Commercial flat roofing is popular for several reasons. Continue reading to gain a better understanding of single-ply roofs and why industry professionals prefer them.
Why are Flat Roofs Common for Commercial Buildings?
No matter the market or industry, there is one thing many businesses have in common—commercial flat roofing systems. Flat roofs, also known as low-slope roofs, are contractors’ and building owners’ go-to roof type for multiple reasons. Flat roofs are versatile, with various materials and colors to choose from. Although they each offer advantages, they also share these attributes:
Cost Effectiveness
Flat roofs are much more affordable than high pitched roofs. Business owners have plenty to pay for as it is, and they must be mindful of their company budget. Flat roofing provides reliable protection for a fraction of the cost of traditional roofing systems. Since the materials are inexpensive and the labor is often quick, building owners spend less on materials and installation costs.
Multifunctionality
Flat roofs are spacious and easily accessible. Because of this, they’re perfect for heating and cooling equipment, such as boilers and air conditioning units. Since the space is wide open, it’s more efficient to use as much space as you can on the roof instead of areas in your building.
Additionally, flat roofs can be converted into rooftop patios. Give your associates and visitors a place to meet and enjoy the weather while still on company grounds. Upgrading your roof to a patio also boosts its value, so you get a bigger return on your investment if you ever put your building on the market.
Durability
Commercial flat roofing is made of industrial materials that stand up against harsh weather. For instance, if you get an asphalt flat roof installed, a mixture of aggregates, binders, and fillers, it’s sturdier and weather resistant. Depending on what kind you have, flat roofs may last up to 30 years with routine maintenance.
Prioritize Proper Commercial Roof Care
Regardless of what kind of commercial flat roofing system you have, it’s vital to take care of it. It’s common for building owners to forget about their roof’s condition since it’s out of sight and out of mind. However, enrolling in an annual maintenance program extends its lifespan and prevents you overspending on repairs.
Different types of commercial roofs require specific maintenance, depending on the material and its level of durability. A couple of the leading commercial flat roofing materials and their required care include:
Silicone Roof Coatings
A silicone flat roof coating is essentially silicone metal. It creates a flexible moisture-resistant barrier that seals the cracks or openings in the surface. Since silicone roof coatings are the perfect alternative to re-roofing or a roof replacement, they save building owners tons of money in the long run. However, it’s important to take care of a silicone coating to make it last as long as possible.
Silicone flat roof coatings collect dirt and dust easily. If the surface is covered in filth, it ruins the roof’s UV reflectivity. To keep the roof clean, schedule routine power washes. A light pressure wash works perfectly, and it’s not too harsh on the coating. Additionally, it’s wise to recoat the surface every 10 to 20 years, depending on the coating’s thickness, which is either 25 mils or 35 mils.
TPO Roof Membranes
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing is an energy-efficient flat roofing system. TPO membranes offer several benefits. In addition to its affordability and simple installation, it’s also versatile and available in multiple colors to suit every building owner’s preferences.
It’s vital for professionals to check the seams and flashing to ensure your TPO roof lasts. When roofing materials expand and contract due to weather, thermal shock wreaks havoc on the system’s vulnerable areas, causing seams and flashing to pull apart. Routine inspections allow contractors to catch this issue before it gets out of hand and eliminate it early on.
Browse ROOFCORP’s Lineup of Commercial Flat Roofing Systems
With our 200 combined years of experience, there’s little to nothing that ROOFCORP can’t do when it comes to your commercial building’s roofing needs. We specialize in repairing, installing, and restoring all systems, such as:
- Metal flat roofs
- Single Ply flat roofs
- Modified bitumen flat roofs
We aim to eliminate your roofing struggles and provide you with a structure you can rely on. Pass the rest, and call the best. We look forward to working with you.
