Pros and Cons of Flat Roofing for Commercial Properties

The demand for flat roofing is steadily increasing, this is thanks in large part to its flexibility. It can accommodate a wide range of designs and its durability ensures maximum performance. If you plan on installing flat roofing for your commercial property, it’s vital to know the pros and cons. Below you can find our list of the pros and cons of flat roofing.

Pros of Installing Flat Roofing for your Commercial Property

Maintenance

Making repairs and cleaning gutters is less expensive and easier to carry out on flat roofs. Combine that with their long lifespan, flat roofs are a lot easier to maintain. Labour is also a lot cheaper due to the minimised risk involved in maintaining the roof.

More accessible

Flat roofs are far more accessible than their sloped counterparts. They are a lot easier to climb upon and inspect – making them a lot safer for workers and employees if they need to access the roof! It’s important to note that care and caution should ALWAYS be taken at any time a person climbs on a roof.

Quicker installation

Due to the simple support work and lesser materials, the time it takes to install a flat roof is a lot shorter than a pitched roof or a roof with a more complex design. Complex designs include more corns, cover a larger space and need a more advanced support structure. This equals more planning, time and effort.

It is important to note that the size of the building will impact the length of time it takes to install a flat roof. However, if you hire experienced contractors, you can rest assured that the installation process will be a lot quicker compared to other roof designs!

Cost-effective

One of the biggest advantages of installing a flat roof is how cost-effective they are. Due to the speed of installation and the low number of materials used to cover the roof, flat roofs are reasonably cheap. Maintenance and repair costs are also a lot cheaper when compared to other types of roofs.

More space

A flat roof can increase the amount of space available inside of a building by being able to fully utilise the height of the rooms below, for example. Likewise, space can be utilised on the roof itself. Air conditioning units can be installed on the roof instead of the ground. Solar panels installed on a flat roof are also a lot less evident from the ground when compared to a sloped roof – improving architectural appeal!

Durability

Depending on the roofing system you choose, with good maintenance, a flat roof offers an extremely long life span. Single Ply and Felt Roofing can last over 15 years, for example.

Cons of Installing Flat Roofing for your Commercial Property

Rainfall

A flat roof shouldn’t really be “flat” at all. In fact, a roof that is too flat will allow for the pooling of water, no matter how clear the guttering is kept. This can lead to silt deposits on the roof and stresses in its membrane when the water freezes and then thaws. However, a small incline on the roof can easily solve these potentially hazardous issues.

Insulation

Insulation can be an issue in a flat roof. They are affected by extreme changes in temperature. This is thanks to the decreased space available for insulation. On the other hand, this issue can be easily addressed with built-up felt roofing. This type of roofing can be offered as an insulated option to increase thermal performance.

Maintenance

We know that we mentioned the maintenance upkeep as an advantage of flat roofing. However, it could also be seen as a disadvantage. Membranes can easily be damaged by foot traffic during installation or maintenance. Seams between membrane sheets, while sealed, can also be common areas for leaks. More leaks, more repairs, more money.

Pro Tip: To minimise the amount of maintenance required and to ensure the roof is installed correctly, thus fulfilling its’ expected flat roof life span, we always recommend hiring an experienced contractor to carry out the work.

How can Roofclad Systems help?

Roofclad Systems specialise in the refurbishment of commercial and industrial properties. As a well-established roofing company with over 45 years of experience in the industry, our team of roofers have the knowledge and expertise to recommend the most suitable roofing system for your property. All of our roofers are directly employed by the company and fully trained and certified installers for all major roofing systems.

We pride ourselves on providing high-quality service and irrespective of the size of the contract, we offer every client a comprehensive and professional service to suit your needs at a competitive cost.

Considering a flat roofing system for your business? Please don’t hesitate to contact us to receive a quick quote TODAY.