While potential homeowners often have a variety of roof options for their homes, many commercial roofs tend to have flat roofs. Below are some of the reasons commercial roofs are usually flat.

Low Cost

Flat roofs are relatively inexpensive to install compared to pitched roofs. A flat roof will have a lower surface area than a pitched roof even if the two roofs cover equal square footage. The surface area determines the number of roofing materials you need for a house. The surface area also determines labor hours. Both of these affect installation costs.

Secondly, flat roofs are easier and safer to walk and operate on than pitched roofs. Roofing contractors confidently navigate flat roofs while carrying materials or tools. The ease of navigation leads to faster work, which reduces overall installation costs. A typical commercial venture does everything possible to lower inputs, hence, flat roofs.

Space Utilization

Many owners of commercial buildings charge rental prices per usable square foot. The more usable square feet a building owner can get in their building, the more money the building can give them.

Flat roofs can host equipment and appliances that otherwise occupy valuable indoor space. For example, rooftop HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems free up spaces for additional income.

Ease of Appliance Service

Maximum space utilization is not the only reason commercial buildings place appliances and equipment on rooftops. Such placement allows contractors to service and repair the appliances and equipment without interrupting interior operations. For example, HVAC contractors can perform routine maintenance on rooftop units as work continues indoors.

Minimal Aesthetic Considerations

Many people find pitched roofs more aesthetically appealing than flat roofs. The slope gives roof designers room to come up with different designs or shapes. Examples include gables (in different variations), dormers, hip, and A-frame. The different designs allow homeowners to improve their home's curb appeal in different ways.

However, most commercial building owners do not care much for aesthetics. Even those who care about aesthetics tend to focus on other building parts, such as windows, doors, and sidings. Thus, commercial building owners can comfortably use the less-attractive flat roofs.

Commercial roofs are usually flat, but yours doesn't have to be. Whichever roof you choose for your property, ensure you get a professional to design and install the roof. The professional contractor will also advise you on the materials and maintenance practices.

Contact a commercial roofing contractor to learn more.