Skip to main content
Choosing the Right Shingles for Commercial Roofs
Commercial RoofingInstallationRoofing Materials

Choosing the Right Shingles for Commercial Roofs

By October 10, 2025October 27th, 2025No Comments

How Do I Know the Best Roofing to Choose For My Commercial Property?

Selecting the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions for any business owner. To choose the best roofing for you, it’s best to consider factors like your budget, aesthetic wants, and durability needs. A well-chosen roof can reduce maintenance costs, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the professional look of your property. But with so many commercial roofing materials available, it’s not always easy to know which is best for your building type and budget.

At HUF Construction, we’ve helped countless business owners in West Texas and beyond navigate this decision. Here’s how to choose the best shingles or roofing system for your commercial property.

1. Consider Your Budget and Building Type

The first step in roof shingle selection is understanding what your property needs. Smaller commercial buildings with steep-slope roofs can often use asphalt shingles, while large flat or low-slope roofs may benefit more from materials like TPO or EPDM.

  • Steep-slope roofs (common in retail spaces, small offices, and residential-style buildings) work well with asphalt or architectural shingles.
  • Flat or low-slope roofs (common in warehouses and shopping centers) require waterproof membranes like TPO or EPDM to prevent pooling water.

Each material carries different upfront and long-term costs, so consider both your initial investment and the roof’s lifespan when setting your budget.

2. Match Your Roof to the Texas Climate

Commercial roofs in Texas face unique weather challenges, like scorching heat, high winds, hail, and the occasional freeze. The best shingles for commercial roofs should be able to handle these conditions without frequent repairs.

  • Asphalt Shingles (Commercial Use): Affordable and versatile, asphalt shingles work best for smaller commercial buildings. They typically last 15–30 years depending on quality and maintenance.
  • Metal Roofing: Known for strength and longevity (40–70 years), metal roofs are energy-efficient and withstand Texas storms well.
  • Impact-Resistant Shingles: For properties in hail-prone regions like Midland and Odessa, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can significantly reduce long-term repair costs.
  • Cool Roof Systems: Reflective coatings or “cool” shingles help shingles stay more than 50°F cooler, helping lower energy costs (U.S. Department of Energy, Cool Roofs).

3. Compare Roofing Materials

Each roofing type offers unique advantages in cost, appearance, and performance. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options for commercial roofing in Texas and their advantages:

Asphalt Shingles (Commercial Use)

These are affordable, easy to install, and available in many styles. Ideal for steep slopes and smaller commercial buildings, but they do have the shortest roof lifespan of 20-30 years (Angi, Here’s the Average Lifespan of a Roof).

Metal Roofing

Offers energy efficiency and exceptional longevity, lasting 40-80 years. It’s one of the most durable commercial roofing materials available, though the upfront cost is higher.

TPO Roofing

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a single-ply membrane designed for flat roofs. It reflects UV rays, resists punctures, and lasts 15–25 years. (Angi, What is TPO Roofing?). TPO is a top choice for west Texas commercial roofing thanks to its heat resistance and low maintenance.

EPDM Roofing

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a rubber roofing material known for its flexibility and durability. It performs well under Texas heat and resists ozone and UV degradation, lasting 30+ years (EPDM Roofs, An ERA Study Proves EPDM Easily Lasts More than 30 Years).

Modified Bitumen Roofing

An asphalt-based option for flat roofs, modified bitumen is strong, cost-effective, and holds up well against foot traffic, making it great for buildings with rooftop equipment.

Tile or Slate Roofing

For high-end properties, clay tile or slate roofs offer unmatched curb appeal and durability, lasting 60-150 years. However, they are heavier and more expensive than other options, often requiring reinforced structures.

4. Think Long-Term: Maintenance and Repairs

Even the most durable roofing systems need upkeep. When comparing materials, consider how much maintenance each will require and how it may affect your warranty. For example, single-ply systems like TPO and EPDM need annual inspections for seam integrity, while asphalt or metal roofs may require flashing checks after heavy storms.

Regular commercial roof maintenance helps extend lifespan, preserve warranty coverage, and prevent costly surprises. If your business can’t easily schedule inspections or repairs, choosing a lower-maintenance material, such as TPO or metal, may be the smarter investment long-term.

5. Putting It All Together

Choosing between asphalt shingles, metal, TPO, or EPDM roofing comes down to balancing cost, appearance, and durability. The best roofing system is the one that fits your property’s structure, withstands Texas weather, and minimizes long-term expenses.

At HUF Construction, our experienced roofers in Midland, Odessa, and across West Texas specialize in helping businesses make the right call. Whether you’re upgrading a small storefront or managing a large industrial facility, we’ll walk you through your options and handle every step of the installation.

Protect Your Investment with HUF Construction

Your roof protects your business—make sure it’s built to last. From Texas roof repair to complete roof replacements, our team has the experience to deliver results that stand up to the Texas climate.

We proudly serve:

  • Midland, Odessa, and the entire Permian Basin
  • Waxahachie and the DFW area
  • The Rio Grande Valley
  • Austin
  • Benton, Illinois

Contact HUF Construction today to schedule your commercial roof consultation and find the right material for your property.