Flat roofs are common on commercial buildings. A flat roof really isn't completely flat. Instead, these roofs have a minimal slope to help with drainage.
If you are thinking about replacing the roof on your commercial building, it can be beneficial to understand the flat roofing systems available on the market today. Here are three popular types of flat roofs that you should consider for your commercial space.
1. Membrane Roofing
Membrane roofing consists of an insulation board that is covered by several layers of membrane material.
A wide range of materials can be used in these types of flat roofing systems. The most common is a type of plastic known as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). EPDM is a synthetic rubber that is commonly used to create pond liners. A flat membrane roof that is constructed of EPDM will be waterproof and capable of protecting your commercial building against moisture damage.
Installation methods for membrane roofing vary. Some products can be laid loosely over the insulation board and held in place with ballasts. Other products are fastened or glued directly to the insulation board.
Membrane roofing is lightweight and easy to repair.
2. Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing utilizes tar or asphalt and roofing felt to create a protective surface over the top of the insulation board.
The tar or asphalt is layered with the roofing felt to build up the surface of the roof. Specialized gravel is then poured over the top of the built-up layers. This gravel protects the roofing materials against UV damage or impact damage over time.
Commercial property owners like built-up roofing systems because they require very little maintenance. The protective gravel can also provide a sturdy walkway for accessing HVAC equipment housed on a commercial roof.
3. Modified Bitumen Roofing
A modified bitumen roof is a type of hybrid between membrane and built-up roofing.
Instead of multiple layers of tar, asphalt, and roofing felt, a modified bitumen roof features a flexible asphalt-based material. This material comes in large rolls, which allows roofing contractors to customize the size and shape of the roofing materials.
The flexible asphalt-based material is laid over the insulation board in much the same manner as a membrane roof. Once the material has been laid, a mineral coating is applied over the top to provide added protection against the elements.
Modified bitumen roofing tends to be lighter and more affordable than built-up roofing, but offers the same durable protection as membrane roofing.
Contact a local flat roof service to learn more.
Very few roofers would say their job is easy. In fact, many describe the work as downright tough! But that does not mean that roofers do not enjoy or value the work that they do. Many workers get satisfaction from working with their hands, and they really enjoy creating a roof from simple materials. They also like the logistical challenges, such as figuring out how to get shingles up on a tall roof, or how to most safely repair a damage gutter. If you'd like to learn more about roofing as a profession, then you've arrived at the right blog.