Flat Roofing - 4 Reasons Why Commercial Builders Favor Them
It doesn’t take much to notice that commercial buildings almost always have flat roofs. While a case can be made for Brutalist architecture taking hold of western cities in the 1950s, many modern buildings designed today continue to have flat roof designs.
Technically speaking, the term “flat roof” is a misnomer. Most of what we refer to today as flat roofs are more appropriately called low slopes, as every roof needs to be slightly sloped for water to drain easier and avoid leaks from developing. In terms of water drainage, pitched roofs are still a more efficient design.
This begs the question, why do commercial buildings always tend to have flat roofs? It turns out there is a reason for flat roofs that go beyond the 1950s design fad that fell out of favor in the 1980s. Here are four reasons why most commercial buildings have flat roofs:
1. Flat roofs are economical
Technically, flat commercial roofs are more expensive than the average residential roofing projects. However, building owners often make up for that with its longevity and low upkeep.
Commercial flat roofs tend to last longer than traditional sloped roofs, making them ideal for a commercial building that will stay operational for decades to come. While more expensive to build, flat commercial roof installation is cheaper since it does not need joists and requires less reinforcement.
2. Flat roofs are low-maintenance
As mentioned above, flat commercial roofing has very low upkeep costs. Aside from the occasional inspection for leaks, there’s not much else to do to ensure that a flat roof is in tip-top shape. The almost level surface also makes it easier for maintenance personnel to move around without harnesses.
A typical high-sloped roof in a residential house will need seasonal cleaning to eliminate debris that could clog and eventually damage its gutters. With little to no trees in urban cities, the need for expensive commercial roof repairs are few and far between.
3. Flat roofs can accommodate heavy equipment
Flat roofs are perfect for accommodating equipment that would otherwise take up valuable real estate or be inconvenient if placed anywhere else on the building. This includes outdoor HVAC condensers, scaffolds, building maintenance units (BMUs), crane hoists, solar panels, and the like.
Without a flat roof, condensers would have to be installed on the side of buildings or stored on a dedicated floor, contributing to indoor noise and diminishing a facade’s aesthetic appeal. Solar panels would not be as efficient as sunlight distribution would be uneven, and window cleaners will have to resort to rope access to clean up the building’s facade.
4. Flat roofs maximize height restrictions
Maximum building height restrictions are a big concern for all buildings, whether in commercial, residential, or industrial zones. However, in commercial buildings, where every square inch of space has a dollar amount attached to it, architects have to make design choices that allow them to maximize usable space within the building code.
Conclusion
While flat roofs may not be the most appealing design choice, their simplicity gives way for practical and economic uses. To be clear, not all commercial buildings—like skyscrapers, for example—have flat roofs. The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the Shard in London are famous architectural wonders that eschew the flat roof design. That being said, for a convenient and more economical commercial roof installation and roof repair, a flat roof is your safest bet!
Texas Certified Roofing is an industry leader when it comes to commercial roofing services in Houston, Texas. We also handle residential roofing services, perform skylight repairs, and install Duro-Last roofing systems. Contact us today for your flat roof repair needs in Houston and more!







