What Is Best Roofing Material For Flat Roof

Factors That Affect The Longevity Of A Flat Roof

The durability of your flat roof will determine the value-for-money you get from it.

We have several climatic factors here in Alberta that other parts of the country dont experience. That will affect your choice of material but there are other important factors to weigh up too.

So, lets go through the main ones:

What Is The Best Flat Roofing Material

In general, all of the commercial flat roofing materials mentioned above are proven to be highly effective roofing solutions. That being said, not all commercial roofing environments are exactly the same. Determining which flat roof material works best ultimately depends on its suitability in a given roofing application.

Ideally, this can and should only be determined on a case-by-case basisbut when it comes to replacing a commercial roof, is there a better alternative? We certainly think so.

The Tips You Need To Find A Great Roofing Contractor For Your Flat Roof Replacement

Now you know the 4 best materials for a flat roof and an idea of how much they cost. After reading this article, you should have an idea of which one is right for you.

But whats next now that you have the information needed to make the right purchasing decision? The next step is to find a great local roofing contractor for your flat roof replacement.

You may think this is the easy part, but the truth is, hiring the right roofing contractor is the most important decision youll make for your roofing project. Because its such a big decision, we wrote another article giving you the 7 tips every homeowner needs to find a great roofing contractor.

Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services in Nashville and surrounding areas. Whether you need repairs or a full roof replacement, we take the time to educate you about every aspect of your project. Once the job is completed, youll have a lifetime warranty on our workmanship to protect your investment.

Check out 7 Tips to Find a Great Roofing Contractor, so you have the ability to make the right hiring decision.

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Tips For Maintaining A Flat Roof

Earlier in this article, we looked at how the material used for construction can influence the lifespan of your flat roof. However, another important aspect that will determine the lifespan of your flat roof is how you look after it. Keep reading as we break down five essential maintenance tips for your flat roof!

Are Rubber Flat Roofs Better Than Felt

In most cases, rubber roofs are considered superior to traditional felt roofs due to the broad range of benefits they offer. EPDM and TPO are two of the most popular types of rubber roofing. Not only are they easy to install, but theyre also among the highest quality materials available for flat roofs. Contact our team of professionals if youre interested in installing or replacing your flat roof.

Learn more about flat roof replacement services by calling Legacy Service at +1 267-961-7088

Posted on Nov 15, 2019 in Roof

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HOW LONG SHOULD A ROOF LAST?ELEMENTS

A lot of elements play a role in maintaining the integrity of the roof, but as a homeowner, the most important components to pay attention to are the underlayment, ventilation, and material.

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Flat Roofs Maximize Interior Space

With pitched roofs, utilizing the interior rooftop space can be awkward with all those slanted walls. On the other hand, flat roofs allow homeowners to capitalize on all interior space without the awkwardness!

From a top-floor living area to an attic with maximized storage potential, flat roofs will allow you to utilize the space below effectively. Not only that, but your rooftop can be used from the outside, too.

Flat Roof Materialswhich Perform Best

Flat roofs are very common. The vast majority of commercial and industrial facilities around the world have a flat roof. So its not surprising to see such an abundance of replacement options out there.

For many property owners and facility managers, a commercial roof replacement is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, so choosing the best flat roof materials for the job is no small task.

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Single Layer Membrane Roof

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. In the past, these roofs were made of tar paper. Now, these types of roofs gradually are using more-advanced materials such as fiberglass membranes.

Single-Ply Membranes sheets can be mechanically fastened, ballasted, or chemically adhered to insulation, creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility. The sheets are made of rubber and other synthetics. This flat roof system contains layers of waterproof membrane consisting of a treated fiberglass basemat tar and gravel to seal the flat roof surface.

The Pros:

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Different Types Of Roofing Materials For Flat Roofs

Flat roofs have only been used for industrial facilities or multi-story residential homes, whereas traditional gable or hip roofs have been used for low-rise structures. However, technological advances and the market for building components have enabled horizontal roofing in individual dwelling development. Property owners can now choose from various materials for their flat roofs.

The most common materials used for flat roofs are:

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How To Make A Flat Roof Last

It is incumbent upon the owner of a flat roof to regularly inspect and maintain the roof. This will make a significant difference in maintaining its integrity and longevity.

