job on my roof and the past weekend we had rain and strong winds. I was worried so I got on my roof and found it was perfect. All the shingles were stuck down like the should be. Thank you
Matt McEwen profile picture
Matt McEwen
18:34 16 May 25
I really appreciate Eric from CCX, he went above and beyond to help us with an issue. Really appreciate CCX and Eric standing by and fixing the issue.
Eric Schneider profile picture
Eric Schneider
00:10 16 May 25
They were very professional and respectful of our property. They did a fantastic job on the installation of the gutters. Brock fully inspected the gutters and made sure they were installed professionally. I would recommended them to anyone. In total it was a great value.
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