Looking up at a residential roof, you’ll notice that most slope at various angles, with a triangular, gable roof being the most common. This design provides homes with the maximum amount of moisture drainage as quickly as possible away from the roof and the home itself.
In a commercial setting, you’ll typically notice flat roofs are the standard.
Although commercial roofs are called flat roofs, they aren’t genuinely flat. They simply have a very low pitch with a rise of less than 4 feet compared to residential roofs, which can have a rise of up to 9 feet.
Flat roofs offer plenty of advantages for business owners and the facility itself. Here’s why they are a smart investment for your business.
Weather Resistance
One of the most important jobs of any roof is to protect its inhabitants against the elements, such as wind and sunlight. Precipitation is also a big deal when it comes to any type of roof.
Rainwater is funneled away from residential roofs using slopes and gutters. However, since commercial buildings are so large and spread out, the amount of precipitation it accumulates may be too much to use slopes and gutters as used in residential settings.
Lower slopes and much more elaborate drainage systems are used. It’s designed to channel water to the roof’s edge using scuppers and crickets to quickly move rainwater away from the building.
Low-Maintenance
Since flat roofs are much lower pitched than residential roofs, they generally require less maintenance. One drawback is that they may need substantial cleaning since the slope doesn’t push away items like leaves, pinecones, straw, and other items that land on them.
However, the materials used for flat roofs are highly durable and may require fewer repairs as long as the roof isn’t subject to much foot traffic. Choosing a roof system like Duro-Last will provide decades of function without common roof fails.
Usable Space
Another reason to choose flat roofs for your commercial property is that they can serve as storage for many other functions, such as HVAC systems. Having an HVAC on the roof instead of the ground can minimize costly repair or replacement fees due to vandalism, damage, or theft. Besides using this space for an HVAC system, the roof can also be used to store excess equipment associated with the business that can’t be stored indoors.
Additionally, if a business owner wants a garden, a swimming pool, a recreation area, or solar panels, a flat roof is ideal for housing such things.
Better Accessibility
Since commercial buildings tend to be much larger than residential properties, the roofs also cover a much broader expanse. Having a flat roof makes it easier for commercial roofers to access every nook and cranny of the roof much more easily than roofs built with high slopes.
Also, if other technicians and professionals need to access the roof for repairs, flat roofs make it easier. Since the roof is flat, professionals can work on the roof, preventing interruptions in workflow and productivity in the building.
Energy Efficiency
If you have a flat roof, you can count on the improved energy efficiency of the building. Many flat roofing materials deflect the heat of the sun, which keeps buildings cooler in summer. These materials can also keep the temperatures within the building warm in winter.
Cost-Savings
With better energy efficiency comes more cost savings. Proper roofing in a commercial setting can lower variable costs, such as costs to heat and cool the facility. Another plus is that such energy efficiency prevents leaks, which means less liability and fewer chances for legal consequences that could cost the company money.
Another cost saving with flat roofs is in their installation and maintenance. Since flat roofs require less maintenance, upkeep over the years will be less significant than higher-pitched roofs.
Commercial Roofing Industry Experts
If you have questions about your commercial roof or need commercial roofing services including roof replacement or repair, contact MacDermott Roofing in the Detroit Metro area.
We are an Elite Master Contractor and leading expert of the Duro-Last Roofing System as well as provide dependable roofing services that include commercial roof maintenance, replacement, repair and so much more. Connect with us online to learn more about our commercial and industrial roofing services and how you can get the most our of your roof investment!