All About The Roofers Daily

Best Options For A Flat Roof Replacement

Aug 16

There are two types of roof coverings available: flat horizontal and pitched. Flat roof coverings were first found in Asia and the South Mediterranean, while pitched ones are now common in northern Europe.

This is because the covering must provide house waterproofing that can withstand the accumulating loads. In sunny southern countries, this problem is less severe. People tend to choose the cheapest way of covering the building. A pitched roof, although more costly to construct, is an option in the north.

FLAT ROOF - Reasons to Choose It

Flat roofs were previously only suitable for multi-story residential buildings or industrial facilities. Traditional gable, mansard or hip types are better suited for low-rise buildings. Horizontal coverings are now possible in housing developments thanks to modern technology and the improvement of the market for building components.

It's easy to add a second or third floor to a cottage or private home. You can also place a resting area, sports room or small greenhouse. This is why flat roofs in omaha ne are becoming more popular. Modern technologies and building materials allow for significant cost savings and long-term reliability.

The advantages of main flat covers include their simplicity and affordability. The cost of installing a pitched roof can be as high as 20-25%, sometimes even 50 per cent, so flat roofing material investments will be determined primarily by the costs of strengthening the roof.

FLAT ROOF MATERIALS BEST

For the whole structure, high-quality waterproofing should be provided by horizontal coverings. These requirements are essential for flat roof materials.

  • Durability
  • Lightweight
  • Protection against chemicals
  • Heat insulation
  • Solar radiation resistance
  • Biostability
  • Fire-resistance
  • Acoustic isolation
  • Lasting quality
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Flexibility in application

Flat coverings are made from a variety of materials that offer reliable house waterproofing and maintain a healthy microclimate. These materials include:

  • For reliable installation, use primers and mastics to ensure joints are sealed and waterproof.
  • Bituminous covering system
  • Drainage system
  • Use PVC membrane to make a waterproofing layer that is durable and reliable

This is why traditional paper, cardboard and bitumen roofing products are inherently inferior to modern ones.

FLAT ROOFS TYPES

  • Single-ply membrane roofing (for instance, EPDM).
  • Modified bitumen coating
  • Built-up roof (BUR).

SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE ROOFING (EPDM)

Polymer membranes are becoming more popular in the decoration and repair of building coverings. It is in high demand in the USA, Canada and Europe. The popularity of membrane roofs can be attributed to their reliability, rich color palette, adaptability to low and high temperatures, durability (up to 40 years) and high reliability.

EPDM is the newest technology. EPDM rubber covering is made from environmentally-friendly recycled rubber materials. Composite flat roof replacement materials, as well as pure EPDMs with rubber bases, are also available. The upper layer is typically rubber, and the lower is flexible bitumen polymer.

ADVANTAGES:

  • It is different from other membranes that have a higher elasticity (around 400%) and a lower cost.
  • The coating can withstand all weather conditions.
  • EPDM roofing lasts 30 to 50 years.

DISADVANTAGES:

  • It absorbs heat rather than reflects it, making it energy-inefficient.
  • It is not environmentally friendly.

 Prices for EPDM rubber coverings range from $4 to $8 per square foot.

PVC MEMBRANES

PVC Membranes, which are flat roofing materials that waterproof effectively, are an innovative waterproofing option. PVC roofs can be single-layered and are made from elastic polyvinyl chloride. It is impervious to hot air welding.

THE MAIN PROS ARE:

  • The PVC building covers are strong and elastic.
  • Membrane coatings offer an excellent option for deformed and rough surfaces because they are highly deformable.
  • All fire safety requirements can be met by PVC membranes.
  • High vapor permeability reduces the risk of condensation moisture stagnation.
  • Lightweight can reduce the main structure's load.
  • The process of covering is simplified by a single-ply membrane.
  • It is possible to repair in any weather condition with ease.

 A PVC membrane can be installed for $7-$11 per square foot.

BUILT-UP ROOF (BUR)

BUR (built-up roof) uses tar & gravel to cover the roofing. This type of roofing material is the most expensive for residential buildings. These are the pros and disadvantages:

PROS:

  • Repair or dismantling is simple.
  • With proper maintenance and repairs, the life span can be between 10 and 15 years
  • There are many types of built-up roofing available for every need: ballast asphalt, cold layers, smooth and ballast asphalt.
  • Superior protection against water, UV rays and other adverse weather conditions
  • Low operating and maintenance expenses throughout the entire lifespan
  • Gravel use increases durability.

CONS:

  • It takes a lot of work to install.
  • Wind and rain can cause severe damage.
  • You may need to remove the entire roof in order to find the cause of the damage.

 Prices range from $5 to $8 for a square foot.

Here you read in detail about the flat roof replacement benefits. If you want to newly install or replace a flat roof, then contact with flat roof repair as they provide high-quality services.