When you think of a roof, the first thing you imagine is a sloped gable or hipped structure covered with shingles. With over 50 percent of homes having a gable or hipped, shingle roofing system in the country, it’s not surprising why most people conjure up the same image in their minds. Then again, there are other types of roofing system that you might want to look at if you are contemplating a new construction or renovation.
One type of roof that is less likely to have a special place in your list is the flat roof. In fact, it’s an unpopular choice for homeowners who can’t be bothered to do extra maintenance to keep leak and other roofing problems at bay. Flat roof is certainly hemmed in many prejudice given its weak-looking structure. It might surprise you, though, to learn that this type of roof actually has a fair share of advantages that you won’t find in any other roof type.
What Sets Flat Roofs Apart
Over the years, flat roofs have seen a considerable rise in reception from both the residential and commercial sectors and have since spawned a variety of materials and designs, each as distinct and valuable as the next. There are many different types of flat roofs but whichever type of flat roof you choose, you can experience any of the following perks:
- Affordability
- – A flat roof is way cheaper than any other type of roof, and it’s not difficult to understand why. It has the smallest surface area among all other roof types, which means it also takes fewer materials to construct. It doesn’t even rely on complex truss system for support. The only exception is the concrete slab, which apparently costs even more than some expensive types of roof.
- Accessibility
- – If anything goes wrong with your roof and you need to fix it right away, you can easily go up there and check it out. No fall arrest is needed because you can literally walk on its surface with perfect balance, although using safety gear and equipment should be a no-brainer when working at height.
- Flexibility
- – Because the surface of a flat roof is almost 180 degrees flat, it can be utilized for other purposes, something you cannot do with sloped roof types. For instance, you can place your HVAC system’s compressor on it, especially if you don’t have enough space on the ground. A flat roof is also a better platform for solar panels than a hipped or gable-type roof.
What is the best roofing material for a flat roof?
As previously mentioned, there are different kinds of flat roofs, each of which is made from a different base material. Here are the most common choices you’ll come across with when you start searching for the right flat roof for your own home.
- Bur or Build Up
- – Commonly referred to as “tar and gravel”, this type of flat roof system consists of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics that create a finished membrane. Asphalt, coal tar, and cold-applied adhesive are the most common choices for making bitumen. They are heated and melted in a kettle or tanker and then spread on the surface. The resulting layer is a hard, impervious material that doesn’t require special sealing to prevent leak.
- Modified Bitumen
- – This type of flat roof is exactly what its name suggests—a modified version of a built up roof. Meaning, it consists of similar base materials—bitumen and reinforcing fabrics—but with the addition of modifiers, such as thermoplastic elastomers and thermosetting polymers to increase bitumen’s durability and strength.
- EPDM
- – Also known as rubber roof or rubber membrane roof, EPDM roof is made mainly of recycled tires, sawdust, and slate dust. The result is a durable synthetic material called ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. It is the cheapest of all types of flat roof and therefore the least costly type of roofing around. Despite its low cost, EPDM roof is relatively durable, scratch or scuff resistant, and easy to fix. It is also very light, making it one of the easiest roofing materials to install.
- Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof
- – If you want an option that will yield more bang for your buck, you should look at having a spray polyurethane foam roof instead. This type of flat roof has two main layers—a rigid, closed cell polyurethane foam made of a mixture of isocyanate and polyol sprayed over the substrate and a spray applied elastomeric coating, which serves as surface protection or sealing.
- Thermoplastic membranes PVC or TPO
- – Looking for a smooth, chemically resistant roof surface finish? Then you should opt for thermoplastic membranes for your roof. You can choose between Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), both classified as thermoplastic membrane except they are processed differently.
Due to lack of slope and other features that allow a roof to resist the elements, flat roofs require a more complex process of installation, and that can only be achieved by a qualified roofing company in Chicago like Muller Exteriors. Regardless of the type of flat roof you choose, you have to make sure that it will be made of the highest quality materials and installed by highly experienced roofers.
