Understanding what type of roof protects your commercial building is essential for proper maintenance, budgeting for repairs, and making informed decisions about replacements. Whether you’ve recently acquired a property in Raleigh, inherited building management responsibilities for a facility in Charlotte, or simply want to be more knowledgeable about your commercial investment anywhere in North Carolina, identifying your commercial roof type doesn’t have to be complicated.
This guide will help you determine what kind of commercial roofing system covers your building and what characteristics to look for—with specific considerations for North Carolina’s unique climate challenges.
Why Knowing Your Roof Type Matters in North Carolina
Before we dive into identification methods, it’s worth understanding why this matters, especially in North Carolina. Our state’s climate presents unique challenges for commercial roofs: high humidity, intense summer heat, heavy rainfall, occasional hurricanes along the coast, and even ice storms in the mountains. Different roofing systems respond differently to these conditions.
A built-up roof might last 20-30 years with proper care, while a TPO membrane could need replacement in 15-20 years. In North Carolina’s humid climate, some roofing materials perform better than others. Knowing your roof type helps you:
- Schedule appropriate maintenance for North Carolina weather patterns
- Budget accurately for repairs or replacement
- Communicate effectively with roofing contractors
- Understand warranty coverage
- Make informed decisions about upgrades that account for our climate
Visual Inspection: What Does Your Roof Look Like?
The easiest way to start identifying your commercial roof is through visual inspection. If you can safely access your roof or view it from a higher vantage point, look for these key characteristics:
Smooth, Seamless Appearance
If your roof appears as a continuous, smooth surface without visible seams, you likely have a spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof. These roofs have a slightly textured, foam-like appearance and are typically coated with an elastomeric coating that gives them a uniform color—often white or light gray. SPF roofs perform well in North Carolina because they provide excellent insulation and can help reduce cooling costs during our hot, humid summers.
Membrane with Visible Seams
Commercial membrane roofs show clear seam lines where sheets of material overlap or are welded together. These are among the most common flat roofing systems for commercial buildings throughout the Raleigh area and across North Carolina. The color and texture help narrow down the type:
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): Usually bright white or light gray with heat-welded seams that appear as darker lines. TPO is increasingly popular in North Carolina because its reflective surface helps combat our intense summer sun.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Similar to TPO in appearance—typically white or light-colored with welded seams. PVC offers excellent resistance to the ponding water that can occur during North Carolina’s heavy rainstorms.
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Black or dark gray rubber membrane with visible seams sealed with tape or adhesive. While durable, EPDM’s dark color absorbs heat, which can increase cooling costs in North Carolina’s climate.
Gravel or Aggregate Surface
If your roof is covered with gravel, stone, or another aggregate material, you likely have a built-up roof (BUR). These traditional roofing systems consist of multiple layers of tar and waterproof material topped with gravel for protection and UV resistance. They’re one of the oldest commercial roofing systems and are still common on older buildings throughout Raleigh and the Triangle area. However, their weight and maintenance requirements make them less popular for new construction.
Metal Panels
Metal roofing is easily identifiable by its metallic appearance and panel construction. Look for standing seam metal roofs (with raised vertical ribs) or corrugated metal panels. Metal roofs come in various colors and finishes and are increasingly common for warehouses and industrial buildings across North Carolina due to their durability in severe weather.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen roofs have a distinctive granulated or smooth surface and appear similar to residential asphalt shingles but in large rolls. They often have a cap sheet with mineral granules that give them a textured appearance, typically in black, white, or gray. Modified bitumen is a common choice for commercial buildings in North Carolina because it handles our temperature fluctuations well.
Physical Characteristics to Check
Beyond visual appearance, you can identify your roof type by examining its physical properties:
Flexibility
Membrane roofs like TPO, PVC, and EPDM have some flexibility. If you can safely press on the surface (in an area away from seams), these materials will have slight give. Built-up roofs and modified bitumen are much more rigid.
Temperature Response
On a sunny summer day in Raleigh—when temperatures can easily reach the 90s—white TPO and PVC roofs stay notably cooler than black EPDM roofs. This is why many North Carolina building owners choose reflective roofing—it significantly reduces cooling costs during our long, hot summers.
Surface Texture
Run your hand across the surface (if safely accessible). Smooth membranes like EPDM feel like rubber. Granulated modified bitumen feels rough like sandpaper. SPF roofs have a slightly bumpy, foam-like texture under their coating.
North Carolina-Specific Considerations
When identifying your commercial roof in North Carolina, also look for signs of how it’s handling our climate:
Ponding Water: After a heavy rain (which we get plenty of in North Carolina), check if water pools on your roof for more than 48 hours. This is common with flat roofs and can indicate drainage issues that need attention regardless of roof type.
Storm Damage: Particularly after hurricane season or severe thunderstorms, look for punctures, tears, or lifted seams. Coastal North Carolina buildings may show more wind-related wear, while piedmont and mountain region roofs might show hail damage.
UV Degradation: Our intense North Carolina sun can cause faster deterioration of roofing materials. Look for chalking, fading, or brittleness, especially on older roofs.
Check Your Building Records
Don’t overlook the simplest identification method: checking your records. Look for:
- Original building plans or specifications
- Previous roofing invoices or work orders
- Property inspection reports
- Manufacturer warranty documents
- Maintenance records
These documents often specify the exact roofing system, manufacturer, and installation date—information that’s invaluable for maintenance planning.
When to Call a Professional in North Carolina
If you’re still unsure about your roof type after visual inspection and document review, contact a commercial roofing contractor for a professional assessment. At The Flat Roof Specialists, we serve commercial property owners throughout North Carolina, with particular expertise in the Raleigh area and surrounding communities. We can definitively identify your roofing system, assess its current condition in light of North Carolina’s climate challenges, and provide recommendations for maintenance or replacement.
Our team specializes in all types of commercial flat roofing systems, including TPO, EPDM, PVC, built-up roofing, modified bitumen, and spray foam applications. We understand how North Carolina’s weather—from coastal hurricanes to piedmont ice storms—affects different roofing materials, and we can help you make informed decisions about repairs, maintenance, or replacement.
A professional inspection is particularly important if you’re planning any roof work, as using incompatible materials or incorrect repair methods can void warranties and cause damage. This is especially critical in North Carolina, where proper installation techniques must account for our climate extremes.
Conclusion
Identifying your commercial roof type is the first step toward proper building maintenance and informed decision-making for North Carolina property owners. Whether you discover you have a TPO membrane, built-up roof, or another system, this knowledge empowers you to maintain your investment effectively and plan for the future in our unique climate.
From the mountains to the coast, and especially here in Raleigh and the Triangle area, commercial buildings face distinct roofing challenges. When in doubt, consulting with experienced local roofing professionals like The Flat Roof Specialists ensures you get accurate information specific to your building’s needs and North Carolina’s weather patterns. Contact us for a comprehensive roof assessment and expert guidance on maintaining or replacing your commercial flat roof.