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A flat roof may be a fairly new residential option compared with a more traditional sloped roof, but that doesn’t mean you should rule it out for your home. Whether it’s for a brand new home or just a roof replacement, you can’t go wrong with a flat roof. What makes the flat roof such a viable option, when back in the day it was considered exclusively for commercial use? What are the things you should expect in case you decide to have one installed in your home? We take a look at the benefits to be had from a flat roof, as well as some popular flat roofing options.
PART I: HOW IS A FLAT ROOF BETTER THAN A SLOPED ROOF?
When it comes to residential roofing, sloped roofs are the go-to option. However, residential flat roofing can be better in many ways, making flat roofing a much more attractive option for some people. Here are just some of the things you can do with a flat roof that you can’t do with your average sloped roof. 1. MAXIMIZE UPSTAIRS SPACE A flat roof has no steep slopes, so the ceiling-to-floor height directly below it is uniform.The area underneath a sloped roof, in comparison, gradually gets smaller the closer you get to the edge of the roof. This means you get more attic/upper room space with a flat roof.
2. ADD CREATIVE INSULATION Flat roofs provide you with plenty of options when it comes to creative ways to make the home more comfortable and livable. For instance, you could reinforce the roof and add a layer of soil on top, giving you an area to grow a small garden. This will also give better insulation and an eco-friendly alternative to simply having reflective roof surfaces.
PART I: HOW IS A FLAT ROOF BETTER THAN A SLOPED ROOF?
3. ADD A ROOF DECK Flat roofs require very little modification to accommodate a roof deck. Turn part of your roof into a barbecue spot or into a space where you can lounge around and enjoy the view. 4. MINIMIZE LOOKS FOR A MODERN FEEL Flat roofs give the home a minimalistic look, which highly favors recent trends in home design that tend to favor simple aesthetics. Less is more when it comes to having a modern-themed home, and the flat roof is a good example of that design philosophy.
Having a flat roof is good, but exactly what kind of flat roof should you install in your home? Find out about popular flat roof materials in part 2.
PART 2: PICKING YOUR FLAT ROOF
A flat roof can be made of almost any kind of roofing material, but three options stand out: built-up roof, modified bitumen, and rubber membrane. What exactly are these materials and what makes them more popular than others? BUILT-UP ROOF (BUR) A built-up roof is a type of flat roof that consists of multiple layers of waterproofed material such as tar paper or fiberglass mats. Thin layers of stone, gravel, or small grains are placed between each material layer to keep them in place and to provide better weather resistance. A built-up roof’s greatest advantage is its cost-efficiency. Aside from being one of the most affordable roofing options, a built-up roof offers great fire resistance. This type of flat roofing also offers great thermal resistance, making it a cool option for homes in warmer areas. MODIFIED BITUMEN A modified bitumen flat roof is made of a single-ply roof layer with a mineral-based surface. The bottom part of the material has an adhesive surface, which can be activated by heating with a blowtorch. Newer versions have a protective layer covering the adhesive side that can be peeled off before installation.
PART 2: PICKING YOUR FLAT ROOF
RUBBER MEMBRANE A rubber membrane roof features a continuous stretch of durable rubber material which is secured in place by staples, adhesives, or ballasted in place. The rubber used for this kind of roofing is similar to the stuff found in tire tubes, and is very durable.
Aside from being damage-resistant, a rubber membrane roof can easily be repaired by patching over punctures or scratches. This type of roofing material may seem to be more expensive than the previous two options, but rubber membrane roofs are also more durable than either. Do you know what it takes to keep a flat roof in good condition? Check out these maintenance tips as we reach the last part of this blog series.
PART 3: TAKING CARE OF YOUR FLAT ROOF - WHAT TO EXPECT
Getting a flat roof installed is one thing, keeping it in good shape is another. While a flat roof is a solid roofing option, you need to be aware of certain maintenance tips if you want to keep it in good condition. The first thing you need to keep in mind is that your flat roof’s greatest enemy is water. Because it’s almost completely horizontal (flat roofs are actually sloped at a very low angle), it doesn’t shed rainwater or snowmelt as easily as a sloped roof. Flat roofs usually have drains on the corners to help avoid this problem, but it’s still better to have it checked for signs of pooling on a regular basis.
While it requires more frequent maintenance, a flat roof is still easier to inspect and maintain because it’s easier to get to problem spots (you don’t have to worry about slipping or falling off ). Furthermore, it usually costs less to repair a flat roof than a sloped one. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful when walking on flat roofs. If you’re not careful, walking or setting sharp objects on the surface may cause tears or punctures, especially on flat roofs with thinner surfaces.
PART 3: TAKING CARE OF YOUR FLAT ROOF - WHAT TO EXPECT
Debris falling on a flat roof can stay there for days, making it more likely to clog its drains and cause problems the next time it rains. This is especially true during autumn, where piles of leaves can quickly accumulate. You can minimize this by cutting down overhanging branches. If you see large cracks or splits on the surface, you need to get in touch with a professional ASAP. Otherwise, water can easily seep through those cracks and cause damage to other parts of the roof and whatever’s below it.
Is your home ready for a flat roof? Get in touch with a roofing expert ASAP to know more about your flat roofing options.
Earl Johnston Roofing 5721 Dewey Street Hollywood, FL 33023 (954) 989-7794 johnstonroofing.com