Keep the roof over your head in top condition with flat roofing services from Gotcha Covered Contracting! Flat roofs add a modern, stylish touch to homes and commercial buildings but require expert care to ensure long-term durability.
Explore the different types of flat roofing and their benefits below.
Protect your investment with professional flat roofing services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Call Gotcha Covered Contracting at 817-812-2703 to learn more.
Types of Flat Roofing Materials
Unless you already own a flat roof, you may not know that they come in three main types: single-layer membrane, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing. Each option has its own advantages and drawbacks depending on the materials used, but all are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions when properly installed and maintained.
Single-Layer Membrane Roofs
Single-layer membrane roofs represent the latest in flat roof technology. Some of the most common types of single-layer membrane roofs include:
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO)
Neoprene (also known as polychloroprene)
Polymer-modified bitumen (PMB)
Among these, EPDM roofs are the most popular. Despite being only a fraction of an inch thick, synthetic rubber roofs like EPDM offer exceptional flexibility and temperature tolerance, making them highly effective in various weather conditions.
Modified Bitumen Roofs
Modified bitumen roofs, often confused with PMB roofs, were developed in the mid-20th century to address the issues associated with built-up roofs. These roofs come in rolled-up sheets made of bitumen and polymers, which roofers lay over the roof surface. The four main types of modified bitumen roofs include:
Self-adhering: These sheets have a sticky backing that allows them to adhere to the surface without heat or adhesives.
Heat-applied: These sheets are applied using heat to activate the adhesive and bond them to the roof.
Cold-applied: These use adhesives that do not require heat for bonding but still provide a strong seal.
Torch down: This method uses a torch to melt the bitumen and secure the sheets to the roof surface.
Built-Up Roofs
Built-up roofs (BUR) have been a trusted choice for flat roofs for many years. They consist of alternating layers of roofing felt and asphalt, which are applied in multiple stages. During installation, hot asphalt tar is spread over the roofing felt, melting and bonding it to the surface. This process is repeated to build up two or more layers.
Once the layers are built up, granules may be added on top to offer added protection from environmental damage, including UV rays and physical wear. One of the advantages of BUR is that additional layers can be reapplied over time to extend the roof’s life. However, with each additional layer, the roof can become heavier, which could lead to structural concerns after several decades of maintenance.
Benefits of Flat Roofs
Flat roofs offer numerous advantages, particularly for homeowners who are committed to proper maintenance. While they may face unique challenges compared to sloped roofs, they provide excellent protection when cared for. Some key benefits of flat roofs include:
Easy Access
Flat roofs provide easy access for inspections, maintenance, and repairs. This eliminates the hazards associated with working on steeper, pitched roofs, making it safer for contractors and more convenient for homeowners.
Unrivaled Affordability
Flat roofs are often more affordable than pitched roofs due to their smaller surface area and simpler construction, making them a cost-effective choice, particularly for commercial buildings.
Simple Maintenance
Maintaining a flat roof is straightforward. Routine inspections before seasonal changes, such as before the first snow, and periodic sealing or coating every two to four years, are usually all that’s needed to keep it in good condition.
Trouble-free Equipment Installation
Flat roofs make the installation of equipment such as satellite dishes or HVAC units easier. The level surface reduces the risk of shifting during use, providing added stability and reducing the need for costly repairs.
Additional Space
Flat roofs can maximize usable space in your home or business. Unlike slanted ceilings found in pitched roofs, flat roofs offer more vertical space, allowing for better utilization of the top floor without wasted room.
We Are Your Local Flat Roof Repair Experts
At Gotcha Covered Contracting, we frequently receive inquiries from homeowners with pitched roofs curious about flat roofs. They want to know how they work and whether maintaining them is expensive. The truth is, flat roofs are one of the most affordable and reliable roofing systems available.
Simplify your roofing needs with our flat roofing services. Call 817-812-2703 for a free quote in the Dallas Fort Worth area.
