Types of Flat Roofs to Consider for Your Building

Many different types of flat roofs can be used for buildings. Some of the most common materials used in making flat roofs include metal, slate, tile, plastic, and wood. Flat roofs can be a great option for buildings because they are weatherproof and often have a lower cost than other types of roofs.

When selecting a flat roof for your building, it is important to consider the type of material that will be used, the cost of installation, and the maintenance required. Flat roofs are becoming more popular because they have many benefits. Some of the benefits of using a flat roof include affordability, energy efficiency, and durability among others.

There are a few types of flat roofs that you should consider when choosing one for your building categorized based on methods and materials of construction and these include the following:

Built-up Roofing; This was originally used mostly for industrial and commercial buildings. The roof structure is built with gravel that is used to cover the flat roof surface, with the binding agent being tar, asphalt, or petroleum. The roofing tar forms between two and three layers, and then gravel is used to fill the tar. Gravel has unbelievable fireproof properties making it a safe roofing option. Thanks to its high-density composition, it’s extremely cheap to place on flat roofs, making it highly cost-effective for residential buildings. One downside of this roof type is the foul stench from the tar. Another major disadvantage of having a gravel roof is that it makes the roof heavy and often develops clogged gutters. This likely leads to drainage problems if proper care and maintenance aren’t done. Furthermore, the source of leaks can be difficult to locate on this type of roof.

Green roofing; This is also called a living roof, vegetative roof, or eco-roof. It is partially or completely covered with greenery or vegetation, which is built with a waterproof membrane beneath it. In addition to the building’s durability, which can last for over 15 years, a green roof additionally serves as an insulator. This cuts energy costs in warm climates, and it also helps maintain the quality of air through filtration. Maintaining the roof of a green roof can be burdensome, especially if you need to conduct regular weed maintenance to prevent invasive plants from infesting the roof and damaging it.

Modified Bitumen System; This type of roof includes a specially coated basement to seal off the roof as opposed to utilizing high-temperature adhesives to the bare basement. There are two distinct types of MBS: Self-adhering programs and Torch-down methods. Self-adhering roofing systems use a waterproof finished basement to deliver a flat surface and low-sloping roof. They’re easy to install, and they won’t occur if you make a mistake during your setup process. Torch-down roofing systems include membranes that are factory-made layers of asphalt reinforced and modified with plastic or rubber material. It seems to be comparable to asphalt roofing, as it contains asphalt as one of its essential elements. It is usually made from two layers or piles, in contrast to the three layers in built-up roofs.

Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM); ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) is a synthetic rubber frequently used with single-ply waterproofing material. It is one of the toughest types of single-ply waterproofing material that can retain its efficacy for as much as 50 years if properly maintained. Modern advances in the evolution of science and technology have helped to make the EPDM flat roof extremely simple to install, so a self-install job can be done. EPDM is a thermosetting polymer that possesses outstanding resistance to changes in temperature and excessive ultraviolet radiation, in addition to its long-wearing durability. A standard black color absorbs heat, which makes it unsuitable for use in warm climates except when different colors are used. The material’s light texture makes it vulnerable to punctures.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Membrane Roofing; PVC is one of the best, most common, and low-cost types of roofing systems on the market. It is remarkably resistant to harsh and corrosive agents including chemicals, fire, wind, and ultraviolet rays in sunlight. It efficiently maintains a comfortable interior temperature due to its reflective surface. The two fundamental simple chemicals used for the production of PVC are sodium chloride and petroleum. Natural chlorine is obtained through the action of sodium chloride on electrolysis. Petroleum is also processed to provide ethylene. However, PVC may become brittle as acrylic softeners are expelled from the embedded pellets. Therefore, a thicker membrane intended to be used with a large reservoir of plasticizers for the life of the membrane is preferable to thin membranes that do not have such a large reservoir. Despite its numerous advantages, PVC is the chemical release of bioaccumulative toxins, which have a significant adverse effect on the environment, released during the manufacturing and destruction of PVC. This poses a major threat to the environment.

In conclusion, many types of flat roofs can be used for a variety of buildings. The main considerations for choosing a roof type include the climate, construction materials, and budget. Ultimately, the best flat roof for your needs will depend on your specific needs and situation.

Read about the different pros and cons of flat roofs that you must know before picking a flat roof type by clicking here.

Also, check out one of our flat roof designs by clicking here.