A new roof increases the value of your apartment complex while also making it more desirable to tenants. If it's time to install a new roof for your building, you will need to take the time to see what roof material options are available.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing types available. You can find these shingles in a variety of price and quality levels and in nearly any color desired. In some areas, it is even possible to install fresh asphalt shingles on your apartment buildings without removing the old in a process called reroofing, which means you can save the time and expense of tearing off the old roof and installing a new layer of underlayment. If a roof teardown is necessary before installing new shingles, you will need to work with your tenants and the roofer for placing shingle dumpsters and ensuring the environs around the buildings are safe during the teardown process.
Metal Panels
A metal roof can be a great choice for an apartment building because it is durable -- you likely won't need to replace the roof again while you have ownership of the building. Metal roofs are also fire-resistant, which can be a good quality if your building is in a dense urban area where a fire in a neighboring property could easily spread to your buildings. The main drawback with metal roofs is if you have a lot of rooftop appliances, like HVAC units, or if the building's roof has complicated pitches and gables. The reason for this is that the roof may need to be custom made to fit these odd parts, which can increase the cost.
Roll Membrane
For apartment buildings with a low pitch, asphalt roofing membranes bridge the gap between traditional shingles and flat roof membranes. The material is a roll of roofing felt that has been impregnated with asphalt and coated with gravel granules, similar to an asphalt shingle but on a long roll. Installation is quick since it can be rolled over the roof decking and installed in much shorter order than the installation of individual shingles takes. Your tenants will be grateful if the roof replacement takes less time, which is another reason to consider this option. Roll membranes are also cost-effective, which can help keep your budget down when you have more than one building to roof.
Contact an apartment building roofing contractor in your area for more help.