Various Kinds of Flat Roofs and Their Pros/Cons

garage flat roof

Thanks to the increase in innovation, we now have different kinds of flat roofs built with better and more reliable materials to offer homeowners the maximum utility that they require from their roofs. Depending on your region and the size of the your roof, with as low as $250 to $350 you can lay your hands on a 100 square feet of any of the available flat roofs in the market today. This will also guarantee a durability period of 10 to 20 or even 25 years if your roofs are properly installed and also routinely maintained through the years. Choose a professional roofing company such as Deluxe Roofing for your roofing issues.

Modified Bitumen

The modified bitumen is made up a single-ply rolled roof that has this wonderful ice-and-water shield and a mineral-based wear surface.

Pros: the provision of the Peel-and-stick material which can be installed by homeowners makes this roof a top choice for most homeowners. And also the modified bitumen is also a perfect choice for anyone who seeks to drastically cut his energy bills, thanks to its light-colored mineral surface which reflects heats.

Cons: it is prone to fire especially when used in a building with occupants. This is as a result of the torch-down application. It is also prone to tear.

Built-Up Roof (BUR)

You might be wondering what makes up the usual hot-tar-and-gravel roof. The roof is gotten from a combination of waterproof plies usually three or more. This material is mixed with hot tar and smooth river stones which are dressed in layers. In years past, these roofs made of tar paper but with strides in technology and innovations, materials like fiberglass membranes are the major make up of these roofs.

Pros: One of the foremost advantages of the gravel especially to homeowners that knows its value is its superb resistance to fire. Other pros include the beauty it gives to the windows and decks. Being the cheapest of all the flat roofs options certainly makes the gravel an excellent choice to many homeowners.

Cons: The gravel has its own fair share of disadvantages. These include its very heavy nature, the gravel is smelly and often very messy to install. Installation of the gravel in a building with occupants is considered hazardous and unsafe. Another major disadvantage of the gravel is that when it experiences leak, it is usually very difficult to dictate the source.

Rubber Membrane

EPDM which means ethylene propylene diene monomer is the main component of this roof. It is specifically built to absorb the effects of sunlight. And to keep them in place, fasteners and glues are used.

Pros: Leaks can be easily detected and patched, and also the installation process is quite easy. It doesn’t tear unlike the modified bitumen.

Cons: Since it is made of rubber, there is a greater chance that it can get punctured by sharp objects.

Before going for a flat roof, make sure you consider the amount and the choice of materials that is required for the project. Make sure you engage the services of a professional to give you all the necessary recommendation and installation service.

And here’s an informative video on the types of flat roof from Flat Roof Doctor:

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I love to buy a lot of products for the home, and dissect them out. I split them into duds and winners, and share the findings here on my site. As a reader of my site, I'm aiming for your next purchase to be an informed and inspired one.

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