Commercial buildings generally have flat roofs—have you ever wondered why?
When you look at the average home, you have probably noticed that they have a fairly peaked roof. However, have you ever noticed that most commercial buildings have flat roofs? More importantly, have you wondered why this is? There is actually a very real and deliberate reason why these buildings have flat roofs. In this post, we are going to explain why.
Understanding the Flat Roofs Found on Commercial Buildings
If you are planning to invest in a commercial building or have one built, you might have some questions regarding the roof of the building. After all, commercial buildings can have peaked roofs in many cases—but not all of them do. In fact, most don’t. Let’s explore the real logic behind flat roofs.
Does it Matter What Type of Roof a Building Has?
The type of roof that a building has can be very important, especially if a building is very tall. Most homes have peaked roofs to assist with the distribution of the elements—like rain or snow. However, peaked roofs are also popular because they look nice. Roof type is really a matter of preference—but sometimes, it is a matter of necessity. Some buildings need flat roofs specifically.
The Risks of Peaked Roofs
Extremely tall buildings, like skyscrapers, are often commercial buildings. Despite the beautiful design of these buildings, most of them don’t have peaked roofs—especially in areas with snow. The truth is that peaked roofs can be dangerous, sending sheets of water and heaps of snow down to the ground below. Though there are ways around this, it is an important consideration.
Are Flat Roofs More Cost-Effective?
The primary reason that commercial property owners prefer flat roofs often comes down to price. In general, it is much cheaper to install a flat roof as opposed to a peaked one. This is because it takes less time and uses fewer resources due to the smaller surface area.
Are There Benefits Associated with Flat Roofs?
Flat roofs can come with various benefits. They make it easier for people to work, offer additional storage, and even provide more room for balconies, pools, and other exciting features. Commercial property owners have a lot to gain by choosing flat roofs. With this one change, they can save on time and spending, all while gaining more perks.
The Takeaway
Roofing considerations are always best discussed with commercial roofing contractors. You can learn about what kind of roof will be best for your next build–or how to maintain your current roof. Before you invest in a commercial building, ask yourself what you can do to get the best design for the roof. For some buildings, peaked roofs might still be an option. Remember, flat roofs are a highly beneficial feature, and they can easily be dressed up to create a better look too!