Flat Roofs – How They Work & What to Know!

Have you heard of flat roofs?

One of the most complex parts of your home is your roof, and what’s truly science is your home’s roofing system. We all are well familiar with the quintessential steeper roof, pitched in every way we find in and around our neighborhood and, heck even on our own house!

Chances are you may have seen them on commercial buildings as opposed to a more residential setting and if I asked you to tell me about them, you’d probably draw a blank.

If that’s you, you’re all good, because today we will discuss what you need to know about flat roofs.

What are Flat Roofs?

Flat roofs require a low slope roof (minimum slope of 1/4 inch per horizontal foot) or completely leveled with no roof slope. The types of flat roofs with a low slope, however, serve as a facilitator in the drainage of rainwater on the roof surface for the gutter system. This slope, however is generally invisible to the naked eye.

Residential communities typically don’t sport flat roofing systems; however, flat roofs tend to be more common in countries with warmer climates at a higher rate than pitched roofs. Stateside, they are prevalent on commercial buildings due to increased foot traffic. Flat roofs, despite its simplicity, unfortunately, don’t have a higher life expectancy than its pitched counterparts. It serves a purpose, but not everyone!

➡️ Related: Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles

What are Flat Roofs important?

Flat roofs are important because they help lower construction and maintenance costs and provide ample usable space that can be transformed into a green roof that mitigates environmental concerns, increases energy savings, and gives you additional storage room.

Flat roofs are often a blessing from a compliance standpoint for building codes because they help reach height restrictions on the basis of roof level.

Whether is a low slope roof or completely leveled, flat roof systems installed correctly have more than meets the eye that benefits your home or business!

What flat roofing materials are on the marketplace?

(Epdm) Ethylene propylene diene monomer

The EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber that is the most popular roofing material on the marketplace. It’s known for its strength and its durable. Inner tube-like makeup. It has a single-ply, waterproof membrane that helps against uv radiation and sun’s rays. Light and flexible, but built to last!

Built-up roof (Bur systems)

Built-up roofing systems are set up where multiple layers of asphalt are vertically aligned on top ply sheets and padded insulation to prevent damage from leakages and the sun’s rays.

Built-up roofs nowadays rely on fiberglass membranes in replacement of asphalt (“tar and gravel”) due to environmental concerns, cost, and performance.

Modified bitumen

An alternative to the tar paper BUR systems, modified bitumen take full advantage of roofing coatings to compensate for leakages, cracks, and uv radiation. It is a mixture of asphalt, synthetic rubber/plastic, and every now and then, reinforced with fiberglass for water protection.

How can I install a flat roof on my house?

Any roofing project is a big business that requires extensive knowledge and expertise due to the complexity of the job and the inherent danger risk of immense bodily harm or even death. Contact a local roofing contractor in your area to assess your condition to see if installing a flat roof is necessary.

Always better to be safe then sorry when dealing with the most critical part of your home!

Flat Roofs: What’s the Verdict?

Flat roofs are simple in nature but have a deep complexity to them when you go below the surface level. Daily, they add incredible value to businesses and homes in their ability for it to be transformed to one’s liking.

While flat roofing systems are made differently and can be designed with different roofing materials, kind in mind there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach! Consulting with a roofing contractor to be able to point you in the right direction and provide valuable insight if flat roofing is something in your cards.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be sure that we are able to help in every possible way! In our service to you, going the extra mile is a way of life.