Types Of Roof Membranes For Your Flat Or Low Slope Residential Roof
If you have a screened-in porch with a low slope roof or a flat roof facet anywhere, youre going to need something different than asphalt shingles. Even if you get an entire asphalt roof replacement, that specific low slope area has to have a membrane or metal roof installed over it.
Both are great options, but the commonly used and cheaper option is a membrane roof system. But youll have more than one membrane roofing choice.
Here at Bill Ragan Roofing, we want you to have all the information you need before making a purchasing decision. Thats why were going to break down the types of roof membrane for your flat or low slope roof.
After all that, there’s a checklist that’ll help you find a great roofing contractor for your membrane roof.
Different Types Of Flat Roofs
One of the reasons flat roofs are so popular is that they are an economical roofing option for homes and industrial buildings. Flat roofs also provide usable space to install solar panels, rooftop air conditioning units or verdant rooftop gardens. However, before hiring an experienced flat roof repair and maintenance company, its important that you consider which type of flat roof will be best for your home or business.
Below, youll find information on different types of flat roofs. This will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each flat roofing material so that you can make an informed decision.
Best Flat Roof Materials
Replacing your commercial roof isnt like buying a new blend of coffee for the office you dont make a decision this big on a whim. If youre looking to replace the roof on your business or one of the buildings you manage, you do your research and you find the best flat roof materials for your needs and your budget.
With a marketplace crowded by a ton of options, deciding on the best flat roof materials for your project can be difficult. J. Smucker Contracting can help were a commercial-only roofer that specializes in both roof coatings and total roof replacement.
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Types Of Drainage For Flat Roofing Systems
Unlike sloped roofs, flat roofs cannot slide water down, which causes water to pool during rainy season. Water pooling on the roof for long periods leads to various problems, such as roof leaks, plant growth, and further damage to the buildingâs structure. To avoid such issues and increase the life of your commercial building, it is advisable for commercial building owners to consult their commercial roofing contractors for the appropriate flat roof drainage system. There are three types of flat roof drainage systems available in the market. This blog post looks closely at all three to help you discover the best drainage system for your property.
Garden Or Green Roofing Systems
While not installed very often due to the complexity andhigh expense factorboth initially and over the literal life of the roofgardenroofing systems offer amazing green benefits, especially in urban settings.
These beautiful and eco-friendlyrooftop gardens consist of a multi-layered roofing system that both protectsthe building beneath it and supports living vegetation above. And, while yousurely wont see these being installed on many manufacturing or warehousingfacilities, they are becoming more popular on buildings that househospitality-based enterprises like restaurants and entertainment venues.
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Types Of Roof Membranes For Flat Or Low
Flat roof membranes are used in both residential and commercial roofing projects. In residential, it is used predominantly for large apartment buildings, garage roofs, and small extensions. It is also increasingly used for larger main roofs in single-family housing with modern designs that integrate flat roofs.
Most large commercial projects such as apartments, warehouses, sports facilities, schools, and hotels utilize membrane roofing on flat roofs. Most of these commercial buildings require roof access for mechanical systems or they have occupied roof terraces, making membrane roofs an ideal cost effective solution.
The two most common types of flat roof membranes are EPDM and PVC. While modified bitumen is also still used, most owners are moving away from asphalt based products due to the environmental and health hazards.
Rubber Membrane Flat Roof
This roofing material is a single-ply membrane consisting of rubber. Its either glued down or anchored with fasteners or rocks. If rocks are used to secure the rubber, it will have a similar look to a build up roof. But instead of gravel, the membrane will be held down by much larger stones.
EPDM roofing can come in black or white. Its considered the cheapest of all the roofing options to install as well as to repair. Installation is typically a quick and easy job. Usually, rubber roofing lasts about 25 to 30 years. If you live in a cold climate, its best to go with the white option as the black roofing material can draw in heat and end up costing you in cooling costs.
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Types Of Low Slope/flat Roof Systems
Built-Up Roof
- Multiple layers of roofing felt are mopped in place with hot asphalt or coal-tar pitch to build up a strong watertight membrane.
- Membrane is then surfaced with a coating or gravel imbedded in a pour-coat of more hot bitumen.
- This type of roof has a long history of performance.
- This roof system is not known as a flexible membrane, may have some environmental concerns & at times cost-prohibitive due to crude oil prices.
Single Ply
- Entire membrane roofs are manufactured in factory-controlled conditions that can then be installed as a single ply.
- Thermoplastic membrane roofs are heat welded single-ply membranes.
- Usually white which makes them very heat-reflective and highly-scored Energy Star products.
- Roof seams are very durable since they are welded together.
- These roofs are generally more environmentally friendly in their manufacture, transportation, installation, performance & disposal.
