You have a sloped roof on your home. Why do larger commercial structures tend to have flat roofs more frequently? Flat roofing has a few benefits that make it perfect for commercial structures. One difference between commercial and residential roof sizes is their size. It is a difficult operation to create a sloped surface and install one shingle at a time on these kinds of buildings.
It’s not just about size, though. Even smaller commercial structures may have flat roofs. This is why.
Wooden Frames Are Not Necessary For Flat Roofs.
For strength and longevity, concrete and steel are used to construct the majority of modern commercial structures. Connecting concrete and steel to other materials, such a wooden roof structure or an aluminum gutter system, is difficult. When used together, these materials may be less stable since they expand and contract at different rates and at various temperatures.
A wood structure is not necessary for flat roofing. Additionally, the asphalt roofing membranes or roll roofing used on flat roofs are compatible with steel, concrete, and other contemporary materials.
Better Drainage Options Are Available For Flat Roofs
More rain falls on a larger roof than a smaller one. Normal residential gutter systems are less acceptable options to drain that water at increased rainwater collection volumes. The gutters cannot handle so large amounts of water being released simultaneously. As a result, there may be an accumulation of water that begins to wear down the roofing materials or splashes down the edge of the roof, possibly causing property damage or drenching bystanders.
To handle the vast amounts of water they require to drain, commercial rooftops use more complex drainage systems, such as gravity-driven and symphonic systems. To help properly divert water, they might have pipes within or pipes across the roof (https://www.angi.com/articles/how-do-hvac-systems-impact-one-another.htm).
A Great Place for HVAC Equipment is Flat Roofs
Your furnace and air conditioner, among other HVAC components, are located in your basement or a window in your house. Gus Roofing has experience with flat roof projects and points out that larger HVAC systems are required for commercial buildings, and flat roofs provide the ideal storage space for them. The equipment doesn’t take up significant space within the building and maintenance personnel can access the roof without disturbing those inside who are working.
Of course, the equipment couldn’t be mounted above if the building had a slanted roof. Without a harness or other safety equipment, routine access by maintenance personnel would also not be secure.
Other Benefits Of Flat Roofing Systems For Commercial Buildings
Additional advantages of flat roofing versus pitched roofing include the following. Although not all business buildings will utilize these amenities to their maximum potential, they are attractive extras:
VISUALLY ATTRACTIVE
Complete customization and a wide range of modifications are offered for flat roofs. Some are transformed into green roofs by adding plants on the surface, as was already indicated. These plants will help a flat roof last longer by absorbing water to stop leaks and damage in addition to adding aesthetic value and benefiting the environment. Building owners’ budgets have never had it simpler to redesign since flat roofs have far lower installation costs and material costs than normally angled roofs.
EXTRA SPACE
Commercial properties need to maximize their building space because they frequently feature a wide range of assets. The flat roof makes it possible to install solar panels, air conditioners, and other objects on the roof, increasing the interior surface area. Flat roofs on industrial buildings are used for storage because they can securely sustain the weight of their ventilation and HVAC systems. In order to make our environment greener, extra roof space can also be used for initiatives like rooftop gardens. Even large commercial structures like hotels are capable of having a night sky bar area or deck. Even pools can be installed on flat roofs with careful planning and design!
Conclusion:
Commercial building owners profit from the numerous lucrative advantages of flat roofs. Homeowners who have chosen to have flat roofs installed on their homes rather than pitched roofs are now gradually reaping these benefits all around the world. In general, having more flat buildings in urban and residential areas would save a lot of space.