When running a successful business, your commercial flat roof is one of the most essential elements you should never have to think about.
People only tend to focus on flat roofing when a problem develops – be it something that goes beyond “normal wear and tear” to recurring water leaks, significant water damage, and more.
At Delta Innovative Services, we’ve worked on virtually every type of roof you can name over the years and are honored to have the opportunity to do the same for you.
By understanding the various types of materials surrounding your flat roof options, maintenance concerns, and information about the overall longevity of materials, you’ll be able to make the most informed decision possible about the future of your business and your roof.
The Materials of Commercial Flat Roofing Systems: Breaking Things Down
A few of the commercial flat roof types you’ll encounter in the context of commercial flat roofing systems include but are not limited to ones like:
- Metal: One of the significant benefits of metal roofs, especially in a commercial environment, is that they are durable. With the proper care and maintenance, they can last between 40 and 70 years by most estimates.
- Modified Bitumen: Modified Bitumen flat roofing has the major advantage of affordability. It’s often the most cost-effective solution available, which can make a big difference in your budget depending on your type of business.
- BUR: Also commonly referred to as “Built-Up Roofing,” this type of solution is often desirable because it is customizable. It can be constructed with multiple layers to enhance its overall durability and reduce normal wear and tear.
- TPO/PVC: Many organizations love the fact that TPO/PVC roofs are hugely energy efficient. They’re reflective by nature, which can reduce the amount of heat that they absorb and cut down on your cooling costs as well. That money can then be funneled back into other business areas where it can do the most good.
- EPDM: By design, EPDM roofing systems are flexible – even at extreme temperatures. Especially in environments where the temperatures rise during the summer, you’re dealing with a reduced risk of cracking – which could save you quite a bit of money on maintenance in the future.
- Composite: Composite roofing is often known for having a more attractive visual appearance than other types. It can mimic the look of slate or even wood, for example, despite offering lower weight and maintenance than those alternatives.
All types of flat roofing materials bring their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Only by carefully considering your needs and what you’re looking for will you be able to make the choice that is right for you.
Don’t pick a roofing material, and hope it accomplishes your goals. Start with your goals, and the best roofing system material will reveal itself.
Ensuring Longevity for Your Commercial Flat Roofing System
Delta Innovation Services Flat Roofing Project
As you would expect, the overall longevity of a commercial flat roofing system will vary depending on the type of roofing you’re talking about.
Most TPO/PVC systems, for example, can last between 20 and 30 years if they’re cared for properly, as outlined above. An EPDM roof membrane falls largely within the same time frame.
Metal commercial flat roofs are designed to be the longest lasting of all and could potentially last a lifetime – though they will require more maintenance when used as a flat roof as opposed to something with a true slope.
But again, while longevity is certainly an important consideration for your commercial flat roof, it shouldn’t be the only one to influence your material decision.
Flat Roof Maintenance Needs
The number one way to keep your flat roof functioning properly is always to keep it as clean as possible. This means removing tree leaves and other debris that may accumulate, especially after a big storm.
Arguably, the most important maintenance steps involve performing regular inspections and making any repairs correctly. Wear and tear will always happen to a commercial flat roof—it doesn’t matter what type of material you’re talking about. But if you have a problem, don’t use a shortcut or temporary fix just to save a little money.
Delta Services can help you with both of these things, as we offer comprehensive regular inspections and a variety of repair services that are designed to help your roof last as long as possible.
Delta Innovative Services is Here to Help
Since 1990, Delta Innovative Services has offered roofing maintenance, repair, and replacement services for commercial roofing systems all across the area. Whether you’re just looking to fix issues like water leaks or you need an entirely new roofing system installed, it doesn’t matter – we can almost always have someone to your location within just 24 hours of you making a call. We’ll have a full proposal in your hand within 48 hours from that moment forward.
Through it all, we pride ourselves on being more than just another roofing contractor. We deliver the peace of mind that you won’t find anywhere else. Our 85,000-square-foot facility is located right in the heart of Kansas City, and our team members have over 250 years of combined experience in commercial roof contracting, management, and everything in between.
While every job is always engineered to run efficiently and on schedule, we also acknowledge that no two situations are the same. Rather than try to force you into a “one size fits all” box that doesn’t exist, we go the extra mile to come up with a custom solution that puts your needs first. Never underestimate just what a difference a few extra steps can make, especially when they guarantee that your job is completed on time, on budget, and according to the exact design you need when you need it the most.
So if you have any additional questions about the materials, maintenance, and longevity of commercial flat roofing systems, or if you’d just like to discuss the specifics of your own situation with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t delay – contact Delta Innovative Services today.