Are you planning to replace your roof any time soon? Maybe you should consider a flat roof. For one, very few materials are required for its construction. So, it’s a great option for someone on a budget. Unlike most roofs, a flat roof is literary usable space. It allows you to create a garden or a patio on top.
What’s more, flat roofs come in attractive designs that can easily upgrade the style of your house. It’s important, however, that you pick your materials and designs carefully when upgrading to flat roofing.
Flat Roof Materials
Generally, these are the most popular flat roofing materials on the market today:
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
Sometimes known as a rubber membrane, EPDM is one of the most low-cost flat roofing materials.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to repair
- Fairly durable
- Recyclable
Cons
- May need expensive coating
- Limited finishes
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is generally a great roofing option due to the following reasons:
- Naturally flame-resistant
- Chemical resistant
- Energy-efficient
- Long-lasting
- Recyclable
- Thermoplastic Polyolefin (PTO)
This roofing material shares a few advantages with PVC. They include:
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to weld
- Easy to install
- Easy to bend
- 100% recyclable
- Modified Bitumen
This option features a single layer of self-adhesive bitumen. It enjoys the following pros:
- Stylish
- Energy-efficient
- Affordable
- DIY installation
Cons
- Fire hazard
- Less resistant to foot traffic
- Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP)
If you are looking for a roofing material that has both glass and plastic properties, you should consider GRP. Though it’s an expensive material, it enjoys these advantages:
- Aesthetic
- lightweight
- Easy to maintain and repair
- Metal
If you are looking for an unquestionable durable flat roofing material, then you should go for metal. Popular options include steel and aluminum. The downside, however, is that metal is expensive.
- Mastic Asphalt
Mastic asphalt is the second most durable flat roofing material after metal. It’s thus great for roofs meant to be walked over.
Flat Rood Designs
Flat roofs are quite versatile. They come in amazing designs and these three are the most popular:
- Built-Up Roofing
This flat roofing design features at least three layers of ply sheets that are ballasted by smooth gravel. The gravel layer gives your roofing strength and durability. It also makes the roofing fire-resistant.
- Single Ply
This roofing design features a single-layered membrane that comes in different thicknesses. The most popular material here is EPDM. However, we have a few homeowners who go for synthetic rubber.
- Liquid Roofing
Often referred to as liquid applied or spray-on, this flat roofing design requires you to apply a spray solution to an existing roof to give it a flat orientation. In essence, you don’t replace your roof but you change the appearance.
Bottom-line
Flat roofs have everything you need in your roof replacement. Whether it’s a trendy design or durable material, there’s something that suits you in the flat roofing market. You just need to take the time to consider your options.