Generally, walking on any form of roof is dangerous, especially if you lack the required skills or roofing systems. Therefore, any inspections or repairs that necessitate access to the roof should be left to the experts of roof construction. Even though flat roofs are less vulnerable than pitched roofs, you still risk harming the thought and rupturing the material. A commercial flat roof can be utilized for recreational purposes or to generate more storage space. Still, it must be built to withstand foot traffic as well as the additional weight of any equipment you bring up. Flat roofs often have wooden decking to provide access for maintenance and inspections so it is possible for someone to stand up there safely.

Flat Roof Surfaces You Can Walk On

You can choose a roofing material suited for heavy foot traffic on rooftops that also serve as decks. Flat roof waterproofing, once again, necessitates a great deal of experience and knowledge. Then, the roofing contractor can apply the appropriate waterproofing membrane to make it possible to walk on, whether it’s BUR (Built-up Roofing), TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), Modified Bitumen, or Single Ply Roofing.

A built-up roof, often known as tar and gravel roofs, is made of alternating layers of hot tar and waterproofing material. After that, a final layer of gravel is used to ballast it. Fiberglass membranes, rather than tar paper, are used in some newer forms of BURs.

Flat Roof Surfaces You Cannot Walk On

Certain types of flat roof membranes should not be walked on for two significant reasons: safety and damage susceptibility. First, suppose the roofing materials aren’t strong enough to sustain the added weight of foot traffic. In that case, it can easily give way, putting people at risk and incurring costly roof damage. Flat roofing membranes that you should avoid walking on include:

GRP fiberglass flat roofing – GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) is a roofing system material that can withstand high temperatures and harsh chemicals. When utilized on larger commercial roofs, however, it frequently breaks early. In addition, it may not be able to withstand foot traffic or heavy machinery.

Metal flat roofing – Steel, zinc, aluminum, or copper can be used to cover flat or low-slope business roofs. Standing-seam or screw-down metal panels, on the other hand, are not suitable for walking on. In addition, they can quickly swell, resulting in leaks that are costly to repair.

Benefits of Being Able to Walk on your Flat Roof

The ability to walk on your commercial flat roof has several advantages especially on the flat roof materials used, including making maintenance easier. You won’t have to worry about damaging your roof, and you’ll have more room to add things like HVAC systems.

Install roof drains or scuppers around your roof’s perimeter. Use automatic siphons for ponds in the center to quickly get rid of ponding water during heavy rains or snowfall. The faster the water is removed from the roof; the less likely your roof will leak.

Being able to walk on your flat roof will make it easier for your roofing contractor to do routine inspections, which should be done semi-annually and after every severe storm. In addition, because your roofer won’t need complex equipment to access the roof, labor costs will also be lower for minor repairs.

More Utilization of the Extra Space

You can accomplish a lot with the extra space on your flat roofs by walking on them, such as building a rooftop patio or garden. Installing solar panels to generate green energy and lower your power expenses is also an option. Because all of the room space may be used, a flat roof is the most cost-effective roofing option (both below and above the top). This type of roof also allows for plenty of room for heating and cooling systems. To provide a perfect substrate for green roofing schemes, apply a strong waterproofing membrane.

You can use your flat roof as a living space with toilets, enclosed kitchens, and living or sleeping areas if space is limited. You could even store extra equipment in the place.

Lastly, you’ll want to deal with a professional commercial roofing contractor to guarantee that your flat roof can securely sustain significant foot traffic without putting you in danger. Commercial buildings require suitable roofing material and skilled artistry to protect inventory, equipment, customers, and staff. So there’s a lot on the line.

FAQs

On flat roofs, how do roofers walk? To climb onto the roof, use a robust extension ladder that extends at least 3 feet above the eaves, and secure the bottom to the foundation and the top to the eaves or fascia to keep it from moving. When dismounting, keep both hands on the ladder.
Is it possible to stand on a flat roof? Unless you have a significant problem with (dry)rot, you’ll be fine structurally. The shingles will also be good if the roof is only ten years old. Just don’t do it on a day when the temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, or you’ll leave marks. Walking on the shingles softly isn’t harmful to a regular person (under 200 pounds).
Is it safe to sit on a roof? Falling is the threat, not your roof collapsing. Unless it’s rotten underneath or something, the top should be able to withstand your weight. However, it is not safe if it sags above 1/8″ under your weight. Also, you can damage the shingles by walking on them or knocking anything with your feet, causing a leak, so be cautious.

Does walking on flat roof damage it?

Although it is not an everyday event, you may need to get up on your flat roofs from time to time. Cleaning garbage, repairing a damaged shingle, and unclogging gutters are all activities that are easier to handle from the top.

If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, you are much less likely to cause harm by walking on it. Shingles are adaptable and can usually withstand people walking on them without too much damage – though you must be careful not to cause granular loss, which can shorten their lifespan. Clay tile roofs, on the other hand, are easy to break. As a result, walking on a tile roof will almost always cause the tiles to crack, which will lead to leaks. Tile roofs are also more difficult and expensive to repair and replace, so be careful not to damage them.

How much weight can a flat roof hold?

Most roofs have a maximum weight capacity. You can get a fair estimate of how much weight your roof can support based on its size and the sort of multiple layers of material it is mainly comprised of. In many places, minimum roof weight capacity criteria have been established. However, there are various situations in which the structural integrity of your roof may be jeopardized. The easiest way to get an exact load capacity is to contact your roofer and have them inspect the current state of your roof to establish its current weight capacity.

Snow accumulation and water ponding are common problems on flat roofs. A flat roof does not have a slope that allows snow or water to fall naturally. As a result, water evaporates, snow melts, and then evaporates, clearing the top of the roof in most circumstances. However, there are instances when too much snow or water can put a substantial strain on the roof. While it may not appear to be much, the weight of water ponds or snow on your flat roof can cause harm.

How sturdy is a flat roof?

Flat roofs are long-lasting; if durability is vital to you, a flat roof is a choice for you. You won’t have to worry about water damage because a flat roof is water-resistant. When you have a flat concrete roof, you have a roofing structure that can withstand strong winds.

Conclusion

Flat roofs are a great aesthetic choice that offers dwellings a distinct shape. In addition, a flat roof can help complement the scenery or cityscape around your home without obstructing the view. When choosing a flat roof solution, homeowners can expect many years of reliable performance by selecting suitable materials, engaging a skilled specialist to build and install the flat roof, and committing to regular inspection and maintenance. We understand this at TCI Manhattan, and we will work hard to give you a reliable flat roof system that will last for years. For additional information about walking on flat roofs or to schedule a roofing inspection, check our site now at ManhattanRoofingnyc.com