- Thermoplastics are the fastest growing type of low-sloped roofing.
- Proven track record of performance
- Broad range of application methods
- Available as part of a Class A fire-rated roofing system
- With insulation, provides an even better-performing building component
- Wide choice of top-coatings, including Cool Roofing options
- Superior waterproofing characteristics
Green Flat Roof System
Eco-friendly alternatives are all the rage these days even in the roofing world! Green roofs are made from living plants. This unique, up-in-coming option offers an aesthetically pleasing finish and lower energy bill. They can even absorb air pollutants!
In order to install this type of roof, assure you have a pitch of at least ¼ inch per foot of run and a structurally sound roof. Also note that there must be either a rubber or plastic base material as well as insulation below your green roof.
Once youre certain your rooftop can accommodate living plants, you can put the plants in place using planting trays or by creating a landscape directly atop the roofing material. Popular plant options include succulents, grassess, and other short vegetation. Also keep in mind seeds from invasive plants might find their way onto your roof so regular weeding is encouraged.
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What Is A Pyramid Roof
As you might guess, this is a type of roof that is shaped like a pyramid.
A type of hip roof with no gables or vertical sides, pyramid roofs are usually used for smaller homes like cabins and bungalows, or sheds, garages, or other outbuildings.
Pyramid roofs are popular in hurricane or windstorm prone areas, since they are extremely wind resistant.
They also provide good ventilation and extra storage or attic space, or the interior can be left open for a high ceiling.
The overhanging eaves of a pyramid roof help to improve energy efficiency as well.
Note that pyramid roofs may be costlier to construct and maintain due to the complexity of the roof design, but they do provide the aforementioned advantages.
They can be crafted from nearly any common roofing material including asphalt shingles, composite shingles, metal shingles, slate, clay or concrete tiles, or wooden shingles or shakes.
What Is A Membrane Roof
Membrane Roofing is a roof system that creates a continuous watertight covering to protect the interior of a building. Membrane roofs are predominately used as a flat roofing system since they are watertight, which is critical where water is not shed immediately. They can also be used on very low pitched roofs where shingled, slate, or tiled roofing would not perform.
A variety of materials can be used to construct membrane roofs, for example synthetic rubber, thermoplastic , liquid polyurethane, or modified bitumen can all be used. However, the essentials of a membrane roof include weatherproofing components, reinforcement, and surfacing. Sometimes a single material performs multiple essential tasks.
Below the main roofing layers are the substructure , insulation, plywood, underlays, vapor barriers, etc.
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What Are Hip Roofs Their Pros And Cons Variations And How To Build Them
Replacing your roof is one of the biggest home improvement projects youre ever likely to do, so youll want to ensure you get it right. When deciding on the wood framing of the new roof, a hip roof style is the most popular choice because of its modern and highly durable design.
If youre not familiar with this type of roof, let me explain all about its characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks, styles, as well as how you can build one for your home.
In This Article
Joists Rafters And Trusses Part 1
In todays Professional Roofers blog, we have chosen to go beneath the shingles a little to discuss some important structural terms that relate to your roof, but that you certainly wont see on the outside of your home: roof joists, ceiling joists, rafters, and trusses. Depending on the style and slope of your home roof, you will likely have one or two of these structural elements integrated into your house. These structural components are all a little bit different, which we will explain in more detail soon, and yet they all share the same jobs: carrying the live and dead loads of your roof, supporting the walls of your home, preventing the walls of your home from spreading or racking , and creating a space for ventilation and insulation. In other words, theyre incredibly important and completely necessary for any modern house.
Now, its likely that you will be able to guess what roof planks are called when they have a steeper slope than 2 in 12 however, we are going to keep you hanging a little since well be discussing that topic in our next blog! Join us next time when we discuss what trusses and rafters are and some of the important differences between the two.
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How Do I Keep My Roof Drains Clean
With the roof clear of leaves, you can begin cleaning the roof drains. Using the hose, run water through each one to make sure its draining easily and freely. Use the brush to remove any light debris that might be stuck to the side. Finish by flushing out once more with water and repeat for every drain on the roof.
Modified Bitumen Flat Roofing
Modified bitumen is rolled out onto your roof, typically using a blowtorch to secure the modified bitumen to your flat roof. Understandably, there are dangers involved with the installationespecially with an inexperienced roof installer. There are new and safer ways to install modified bitumen, so make sure to talk with your contractor about other methods of installation.
Despite the possible dangers during installation, modified bitumen is easy and quick to install, and it also reflects heat well. Its also an affordable choice, costing between $3 and $6 per square foot. Regardless, if your concerns over the installation dangers outweigh the benefits, talk to your contractor about your option for a safer roof.
