Why do We Use Flat Roofing? Some Flat Roof Materials

Flat roofing is an ancient form and was mostly used by the people who lived in an arid climate. But now this is a very common way of roofing. Flat roofing allows the roof space to be used as a living space. Nowadays, flat roofing is very common and you can find it on commercial buildings throughout the world. 

So, flat roofing means a flat surface on the roof, they don’t have any slopes. But flat roofing needs proper maintenance too to keep it leakproof. 

In this article, we will share all the detailed information about why do we use flat roofing? And some flat roof materials. So, stay with us and keep reading;  

Why do we use flat roofing?

Flat roofing is very common now. Many buildings now constructed with flat roofs. Because it has many benefits if you will make your home or any commercial building with flat roofing. 

Flat roofing is a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional sloped roofs. Many builders and homeowners are making their homes and buildings with flat roofs for several reasons. Flat roofs are easy to maintain, generally versatile, and more energy-efficient. 

If you are also thinking about making your space with flat roofing then you can go for it. But there are few things to consider when you choose a flat roof for your homes like weather, materials, and maintenance. 

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Further, we will tell you about the advantages of flat roofing. Have a look:

1. Repairing and construction costs are lower

In search of why do we use flat roofing, the answer is that it’s lower in repairing and construction costs. Because flat roofs take less space and that’s why consume fewer materials comparatively sloped roofs.

The flat roofing technique makes initial construction cost cheaper and its means it will save your money. If anyhow some repairing, it will require then that will also note take so much your money and time. 

But remember one thing, waterproofing is a must for flat roofs. Hence, whenever you build any building with flat roofing do spend some extra money on waterproofing for the roof. 

Otherwise, you will have to spend more money to repair the leakages in the rainy season. 

2. Versatility

Now many people are preferring flat roofing over shingles or a tile roofing system because of its versatilities. 

Many things you can do on flat roofs. Because it provides you with some extra space in the building. Many homeowners making roof gardens on their flat roofs. You can make your kitchen garden there, can grow vegetables and fruits. 

Many beautiful roof gardens concepts are trending now, you can adopt any idea for that as per your choice and requirement. 

Flat roofing is also ideal for roof deck construction. Where you can do a party with your friends and family. Can make a beautiful bar and lounging corner for doing a barbecue or to simply relax. Many roof bar concepts are also available in the market or on the internet. 

You can use a flat roof to add a beautiful addition to your home. If you have a large area on the roof, you can also make a swimming pool too there. And will become your private pool in the home. 

So, you can do many things on flat roofing. Because it will provide you with extra space, use that according to your need. 

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3. Quick installation

Another benefit of choosing flat roofing is that they are quicker to install. You don’t have to wait to move to your new place. And if they require any repairing further, you can do that easily and quickly. Even the re-roofing process is also comparatively quick and painless. 

No need to spend so much time dealing with the roofers, some repairing and installations can be done in a day.  

4. Cheaper material

This is the most obvious advantage of flat roofing. The materials are cheaper because flat roofing doesn’t need much curb appeal. It is totally up to you that how much money you want to spend on your flat roof. 

And the labor cost is also cheap because in installing flat roofs the risk is also lower. These roofs are much easier and quicker to install so you will need less labor for that. 

5. Easy to maintain

Flat roofing is easy to maintain because these are much safer and easier to inspect. You can inspect them by yourself, you don’t need an expert to climb the roof. They are easier to climb to inspect. 

It could be checking the sidings, cleaning gutters, or simply repair any hole, you don’t need any expensive labor for that. Because you don’t have to worry about falling down every minute. 

6. A flat roof can be used for many purposes

This is kind of extra space at your home and this is a very big advantage. You can use that for other purposes. You can keep there, air conditioning units instead of ground. Also, you can think about solar roofing which can be installed on a flat roof. 

Your extra stuff which you can’t keep inside the house, you can make a store there for these kinds of stuff. Or you can also make your gym on a flat roof. 

These are just a few examples to utilize the flat roof. You can do whatever you want there and keep anything to utilize the space of flat roofing. 

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Now we will be going to share the most common categories of flat roof materials, which you can use for your home. 

Materials for Flat roofing 

Single-layer membrane roof

The membrane roof is the latest flat roofing technology. And this is the best choice for commercial constructions. This kind of roof is depending on the materials in a few different varieties, and that’s are:

  • PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
  • Neoprene (polychloroprene)
  • EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)
  • Polymer-modified bitumen
  • Chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated polyethene sheets 

All these membrane types are the most common single-ply membrane roof materials in both uses, residential and commercial. Just tell your roof contractor that you want an EPDM rubber roof for your space. 

These roof materials are installed as thin or thick sheets as per the requirements and applied to the roof in a single layer. These kinds of roofs made of synthetic rubber which’s why they are more flexible and elastic. 

They can handle temperature changes very well and any other impact better than built-up roofs. EPDM and Neoprene roof can fix by adhesive and PVC roof can place by heat or solvent welded. 

Modified Bitumen Roofing

This kind of flat roofing was developed in 1960. And can say that this is a replacement technology for BUR or built-up roofing. Modified bitumen roofing wear layers or cap sheets. 

Bitumen roofing can be installed by using any number of techniques. According to the project’s requirements and material specified. The methods include for installation of the roof are; 

  • Cold applied
  • Hot applied
  • Torch applied
  • Self-adhered

The polymer used in the cap sheet provides elasticity and flexibility to keep the temperature down. SBS cap sheets can be installed by using cold adhesives or hot asphalt tar. And on the other hand, thermoplastic APP sheets can be installed by the torch applied method.

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Built-up roofing

This is the oldest traditional roofing material option for making flat roofs. This is still a popular choice for solving low-pitch roofing problems. This roofing material can handle roof challenges much better than asphalt shingles. 

The installation process of built-up roofs needs a special kind of roofing layer. This layer applied by the roofing experts with a hot mop. Layering made by the coal-tar and hot-applied asphalt and then they blend with bitumen root felt. 

This fine mixture creates a strong and shiny roof. The layering has been repeated until all materials make 2-5 piles of thickness. The built-up roofing is work as a protective shield against the harsh weather and also protect from the UV lights. 

TPO roofing

TPO roofing is considered budget-friendly because it doesn’t require much money. TPO roof coating consists of white coating that allows to reflect heat and keep the surface temperature lower than dark coating roofs. 

TPO coating roof can keep your electricity bill down too. Along with that its surface is laminated, hence no tension of any kind of fungus and algae to grip on it. 

This is a single-ply and lightweight material that performs well on low-slope roofs. And best for flat roofing surfaces. But keep one thing in mind about the TPO roofing that it can become slippery in the rain, snow, or frosty conditions. 

Rubber roofing

A rubber roofing or EPDM roof will last much longer than any other flat roofing option. Because EPDM is a durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane. And it has been made from oil and natural gas mixtures.

It can be installed with liquid adhesive and screws with the help of gravel and stones. 

That was the all information about the flat roofing. I hope you will get all your answers which are related to flat roofing.