Run On Flat Roof

However flat roofs are not really flat.

Run on flat roof.

Getting water off a flat roof sounds like a tricky scenario. There s a problem with flat roofs. Flat roof examples see membrane single ply roofs. Flat roof drainage.

To avoid ponding and leaks flat roofs typically have a nominal drainage slope of 2 to 4. With the proper roof slope and drainage installation precipitation is not a problem for buildings with flat roofs. Occasionally a new flat roof will be required to replace an old roof. So most flat roofs have at least a little slope either towards one or more roof edges or towards roof drains.

Particularly with commercial roofs there s more of a chance for them to be flat because that is the most common design. Using a lean to flat roof allows water to run easily away from the building into new gutters which can be connected to existing drainage systems or even new soakaways. Water does not run off of it very easily. While a flat roof appears to be level a minimum slope is required to allow water to drain off.

So flat roofs are really low slope roofs most of the time. The industrial age brought about economical building methods and the prevalence of flat roof construction. It is a simple and cost effective method to use for certain commercial construction buildings like warehouses.