Shingles, Nails, and Beyond

If you are planning on building a new office building, then you have quite a few decisions to make. And, one of these decisions involves the type of roof that you desire. Most people do not spend a good deal of time pondering roof choices, but you should consider a low-sloped roof over a flat one. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of this roof and how a commercial roofing professional will go about installing it. 

Benefits of a Low Slope Roof

The vast majority of office and business buildings will have flat roofing structures. These roofs are constructed because they are inexpensive and allow for HVAC systems to be installed easily. However, roofs also have many problems. The most common issue involves the lack of drainage. Water tends to pool on the roof without draining away and this tends to cause a leaking issue that cannot often be repaired through drainage devices.

Low slope roofs completely eliminate water pooling issues by retaining a low slope where water can easily run off the structure. In this way, the roof acts more like a residential roof. However, since the roof still has a low slope, it can be safely accessed so that installations can be made. This not only allows workers to complete necessary repairs, but you can still have an HVAC system installed. And, vents and other protrusions can be added as well. 

How Is The Roof Installed

Many of the same materials are used for both flat and low slope roofs. So, you can retain the same benefits of the EPDM, rubber, or built-up bitumen roofs that a flat roof business would enjoy. The choice is yours to make, but many business owners choose built-up bitumen roofs due to the longevity of the roof and the added thickness. In general, a thicker roof offers better protection against the elements.

Before the actual roofing material can be installed, the commercial roofers will build the base. This means determining the best slope for your building and ensuring that the slope and pitch are consistent along with the structure. Typically, the slope will be either a 2:12 or 4:12 one. This will depend on whether or not your area sees a good deal of snow. In this case, a 4:12 slope is better than a 2:12 one so that snow can easily slide off the roof. 

Also, some business owners will want a small and flat edge around the perimeter of the roof. This allows you to access the roof if there is a need. In this situation, you may need some additional drainage added. 

For more information on low slope roofing, contact a commercial roofing professional.