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Commercial Roofing Types

When you own a business, especially a brick-and-mortar business, there are quite a few investments that a business owner has to make like hiring employees, ordering inventory, paying for advertising –– and the maintenance of your commercial building. And like with any investment, it is important that you make the right one by considering all of the options that you have in front of you. This idea holds true even with the roof that covers your head every morning while you work.

There are many types of roofs that one can choose from for a commercial building as well as a variety of different materials. For the wellbeing of your business (and your reputation as a smart investor), you want to make sure that you consider all angles of your decision when making your choice including researching all of your options and by consulting roofing contractors in Indianapolis as they have the most knowledge of commercial roofing and what would work best for you in your area.

At Jackson Contracting Inc., we understand exactly what our commercial clients need to maintain the structure of their business. We have years of experience and know-how to help our clients choose the right one, every time.

What Are Low-Sloped Roofs?

First up, we have low-sloped roofs. These types of roofs are perfect for businesses who operate out of:

  • Factories
  • Apartment buildings
  • Warehouses
  • Other industrial buildings

Low-sloped roofs look like they are flat but, in actuality, they have a slight slope which is great for water runoff. Also, low-sloped roofs require less square footage which means that there would be less use of roofing materials during roof installation. With this type of roofing, all commercial roofing repair, installation, and replacement jobs are much easier and safer since there is less chance of accidents and of standing water or puddles.

The only downside to low-sloped roofs is that, during the winter, heavy snow can add weight to the roof if it doesn’t melt right away. As well, building codes on these kinds of commercial roofing jobs in Indianapolis must be strictly adhered to.

Pitched Roofs

Now, while these are more commonly found on residential buildings, it doesn’t mean that a pitched roof couldn’t be an ideal choice for your commercial roofing needs. The main advantage to having a pitched roof is that –– the steeper it is, the better it is at allowing debris, water, and snow to run off which requires less repair and maintenance work in the long run.

However, while you might save money due to less repair and maintenance work, when you do have to have it done, it can cost you. Steep roofs are a little more difficult to work on and require increased safety precautions and being more careful maneuvering both labor and materials around to get the job done. So, just something to keep in mind if you are leaning more towards this commercial roofing design.

What About Flat Roofs?

Flat roofs are one of the more common types of commercial roofs and for good reason. They are:

  • Cheaper to install –– they require less roofing materials.
  • Easier and faster to install –– equals big savings for you, the owner.
  • Devices can be placed on the roof –– air conditioners, solar panels, and satellite dishes can be transferred to the roof, approving curb appeal.
  • Easier maintenance –– roofing contractors in Indianapolis can move around with ease versus on a pitched roof or steep-sloped roof.

Flat roofs certainly have their advantages, however, they have one major flaw –– water runoff. Since flat roofs are, well, flat, the water has nowhere to go and can create standing water and puddles which, over time, can lead to water damage on the roof. So, if you decide to invest in a flat roof, making sure to stick with regular maintenance and repairs can ensure that your commercial roof doesn’t degrade before the end of its life and so you don’t have to deal with any roof leaks.

Choosing the Best Commercial Roofing Company in Indianapolis

Every part of your business is important –– including your building’s roof –– which is why you have to make the right decision on what type of commercial roof you are going to go with. There are many types of roofs to choose from including flat roofs, pitched roofs, and low-sloped roofs as well as roofing materials.

If you are unsure what type of commercial roof you should choose, consult with our roofing contractors in Indianapolis at Jackson Contracting Inc. We are knowledgeable about the pros and cons of each roof and what would be a great fit for your commercial roofing needs. We take the time to get to know our client’s needs, are timely, and have an excellent customer service reputation. For your commercial roofing needs, we can help.