8 Fun Facts About Commercial Roofing That You Should Know

Are you interested in learning some fun facts about the roofing industry? If you own a commercial building or a roofing professional, please refresh your memory with commercial roofing facts brought to you by Best Roof Hatches! When you consider that a well-maintained building can be one of the first things a customer associates with your company and brand, there's much more to know than the mere fact that it sits on the top of your building. Even if you have a tall commercial building and people won't see the roof at all, it's still one part of your building that needs proper attention. Best Roof Hatches is here to give you some commercial roofing facts and fun roof trivia you might never have heard of before.

Roofing Fact #1: Roofs Can Look Different Depending on Where You Live

When choosing roofing materials, a significant consideration is what is available in your region. Your selection options - slate, wood, or shingles made from composite materials - will vary, and your construction contractor is the best person to ask. The style of roof and materials used for a residential building is entirely different from the commercial ones.

Roofing Fact #2: Climate is a Big Factor When it Comes to Your Roof

Climate is a significant factor a construction company needs to consider as well. A building constructed in a cold and wet climate might require installing gables, since snow and water can slide off easily, preventing it from accumulating and putting pressure on top of the roof. Commercial buildings often have flat metal or concrete roofs used as public rooftop patios in nice weather.

Roofing Fact #3: A Flat Roof Isn't Exactly Flat

Out of the many fun roof facts, this one might be the icing on the cake: a flat roof isn't completely flat. Manufacturers and contractors call them flat roofs because they aren't sloped or curved. For an average person looking at it, they would look completely flat and horizontal. It's surprising to know that flat roofs have a very slight slope, which measures at least ¼ inch per foot. You might not consider it a curve if you don't do the measurements yourself. Roof Fact #4: You Should Never Cover an Existing Roof Over time, several parts of a commercial building will wear out like the roof. Some building owners will try to develop a solution where it won't require them to spend much on repairs and maintenance. They end up doing a cheap roof repair or cutting corners by covering the damaged roof with a new one. You may think it's a practical method, but you may experience consequences in the long run. Covering an existing, damaged roof is only a band-aid solution. Meaning, it's a temporary fix, and it won't end up saving you money in the end. The old roof still exists under the new roof, so the best option is to fix the roofing problem rather than try a band-aid solution.

Roofing Fact #5: DIY Roof Replacement is a Big No-No

Replacing your roof is not a job that you can muddle your way through. It's not something you can pick up from watching a couple of YouTube videos. Even if you have some experience with roofing repairs and maintenance, it's never a good idea to try to tackle a roof replacement without a professional. As a building owner, you should have maintenance personnel responsible for taking care of your building's roof. If you don't have staff experts, it's best to hire professional roofing commercial contractors who can get the job done right.

Roofing Fact #6: You Can Make Your Roof Environmental-Friendly

If there's one thing that every building owner needs to consider - it's the environment. Back when there was less awareness of how building practices can impact the environment, many construction manufacturers mixed their roofing materials with phosphorus-emitting pollutants. Another interesting roofing history fact is that these pollutants also leaked into urban stormwater. For this reason, many companies have updated their practices. They now use less harmful materials, with eco-friendly options, and even green-certified products.

Roofing Fact #7: Proper Ventilation for Your Roof is a Must

Another interesting fun fact about your roof: Your roof can breathe! Construction companies use proper ventilation underneath the roof deck to allow airflow, a critical element for your cooling system. When you have a properly ventilated roof, you can eliminate warm and moist air from the building's interior and let cool air travel to the attic. Suppose your commercial building has areas where there are wood and insulation. In that case, if proper ventilation is lacking, the condensation created from the warm air will build up and potentially cause water damage.

Roofing Fact #8: A Clean Roof Equals a Longer Lifespan

A practical and fun fact about your roof: Like anything else, your roof will last longer if you take care of it. When your commercial building's roof gets dirty, it's necessary to have it cleaned. You should also regularly check for mold and any build-up of algae, moss, and fungi, which often accumulate after a year or two. Properly cleaning and maintaining your roof can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and ensure your investment's longevity. Now that you know some fun facts about the roofing industry, it might help you think more about your roof. There may be some roofing history facts we forgot to write down, but we made sure to include those specific to commercial buildings and construction. Do you happen to be a construction contractor that requires roof hatches? You should partner with us if you need high-quality roof hatches supplied to you!