Commercial Roofing in Central Ohio: Which System Fits Your Building?
Choosing the right commercial roof is a big decision for any Columbus or Central Ohio property. Your building’s shape, foot traffic, and our freeze-thaw winters all play a part. If you want a quick starting point, explore the core commercial roofing systems we install and then use this guide to narrow the field.
In this article, we compare TPO, PVC, EPDM, metal, and modified bitumen. We translate features into plain benefits so you can see what matters for offices in the Short North, warehouses near Rickenbacker, retail at Easton, and schools from Dublin to Reynoldsburg.
How Central Ohio Weather Impacts Flat Roofs
Columbus sees hot sun in July and hard freezes in January. Those swings make roof materials expand and contract. Heavy spring rain can leave ponding water. Winter snow pushes drains and scuppers to their limits.
Because of this, thickness, color, seam type, and drainage design matter. White reflective membranes help with heat. Welded seams resist standing water better than glued seams. Stronger insulation resists thermal cycling and keeps interior temps steady.
Commercial Roofing in Central Ohio: System Comparison
TPO: Popular And Reflective
TPO is a white single-ply membrane known for energy-saving reflectivity and heat-welded seams. It’s a solid fit for retail centers, schools, and light industrial spaces that want a bright, cool roof and easy-to-clean surface.
PVC: Chemical And Grease Resistance
PVC looks similar to TPO but shines where chemicals or kitchen grease are present. Restaurants, food halls, and labs around Downtown or Grandview often choose PVC because its welded seams handle harsh exposures better than many alternatives.
EPDM: Flexible And Time-Tested
EPDM is a black rubber membrane with a long track record in the Midwest. It’s ideal for offices and warehouses where durability and flexibility across big temperature swings matter more than a white, reflective surface.
Metal: Long Life And Strong Edges
Standing seam metal works well for sloped sections, parapet edges, and some low-slope roofs. It offers a long service life and crisp appearance for campuses in Westerville or business parks in Hilliard. It pairs nicely with snow retention details and durable gutter systems.
Modified Bitumen: Layered And Tough
Modified bitumen is a multi-ply system that resists foot traffic and punctures. If your roof sees a lot of maintenance access or equipment swaps, mod-bit provides a rugged walking surface and reliable seams.
TPO vs PVC vs EPDM: Which Fits Your Building?
Think about how your roof is used day to day. Do you have grease vents from a kitchen? Choose PVC. Need a bright, reflective roof for summer comfort? TPO fits. Want a proven workhorse for a large warehouse near the airport? EPDM is often the simple, durable answer.
- TPO: good balance of reflectivity and cost, heat-welded seams, common on retail and schools
- PVC: stronger chemical and grease resistance, heat-welded seams, great for restaurants and labs
- EPDM: flexible black membrane, handles thermal movement, popular for offices and warehouses
- Metal: long life on sloped areas and edges, sharp look for campuses and facades
- Modified bitumen: tough multi-ply surface for frequent foot traffic and equipment zones
Sizing Up Your Building’s Needs
Roof Use And Foot Traffic
If your roof hosts HVAC techs often, plan for walk pads and tougher surfaces. Choose a system that matches how your roof is used, not just how it looks on paper.
Drains, Scuppers, And Ponding
Flat roofs in Columbus must move water fast during spring storms. Confirm drain locations, size, and slopes early in design. Keep drains and scuppers clear to prevent ponding that can stress seams and insulation.
Insulation And Energy Goals
Most owners aim for steady indoor temps and fewer hot spots. TPO and PVC can help reduce heat gain. EPDM can pair with cover boards and add insulation to handle thermal movement and protect the deck.
Maintenance That Pays Off In Columbus
Our climate rewards simple routines. Schedule spring and fall roof inspections to catch seam lifts, clogged drains, and membrane wear before storms arrive. For a deeper look at why care adds years to a roof, see the benefits of roof maintenance article from our team.
When you’re ready to compare options side by side, browse our core commercial roofing systems and note what fits your building type, access needs, and future plans.
Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore
- Recurring ponding after 48 hours of clear weather
- Soft spots around roof drains or near rooftop units
- Loose edge metal, open laps, or shrinking sealant
- Interior ceiling stains beneath rooftop equipment
If you notice these issues at a property in Polaris, Gahanna, or Grove City, document them and call a pro. Document every inspection and repair to protect warranties and to track patterns across seasons.
Metal And Modified Bitumen: When They Make Sense
Use Cases For Metal
Metal shines on sloped connectors, canopies, and accent roofs that face high wind at edges. It also pairs well with snow guards in neighborhoods like Clintonville and Upper Arlington, where sidewalks and entries need extra protection beneath eaves.
Use Cases For Modified Bitumen
Mod-bit takes abuse from frequent foot traffic and equipment moves, such as in small medical buildings or retail strips with many tenant rooftop units. Its layered build resists punctures and spreads loads around common service paths.
Budget, Phasing, And Future Projects
Every roof plan should leave room for future HVAC upgrades and solar. TPO and PVC accept heat-welded patches for new curbs. EPDM’s flexibility helps when adding walk pads or rerouting service paths. If you expect tenant changes, choose a system that is easy to modify without disturbing the whole roof.
Local Examples To Guide Your Choice
Think of an Easton-area restaurant with grease vents all day. PVC’s chemical resistance is a smart pick. Picture a big warehouse near Rickenbacker International Airport. EPDM’s wide sheets and flexible seams reduce detailing complexity. For a charter school in Franklinton, TPO’s reflectivity helps with summer comfort before afternoon dismissal.
How To Start With Confidence
Walk the roof with a notepad and map drains, units, and access points. Note where water lingers after rain in the Short North or German Village. Then review the core options on our roofing services page and list what matters most: reflectivity, chemical resistance, foot traffic, or future changes.
When you’re comparing partners for Columbus roofers, choose experience with single-ply details, flashing around parapets, and safe access routes. That experience shows up in cleaner seams, straighter edge metal, and easier maintenance for your facility team.
Ready To Choose The Best Fit For Your Building?
The right system lines up with your building use, our local weather, and your long-term plans. If you manage a site in Downtown Columbus, Dublin, or Westerville, we can evaluate slope, drainage, insulation, and seams and give you a clear plan. To get started, call GKG Roofing Inc. at 614-745-7650 and ask for a roof walk and photo report.
You can also review our overview of commercial roofing before we meet, so your team can flag priorities and maintenance windows. That way, your installation or repair plan fits your schedule and keeps your operations on track.
If you would like to learn more about metal roofing in the Columbus area, please call 614-745-7650 or complete our online request form.
Or Fill Out Our Quick Form!