Are you looking for information regarding a flat roof?
Chances are, you don’t have a flat roof. Most home’s come standard outfitted with a gable or hip roof. Pitched roofs, where it slopes downward, are designed to help water drain to your gutters.
However, flat roofs are becoming more and more popular with modern engineering.
The flat roof system among residential homes is not as standard in this day and age as it is among commercial buildings, but that does not necessarily mean that flat roof systems are not dynamic.
Chances are you don’t have a clue about flat roofs, and if that describes you, you’re in good luck! Today, we’ll discuss flat roofs to make sure you know all about them!
First, what are Flat Roofs?
A flat roof is a roof type that is almost (low-slope roofs) or completely leveled. Flat roofing systems are commonly designed with a low slope roof, which plays a role in its drainage system, allowing water to run off the roof surface.
Most flat roofs are commonly found on commercial buildings with more foot traffic than in your neighborhood. Flat roof homes contrast with pitched roofs, which tend to be a common theme in residential construction. It is common to see the flat roof design in warmer climates around the world as opposed to cold temperatures, but overall their life span doesn’t quite compare to their counterparts.
When are flat roofs used/pros to a flat roof:
Flat roofs serve its purpose well with its essential role in lowering construction and repair costs because they take up less space and roofing material as compared to a steeply pitched roof you may find in your neighborhood.
Pros include more usable space on the roof’s surface, allowing for additional storage space than other roofing systems. This is why you see them used more often with commercial buildings.
Furthermore, flat roofing is more energy efficient, thus lowering utility and energy costs, because it has the versatility to be transformed into a green roof where gardens can flourish or be designed with recycled materials to give it a mote eco-friendly dynamic. The flat roof design add incredible value to the living spaces of your home!
What flat roof materials are on the marketplace?
EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer
The EPDM – ethylene propylene diene monomer is a type of rubber and other synthetic materials most commonly used on flat roofs. It is a durable, inner tube-like composition with a single-ply membrane to protect against solar radiation. Light material, but highly resistant to wear and tear.
Note: Membrane roofing, designed to protect the interior design of a building, contains several type of roofing materials that comprise of rubber and plastic formulations. Comprises of an insulation layer + flat roofing material.
Built up roof
Built up roofing systems are when multiple layers of asphalt rest on top ply sheets and insulation in their design, making it excellent for waterproofing with ultra-violet protection. The roofing industry has made adjustments overtime to replace the tar from asphalts with fiberglass membranes.
Modified bitumen
Modified bitumen roofing is an alternative to built-up roofing in the sense that tar is not needed with asphalt components. A modified bitumen roof has roof coatings (ex. reflective elastomeric topcoat) that help cover any cracks and reflect the sun’s rays.
How can I install a flat roof on my house?
Flat roof replacement on your house is not easy task and requires extensive background knowledge and expertise in roofing systems. Chances are you’re not an expert on roof replacement. It may sound like a great idea to give your roof a makeover to this caliber, but wait! There is no such thing as a one size fits all approach.
Due your due diligence by contacting your local roofing contractor and/or roofing companies to help assess your situation to see if a flat roof is something that is in the cards for your house. Seeking professional guidance will always save you time, money, and peace of mind on the back end!
Flat Roofs: What’s the Verdict?
The simplicity of flat roofs truly are exciting, and their complexity, not seen by the eye sure are too! While residential and commercial buildings utilize flat roofs in their construction and design, keep in mind that they serve a unique purpose, not a universal one. In other words, what may work for one homeowner or business owner, may not work for you.
Consult a roofing contractor to ensure the flat roofing system matches the needs of your home. Roofs are a science in of itself and no better way of ensuring your home’s structural integrity right off the bat than choosing to seek guidance as opposed to seeking novelty in a do-it-yourself project.
That how we saw it, and see it still. Here are at Top Dog Home Pro, we don’t build new roofs, but we replace asphalt shingles. So if you have a regular roof or a flat roof and you need asphalt shingles, we can help!
What to Look For in A Roofing Company