Are Flat Roofs More Expensive? (What Toronto Business Owners Should Expect)

When there’s money involved, it’s always a serious discussion. All business owners want what’s best for their companies. In looking for options, you might want to know, “Are flat roofs more expensive?” Is it something worth your time and resources? Why?

These are valid questions. In all your decision-making processes, you should weigh the pros and cons to make the most out of your hard-earned money.

In the course of finding out if flat roofs are more expensive to build, repair, and maintain, there are other important things to take note of. This is to strike a balance between quality and cost.

To know more about what you should consider as a Toronto business owner, we shared some valuable insights…

What to Think About Before Building a Flat Roof (Aside From Cost)

Design

Contrary to what most people would assume, flat roofs can also bring out your creativity. Others think that flat roofs are straightforward and plain, unlike pitched roofs that come in different variations.

For commercial buildings, it may be limited in terms of design, however, you can still personalize your approach to flat roofing. Here’s how:

Flat roofing offers added space that you can convert into a more useful area. If you think that flat roofing’s too one-dimensional, why not add a recreational space like a gym perhaps? For a more eco-friendly option, you can build a rooftop garden. There are many ideas to explore and stretch so that your flat roof doesn’t have to be empty.

Return of Investment

As entrepreneurs, it’s an instinct to think about the investments and their returns (which is a good thing). Speaking of investments, it should align with your priorities as a business owner. Did you know that building flat roofs are not only cost-effective, they can also help support your business’ goals. Here’s how:

An energy efficient flat roofing can help lower electricity bills by 7-15% in an average. Of course, there’s a science behind it. The composition of some flat roofing systems (such as metal and green roofs) can reflect the heat coming from the sun. Unlike traditional materials that have the tendency to absorb heat, energy efficient alternatives can bounce it back to regulate the temperature.

During hotter months, you wouldn’t need to consume too much electricity from cooling appliances because an energy efficient flat roofing can do the job for you.

If at the onset you’re thinking about the costs, note that flat roofing is a long-term solution to generate more returns on investments through energy saving.

Ownership

Most flat roofing systems last between 20 to 30 years. As compared to pitched roofs, this is relatively shorter. However, businesses evolve over time. You can also view it as an opportunity to grow. Ownership is important as it determines your goal to expand in the coming years. Residential properties last up to more than 50 years which could be aligned to their priorities as a family. On the other hand, being a business owner gives you a leg room for flexibility in terms of your company’s directions.

Building Codes and Guidelines

Before any commercial construction, there’s a need to visit the local authorities to inquire about building codes and guidelines. Normally, if you were able to find a reliable roofing contractor, they can simplify the process for you. With their background, they’ll be able to explain the restrictions and all other rules that you need to follow.

Here are some bonus tips on how to find the most credible commercial roofing contractor:

• Read client reviews and ratings. Usually, there are resources that you can find online like Facebook. Satisfied customers/clients go out of their way to commend the quality of the service that they received.
• Find their name on official business listings. You can check out some reliable websites that publish a list of registered roofing companies. If you find them there, it’s a good indication that they are a legitimate contractor.
• Review legal documents. To make sure that you’re dealing with the right people, don’t be afraid to ask about their permits. Request for a copy of their licenses including the permit to operate so that you wouldn’t fall victims to scammers.
• Ask for multiple proposals. Don’t immediately say “yes” to anything or anyone. Make sure you have a copy of multiple proposals that will give you the opportunity to compare costs, projections, plans, timelines, etc.

Are Flat Roofs More Expensive to Build, Repair, and Maintain?

Going back to your main concern – the costs. Are flat roofs more expensive in terms of installation, repair, and maintenance?

Here’s an overview…

Installations

Flat roofs are less complicated to construct. For one, it requires less material compared to pitched roofs. This also makes the installation process faster and easier. There’s an impact as well to labor costs which means lesses expenses from your end.

Repairs

Many people claim that low-slow roofing is prone to leakage due to its flat surface. In reality, a flat roof isn’t entirely flat. There are slight pitches that drain water away from the roof.

If you have a commercial flat roof, it doesn’t mean it’s bound to leak sooner. In fact, it all boils down to proper installation combined with premium materials. If in case leaks happen due to daily wear and tear or because of extreme weather conditions, know that flat roof repairs are less riskier. Workers can access the roofing area faster. It’s also easier to spot potential problems thanks to the flat surface.

Overall, there’s no need to worry about repairs provided that you give it the care it needs (which lead us to the third and last point).

Maintenance

Are flat roofs more expensive to maintain? Well, it depends on several factors like the size of your building, the location, weather conditions, etc. It may cost more than a regular residential property maintenance mainly because of the size. Obviously, buildings are wider. You cannot compare the two because they aren’t “apples to apples”. Both are different in so many ways so we better focus on what your property needs.

As with any property, maintenance requires a budget. If you are intimidated about the amount you’ll be spending for regular preventive maintenance procedures, just think about how much more it would cost if issues aren’t solved immediately.

Conclusion

Are flat roofs more expensive when it comes to installation, repair, and maintenance? The answer will always depend on the type of building that you intend to construct. There are varying factors like the choice of materials. There are low-slope roofing systems that are high-end. On the other hand, there are more affordable options as well.

If you want to know more about flat roofing and the estimated costs, call us today. Our team offers free consultations to get things started.