A basic inspection is suggested twice a year and after any major rain storms. We recommend consulting a roofing professional who is fully versed in rooftop safety techniques and precautions.

Flat Roof inspection checklist:

• In normal circumstances, wait until 48 hours after a rainfall to clean and inspect the roof. Any water should have evaporated by this time. If it hasnt, thats a sign of a problem with roof drain parts or the drainage system.
• To help see where any water might be collecting, clean any debris from the flat roof surface, including sweeping or gathering fallen leaves or branches and clearing any loose debris or gravel that may block drainage holes.

Flat Roofing Materials Cost Comparison

Now that weve examined the advantages and disadvantages of different materials that you can use to construct your flat roof, youll have a better understanding of the options available to you. Now its time to consider the cost of these options.

Weve broken down the pricing of these materials by the average cost per square foot needed. This will allow you to better estimate how much your chosen roofing material will cost you. Weve ordered them from the cheapest roof materials to the most expensive. Lets take a look!

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Ability To Withstand The Climate Of Your Area

Climate is another factor to consider when deciding on the best roofing material for flat roofs. Flat roofing systems are mostly used in hot and dry areas. Basically, its important that your flat roof is able to withstand the exposure to the sun, rain, high winds, and other severe weather conditions.

Here at Cox Roofing Systems, we install Firestone roofing products that possess exceptional resistance against high winds. Their TPO and EPDM are also guaranteed against hail and punctures.

Cons Of Rubber Membrane Roofs

Shrinkage

While expandable, the rubber does shrink through time. This may lead to insufficient sealing and leaks, which will cost you additional money for repairs and maintenance. If left untreated, it could also cause damage to your other roofing systems, such as the flashing and insulation. Its also harder to patch up compared to other materials like TPO or PVC.

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Its Time To Replace That Old Flat Roof With Much Better Roofing Materials

If youve got lots of water pooling on your flat roof due to warps, rips, and tears in the roofing material or seams, its time for a roof replacement.

To get the best results when replacing your roof, youll need to know what type of material to use and how itll fit into your budget. Well help you figure out what kind of roofing material would be best for your project and provide a cost guide for each. First, let’s consider the unique features of the best flat roofing materials.

Three: Prepare The Tar

Tar must be transported in some manner. Tar may be poured straight from a tar truck’s pipes onto a big job’s roof. A steel bucket is used to transport tar to and from the roof if the area is smaller.

To prevent tar from leaking, fill the bucket 3/4 full and have a helper carry it up the ladder. If you think the bucket is too heavy, don’t transport tar.

When the bucket is being carried, its fluidity causes it to fluctuate, placing you and any onlookers in danger if the bucket tilts or falls.

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Examining Flat Roof Myths What Are The Drawbacks

Flat roofs are hard to replace

Some observers suggest its harder to replace a flat roof than a traditional pitched shingle roof because of the labor required to remove its layers . But now, flat roofs often are constructed with fewer layers because of improved waterproofing technology. This could mean flat roofs may not raise the same red flags they used to among prospective homeowners who may want to replace or remodel the roof once they move in.

Prone to water damage or leakage

Many of the potential problems a flat roof may attract such as water pooling, leakage and resulting rot or damage are due to poor installation or poor maintenance. Pay careful attention to the roof at the construction phase and throughout its lifecycle to help prevent these problems in the first place.

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How Much Will Your New Flat Roof Cost

Too many factors go into the cost of a flat roof replacement or any roof replacement to give you an exact price. However, I can give you a general idea of how much your new flat roof will cost.

A good rule of thumb is to budget between around $14.00-$17.00 per square foot for a smaller membrane flat roof and around $12.00 per square foot on slightly larger projects. Be aware, if you use insulation thats thick enough to insulate the entire structure, it will cost more than just using fabric insulation and gluing the membrane to it.

On the other hand, a 24 gauge steel standing seam metal flat roof will cost around $15.00 per square foot. This number could be more or less depending on the size of your flat roof, the number of penetrations, the roofing contractor you hire, and other factors.

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Which Flat Roof Material Is Right For You

So, which material is right for you and your flat roof replacement? If youre worried about the cost, I recommend going with one of the membrane roof systems.

Remember to consider what room is below the flat roof. If its a living room or bedroom, I recommend either PVC or TPO.

If you have the budget and want more life, a standing seam metal roof is a great option. Youll also get to choose the color you want the Kynar 500 painted finish to be.