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What Product Is Used For Flat Roofing And Why
by acuraroofingaustin | Feb 22, 2018 | Blog
Flat roofs are roofs with hardly any or no pitch. They are common on commercial buildings and some residential homes. Leaks are a common problem when it comes to flat roofs because water has nowhere to drain. Weight is another concern with a flat roof, the way a flat roof is constructed makes weight disbursement a challenge. Today there are three materials used in flat roofing. At Acura Roofing we only use modified bitumen for flat roof applications and we generally prefer self-adhesive over torch down when possible.
Advantages Of Membrane Roof
- Enhanced value for money: While this option can be a little affordable, it will last for long enough to offer you value for money. Besides its durability, it is waterproof, protecting you from leaks.
- Eco-Friendliness: The material used on this membrane roofing is PVC, which is easy to recycle and reuse. It can comfortably reflect UV rays, keeping your houses temperature in check.
- Robustness: This choice is considerably sturdy and able to withstand extreme abuse. The material is less resistant to rust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures too. That means you can use it regardless of the prevailing weather conditions.
- Versatility: This membrane is versatile, as you can use it anywhere. In addition, you can install it without too much hassle, whether you want to use screws or adhesive glue.
- Maintenance: As long as you want an easy-to-maintain roof, this option will suffice. There is no extra skill required to keep the roof in great condition.
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Benefits Of A Flat Roof
Flat roofing offers a few perks that the commercial building owner could greatly benefit from.
First off, the cost of flat roofing is significantly more affordable compared to a traditional sloped roof. This is mainly due to the fact that the materials are generally cheaper. Theres also less risk and labor involved in the installation process for the contractor. Additionally, theyre less costly down the line as repair complications dont tend to crop up as quickly as in a sloped roof.
Another benefit of flat roofing is the potential for added usable space. If you have easy access to the roof, you can turn the space into an outdoor space or lounge. You might consider creating a patio or perhaps even a garden. Multi-family properties are the most common places to get creative with these types of roofs.
Another upside to flat roofing is the quick installation time. There is no need to reschedule your whole life around a roof replacement. Flat roofing usually takes no more than two days. But do keep in mind that this will vary depending on the roofing material you choose and the overall size of the roof.
A final benefit of flat roofing is straightforward, easy maintenance. As we touched on, flat roofs dont need repairs often. And when they do, it typically wont be too much of a headache to take care of. Their flat surface lends well to frequent inspections so you can get on top of problems promptly.
Heidler Can Help You Install Your Ideal Commercial Roofing System
So, how do you find the best possible flat roofing material thatticks all the boxes on your list of must-haves? The surest answer is to workwith an experiencedcommercial roofing contractor who takes the time to listen to your needsand collaborate with you.
Here at Heidler Roofing, we are that contractor for businesscustomers of all sizes throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We take the time tolearn about your concerns, what your business does or makes, your buildingsconstruction, andmaybe most importantlyyour budget to offer recommendations forroofing were proud to install. We also provide comprehensivepreventative maintenance plans for all types of commercial roofing systems,whether we originally installed the roof or not.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your free initialroof inspection, and discover how our skilled craftsmen and legendaryservice make all the difference for your roof and your business.
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What Is A Hip Roof
Hip roofs or hipped roofs are perhaps the second most common type of roof after gable roofs.
What is the difference between a hip vs gable roof?
Hip roofs are composed of slopes on four sides that come together to make a ridge at the top, while gabled roofs have two sides.
This variance makes hip roofs even more ideal for snowy and icy areas, since the slopes allow precipitation to run off the roof easily.
Hip roofs are also considered to be more stable than gable roofs due to the inward pitch on all four sides coming together.
Hip roofs also provide more shade than gable roofs since there is an overhanging eave on all four sides.
Hip roofs often include design elements like front gables to highlight a porch or entryway, or dormers or crows nests to add extra storage or living space underneath the roof.
They can be crafted from most standard roofing materials like asphalt shingles, standing seam metal or metal tiles, or clay or concrete tiles.
While hip-style roofs tend to be more expensive than gable roofs due to their more complicated design, they are still fairly common due to their versatility and durability.
After all, hip roof framing and overall builds require more materials and more expertise to construct, but you do end up with more stability and storage and living space underneath the roof.
And of course, regular care, inspections, and maintenance are required to keep your hip roof in the best possible condition.
Different Types Of Flat Roof Material Options
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The flexibility of a flat roof offers certain benefits, but flat roofs do have a bit of reputation for leaks and repairs. The good news is that there are material options for your flat roof beyond traditional hot-mopped, built-up roofing that will increase the reliability of the flat roof.
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