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TYPES OF FLAT ROOFING
Most flat roofs look fairly similar when you’re standing on them. They’re a flat, smooth surface typically in black or aluminum coating. However, although they look similar, there is a whole lot of difference between the various types of flat roofing in performance, longevity, ease of repair and cost. If you’re looking into flat roofing, you may want to first familiarize yourself with the basic kinds of flat roofs and their basic advantages and disadvantages.
Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing is kind of what it sounds like, three or more built-up layers of gravel and tar. This is the oldest kind of flat roof that roofers still commonly install, and it is also typically the cheapest option upfront.
While built-up roofing is good for long-term fire prevention and can look pretty, there are reasons that newer roofing types have stolen the show. There are many disadvantages to BUR, especially during installation. It requires hot mops and kettles to install, which can be a safety risk. These roofs are also heavy, which means any building nearing its weight capacity may not be able to handle BUR.
The traditional hot-tar-and-gravel roof is built from three or more plies of waterproof material alternated with hot tar and ballasted by a layer of smooth river stone. Once made of tar paper, these types of roofs gradually are using more-advanced materials such as fiberglass membranes.
Pros
Gravel is an excellent fire retardant.
Attractive for windows and decks that overlook the roof.
It’s the cheapest of the four roof varieties.
Cons
Very heavy.
Joists sometimes have to be strengthened.
Smelly and messy to install.
Installation is not recommended for occupied homes.
It’s not a DIY installation job, and it is hard to find the source of leaks.
Gravel can clog gutters and scuppers.
Rubber and Other Membranes
As an alternative to BUR, there are several kinds of single-ply membranes. Instead of applying the roof in three or more layers, these roofs are laid down in two or fewer sheets. One kind, rubber membrane roofs, are called EPDM for ethylene propylene diene monomer. It is a single-ply membrane material that your roofers can roll and stick right onto the roof like a highly engineered sticker. EPDM can also be treated with a reflective white coating that helps reflect heat and reduce the energy cost of the whole building. Other single-ply membrane roofing types include TPO, thermoplastic polyolefin. This is a less expensive option than EPDM, but it is also less robust.
EPDM (short for ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a true rubber. The durable single-ply membrane material resembles an inner tube, but it’s engineered to resist damage from sunlight. EPDM can be mechanically anchored with fasteners, ballasted with stone, or glued.
Pros
Homeowner-friendly installation.
The material’s relatively light yet highly resistant to scuffs and tears.
Leaks are easy to patch.
Cons
The standard black material absorbs heat, and light-colored coatings (recommended in warm climates) add 30% or more to the cost. Even the black version, though, costs more than BUR or modified bitumen.
It’s also more vulnerable to punctures than other choices.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is essentially an asphalt product mixed with modifiers to make it more flexible. Modified bitumen can be turned into very large sheets like long carpets that your roofs can roll onto the roof. However, instead of having an adhesive like the other single-ply membranes we spoke about above, modified bitumen roods have to be applied with flame. This is why they are called “torch-down” roofing because roofers need to heat them up with torches as they lay them down. Torch-down roofs have some safety concerns similar to those presented by BUR roofing as their application involves open flame.
A single-ply rolled roof similar to ice-and-water shield, but impregnated with a mineral-based wear surface. Torch-down systems involve heating the adhesive as the material is unrolled. Newer peel-and-stick systems are safer and easier.
Pros
Peel-and-stick material can be installed by homeowners.
Its light-colored mineral surface reflects heat and cuts energy bills.
Its price is in the middle of the pack.
Cons
Torch-down application is a fire hazard, and not recommended for occupied buildings.
It’s not as scuff- or tear-resistant as rubber-membrane roofs (see the next item).
Metal Flat Seam Roofing
These aren’t like the metal roofs that you spot on residential buildings. Instead, they are flatter metal sheets with flattened seams that can resist water penetration. They may be steel, aluminum or copper.
No flat roof is actually entirely “flat.” In order to create positive water drainage, they all need some kind of slope. Metal flat seam roofing needs more of a slope than the other options, and it won’t be suitable for all commercial flat roof applications.
Conclusion
Flat roofs are becoming increasingly popular. Not only are flat roofs considered the modern standard for rooftops, but they boast plenty of other advantages. In this article, we looked at the benefits of these contemporary rooftops, the best materials for constructing them, and tips to maximize the lifespan of your flat roof.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM