Overview of Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are characterized by their relatively level surface, often with a slight slope to facilitate water drainage.  Flat roofs can be a popular choice for roofing options, especially if you are looking to get away from the more traditional sloped roof. They are versatile roofs and tend to be aesthetically pleasing, but they can also cause issues such as roof leaks.

Ohio’s climate, with its varying temperatures and precipitation levels, can also impact the performance and lifespan of flat roofs.

Flat roofs bring a number of benefits to the table when considered for a residential or commercial building, but they also bring a number of challenges as well. And as a trusted Columbus commercial flat roofing company, we are going to take a look at what the advantages and disadvantages of a flat roof can be.

Benefits and Challenges of Choosing a Flat Roof in Commercial Buildings

Just like any other kind of roof type, flat roofs bring both advantages and disadvantages to the table when they are chosen for a commercial building. From being much easier to install than pitched or sloped roofs to being more at risk for incurring damage from inclement weather, flat roofs may or may not be the best choice for your roofing needs depending on what type of building you have and what you want out of your roof.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Flat Roof

Advantages of Flat Roofs

• Cost: Flat roofs are known to be a cost-effective roofing choice across the board. They take up much less space and use less material when compared to sloped and pitched roofs, meaning that the initial installation of a flat roof is much less costly.
• Durability: A flat roof is a durable roof choice, often lasting between 10 to 20 years. With proper routine maintenance, a flat roof can last longer. Durability will be impacted by the roofing material you ultimately choose, with materials like PVC and TPO typically offering longer lasting flat roofs.
• Simplicity: A flat roof is a simple roofing option that still provides versatility and curb appeal for any commercial building. They offer a clean look to the outside of a building but still provide necessary protection from outside elements.
• Reduced Maintenance Requirements: Flat roofs make maintenance easier to carry out, which typically leads to reduced maintenance requirements. Due to their flatness, flat roofs make maintenance a much easier process, allowing commercial flat roofing contractors in Columbus, Ohio easier access to the roof itself and anything else that may need maintenance such as skylights or HVAC systems. This leads to lower labor costs and less time needed on roof repairs.
• Energy efficiency: Flat roofs can be designed to improve insulation and reduce energy consumption.
• Additional space: Flat roofs can be used as outdoor living spaces or for solar panel installation.
• Accessibility: Flat roofs are easier to access for maintenance and repairs.
• Modern aesthetic: Flat roofs can complement contemporary architectural styles

Disadvantages of Flat Roofs

• Limited Space for Furnishings: Flat roofs are often used as additional outdoor space. Some people choose to turn them into roof gardens or even add things like outdoor furniture. But it is important to keep in mind that a flat roof may have limited space for furnishings, considering that other critical roofing features may be found on the roof as well, including HVAC systems and safety railings.
• Leakage Issues: Sloped roofs handle water easily. If it rains, water will slide right off of a sloped roof. This is not the case with flat roofs. Flat roofs are designed with enough of a slope for water to not pool, they are still prone to water accumulation. Water accumulation can lead to moisture damage and roof leaks, especially without proper maintenance.
• Increased Risk of Damage from Weather: Flat roofs are known for their increased risk of damage from weather, especially from water and the cold. For building owners in Ohio, this is an important challenge to take note of. Water is more likely to collect on flat roofs and things like ice dams bring a higher risk of snow and ice accumulation in the colder months.
• Waterproofing: Flat roofs require proper waterproofing to prevent leaks and damage.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and functionality of flat roofs.
• Snow accumulation: Flat roofs can accumulate snow, which can increase the risk of roof collapse.
• Limited design options: Flat roofs may have fewer design options compared to sloped roofs.
• Potential for ponding water: If not properly designed or maintained, flat roofs can experience ponding water.

While flat roofs bring both advantages and disadvantages that need to be kept in mind, be sure to consult with J.F. Baker’s Sons Roofing Company. As a Columbus commercial flat roofing company, our team can help determine if a flat roof is right for you.

Factors to Consider

• Climate: Ohio’s climate can impact the performance and maintenance requirements of flat roofs.
• Building codes: Local building codes may have specific regulations for flat roofs.
• Personal preferences: Consider your own preferences and lifestyle when choosing a roof type.

Tips for Overcoming Potential Problems with Flat Roofs

With a better understanding of the pros and cons of flat roofs, here are two key tips to help you overcome any potential issues you might face with a flat roof.

1. Invest in quality materials. The type of roofing materials you choose for your flat roof will greatly impact the longevity of your roof. Luckily, there are a number of different flat roof material choices, such as built-up roofs and single ply membranes. You can also add additional weather proofing to a flat roof.
2. Schedule regular professional inspections and maintenance. To ensure your roof lasts as long as possible and is protecting your commercial building from the elements, routine maintenance and inspections will help keep your roof free of damage, accumulated water, leaks, and sealed properly.

Creative Solutions to Make the Most Out of Your Flat Roof

If you want to get the most out of your flat roof, you can add features to it such as solar panels or add in green roofing solutions.

Solar panels can be an excellent addition to a flat roof. While you will need to invest in mounting equipment for the panels, solar panels can help cut down on electricity costs for your building and can maximize the space to be found on a flat roof.

Green roofing solutions can involve making the roof accessible to employees and visitors to your commercial building by creating a garden space or an outdoor lounge. This can not only add additional outdoor space to your building, but it can also allow you to have a positive environmental impact if you add plants and trees to the outdoor space on your flat roof.

Final Considerations When Choosing a Flat Roof for Your Commercial Building

Utilizing all of the available space to you as a commercial building owner is critical. A flat roof, when maintained properly and given careful consideration before installation, can help provide your building with additional space and an aesthetic appeal.

If you would like to learn more about how our commercial flat roofing contractors in Columbus, Ohio can help, reach out today. Call us at 614-297-7663 or request an estimate.