6 Reasons Commercial Buildings Have Flat Roofs

A flat roof has tiles and roof coverings parallel to each other. Many call it a flat roof because it is almost level, unlike a pitched roof. However, these roofs have a slight slope to allow water to flow down. This roof design is popular with commercial buildings because of the following benefits.

1. Ideal HVAC Placement

Many commercial buildings opt for flat roofs because they provide convenient room to place their HVAC units. The low slope of this roof allows business owners to position their HVAC systems on the roof instead of the ground.

On the roof, the HVAC unit is safe from vandalism and damage. Furthermore, the system doesn't have to push cold air upwards, a process that consumes a lot of energy. Instead, the air from the HVAC system flows downward.

2. Convenient Drainage System

Pitched roofs depend on the roof's slope for water drainage into the gutter system. The water then flows into a rainwater management system. Therefore, cleaning these gutters regularly is essential for efficient water drainage.

Most flat roofs don't use gutters. This means there is no need to clean the gutters. In place of gutters, flat roofs have rainwater roll-off systems. One advantage of these systems is that they are immune to blockages. Moreover, some of these systems turn rain into a water source for fountains or rooftop gardens.

3. Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials

If your flat roof has reflective materials, it will provide strong resistance against the sun. These reflective materials protect your building from the sun's damaging UV rays. Additionally, the flat roof prevents your commercial building from solar heat gain. This ensures interior spaces are cool, which minimizes energy costs.

4. Easier Maintenance

Going to the top of a pitched roof to inspect it is cumbersome. You need to use a ladder, and once you are on top of the roof, you should walk carefully to avoid slipping.

It is easier to maneuver around a flat roof. This makes maintenance effortless. Maintenance professionals can use the stairs when they want to access the roof. Also, there are no dangerous slants, and the maintenance crew can walk on the flat roof like on normal ground level.

5. Great Optimization of Space

You can convert a flat roof with a barrier around it into another business building floor. When the roof is well-built and reinforced, you can use the roof to store piping, equipment, and essential items.

In contrast, a pitched roof minimizes the usable space on the top floor and obliterates any room for storage on the roof section. In some cases, flat roofs can even accommodate sky gardens and swimming pools.

6. Cost-Effective 

One of the top benefits of flat roofs is their low cost. The installation of pitched roofs requires a lot of roofing materials and a large workforce. However, flat roofs are easier to install and take less time and effort. Remember, most industrial buildings are large and require a lot of roofing materials. This is the reason businesses opt for flat roofs.

Another cost factor is maintenance. Since flat roofs last long, they need fewer replacements. This makes them cost-effective because you will not have to shut down business operations to repair, maintain, or replace a roof.

When installing a roof for your commercial business, it pays to plan and prepare adequately. Apart from choosing a flat roof design, you must consider the best roof materials and the best roofing company. With more than 25 years of experience in flat roofing services, Fischer Roofing is your trusted roofing partner. Call us today to discuss your options and determine the appropriate flat roofing plan for your business.