After four decades in roofing, one thing has become clear: no two buildings are the same, and no two owners want the same thing from a roof. Some want efficiency, some want looks, and some just want something that can handle Wisconsin winters without complaining. Choosing between flat, sloped, and built-up systems isn’t a matter of flipping a coin—it’s about matching the roof to the building’s purpose, budget, and environment.

The Case for Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are everywhere in the commercial world. Warehouses, factories, shopping centers—you name it, chances are there’s a flat roof on top. The word “flat” is a little misleading, though. No roof is perfectly level, unless someone forgot how gravity works. Flat systems have a slight slope to guide water off the surface.

The biggest perk is space. HVAC units, solar panels, and other equipment sit comfortably up top where they can be serviced easily. Inside, flat designs allow for wide open spans without complicated trusses.

Of course, flat roofs need care. Ponding water is their arch nemesis. Without regular inspections and good drainage, water can sit there like an unwanted houseguest, overstaying its welcome and slowly causing damage. With the right materials—single-ply membranes like EPDM, TPO, or PVC—flat roofs do their job well, but they demand attention.

The Appeal of Sloped Roofs

Sloped roofs aren’t as common on large commercial structures, but they certainly have their place. Offices, small businesses, and mixed-use buildings often go this route. In Wisconsin, where snow likes to pile up and stick around, sloped roofs earn extra credit for sending all that weight sliding off.

Aesthetics play a role, too. A sloped roof adds character to a building and sometimes even blends better with the surrounding neighborhood. Materials can range from asphalt shingles to standing seam metal, giving property owners options that balance function with style.

The trade-off is cost and complexity. Steeper slopes require more planning and labor, but they usually pay off in less maintenance. Water and snow don’t linger, which means fewer headaches down the road.

Built-Up Roofs: The Layered Veteran

Built-up roofing, or BUR, has been around for ages and doesn’t show signs of retiring anytime soon. Think of it as the old reliable workhorse of the roofing world. Layers of asphalt or tar alternate with reinforcing fabrics, and a final topping of gravel gives it toughness.

This design makes BUR systems great for buildings that need frequent rooftop access. Foot traffic doesn’t scare them off, and the layered structure provides backup protection if one layer gets compromised.

The downside is weight. BUR systems are heavy and need buildings strong enough to handle them. Installation takes more time and labor, too. But for durability and resilience, especially in demanding environments, they still hold their own.

Matching the Roof to the Building

Choosing the right system isn’t about picking a favorite child. It’s about looking at the facts:

• Design: Wide spans lean toward flat roofs, while smaller, more decorative buildings often suit sloped systems.
• Climate: Wisconsin snow and rain can overwhelm poor drainage, making sloped roofs a smart choice in many cases. Flat roofs work, but only with proper slope and maintenance.
• Budget: Upfront costs vary, but so do long-term expenses. Skimping early often costs more later.
• Usage: If equipment or people need to be on the roof often, flat or built-up systems make more sense.
• Appearance: Sometimes, looks matter. A sloped roof can give a building more presence, while a flat roof keeps things utilitarian.

In the end, the roof isn’t just covering the building—it’s working with it. A poorly matched system leads to problems faster than most owners expect.

Lessons from Four Decades

Over forty years of roofing teaches a person a thing or two. One lesson: the weather doesn’t care how new or expensive a roof is. Snow, rain, hail, and wind all test a roof’s patience. Another lesson: cutting corners during installation always comes back to haunt someone, usually during the first big storm.

Materials have changed, technology has advanced, but the basics stay the same. Roofs need to keep water out, handle the local climate, and last as long as possible without constant babysitting. Owners who plan carefully and pick the right system from the start end up with fewer surprises and more peace of mind.

Looking Ahead

Roofing will keep evolving. New materials, smarter designs, and energy-efficient systems will keep coming onto the market. But no matter how fancy the technology gets, the big question won’t change: what roof works best for this building, in this climate, with this purpose?

That question has guided projects for decades and will keep guiding them in the years to come. After all, a roof isn’t just part of the building—it’s the part that takes the brunt of the storm so everything inside can keep running.

Closing Thoughts

Flat, sloped, and built-up roofs all have their place in commercial construction. Each has strengths, weaknesses, and quirks that make it right for one project and wrong for another. The key is knowing what the building demands and planning accordingly.

After four decades in the industry, one truth stands out: roofs aren’t just structures—they’re problem solvers. Pick the right one, and it quietly does its job year after year. Pick the wrong one, and it will let everyone know about it. And trust me, when a roof decides to make a point, it doesn’t whisper.