During the Houston commercial construction design phase, you’ll need to choose the right roof for your new building.
As you begin designing your Houston commercial construction project, you’ll need to consider what type of roof is right for your building. Your building’s roof can have a major impact on longevity and operations. Therefore, it’s vital to consider which type of roof is best for your project. Our contractors can help you make this decision during the design process. However, here’s some general information for you to consider.
Sloped or Flat Roof for Houston Commercial Construction?
One of the first things to decide for Houston commercial construction is whether you want a sloped or flat roof. Most commercial buildings use a flat roof. This is because they tend to be more cost effective and faster to install. Flat roofs also allow room for rooftop storage of equipment. For instance, many commercial buildings use cooling towers as part of their cooling systems. Flat roofs offer a place to store these towers.
Also, in many cases large buildings would look less aesthetically pleasing with a sloped roof. Imagine driving by a large hospital with a sloped roof – it would probably look a little “off.” Sloped roofs are generally more pleasing to the eye on smaller buildings.
However, some Houston commercial construction projects opt for sloped roofs to create a more homey feel. For example, day care centers or apartment buildings. Pitched roofs do offer some benefits, mainly that they tend to last longer. Pitched roofs on commercial buildings do tend to be more expensive and replacement tends to be more disruptive than flat roofs.
Our Houston commercial construction specialists can help you determine which type of roof will be right for your project. We take time to understand your goals and operations to design construction projects that are perfectly suited to your needs.
Roof Materials for Houston Commercial Construction
In addition, you’ll need to consider which roof materials are right for your construction project. There are many different types of commercial roof materials to choose from. Here are some of the more popular materials for flat roofs:
EPDM Rubber Roofs
EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. Basically, they’re a rubber-like material that offers benefits like low-cost and easy maintenance. However, they can be easy to damage, especially if you’ll have maintenance contractors walking on the roof frequently.
Built Up Roofing Membrane
Built up roofing or BUR membrane roofs are a mixture of tar and gravel that are built up in multiple layers. They are quite durable and cost-effective. However, in most cases they are dark-colored, which may affect your building’s cooling costs after construction.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are common for Houston metal building construction. However, even if the rest of your building is made of a different material, metal roofs are still an option! Metal roofs for your Houston commercial construction project are extra long-lasting. Metal is naturally fire and pest resistant. Also, it’s a low maintenance option for your new building.
Another great benefit of metal roofs for commercial buildings is that they are a sustainable and energy efficient option. Cool metal roofs, or roofs that reflect sunlight and don’t take in as much heat, can even help contribute points for Houston LEED construction.
Turnkey Construction Services from GRA Gulf Coast Construction
For commercial or industrial construction, our team at GRA–Gulf Coast Construction is the best choice for your needs. We always put you first, which means we offer on-budget and on-time completion for your project. We offer a whole host of services, from design build to construction administration. Call us today at (713) 934-7797 to learn more and request a free consultation!
