There is a large variety of choice to look through for anyone considering a flat roof. There are also such options as foam roofing or single ply roofing. Roofing contractors are available to help anyone make informed decisions about the best type of roof in any particular circumstance.
Flat Roofing
Flat roofing comes in several different types, each with its own benefits and flaws. Following is a brief explanation of the flat roofing materials available. More detailed information can be acquired from a professional roofer.
- Built Up Roof (BUR) – This is the most traditional of flat roofs, the one that most people are most familiar with. It is made up of three or more layers of waterproof material with hot tar placed between the layers. Gravel comprises the top layer. Built up roofs are highly resistant to fire, but are heavier than other types of flat roofs.
- Modified Bitumen – This is a single ply type of roof that has a mineral-based surface, and it comes in two types – peel and stick, and torch-down. The torch-down method is far less common today than peel and stick, since it has been determined that the torch-down roof is more of a fire hazard. The light-colored mineral-based surface of this type of roof saves energy.
- Rubber Membrane (EPDM) – Rubber membrane roofs have a few available options for installation. They can be held down by rocks, glued down, or stapled down by fasteners. It is a lightweight roof, but it also retains heat. The usual color of a rubber membrane is black, but it can be coated with lighter material to help reflect heat. This coating increase the cost of the roof by about thirty percent.
Foam Roofing
Durable and light, foam roofing is a good choice for a flat roof. This polyurethane foam roofing is sprayed on, so it is seamless, as well as very strong. The foam itself is coated with a hard material that can also be sprayed or simply rolled on. Foam roofing is often used in commercial projects and is popular not only for its durability, but because it saves in energy costs. The top coat is prone to cracking from the elements, but the foam itself is very tough, even in extreme weather.
Single Ply Roofing
Some of the roof types previously mentioned could be termed as single ply, such as modified bitumen and rubber membrane, except when the latter is held down by stones.
There is a flat roof for every type of need, no matter what the size of the roof. Contact a roofing contractor to help determine just which type of flat roof is the best for any particular circumstance.
