Flat Roofing Systems: Myths and Benefits
March 17, 2021
Over the years, flat roofing systems have come under scrutiny about their utility and whether they are the best option for a building. Flat roofing companies have been at the vanguard of preserving roofing systems as it provides the best results to cover a large structure. Flat roof repair must be conducted regularly to keep a commercial structure viable in the marketplace, and it is the bailiwick of flat roofing contractors to supply the work necessary. The flat roofs of the 21 century that are flat roofing in Toronto can be customized to any building’s concerns and needs. At Integrity Roofers, we will dispel any ambiguous notions about commercial flat roofing in Mississauga and across the Greater Toronto Area that have proliferated through the roofing community.
Nine Common Misconceptions About Flat Roofs
Flat Roofs Can’t Support the Weight of a Heavy Snowfall.
When a building is designed, it takes a team of engineers and architects to complete it. A large commercial structure has a great many details to address, and one crucial detail is load management for the roof. When designing a building, the average rate of snowfall is calculated, and then a buffer is built in to address snowfall and a once-in-a-lifetime snowfall to protect a building against the weight that snow brings. The design must meet stringent building codes, so the safety aspect of a roof is well-reviewed.
Flat Roofs Leak More.
One truism in the roofing industry is roofs leak, no question about it. It doesn’t matter if you have a sloped or pitched or flat roof; at some point, it will leak due to many factors. A properly installed flat roof will have many years of uninterrupted service and will sustain the weather’s onslaught with ease. The secret of a flat roof’s success comes from the fact that it is a complete liner for a roof system; it keeps water above the cover and out of your building. The liner must be 100 percent waterproof, and that is what is required by local building codes for a safe flat roof.
Flat Roofs Are Flat.
The answer here is a flat NO! As we mentioned above, a flat roof is slightly raised but less than an inch to help with water drainage. If the roof wasn’t slightly raised, drainage would never occur, and water would buildup on a roof.
Flat Roofs Are More Prone to Pooling Water.
To begin with, flat roofs aren’t completely 100 percent flat. They are set with a slight pitch to move water through corridors along the rooftop to the drains and the downspouts for removal from the roof surface. Commercial roofers across the country use a simple rule when installing a flat roof: they install a roof at one-quarter of an inch per foot of horizontal spread. Construction and design will determine roof leaks; the pitch or type of roof generally will not.
Flat Roofs Can’t Be Insulated.
Another old wives’ tale that has been serially debunked over time. Yes, a flat roof can be insulated. By its nature, the construction and design phase allows for space in the roof’s structure. A flat roof allows for a level of insulation to be inserted between the inside of the building and the roof’s skin. Also, know that a layer of snowfall is also a layer of insulation as it prevents heat leaks.
Also Read: How To Choose The Right Insulation Contractor?
Flat Roofs Are Expensive.
This fact is false. Flat roofs are cheaper to buy and install than other roofing systems. Here’s why a flat roof requires fewer materials and fewer hours to install when you select this roofing system for your building. Businesses choose this system because it is cost-effective. A flat roof has a shelf life of 25 years, definitely a central selling point when investing in your commercial building.
Also Read: How to Compare Commercial Roofing Quotes
A Flat Roof Doesn’t Need an Inspection Unless It’s Leaking.
Roofing inspections should be conducted at least twice a year. If you don’t get on the roof, you will never know what type of damage is being done topside. A minor routine repair could be identified through a quick inspection that will save thousands of dollars and emergency service if your roof were to cave in during a storm. Certainly, the adage: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies when you are reviewing your flat roofing system.
A Roof Is in Good Condition Unless It’s Leaking.
If you don’t see a leak, it doesn’t mean that roof is in good condition. You can’t know the condition of your roof from the ground; without a detailed inspection, you don’t know if the roof’s membrane is suffering from wear and tear or abuse. It would help if you had a roofing contractor with the experience and expertise to identify roofing problems with a trained eye to know for sure about your roof’s condition.
Anyone Can Repair A Flat Roof.
Not just anyone can repair a flat roof. Roofers work years to perfect their skills, and as a layered, comprehensive solution to covering a building, roofing comes with a requirement for detailed knowledge to be successful. You don’t want just anybody on your roof without them knowing the subtle intricacies of a roofing system; that is a recipe for failure.
Reasons Why A Flat Roof May Be Right for You
Flat roofs confer many benefits that may not be obvious, but they are undoubtedly crucial for any commercial venture. We want to extol the virtues of a flat roof and how they will improve the use of your building.
A Flat Roof Is A Low-Cost Option.
As mentioned above, the material and labour charges are significantly less when installing a flat roof. A TPO or PVC roofing system is a liner that is stretched across the entire area of a roofing system, and that is one cost savings that will build the bottom line. A TPO or PVC roof’s life will provide significant savings over time as they are built to last for a generation or more if properly maintained.
A Flat Roof Is A Low-Cost Maintenance Option.
Maintenance costs are dramatically reduced with a flat roofing system. Few if any problems are typical for a flat roof system compared to other roofing systems – a pitched roof might need tile replacements when a flat roof doesn’t, as one example of reduced maintenance costs. Proper installation by a professional contractor who will provide maintenance support is your best bet when installing a new roof.
A Flat Roof Is A Spacious Roofing Option.
Interior and exterior space are maximized when you select a flat roof from your building. Storage inside the building is one way to optimize your floor space. As for the outside, a roof garden that provides a getaway for solitude or business meetings can be a great way to use space that you wouldn’t ordinarily use.
The Installation Process Is Quick.
You can install a flat roof any time of the season. The roof goes down with little effort, and if you need to make a repair, it is as simple as a small patch. No need to lay shingles or add layered bitumen; no, the roofing system practically applies itself.
Integrity Roofers Are the GTA’s Flat Roofing Specialists
When you find that your flat roof isn’t performing the way you need it due to drainage or ponding issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Integrity Roofers. We have been dealing with flat roofing problems for more than 20 years, and we have the degree of expertise and experience your roofing system needs when issues come to the forefront. We use the best materials, and our service techs are the top of the line in our industry. Call our office to speak to a roofing expert to discuss your flat roofing options at Integrity Roofers, and call us today at 647 953 9365.
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