So why a flat roof and why will it help your business? In this blog post we will be talking about the benefits of having a flat roof as well what you can do to maintain it as well.

Before we get to the meat of this blog, what exactly is a flat roof? A flat roof is any roof that has a pitch less than 15 degrees. Typically they are an ancient form of a roof used in mostly arid climates but everyone is embracing the benefits of flat roofs all over the United States.

A flat roof is the most long lasting option for a commercial roof plus it can hold all of your commercial air conditioners and other common utilities that might be up there as well. Here is some main reasons why getting a flat roof is the best option for your business:

• Less expensive to install due to less surface area

• Very easy to maintain

• They allow more efficient use of both inside and outside

• You can save energy by installing solar panels on a flat roof

• Extra space can be used for things such as rooftop gardens or patios

4 Types of Flat Roofs

• Built Up Roof: This is a traditional hot tar and gravel roof

• Modified Bitumen: This is a single-ply rolled roof that is similar to an ice and water shield

• EPDM Rubber Roof: Basically just as the title says, they are a rubber roof and are usually black in color

• Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof: This roof begins with a layer of high density foam sprayed from a wand or sprayer. It is then coated with a layer of waterproofing top coat

So you have made the decision to get a flat roof? Great. Have you had a flat roof for years? If the answer is yes, then whats the problem? Just like anything if you do not maintain it over the years problems will arise. Look below for a comprehensive list of what could possibly go wrong with your flat roof and how you should maintain it:

Trim Trees: Tree’s provide shade and beautiful scenery and add overall great curb appeal to your property. So why all the fuss about them and your flat roof? How can they possibly cause problems for you? Tree’s can if they are too close cause a real threat to the structural integrity to a roof. We strongly advise that you inspect the trees around your business at least once a year and definitely after each thunderstorm with excessive wind that moves through your area. If you allow fallen tree branches and leaves to remain on your roof for too long that can allow pooling of water to collect and that is never good.

Pooling Water: Just because you have a flat roof, doesn’t mean you need to forget about draining water. Water leaks can become a huge problem on your roof if water begins to pool. Even if you don’t have any signs or issues of leaks or pooling water, the best thing to do is to contact an expert to make sure you have adequate drainage areas for water to run off your roof. Here are a few common causes and solutions for ponding or pooling of water on your flat roof:

• Blocked Drainage: Like we mentioned before, flat roofs are not exactly flat, they have a slight slope that allows the water to hopefully drain where it is supposed to go. But they can easily be compromised if the drains are clogged with debris like leaves and twigs. Just like you should be inspecting your gutters on your home you should do the same for your business as this can cause the same type of issues. A minor fix like cleaning your drains can prevent a costly disaster if you frequently check for issues.

• Compressed Insulation: One of the main causes of pooling or ponding of water is compressed insulation or sagging structure. You can avoid these problems be having some frequently inspecting your roof. Eliminating minor problems associated with these issues can prevent anything more major or more importantly, costly from happening. Also hiring a reputable roofing company like Rooforia to get the job done right and to avoid these issues right off the bat is what we suggest above everything else. Compressed insulation can be caused by heavy roofing equipment resting on the insulation during the installation process. Frequent treading or walking over the insulation can also leave indentions on the insulation as well leaving areas to potentially create pooling of water. Once the structure is sagging, it is very difficult to repair and you are probably better off just replacing your roof. Sad truth but it is true.

• Damaged Membrane: If replacing your roof is not an option at the time replacing the damaged membrane caused by the ponding of water might be a solution. Many membranes at this time are able to withstand ponding of water and can actually increase the life expectancy of your roof as well.

• Watch the weight: If your flat roof was not installed properly, snow and ice could be an issue during the winter if it builds up too much. If thats the case, we would suggest shoveling off as much snow as possible off your roof. If your flat roof was installed properly, it is highly unlikely that snow and ice would ever be an issue for you and your roof. In an extreme situation, your roof could collapse, but generally if they are built right, flat roofs are meant to hold heavy materials.

Clean off your roof: Branches, small twigs and leaves on your roof that sit there for a while can cause more problems then you think and may cause pooling of water. Considering cleaning your roof off of any debris of the mentioned items above. And don’t do this just once a year, inspect your roof multiple times a year and after every thunderstorm as well and especially during the fall time when leaves will be falling.

Conclusion

So congratulations! You have made the decision to get a flat roof and now you have a list of items you can go through every year to maintain your flat roof. Or you have had one for many years and have never known the problems that can arise from having a flat roof. It’s better to check it frequently every year then to have problems build up over the years costing you more and more money then if you would have gotten it fixed right away. That’s ok. That is what we are here for.

Question

Our question to our readers is, did our blog post open your eyes to the potential problems that can arise out of owning a flat roof?

Are you now thinking of having a flat roof for your business in the future?

Or how long have you had a flat roof and have you ever had it professionally inspected for problems?

If your answer is yes to those questions, its probably time to call a home exterior expert. If you have any questions about your flat roof, or if you are interested in getting a flat roof, or you want us to take a look at it, call Omaha’s Number 1 Roofing company here at Rooforia at 402.281.2891.

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