Explore The Top Commercial Roofing System for Retail Buildings

Learn Your Options to Protect Your Investment!

Choosing the right roof for your retail building isn’t just about keeping the rain out, it’s about protecting your investment, lowering energy bills, and avoiding surprise repair costs down the line.

With over 60 years of combined experience, the team at Bumble Roofing has helped countless businesses in The Woodlands choose a commercial roofing system that makes sense for their property, budget, and long-term goals.

Today’s roofing materials offer more variety and performance than ever before. But which one is right for your building?

In this guide, we break down six of the top commercial roofing systems, highlighting the pros, cons, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.

1. TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing

Why it’s popular: TPO is one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing options, and for good reason. It’s affordable, energy-efficient, and works well in hot climates like Texas.

Top benefits:

• Reflective white surface helps cut cooling costs
• Resistant to UV, ozone, and chemicals
• Budget-friendly and recyclable
• Flexes with your building as it expands and contracts

Consider this: It doesn’t last as long as some other materials (15–20 years), and cheaper versions can be lower quality. It can also be vulnerable to punctures and may become brittle in very cold temperatures.

Best for: Retail buildings with flat roofs and moderate foot traffic, especially where energy efficiency matters.

2. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) Roofing

Why it’s trusted: EPDM, also known as rubber roofing, has been around for decades. It’s known for being tough and low-maintenance.

Top benefits:

• Long-lasting (20–30 years)
• Excellent weather resistance
• Easy and affordable to repair
• Minimal upkeep

Consider this: It absorbs heat due to its dark color, which can drive up cooling costs. It also has limited design options and may shrink over time.

Best for: Buildings where durability and reliability matter more than energy savings.

3. Metal Roofing Systems

Why it’s a premium choice: Modern metal roofing is built to last and looks sharp. It’s especially valuable in areas prone to strong storms.

Top benefits:

• Can last 40–70 years
• Resistant to fire and severe weather
• Reflects heat with the right coatings
• Adds long-term property value

Consider this: It costs more upfront and can be noisy during storms. Thermal movement (expansion/contraction) must be accounted for during installation.

Best for: Businesses looking for long-term protection, especially in storm-prone areas like the Gulf Coast.

4. Modified Bitumen Roofing

Why it’s reliable: This multi-layer system is a modern take on built-up roofing, offering good protection with more flexibility.

Top benefits:

• Strong waterproofing performance
• Handles foot traffic well
• Affordable and time-tested
• Multiple installation options

Consider this: It’s heavier than other systems, installation involves heat (fire risk), and it’s not very energy efficient without added coatings.

Best for: Retail properties that need a durable, low-maintenance roof, especially those with rooftop equipment.

5. Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Why it’s traditional: BUR is a layered roofing system that’s been around for over a century. It’s simple and effective when done right.

Top benefits:

• Great protection against foot traffic and punctures
• Cost-effective for large, flat rooftops
• Provides natural insulation

Consider this: It’s heavy, installation involves hot tar, and energy efficiency is limited unless you add reflective coatings.

Best for: Older retail buildings or those with strong structural support and a need for basic, proven protection.

6. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Roofing

Why it’s high-performance: PVC is a premium single-ply system that stands out for its strength, chemical resistance, and energy savings.

Top benefits:

• Reflects heat and lowers cooling costs
• Fire- and chemical-resistant
• Strong seams for superior waterproofing
• Long-lasting and low maintenance

Consider this: It costs more upfront than TPO or EPDM, and installation requires skilled contractors. Over time, it can become brittle.

Best for: Retail spaces that need a tough, efficient roof, especially near industrial areas or kitchens with roof vents.

What About Cost?

Cost for each commercial roofing system varies, but here’s what to keep in mind:

• TPO and EPDM are budget-friendly options with solid performance.
• Metal and PVC cost more upfront but offer better energy savings and longer life spans.
• Modified Bitumen and BUR fall somewhere in the middle, offering dependable protection at reasonable prices.

Over time, energy-efficient materials like TPO, PVC, and metal can help cut your utility bills by as much as 10–30% for large buildings.

Installation & Maintenance of Each Commercial Roofing System

No matter which material you choose, proper installation and maintenance are key.

• Single-ply systems like TPO, EPDM, and PVC install faster and are great for minimizing downtime.
• Multi-layer systems like Modified Bitumen and BUR take longer but offer added durability.
• Metal roofing requires a skilled crew to get everything sealed and aligned correctly.

Routine inspections and preventive maintenance go a long way toward extending the life of your roof and avoiding expensive emergency repairs.

So, Which Commercial Roofing System is Right for You?

It all comes down to what your retail property needs, and what your priorities are.

Think about your:

• Building structure and size
• Local climate conditions
• Budget (both now and over time)
• Energy efficiency goals
• Business operations (how much downtime you can afford)

The best decision comes from weighing short-term costs against long-term value.

Need Expert Help? We’re Here for You.

At Bumble Roofing, we specialize in helping businesses in The Woodlands and Houston find the right commercial roofing system; one that protects your investment, supports your goals, and fits your budget.

Our process is simple:

• No pressure
• No gimmicks
• Just expert advice and quality work from experienced pros

Ready to explore your options? Contact Bumble Roofing of The Woodlands today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about the best roofing system for your retail property.