Which roofing material is suitable for a flat roof

1. Which roofing material is suitable for a flat roof? Angels Roofing Accessories

2. Introduction: There are a lot of material options for you to consider for your flat roof beyond the traditional hot-mopped, built-up roofing. Flat roof membranes are used in commercial and residential roofing projects alike. Choosing the right type of material will not only allow you to add value to your building and communicate its unique feel and look but it is also vital for the longevity of your roof’s lifespan. Here is a rundown of some of the most suitable options for flat roofing on the Central Coast.

3. Table of contents 01 02 Modified Bituminous Membrane Roofing Built-Up Roof Membranes (BUR) 03 04 EPDM membrane roofing Polyvinyl Chloride Roofs

4. Built-up roof (BUR) membranes have been reliably used for flat roofs for decades. These roofs use gravel and tar to create waterproof layering over the covering. They are made of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforced fabric sheets. A BUR has multiple plies depending on the climate and the roofing requirement. And although the industry is shifting to single-ply, there is still a market for occasional BUR. Although BUR is one of the most costly roofing options for a residential building, it has considerable advantages. One of them is that it has a proven track record because it has been in use for a very long time. A BUR can last up to 10-15 years if it is well installed and maintained. BUR provides excellent protection against extreme weather conditions, UV rays, and water. However, coal tar and asphalt bitumen products are hazardous to the environment. The installation is a tricky process in itself as the kettles of hot bitumen are a fire hazard and the fumes from the kettle can be smelly and messy. Besides, it is hard to find sources of leaks.

5. Modified Bituminous Membrane Roofing Modified Bitumen roof, often referred to as Polymer-modified roof membrane, is an improvement over BUR. It combines the reinforcing fabric and bitumen binder into a single roll making the installation easier. The roofing material has polymer additives in the bitumen that make the material more flexible, more heat resistant, and stronger. Therefore, it is important to select the appropriate type of roofing in the Central Coast. An advantage of modified bituminous roofs over BUR is that they reinforce the proven effectiveness of BUR while also adding layers for durability and strength. Modified bituminous roofs have a simple installation process and polymer additives used in modified bituminous roofs provide enhanced elasticity at low temperatures; hence, you can expect these roofs to last up to 20 years.

6. When people are talking about rubber roofing, they are referring to EPDM, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber. It is the most common thermoset roof membrane used not only in commercial and medical buildings but in residential building roofing as well.  Usually made of carbon black, these roofs prevent UV degradation. Moreover, not only is EPDM highly durable, giving you on average a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, but the leaks are easy to patch as well. IT has a homeowner-friendly installation as well. The coating is also resistant to extreme weather conditions, scruffs, and tears and the material is relatively lightweight as well.  Nevertheless, as EPDM is originally made from petroleum-based chemicals, there are health and environmental concerns that surround its use; however, it remains a popular roofing system nonetheless as it has an acknowledged history of good performance. Moreover, it is not recommended to use the black EPDM for bedroom and living space roofing in the Central Coast. It is mainly because the dark color is going to absorb the heat instead of reflecting it. EPDM membrane roofing

7. Polyvinyl Chloride Roofs Polyvinyl Chloride, also known as PVC, roofs are a single-ply membrane used in residential and commercial roofing. They are thermoplastic membranes that come in light gray and white colors. Since they are heat resistant, they are a perfect choice for a flat roof over your bedroom and living space, unlike Black EPDM. 60 mils is the most common thickness for a PVC roofing sheet, though they come in a wide range of thickness from 45 mils to 90 mils (1 mil = 0.001 inches).  PVC membranes are resistant to bacterial growth and root penetration so they can be used below an extensively vegetated roof. PVC roofs are waterproof as well. The material provides an excellent option for deformed surfaces, as it has high elasticity and deformation ability. Once installed, you can expect it to last 25 years as long as it has been installed properly.

8. TPO Roofs TPO, Thermoplastic Polyolefin roofs are common thermoplastic roofing membranes. TPO sheets’ white color reflects heat instead of absorbing it, unlike EPDM roofs, making it an ideal material for roofing over bedrooms and living spaces as it will keep the room cooler. The sheets’ thickness ranges from 40 to 100 mils. TPO roofs are widely used for the roofing of complex buildings, in particular: examples include industrial and administrative buildings; hotels, cafes, and restaurants; social purpose buildings like recreation centers, sports facilities, and malls.  TPO roofs are highly elastic, resistant to deformation at below zero temperatures. They provide a barrier against water and include fire-fighting chemical components. If installed properly, they can last up to 10-15 years. Yet, the chemicals in TPO are made from fossil fuels so there are environmental concerns to be considered as well. However, TPO is recyclable and environmentally-friendly and provides better resistance to weathering than PVC roofs. TPO, on the other hand, is also less resistant to chemicals than PVC making it a poor choice for roofing where harsh chemicals are involved.

9. Takeaway EPDM, PVC, and Modified Bitumen are the three most common flat roof membranes as most owners are turning away from asphalt-based products which are hazardous for both environment and health. When choosing material for flat roofing in the Central Coast, consider the following factors: performance in severe weather conditions, cost, and lifespan and maintenance issues. The answers will help you determine the best choice for you. Disclaimer: This is a generic Information & post; content about the services can be changed from time to time as per your requirements and contract. To get the latest and updated information, contact us today or visit our website.

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