All 4 flat roofing materials are great options. The important thing is to choose the material that fits your budget and the look you want.

Advantages Of A Residential Flat Roof

Flat roofing may initially appear to be entirely flat with a wide surface. It may not be too obvious but even if it seems flat, there are slight slopes and pitches to drain or shed water. Flat roofs have unique qualities that make them a great option not only for commercial use but also for your homes. Find out what they can offer by looking into their benefits.

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Resistant To The Elements

We’ve all learned that weather, no matter how harsh, can drastically affect your roof over time. Hail, rain, and wind damage are incredibly widespread and can be hard to prevent, but starting with a solid roof can decrease your chances of getting hit with costly repair charges. Decra roofing is one of the most durable options on the market and lasts considerably longer than most other roof types.

The Pros And Cons Of Decra Metal Roofing

By Macie LaCau

Choosing new materials for your roof can be an experience that provokes a lot of deep thought. While one option may present several pros, it can offer just as many cons. When you’re faced with huge decisions like these, it’s essential to consider the good, bad, and the ugly.

Metal roofing is a popular and long-lasting option for homeowners and businesses, and they aren’t only made for commercial establishments and barns. In fact, a metal roofing option that’s sparked the interest of many homeowners is Decra tile.

If you find the look of a traditional metal roof boring or unattractive, Decra may be the option you’re looking for. This roofing style has affordable and unique options, making it increasingly popular among homeowners. Like every other roof choice, however, it does have positive and potentially negative characteristics.

Here at RoofCrafters, we’ve been installing and replacing metal roofs for three decades. We can provide a wealth of information just for you regarding metal roofing because we’ve been working with it for so long.

This article will discuss every pro and con of Decra metal roofing. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look out for when considering this material for your roof. But first, we’ll quickly go over what Decra metal roofing is. Let’s start!

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What About Homes That Dont Have Attics Or Crawlspaces

Many homes have vaulted ceilings without an attic space. Homes without attics or crawlspaces are surprisingly common, including in low-slope or flat-roof homes. However, just because there is no attic space doesnt mean you dont need ventilation. In these situations, roof ventilation and air circulation are still crucial to keeping your roofing dry and not too hot.

Typically homes that do not have attics or crawlspaces still have rafter cavities. These cavities are where intake and exhaust vents will be installed.

How To Choose The Best Roofing Material For Flat Roof

Have you been putting off the project because you dont know which roofing material for flat roof is the best? Do you have a flat roof that needs to be replaced or repaired?

Choosing the right roofing material is important because a flat roof is more susceptible to leaks than a sloped roof. You need a durable material that will seal well to prevent water from seeping in.

Roofing materials for flat roofs have come a long way in recent years, and there are now many different options to choose from.

In this article, well look at some of the most popular roofing materials for flat roofs, so you can decide which one is right for your home or business.

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Is Tpo More Expensive Than Epdm

TPO roofing membranes are more expensive than EPDM. Regardless of which membrane you choose, it is better to spend more money and invest in a thicker membrane. Both EPDM and TPO roofs perform better and last longer if they are thicker.

Which is better TPO or EPDM?

TPO has better dimensional stability than EPDM. EPDM is more likely to shrink which can cause a variety of problems on your roof.

A Guide To Flat Roof Options

When choosing the right flat roof covering, you need to take a number of considerations into account, including the look you want to achieve, the size of your flat roof, the type of weather itll face, and the amount of labour it will require.

Taking on a flat roof construction, repair, overlay or replacement? Itâs critical that you choose the best flat roof material. Read on to understand the different types of flat roof covering, their advantages, and the various installation methods available

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When To Tar A Roof

If you’re going to use roofing tar, wait until there have been many days of clear skies and no precipitation before applying it. Seventy degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature for working.

The roofing tar may be applied as long as the temperature is above 70 degrees. If the temperature rises, the tar on your roof may begin to seep, resulting in an ugly and troublesome mess.

Why Do Insurance Companies Not Like Flat Roofs

These roofs tend to be a bit more to insure because theyre more vulnerable to high winds, but they can shed water and debris easily. Flat roofs have no pitch or slope and typically arent favored by insurance companies because flat roofs pool water easily.

How often should you check a flat roof?

twice a yearYou should inspect the roof twice a year, whatever your flat roof construction type is.

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