Flat roofs are a great choice for many buildings. They have many advantages over pitched roofs, especially for large commercial buildings where pitched roofs may be impractical.

However, flat roofs pose unique challenges, especially when combined with the demands of a commercial HVAC system.

Condensation

An HVAC system often creates condensation in and around the unit. On a flat roof, excessive condensation cannot travel off of the roof, so it pools around the unit. In San Antonio’s warm climate, this may cause mold and mildew, and the moisture can damage the roofing membrane. To avoid these problems, roofers or HVAC professionals should create lines to direct the condensation into the roof’s drainage system.

Vulnerability to Leak

HVAC systems often cause flat roofs to leak. There may be problems with the flashing, or with sealing the area around ducts or air conditioning units. Especially on grave or asphalt roofs, the precise location of the leak may be difficult to find. To prevent leaks, be absolutely sure to completely seal the flashing and the area around any air conditioning units or ductwork. Be sure to inspect these areas regularly, as well, because their sealant may come loose over time.

Temperature Control

Some flat-roofed commercial buildings, especially larger ones like malls or other complexes, may have problems with temperature control in some parts of the building. Simply put one rooftop HVAC system can’t uniformly control temperature through the whole building. Due to quirks of the building’s construction, its usage, and so forth, some sections of the building may be too hot or cold. Happily, most modern commercial HVAC systems offer building managers options for zone control. The manager specifies a few rooms in each zone, and then sets the temperature for each, rather than for the whole building.

Aesthetics

Finally, aesthetics are a concern. On a flat commercial roofing , an HVAC system can be hard to conceal, and may look unsightly. It’s possible to hide the ductwork by covering it with a screen, but this typically involves creating new points of penetration on the roof, which may cause their own leaks! A better option is to a low-profile HVAC system, which hugs the roof closely.

Always work with a quality roofing contractor who can help ensure that your roof will remain watertight and functioning.

Choose BELDON® For Your Home’s Needs!

Have some questions or need some roofing advice? Need to schedule a service? Give our team at BELDON Roofing Company a call.

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