If you’re renovating or developing a new commercial building, you may be wondering why flat roofs rather than pitched ones are so popular for this kind of project. Pitch roofs do, after all, require fewer upkeep tasks, efficiently drain water with a well-installed gutter framework, and increase a property’s value. All of that may be correct, and residential dwellings frequently have roofs that are sloped for those same purposes.
Flat roofs are the natural choice for business structures due to their many convincing benefits. There are several explanations besides the apparent one, which is that putting this in is less expensive initially than others. For this reason alone, building owners can already see the benefit.
Such surfaces that are level are quick and simple to build, and they also provide more room for storing equipment. Among other things, they work effectively with the supplies and techniques used in cutting-edge business development. Therefore, you must deal with contractors offering commercial roof installation and popular in flat types.
Finding the Best Options for Your Commercial Roofing Project
The primary objective here is to preserve a building’s waterproof quality and keep everything within it dry, despite its simplicity and practicality. The range of low-slope or flat commercial roofing alternatives available now is much more sophisticated than it was fifty years ago. “Why does a building have a flat roof?” one may wonder.
These can be found in huge public buildings, schools, factories, warehouses, big and small box stores, apartment buildings, etc. The layout is inexpensive and effective. For you to make the best choice, let’s analyze the features thoroughly.
Why Do So Many Commercial Buildings Have Flat Roofs?
It has become a standard or trend in most countries. In addition, owners frequently decide to have their buildings blend in visually with the nearby structures. If it were alone in a place with the same structures, a pitched one would truly be distinguished.
However, that isn’t the main explanation for its widespread occurrence. It offers several advantages, some of which are very significant for business establishments.
- Energy-Efficiency
Several of the most widely used materials have a high reflectivity rate. They can therefore aid in lowering the interior temperature; look at https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Arizona/Places/phoenix-temperatures-by-month-average.php for updates. As a result, summer cooling bills are less expensive.
In addition, the HVAC unit isn’t exerting as much effort to maintain an accommodating interior. Your equipment will probably last longer and necessitate fewer upkeep tasks if it is not subjected to as much stress.
- Easy and Fast Installation
The structure is less complex and thus requires fewer supplies to cover the area. This implies that they can be implemented faster and for a lower initial cost. A quicker schedule might be quite helpful for business owners who are worried about how long the installation will disrupt their daily operations.
- Equipment Storage
Compared to pitched ones, it offers significant room for storage. Corporate buildings frequently need a large number of systems to function, and adding so many might take up valuable space that could be used for other essential functions.
A lot of managers and property owners find that installing HVAC and other weather-resistant mechanisms on the top level can save inside spaces. Because of this, maintenance personnel can easily access them without interfering with business as usual.
- Drainage Options
A structure this size will catch a lot more rain than a typical one. On average, a more complex drainage system is needed to handle the volume of rain. Fortunately, water will be safely and efficiently redirected off of flat roofs and away from buildings.
What is a Commercial Flat Roof?
This has a very slight pitch, normally under ten degrees, or it is practically level. as opposed to pitched varieties, which have a sharp incline to let rainwater flow off. For water to drain through gutters and pipes, they are often horizontal or slightly slanted; read here for more details.
Every component of a business establishment roof has a distinct function. It has three crucial components:
- Weatherproofing: Keeping weather elements out.
- Reinforcement: To offer structural stability.
- Surfacing: To shield the remaining portion from weather conditions and sunlight.
Types
There are various alternatives accessible when selecting a material. Therefore, before making a choice, it’s critical to think about your requirements. These are a few typical materials, along with their attributes.
- Built-Up or BUR
This is a classic style that creates a strong, waterproof surface by adding successive layers of asphalt and tar. These require little upkeep, are resistant to fire, and have a minimum of a 20-year lifespan. They don’t withstand bad weather as effectively as others do.
- Metal
Instead of shingles, metal panels are used here. Copper, zinc, aluminum, or steel materials are used to make the panels. These cost more than conventional supplies.
These types of roofs are weather-resistant and resistant to decay, lasting for a maximum of 50 years or more. They are visually appealing, easy to maintain, and environmentally friendly.
It comes in an assortment of color variations as well as designs, and it can be customized to fit the building’s architectural style. They need certain equipment to install this, and during storms, they seem to be louder.
- Thermoset EPDM
A popular low-slope material and are comprised of artificial rubber. The membrane is attached to decks in big sheets that are either glued or bolted.
EPDMs have more than 40 years of shelf life and are resistant to ozone, UV light, and weathering. They’re costlier than other types, but they require less upkeep since they reflect light and heat, which lowers summer cooling expenses.
- Thermoplastic Olefin and Polyvinyl Chloride
TPO is a single-ply membrane composed of rubber and plastic particles mixed together. This is weather-resistant, lightweight, and flexible. But susceptible to harsh weather exposure and being punctured by sharp items.
Fiberglass and polyester are used to strengthen PVC, an artificial plastic polymer. It is resilient to weathering, strong, and flexible. These kinds have heat-welded seams for easy installation, energy efficiency, durability, and fire resistance.
- Spray Polyurethane Foam
It is a mixture of isocyanate and polyol compounds. These chemicals are sprayed onto the surface to create a smooth, waterproof layer. They are ecologically friendly and offer superior insulation as well.
