Flat Roof vs Pitched Roof on Commercial Buildings: Which is Best?

When designing commercial buildings, there seems to be little discussion regarding “flat roof vs pitched roof.” Have you ever wondered why there aren’t more industrial buildings with pitched roofing?

Here are some reasons that sloped roofs aren’t typically used for warehouses, schools, factory buildings, and apartments – but are preferred by many homeowners.

Benefits of Flat Roofs

Before we discuss their benefits, “flat roofs” is a bit of a misnomer, as flat roofing is constructed with a slight slope. However, this slope isn’t as apparent as the pitched counterparts. So, here are some of the benefits of a flat roof system.

Flat roofs are cheaper to install than pitched roofs.

Flat roofs are significantly cheaper than pitched ones. The labor and roofing materials cost is less expensive (per square foot). This cost advantage is generally the determining factor in industrial and commercial construction.

Flat roofs create more usable space.

Flat roofs are often used to keep HVAC units off the ground. As a result, technicians can repair and maintain the units without causing any obstructions on the ground, and the condensation can be easily linked to the flat roof’s gutter system.

A flat roof is safer.

There’s less risk of slipping and falling off flat roofs. This makes them safer to repair and maintain.

Cons of Flat Roofs

Are there common issues with a flat roof? You probably already know the typical drawback of this popular commercial and industrial roof type.

A flat roof requires a lot of maintenance.

It’s recommended that your roof be seen by a professional commercial roof inspector at least twice a year.

A flat roof will eventually leak.

Most of the time, flat roofs eventually leak. Unless they are vigilantly maintained, the roof surface breaks down over time, causing leaks to seep through the ceiling below.

Benefits of Pitched Roofs

Even though you don’t see very many commercial buildings in the U.S. with pitched roofs, there are some advantages to this roofing type.

Pitched roofing lasts longer than flat roofing.

You don’t have to have a degree in physics to understand that a sloped roof offers certain advantages. Primarily, water rolls off a pitched surface, which stresses the roof surface materials less. Your pitched roof will be more expensive to install, but it will have a longer lifespan.

Pitched roofs leak less often than flat roofs.

There aren’t any roofing styles that are completely weather resistant. However, pitched roofs don’t leak as often as flat roofs. And, when leaks occur on a sloped roof, the roofing company can typically fix the damaged section without performing any major repairs.

Cons of Pitched Roofs

If pitched roofs last longer and leak less than flat roofs, why aren’t there more pitched commercial roofs? One of the reasons is that sometimes pitched roofs don’t look right on industrial buildings. Here are a couple more reasons you don’t see pitched roofs on commercial buildings.

Pitched roofs are more expensive.

It costs more money to put a pitched roof on a commercial building than a flat roof.

Construction of a pitched roof takes longer than constructing a flat roof.

Since cost and time are typically key factors when constructing a commercial building, it makes sense that most building owners use the faster and cheaper alternative.

Flat Roofs vs. Pitched Roofs: The Verdict

Flat roofs typically win out when covering a commercial or industrial building. Even though flat roofs are known for leaking, the construction costs typically cause building owners to select flat roof options.

Are You Tired of Your Leaky Flat Roof? Here’s a Solution!

Most commercial building owners choose flat roofs as the lower-cost alternative to pitched roof installation – knowing that flat roofs have a shorter lifespan and require more maintenance. However, you may be irritated by the sheer amount of building leaks – requiring high repair costs.

We have a solution for a leaking roof. Contact EverSeal – the smarter flat roofing solution.

EverSeal Is a Sturdy New Roof System

Please understand that some roof coating systems go on like paint. Like paint, these systems crack and degrade quickly under harsh exposure.

However, EverSeal is a sturdy new flat roof system that is virtually immune from breaking down, deteriorating, or degrading. In addition, we are proud to offer a 50-year guarantee on our system.

Additional benefits of an Everseal system include:

• No replacement is necessary.
• The roof is 100% sealed and leak-proof.
• You save thousands of dollars.

Are you tired of your leaking flat roof? Contact EverSeal today.

Key Takeaways

• Flat roofs are less expensive to install than pitched roofs. They also provide additional space for entertainment or industrial functions.

• Rain slides off sloped roofs easier. Because there is less stress on sloped roof materials, this type of roof lasts longer.

• EverSeal will help you extend the life of your flat roof while eliminating leaks.