There are many kinds of flat roofing to choose from; and if you have a flat roof, you can also take advantage of foam roofing and single ply roofing. roofing contractors can help you to make the decision that suits your needs best.
Flat Roofing
There are different types of flat roofing, and they all have their pros and cons. Here is a quick guide to flat roofing materials – if you are interested in learning more; your roofer can tell you more about them.
- Built Up Roof (BUR) – This is the old fashioned, traditional looking flat roof that has three or more layers of waterproof material sandwiched together with hot tar. The top layer is made up of gravel. Built Up Roofs are fire retardant, but they are very heavy.
- Modified Bitumen – A single ply rolled roof that has a mineral based surface. There are two kinds – peel and stick, or torch-down. The torch-down method is becoming less popular because it is a fire hazard. The light colored mineral surface saves energy.
- Rubber Membrane (EPDM) – There are a few installation choices for rubber membrane flat roofs. They can be glued down or held with fasteners, or they can be ballasted by rocks. They are lightweight, but they absorb heat. Rubber membrane normally comes in black, but it is available with light colored coating that helps to reflect heat – the cost is about 30% higher than the standard black.
Foam Roofing
Foam roofing is a lightweight, durable option for flat roofs. Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing is applied with a spray system, is seamless, and is very durable. It is coated with a hard top coat that can be sprayed or rolled on. It is popular for commercial use and is extremely energy efficient. Even though the top coat can crack, the foam underneath can withstand extreme environmental conditions.
Single Ply Roofing
The term “Single Ply Roofing” applies to some of the flat roofing types mentioned above. Modified Bitumen is one example of Single Ply Roofing, and Rubber Membrane is also a form of single ply roofing when not anchored with stone.
No matter how large or small your flat-roofed building is, there is a solution that is right for you.
Various roofing contractors specialize in different types of roofing, and can help you to decide which will work best for your building – residential or commercial.