6 Commercial Flat Roofing Systems Business Owners Should Seriously Consider For Their Commercial Property

There are some misconceptions about flat roofs, especially on commercial buildings. Flat roofs are not entirely flat; they have a slight pitch to them to help ensure water does not collect and pool on the roof. A flat roof with a pitch is typically installed to safeguard the building from pools of water causing damage to the roof and building.

When repairs are necessary and aren’t done right away, it can lead to a total roof replacement. Roof replacements are the last resort in making sure the building withstands further damage from the elements.

What Is The Appeal Behind A Flat Roof?

Business owners often choose flat roofing for their commercial property because it can extend its lifespan. Not much design detail goes into it, and it costs much less to install. If you use a flat roof for your business, you’ll be given an array of materials to choose from. Be sure to do some research about the materials, as it will help you to know what the cost will be.

If you choose to go with a flat roof, consider installing solar panels to help reduce energy costs. You can also place a vegetative garden on the roof that can also lower energy costs and maintain climate control. In the long run, it boosts your business’ profit margins.

Benefits Of Flat Roofing Systems For A Business

Strength and Dependability

The right roof contractor will have the experience and knowledge to properly install flat roofs. They also know how long a flat roof can last, which is about 40 years. The industry has introduced materials that can withstand even the strongest elements, such as hail, gale-force winds, pounding rain, fire and UV ray exposure.

Since the cost of replacing a roof every 10 years is extremely high, you could avoid having to do this by maintaining proper care of it.

Eco-Friendly and Energy Efficiency

Significant changes have been made to the design and materials of flat roofs, especially in terms of thermal resistance. Basically, flat roof materials designed for thermal resistance can keep heat from getting in the building through the roof, lowering both your cooling and heating bill and lowering how much fuel is used to power the building.

Little Maintenance Necessary

With a roofing system, you want to operate under the belief that you can install it and forget it. In some cases, this is true of flat roofs. However, you still need to maintain it every so often, ensuring that the drains are clear so water can run off the top and onto the ground. Clogged drains can keep the drains from working correctly and allow water to collect and pool on the roof. This can lead to roof damage and leakage inside the building.

Be sure to hire an experienced roofing contractor every few months or right after your area has suffered an extreme weather event that could affect your building’s roof.

Typical Problems With Flat Roofs

There are several signs you need to watch out for that indicate a flat roof repair is imminent:

• Blistering
• Bubbles
• Cracks
• Dips
• Sagging
• Split seams
• Warping

If you notice any of the above issues, it can lead to water leakage into the building, leading to collateral damage and hindering the building’s structural reliability. The leaked water can add more weight to the trusses or beams, which most were not designed to handle.

6 Kinds Of Flat Roofing Systems For Commercial Buildings

There are several flat roofing systems available, and it can be confusing to find the right one for your building. This is where you need the assistance of a professional roofing company. They have an expert understanding of which roofing material is best for your particular area and building.

1. Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Membrane

This kind of roof is the typical gravel and tar roof system, comprised of several layers of gravel and tar. This roof is resistant to UV rays and strong and may be coated to keep heat from getting inside. Although they can handle foot traffic, they still need a sound “understructure” to handle the weight. In warmer weather, BUR gives off a powerful smell. If roofing work must be done, be sure to do so when no one will be in the building and ensure the materials aren’t placed nearby air intakes or vents.

2. Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM)

This roofing material, also called Thermoset roofing, is extremely reliable for a synthetic rubber roofing membrane. This roofing material is easy to install and can withstand both UV and ozone light. It’s also great for areas used to cold weather and contains reflective properties to lower your cooling bill. The difference between this and other roofing materials is that debris or people walking on the roof can easily damage it. If combined with the stone ballast, it may be harder to find leaks.

3. Green Roofing System

More and more business owners are going with green roofs, which are comprised of a waterproof membrane covered by lush plants. They help decrease water and drainage problems and improve air quality, making them eco-friendly. They are also pleasing to look at. Best of all, they can last up to 50 years when taken well care of.

4. Metal Roofing

There are a host of reasons why metal roofs are so popular. First, they can last up to 40 years. Second, they come in a wide array of materials (coated steel, copper, metal tile sheets, stainless steel, tin, etc.). Third, some of them include snow or solar removal systems.

Compared to other roofing systems, a metal roof can be much stronger. Plus, they are fire-resistant and can be aesthetically pleasing to look at. It’s true that metal roofs are susceptible to corrosion, but layers of protective surface can decrease the damage from moisture, pollution and other factors.

5. Modified Bitumen Roofing

This roofing system is made up of reinforced roof fabrics and several layers of hot bitumen. Modified bitumen roofs are a two-ply system to boost stability and safeguard it from damage. It’s one of the easiest to maintain and is much more flexible than other systems. This is the ideal choice for roofing materials if a lot of activity is planned for the roof.

6. Thermoplastic (TPO) or PVC Roofing

TPO and PVC roofs are ideal because they are lightweight, reflective, UV-resistant, heat-resistant, wind-resistant, fire-resistant and damage resistant to certain chemicals and punctures. If exposed to oils or fats, they will not break down, which is why many hotels and restaurants use them for their roofing system.

How To Choose A Commercial Roofing System

You must consider various factors if you’re considering a new roof for your business. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have a low-slope roof or a steep-slope roof?
• What is the roof’s visibility to the ground and other buildings nearby?
• Will there be any foot traffic regularly happening on it?
• Will it be exposed to pollution, chemicals, grease, etc.?
• What is the climate of the area the business is located? Does the area experience a lot of rain or wind? How extreme are the temperatures in the area?

It’s imperative to talk with an experienced and highly-knowledgeable commercial roofer to discuss your options and find the right flat roofing material and system for your building size, use and location.

Hiring an experienced roofing contractor, going with a flat roof and ensuring regular maintenance on that roof is an investment that pays over and over. If you decide to inspect the roof yourself, know the signs of roof damage and call in the professionals to do a repair before you need a total replacement.