Flat Vs Pitched Roofs: Which Dallas TX Commercial Roofing Should You Opt For?

Deciding on the right Dallas TX commercial roofing involves more than just choosing the type of materials you wish to include and the color of your roof for aesthetic purposes. In fact, choosing whether your commercial roof is flat or pitched can be more important for ensuring you have a worthy investment in your property and can grant you a good rate of return.
Since there are key differences between commercial roofing and residential roofing, it is important to emphasize the overall cost of purchasing the roof, maintenance expenses, and the impact on structural integrity of the particular roof. In this post, we look at the advantages and disadvantages of flat roofs in comparison to pitched roofs and provide a list of important factors that should be considered before opting for either Dallas TX commercial roofing type.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are Dallas TX commercial roofing types that are horizontally connected to the ceiling with a waterproof membrane on top. The roofs are not entirely flat as it often thought of, but has a slight angle at the top for drainage purposes, allowing rainwater to drain away easily.
Flat roofs are usually constructed from either asphalt materials or modified bitumen that consists of a thin gravel layer to provide protection against ultraviolet sunlight. New materials, such as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) are also being applied. This material has a 3mm layer of a thick rubber membrane that can be installed easily in one go and can last for more than 40 years.
Flat roofs are generally cheaper than pitched roofs; the price of a regular flat roof can be cheaper by at least $1,000 dollars and can provide commercial clients that have recently established to minimize start-up costs and increase profitability.
More importantly, flat roofs can be argued to be cheaper in terms of both installation and maintenance. Compared to sloped roofs, flat roofs do not require shingles, tiles, panels, or cedar shakes to be installed on a given area of square feet. This can greatly reduce the labor time and thus the cost involved in installation. This also makes drives down maintenance expenses. If the materials have become outdated or broken, all tiles, panels, or shingles depending on what material is used will have to be replaced that can spike up repair and replacement costs.

Pitched Roofs

Pitched roofs are those that are constructed by at least two slopes that are joined at the tip of the roof. The slope of the roof provides excellent drainage and is useful for Dallas TX commercial roofing in areas where sufficient rain is expected. Pitched roofs can look similar to residential roofs; however, its neighborhood-esque feel can be an important feature for owners that intend to provide warmth and comfort. Furthermore, pitched roofs are made such that they provide usable space as an attic or loft area. This can prove to be particularly useful for storing equipment and supplies without needing to invest in roof-top platforms.
Pitched roofs are generally more expensive than flat roofs, however, its higher price can easily be offset by its lifespan. Such roofs can last for more than 40 years due to its highly weather resistant and robust materials. Also, its interior can be insulated to ensure the temperature of the property does not fluctuate too much. Without this important feature, your utility bills can increase substantially for keeping building temperatures normal.
More importantly, pitched roofs offer greater flexibility than flat roofs. With a pitched roof, you can decide to easily expand the roof and blend it properly with the rest of your property whilst retaining its own aesthetic appeal and look to it.

Flat Roofs Vs. Pitched Roofs: Which Dallas TX Commercial Roofing Should You Choose?

Considering how each roof has its own set of advantages and limitations, it is important to consider a number of factors for choosing a Dallas TX commercial roofing system that is best for your needs. These are as follows.

Cost

Cost is an important factor to take into account to consider the long-term implication of your Dallas TX commercial roofing investment and whether it will yield a good return. Depending on what your industry or business sector is, the low costs of flat roofs is ideal if you wish to save money on startup expenses and use your savings for more important expenses. However, you should also look at the type of materials used in the roofs as it can make a difference to the frequency and costs in terms of maintenance fees.

Maintenance Expenses

In general, flat Dallas TX commercial roofing systems can require a lot more maintenance than pitched ones, but this depends on what kind of roofs you opt for. For instance, flat roofs that have no slope will not encourage proper drainage that can pose significant problems after heavy rainfall. In this case, a drainage system will have to be built to allow water to drain easily or have the water removed manually. Pitched roofs, on the other hand, require greater care with regards to cleaning and inspection and if the materials become damaged or worn out due to wear and tear, the cost of replacing or fixing the entire roof can be substantial.

Structural integrity

Lastly, the strength and stability of the building also needs to be borne in mind. A pitched roof, on average, can provide greater strength and stability to Dallas TX commercial roofing than compared to a flat roof. That being said, other important factors such as insulation systems and materials used can make all the difference to a flat roof.
In short, both flat and pitched roofs have pros and cons and the right Dallas TX commercial roofing will depend on the location of your commercial property, budget, and investment goals.
Anderson Industrial Roofing is a roofing contractor that has a solid reputation for providing commercial, industrial, and residential roofing solutions to clients for over 25 years. For more information on the materials and commercial roofing solutions they provide, visit http://andersonindustrialroofing.net