Want to find the best commercial roofing style for your business? Roofs are either flat or sloped, and can be made with a variety of materials. The differences between the two are about more than just appearance–each style has its own benefits and drawbacks.
The style and material you choose for your commercial roofing impacts cost, maintenance, longevity, and more. It’s important to consider all the factors, since your roof is a major investment that protects your business.
At Lonestar Commercial General Contracting, we offer services for commercial roofing in Carrollton, TX, and the surrounding areas. We ensure every commercial roofing project uses high-quality materials and installation techniques to protect your business.
What Commercial Roofing Style Should You Choose for Your Business?
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are the most popular style for commercial roofing. Despite their name, these roofs aren’t perfectly flat–they have a slight pitch to them for water drainage.
The main benefits of flat roofs are that they’re the most cost effective option. They have a lower upfront cost for both materials and installation.
In addition, since the roof is flat it can be used to house equipment like HVAC units, vents, and solar panels. With a sloped roof, these systems would take up space inside the building.
Flat roofs are also easier for commercial roofing contractors to walk on, which simplifies inspections, repairs, and general maintenance services.
The main downside to flat roofs is drainage. Even though they are slightly sloped, there is still a risk of standing water collecting on the roof surface. For this reason, it’s essential to have a comprehensive drainage system. This system needs to be properly maintained in order to prevent leaks and the degradation of materials.
In general, flat roofs are also less durable, even with the proper drainage. They tend to be more vulnerable to weather and UV exposure, since they have a large, flat surface area.
The main materials used for flat roofs are:
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Sloped Roofs
Sloped roofs have a noticeable pitch, similar to a residential roof. They’re used to create a more traditional aesthetic for retail centers, restaurants, or office buildings.
One of the key benefits of sloped roofs is they have better water drainage. The pitch allows for natural water runoff, preventing the accumulation of standing water and potential leaks. Since they shed water so effectively, they also have better longevity compared to flat roofs and usually need less maintenance.
The main downsides to sloped commercial roofing are that they have a higher cost. The slope of the roof makes it a more complex structure to install and generally requires more labor. In addition, the angled surface makes commercial roof repair and maintenance more difficult. It also means you won’t have space for vents, HVAC units, and other equipment.
Sloped commercial roofing is typically made from:
- Metal Roofing
- Asphalt Shingles
- Clay or Concrete Tiles
Should You Choose a Flat or Sloped Roof?
When deciding between different commercial roofing solutions, consider your budget and the long-term investment of the roof style. For example, a sloped roof might be more expensive upfront, but it will likely need less maintenance over the long term and last longer. This could make it a better investment.
However, if you need space to keep vents, HVAC, and solar panels, then a flat roof may be best.
Ultimately, the best way to decide on a roof style is to consult with a professional commercial general contractor, such as our team at Lonestar.
Contact Us for Expert Commercial Roofing
Need an expert in commercial roofing for your business in Carrollton, Texas? At Lonestar Commercial General Contracting, we specialize in commercial construction services. Our experienced professionals provide interior and exterior construction services, handling roofing and siding, parking lots, windows, paint, and more.
From initial design to final completion, our experts help every business bring their vision to life. If you need reliable commercial roofing services, we’re the go-to choice for comprehensive, safe, and efficient design.
Want to learn more about working with our commercial roofing contractors? Call (972) 838-1444, or contact us online today for a consultation.