Do Commercial Flat Roofed Buildings Have Joists And Trusses?

In a residential building with a sloped roof, the floors are usually made from joists, and the roof is framed with trusses. In contrast, a commercial flat-roofed building often features a hybrid construction called a "bar joist" - joists that are made like trusses - to support the building’s roof and floors.

A bar joist is a single bent bar that runs in a continuous zigzag pattern between two parallel (upper and lower) chords (horizontal members), creating a lightweight yet strong spanning element. The low-slope outer joists facilitates water drainage, and the zigzag patterned center allows for ductwork, plumbing, and electrical wiring installation.

Can Solar Panels Be Installed on Commercial Flat Roofs in Philadelphia?

Solar panels are common on commercial flat roofs in and around Philadelphia because of their financial and environmental advantages.

Topic: Components and Equipment

Name: Flat Roof Solutions
Address: 3 Frame Avenue, Suite 1010, Malvern, PA, 19355, United States
Telephone: 610-881-6155
Price range: $$$

Drainage Systems Commonly Seen on Commercial Flat Roofs

by Scott Ryle | Feb 18, 2025 | Components and Equipment, Featured

Commercial flat-roofed buildings typically feature a hybrid construction confusingly referred to as a truss or open web joist.

Commercial Flat Roof-Mounted Solar Panel Systems: Questions to Ask

by Jared Van Vranken | Mar 19, 2024 | Components and Equipment, Flat Roof Installations, Planning and Budgeting

While common, there are important questions you should ask before deciding to install a solar panel system on your commercial flat roof.

How Rooftop Equipment Can Affect the Cost of Your Commercial Flat Roof

by Jared Van Vranken | Jun 6, 2023 | Components and Equipment, Planning and Budgeting

Rooftop equipment density and placement impact cost. Installing some or all equipment on the ground may make more sense over the long term.

Expert Advice

Whether you’re a beginner, need advanced information about flat roofing topics, or a refresher, this is where you can learn everything you need to know about commercial and industrial flat roofing.

Search

Our Blog Topics

Contact Us

M - F 7:30 am 4 pm
610-881-6155



Location

Flat Roof Solutions
3 Frame Ave, Suite 101 Malvern, PA 19355

Flat Roof Solutions has been serving the Philadelphia region since 1997. We have completed over 2 million square feet of roofing projects for large and small companies.

Over the years, Flat Roof Solutions has built relationships with top manufacturers of commercial and industrial roofing systems in the United States. We are qualified to install and repair many high-quality systems and are regarded as a top-tier applicator in the mid-Atlantic region.

Insured & Licensed Contractor, PA License # 080285

QUICK LINKS

FREE QUOTE

Topic: Components and Equipment

Drainage Systems Commonly Seen on Commercial Flat Roofs

Commercial Flat Roof-Mounted Solar Panel Systems: Questions to Ask

How Rooftop Equipment Can Affect the Cost of Your Commercial Flat Roof

Expert Advice

Search

Our Blog Topics

How We Can Help

Subscribe

Contact Us

Location

QUICK LINKS

About Us

Services

Gallery

Contact

Blog

Privacy Policy

Pin It on Pinterest