If you look around any residential area you are likely to see an abundance of house with pitched; or sloped roofs. Equally the majority of commercial properties generally have flat roofs; this is quickly apparent if you go into an industrial area. This leads to an interesting question as to why this is so; in fact, there are several reasons why flat roofing is preferable in an industrial setting:
Cost
The materials needed to create a flat roof are substantial less in volume and cost than for a pitched roof. This is partly to do with the fact that a direct line from wall to wall creates a smaller space than the two pitches joining in the middle.
Alongside the reduced cost of purchasing the materials you will find that it is quicker and easier to have your flat roof created than it is to make a similar size pitched roof. Both of these factors combine to make any flat roofing project substantially cheaper than a pitched roof one.
Maintenance
Although it is likely that you will need to spend more time maintaining your flat roof, it is exceptionally easy to access. Even if you have not created access from inside your property it is a simple matter to run up and outside ladder and reach your own private getaway; or, at the least perform essential cleaning and maintenance tasks without the need for specialist equipment.
Space
Commercial premises tend to be restrictive on space, the bigger the unit you require the more it will cost. Consequently most businesses look to maximize the space they have. This means that items such as air conditioning units or ventilation ducts are often situated on the roof to minimize disruption inside the workplace.
The space on a flat roof can be used to house a variety of essential but bulky equipment allowing the space inside the unit to remain free.
Safety
Many new builds have to comply with the stringent regulations which are currently in force. Whilst these are not designed to specifically encourage flat roofing projects it is often easier to comply with a flat roof as they can be created with a fire resistant steel frame. This is significantly safer than the more traditional wood approach for residential, sloped roofs.
It is also possible to use environmentally friendly materials to build your flat roof; in fact in some cases this is an essential part of the building regulations which must be adhered to.
It is important to note that whilst a flat roof is generally cheaper and easier to install it will require more maintenance. This is essential as any flat roofing material which is not regularly inspected will degrade allowing leaks into the building and reducing the effectiveness of the drainage. This can lead to serious issues inside the property, it is, therefore, essential to keep maintenance up to date and check your flat roof for any issues on a regular basis; this will ensure the roof lasts for a long time!
