Flat Roof Advantages for Commercial Buildings
As the investor, manager, or owner of a commercial property, you’ve probably heard of various roofing options. And the most common choice for a commercial building is a flat roof. There are many flat roof advantages for commercial buildings. For example, every type of roof can start leaking at some point. There are many common causes for this. However, flat roofs ease a lot of these. Let’s go through a list of the most important advantages that a flat roofing system can bring.
Easier maintenance
Maintaining a flat roof is much easier and cheaper than maintaining a sloped one. The added safety makes hiring workers to repair and clean the gutters much more reasonable. In addition, flat roofs have a much longer lifespan and are easier to clean.
Easier and safer accessibility
As we’ve just said, accessing a flat roof is much easier and safer than a sloped one. That is a more crucial flat roof advantage for commercial buildings. First, roofers can easily climb up on it and inspect it regularly. Second, if any workers or clients in your commercial building need to access the roof, it’s much safer for them if the roof is flat. Remember that it’s always important to be cautious when climbing up on a roof. However, flat roofs make it a lot simpler to be careful.
Quicker installation
Time is money. And if you are an investor, deciding which type of roof to install in your commercial building, you should know that installing a flat one will be much quicker. Since it uses fewer materials and the support structures used for flat roofs are much simpler, installing a flat roof can finish fast. Of course, this will vary depending on the size of the building.
Besides that, depending on the situation, you may have clients move in while construction is happening. That is mainly because of how simple construction is. For example, a flat roof and professional movers can make the whole thing less stressful if you own a commercial building in Brandon and have a deadline for having a client’s office moved in. While you let pros handle this, you focus on finishing the roof as soon as possible.
Cost-effective
Another of the most significant flat roof advantages for commercial buildings is that it is very cost-effective. We have already mentioned that they are much cheaper to install. But it doesn’t stop there. Most maintenance and repair costs are lower for flat roofs. As an investor or manager, every penny you can save counts. And a flat roof is a great way to do that while still investing in a strong, helpful product.
They provide additional space
A flat roof provides you with a lot of extra space. Here you can please find things like HVAC systems and other things that would typically have to be put on the ground next to the building. That brings three chief advantages:
- Boosts curb appeal – Since you can put air conditioning condensers and other HVAC components on the roof, you will be able to landscape on every side of the property and boost curb appeal as much as you want;
- Extra storage – A flat roof allows you to add a storage unit like a shed. Here you can place any tools, backup fire detectors, etc. Now, whenever a client needs something like that, they can easily access it;
- It’s not any harder to maintain or replace HVAC components – Since it’s so easy to get on a flat roof and “traverse the terrain” on it, it’s just as easy to clean and take care of the HVAC system as it would be if it were on the ground.
They offer a more affordable way to protect your roof
The materials used for your roof can contribute to its durability and protection. The materials most commonly used for flat roofs, such as EPDM rubber, TPO, and bitumen, provide much more security and last longer. Since you’ll get more mileage from these materials, you’ll also save money on rarer replacements and repairs. You can also invest in a water and ice shield to make it just as protective as a sloped roof during the winter. And don’t forget the insulation. Since it’s much easier to insulate a flat roof, and less insulating material is required, you can have a well-insulated roof for less money.
Added durability
Depending on your chosen roof system, a flat roof will usually be much more durable than a sloped one. Flat ones commonly have a very long life span. Usually over 15 years long. Remember that this still means you must maintain it well and often.
They make it easier to comply with building height restrictions
Specific city codes and state laws include height restrictions for commercial buildings. In this case, one of the most significant flat roof advantages for commercial buildings is that you can get the most out of the space you’re allowed to have. Sloped roofs usually create an unusable top floor, because of the roof slant. That might be OK in a single-family home that uses that space as an attic. However, in a commercial building, there’s not much you can do with that area. By installing a flat roof, your facility can use the entire top floor, which gives your building square footage.
To wrap up
As you can see, there are many flat roof advantages for commercial buildings. They can save you incredible amounts of money both short and long-term. With easier access and maintenance and quicker, cost-effective installation, they are the perfect choice for any commercial building owner. And since they give you much more area and space to work with, you can get as much as possible out of your building. Of course, it’s essential to choose a good roofing contractor. They can help ensure quick installation of your flat roof.
