FLAT ROOF SYSTEM – SLOPES, TYPES, COST ESTIMATE AND BENEFITS
A flat roof system is a complete solution for the ultimate protection of a residential or commercial building. Various flat roofing options are available which can be used after a thorough discussion with an expert contractor. The concept and mechanism of building a flat roof are quite different from steep roofing systems. In the former type of roofing entirely different types of materials, installation methods, drainage system, and engineering are applied.
Slopes In Flat Roof
Though it is called “flat”, normally flat roofs are not completely flat. The main purpose of a roof is to drain out the water as fast as possible, so a slight sloping is necessary. The elevation is determined depending on the structure of the building and few other variable factors.
Types Of Flat Roofing Systems
Various types of flat roofing systems are in use these days. Everything depends on the types of building on which the roofing is to be applied, weather condition of the area, and budget of the building owner. Flat roofing cost estimate can be best done with the help of an experienced contractor. Some of the most popular flat roof systems for commercial buildings and residential houses are as follows:
Build Up Roofing (BUR)
These systems are mostly built with the alternating layers of bitumen and supporting materials called ply sheets that create a complete membrane. In a BUR roofing asphalt and cold tar in molten condition is used.
Roofing Single Ply Membranes
There are two types of sheet membranes in use: thermoset and thermoplastic. EDPM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a thermoset rubber-like membrane which is mostly used in the low slope flat roofing systems. It is available in factory made specifications and easy to install. On the other hand, TPO and PVC are specially prepared thermoplastic having widespread use as low-cost roofing materials. For commercial flat roofing in Arizona , the roofing experts advise to use thermoplastics as the best roofing solution.
Polymer Modified Bitumen
These roofing materials have an extreme demand in residential flat roofing Phoenix. They provide higher resistance againstrutting, thermal cracking, aging, and stripping. Experts opine that polymer modified bitumen roofing helps in reducing maintenance cost significantly.
Benefits Of Flat Roofs
Among different roofing systems available, flat roof systems cost comparatively less and these are comparatively easier to install. Some common functions of flat roofing systems are as follows:
- Flat roofs last longer than any other roofing systems
- The roof space can be effectively used for any other purpose, like erecting another floor or any temporary structure later
- These roofs require fewer repairs and repairing cost is lesser than other types of roofs
- They are more resistive to heat, noise, and fire
People should go for a thorough flat roof systems comparison before adopting the best one as per their need, and budget. It is also necessary to look for the most experienced flat roof systems residential or commercial contractors who will be able to provide raw materials at reasonable cost, dynamic installation facility, and just-in-time repair and maintenance service later.