How do you define a flat roof? A flat roof is a roof that isn’t sloped and doesn’t have any gables. It’s essentially one large, flat surface.
Typically, flat roofs have a slope of 1-10 degrees. This allows water and debris to run off the roof and helps prevent leaks.
For a long time, flat roofs were seen as inferior to sloped roofs. But in recent years, flat roofs have been gaining in popularity due to their many benefits!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss flat roofing and what flat roofs can bring to your home or business.
Types of Flat Roofs
There are many flat roofing styles. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular flat roofs and what benefits they offer:
Modified Bitumen Roofs
This flat roofing style is made of a base layer and an upper waterproof, protective membrane. The base material can be bitumen (made from asphalt) or polymer modified-bitumen (PMMs). Bituminous flat roofs are cheaper than PMM flat roofs, but they’re more likely to experience leaks.
There’ are also “warm” modification methods that use heat as the only curing process. These tend to be very cost-efficient for contractors because there aren’t special requirements such as ventilation. However, if it does not have proper insulation, then the warm method may cause energy loss in the winter months due to ice dams.
Built-Up Roof (BUR)
A BUR flat roof consists of a base layer (tar paper or asphalt felt), layers of gravel and tar, and another layer of asphalt.
It’s very common on commercial flat roofs because it offers good protection from leaks due to punctures. However, their weight makes them more difficult to install than lighter flat roofs, such as single-ply membrane systems.
Gravel is also heavy, which means that the life cycle for this type of flat roof is shorter than other types.
Single Ply Membrane Roofs
Single-ply flat roofs are becoming more popular because they’re lightweight and offer many benefits.
They can be installed in all weather conditions, which is great for flat roofing installations during the winter or rainy seasons. You don’t have to wait until it’s dry outside before installing single-ply flat roofs.
In addition, these flat roofs help with energy conservation by stopping condensation from forming on the insulation underneath them. This means fewer air leaks and no ice dams compared to other types of flat roofing.
Although this style doesn’t offer much protection against punctures, as BUR roofs do, their lightweight makes them easier to work around than heavyweight options.
Pros of Flat Roofing?
Now you know a little more about flat roofing. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should install one:
They’re Quieter Than Sloped Roofs
If you’re looking for a quieter roof, flat roofs are the way to go. Since there aren’t any slopes or eaves, rain and wind won’t create the same noise as they would with sloped roofs.
This is especially beneficial if your home or office is in a busy area where noise pollution is an issue.
Better Aesthetics
One of the reasons flat roofs are becoming more popular is because they provide a clean, finished look to your home or business.
Without eaves and other slopes on flat roofs, there aren’t any areas for mosses, mold, dirt buildup, etc., to build up over time. This means that flat roofing will keep your building looking its best longer.
Depending on what flat roof you install, it can also be completely hidden from view by using parapet walls around the edge of your flat roof area. This gives you even more visual appeal if aesthetics are an important factor when considering flat roof replacement or installation in general.
They’re More Energy Efficient
If you want to install a flat roof to increase your building’s energy efficiency, you’ll be happy to know that most flat roofs do just that!
Single-ply membranes and BUR flat roofs are two of the best flat roofing styles for insulation. They have fewer air leaks and help stop condensation from forming on the insulation below them. In cold climates, this can mean significant savings on your energy bill each month.
In addition, many flat roofs come with reflective surfaces that bounce heat back into your building instead of allowing it to escape. By keeping the heat inside, you’ll be able to reduce your reliance on heating systems, which will save even more money.
They’re Cost-Effective
Although roof replacement or installation can be expensive, flat roofing costs less than sloped roofing. If you have a tight budget and limited funds to work with for your roof replacement project, a flat roof may be the best option for you.
Keep in mind that the life cycle of a flat roof is shorter than other roofing types, so you’ll need to budget for replacement or repairs more often. However, compared to sloped roofs, the cost of maintaining and repairing a flat roof is usually much lower.
Easier Inspection and Maintenance
Since flat roofs are generally easier to inspect and maintain than sloped roofs, this can be a major plus if you’re not comfortable climbing on top of your roof.
Many flat roofing systems come with walkways or access hatches that make it easy for a roofing contractor to get up onto the roof without having to climb up ladders. This also makes it simpler to perform repairs or replacements when needed.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of flat roofing.
Consider a Flat Roof When Getting a New Roof?
Now that you know all about flat roofing, it’s time for you to decide if this is the right type of roofing for your office renovations or home renovations.
Remember that each building has different needs, so be sure to consult with professional roofing services before making your final decision. With the many benefits of flat roofing, it’s definitely worth considering.
For more information about roofing systems, keep reading our blog posts.
