Flat roofs are low-sloped roofs that are often used in commercial buildings. They are quite different from pitched roofs, and they have distinctive features too. If you are considering using a flat roof for your property, you must know the different types of flat roofs so that you can make a good choice.
1. Built-Up Roofs or BUR
Many people often refer to this roof as tar and gravel roof. This is the most common type of flat roof used for construction, and it has been in existence for several decades. It is made out of hot tat, asphalt, and gravel. It is made up of several alternating layers of reinforcing fabric and bitumen.
These kinds of roofs used to be made of tar paper, but with recent advancements, newer materials are being used. It has a few advantages over other forms of flat roofing systems, like being more cost-effective. The fact that gravel is a good fire retardant also makes built-up roofing an excellent choice for a flat roof.
2. Modified bitumen roofing
Modified bitumen roofing was originally developed as an improvement on the built-up roofing. A modified bitumen roof is not so different from a built-up roof. Just like a BUR, it is also composed of rolls of asphalt. The major difference is that a modified bitumen roof is made of two piles or layers, which are the base sheet and the cap sheet.
There are a couple of installation methods for modified bitumen roofing. Some of them are hot-applied, torch applied, cold applied, and self-adhered. Modified bitumen roofing has certain advantages, such as improved elasticity provided by the polymer used in its cap sheet. It is also very adapted to lower temperatures because of its flexibility.
3. PVC membrane
PVC membrane roofs are easy to spot because of their reflective appearance and lightweight. They are usually made up of a scrim (a filament lattice) and a PVC thermoplastic. PVC membrane roofs are used because they are flame resistant, thus posing fewer safety threats to the residents and the environment.
PVC Membrane roofs can be recycled after it has been used. They are also quite durable. Since they have strong seams created by heat welding, they tend to last for about 30 years or more. It is resistant to a lot of chemicals meaning the harsh environment around the roof won’t harm it.
Don’t forget that PVC membrane roofs are also very reflective. Its reflective feature keeps the building cool during the day and reduces the energy demand of the building. This makes it a great choice for commercial building owners who want to save energy costs.
4. Rubber membrane roof
This roof is also sometimes referred to as Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. They are quite durable and easy to maintain or repair. They are similar to PVC membrane roofs in terms of flexibility and the ability to be recycled, but the major difference between rubber membrane roofs and PVC membrane roofs is that rubber membrane roofs are black, and this makes them absorb heat instead of reflecting it.
Conclusion
There are so many types of flat roofs available for construction. These flat roofing options have different features, advantages, and disadvantages. It is advisable that you do your research and finds out what type works best for you. Even after doing your research, if you want to choose the best roofing type for your building, you need advice from a roofing professional. We can help you decide what type of flat roof will be best suited for your home or your business. Feel free to contact us if you have more questions.
