Have you ever considered the difficulty of building on a perfectly flat surface?

Even among the small and rolling hills of Ohio, slight differences in elevation can mean the difference between a stable house and absolute chaos.

Of course, having a flat surface on which to build your house or building is incredibly important. But what about up on the roof? 

Perhaps you have noticed most commercial buildings in Ohio have flat roofing rather than sloped. Does this present any unique challenges for maintenance or stability?

What about cost and durability? These questions are very valid, and the answers might surprise you.

Flat Roofing Materials

Most people are very familiar with roofing shingles because that is what they see the most of. Only in recent years have metal roofs gained popularity. 

However, flat roofs have more options than what one usually thinks of for pitched roofs. EPDM, TPO, Modified Bitumen, and even recycled aluminum are some of the more common options.

The differences between these materials abound in regards to durability, maintenance, cost, and ease of repairs. Most of these materials, with proper maintenance, will last more than 25 years. 

Why Choose Flat Roofing

Materials available do abound, but why choose a flat roof in the first place.

Average homes today have roughly 16,000 cubic feet of space inside them. Compare this to roughly 3.5 million cubic feet inside a Costco. 

Because of this, most commercial buildings require massive air-conditioning and heating units. 

Ohio sometimes experiences massive shifts in temperature during the course of a single week. Choosing a flat roof gives owners the option to store these units on the roof.

This saves room in the parking lot and improves the curb appeal of the building. Additionally, many flat roofs are designed to reflect heat away and reduce energy costs.

Costs and Cleaning

Commercial flat roofs come with their own sets of issues. Finding a reputable contractor can be the most difficult one. The original cost of investment is another. Cleaning during the winter presents issues as well.

Flat roofs start as low as $.8 per square foot but can be as expensive as $10 per square foot. Start-up costs are quite high, but maintenance costs tend to be much lower as many flat roofs are easy to repair.

Because flat roofs have a very low or minimal pitch to them, cleaning off snow can be a problem. You will actually have to get up on the roof to remove it. This becomes even more important in the case of heavy snow.

If you get past the initial investment and commit to keeping your roof cleared of snow and in good repair, it may very well outlast you.

For All Your Roofing Needs

Flat roofing is a worthwhile investment, but it is an investment. Choosing one gives you usable vertical space which wouldn’t be available with a pitched roof. 

If you are looking for reputable contractors in Ohio or have more questions about your own roofing options check us out.