If you have been keen on the types of roofs on commercial buildings in Chicago, you might have noticed that most of them are flat. Flat roof installations in Chicago are very common on grocery stores, schools, hospitals, factories, and many other industrial buildings across the country. This begs the question, what’s the deal with flat roofs or is it just a standard measure? While cost may be a reason for this, flat roofs seem to have the edge over peaked roofs (those found in residential houses), especially when used on commercial buildings. Some of the reasons why flat roofs are a preferred option are outlined below.
1. Cost Efficiency
Commercial buildings have large footprints that can be expensive to cover roof wise. Budget is, therefore, a huge concern in the construction and design of the same, which is the reason why most people go for the flat roof. A flat roof is not only easier and cheaper to install, but also requires fewer materials. Extra costs associated with additional framing and complex roof designs are eliminated altogether.
An efficient drainage system is also required to ensure melting snow and rainwater is drained properly to avoid leaks and effects of stagnant water. While a slanted roof is all your home needs to facilitate this, large retail and industrial buildings consider a flat roof with a drainage system instead for it is less expensive. One interesting thing about most commercial roofs is that, although they seem flat, they have a slight elevation/slope that prevents the possibility of standing water.
2. Practicality
Designing a sloped roof for a large commercial building can be extremely difficult. This is because the roof would have to feature multiple valleys and peaks or be extremely tall. Most architects don’t think this is practical in any way considering the building is only for business purposes. In addition to this, building codes in various cities, such as Chicago, have restrictions on commercial structure heights.
To maximize a building’s square footage, industrial and retail facilities invest more in flat roofs. Aside from the practical perspective, large buildings with high sloping roofs aren’t aesthetically appealing at all.
3. Space For Additional Equipment On Commercial Buildings And Roofs
Commercial buildings use industrial grade heating and ventilation equipment that need enough space to mount. Since this equipment cannot be mounted at ground level, most people consider having them mounted on the roof. This is not only safe for people working here but also reduces any chances of noise pollution from the running equipment.
Flat roofs therefore provide a safe and secure location for heaters, air conditioners, and any other machinery that would be noisy. Although there may be some risks involved in mounting such equipment on the roof, the advantages outweigh the few disadvantages. Flat roofs remain a preferred choice for many commercial properties all across the nation.
