Depending on what type of business you own, appearances may not be very important when it comes to your commercial property. Instead, functionality and overall cost are the top priorities.
This is why some commercial buildings will make use of flat roofing. Flat roofs are not the most attractive looking roofs out there, but they serve their purpose, and for a very reasonable price, at that. Businesses and home owners in Milwaukee have turned to JM Remodeling for all their roofing contractor needs for over 25 years.
Thinking about installing a flat roof on your commercial property in Milwaukee? First, consider the pros and cons of flat roofing.
Pros
Easy to Install
One of the great things about flat roofing is that it’s particularly easy to install. Whereas traditional shingles must be stapled on one at a time, flat roofing materials can typically be spread on all at once.
Limited Maintenance
While flat roofing materials can crack and deteriorate, they only see damage every once in a while. As long as they are not damaged, they typically don’t require any maintenance. All you’ll have to do is ensure that your flat roof is not holding any standing water.
Can Be Used for Storage
If you own a business, you need all of the room for storage that you can get. By installing a flat roof, you give yourself an entire level of storage space that you otherwise would not have. Slanted roofs, on the other hand, can only store items if those items are mounted onto them.
Energy Efficient
When it comes to energy efficiency, flat roofs are a little complex. Because flat roofing materials are laid on so thickly, they are nearly impossible for cold air to penetrate. However, because they meet so much direct sunlight, they tend to over-absorb heat.
The result? Low energy bills in the winter time and high energy bills in the summertime. Specific energy efficiency quality, of course, depends on the specific type of roofing materials being used. With flat roofing there is an opportunity to add an additional layer of insulation underneath the rubber membrane, unlike shingle roofing.
Cons
Prone to Leaking
The biggest problem you’ll typically run into with flat roofs is standing water. Because they possess little or no slant, flat roofs don’t allow rain to run off of them. Instead, they hold onto the water until it is evaporated.
Over time, this standing water can cause the roof to deteriorate, resulting in leaks. To fight against this effect, you must remain vigilant of water on your roof at all times.
Aesthetically Unremarkable
When you’re installing a flat roof, you are essentially throwing aesthetics out of the window. Flat roofs are more designed for practical purposes than they are for beautification purposes. Of course, if you don’t have to draw customers into your building from the streets, the unremarkable aesthetics of flat roofs shouldn’t pose much of a problem.
Limited Durability
Because flat roofs come into contact with so much sunlight and so much water, they are limited in terms of durability. Generally, you can get around 10 to 20 years of use out of a flat roof before it will have to be replaced.
Looking to Install Flat Roofing?
Are you convinced? Looking to install flat roofing on your building? If so, and if you live in the Milwaukee area, JM Remodeling has you covered.
Our team of seasoned roofing contractors is beyond experienced in the flat roofing installation process. We’ll ensure that your commercial property is well taken care of.
Contact us today for a free consultation and quote!