Most commercial buildings have flat roofs. Their low-pitch configuration provides roofers with an even surface to work on, especially when it comes to installing roofing materials. The main goal of covering such roofs is to establish an impenetrable barrier where water can’t find access to the inner parts of these structures.
Tedrick’s Roofing, your local roofing company, provides an overview of flat roofing for commercial properties.
Why Install Flat Roofs?
Convenience is one of the reasons commercial buildings have flat roofs. For one, property owners prefer HVAC units to be placed on rooftops rather than in areas with high foot traffic. Still, the design itself doesn’t help in preventing the buildup of snow and water.
It may seem to be that way, but most flat roofing systems are not flat at all. They work in the same way as gutters, where some parts have a slight angle or pitch to allow water to flow into downspouts. While pooling water may still be possible, it is imperative that the roofing material used can withstand brutal weather conditions.
Various Roofing Materials for Flat Roofs
A variety of flat roofing materials are available for use in commercial properties, all of which vary in both cost and performance. Built-up roofing is one example. It was one of the most popular solutions for buildings before single-ply membranes came along. It is made up of watertight layers topped with tar and gravel.
Another example is modified bitumen roofing. Installed in multiple layers, it is composed of ply sheets bonded together using hot asphalt. It can be topped with gravel or with reflective coatings for the building’s energy efficiency. Of course, there are the single-ply roof membranes, such as PVC, EPDM or rubber roofing, and TPO. A few rolls of any of these are enough to encase flat roofs and provide protection against the elements.
Every commercial roofer swears by these roofing materials due to their strength and durability. When you turn to Tedrick’s Roofing, you can expect your flat roof to withstand the test of time, elements and even human traffic. Trust our factory-certified roofing pros to install, repair and maintain these roofing systems.
Call (206) 824-3440 or (253) 499-9660. You may also fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation roof inspection and estimate. We serve Tacoma, WA, and nearby areas.