Can Hail Damage HVAC?
December 31, 2024
Flat Roof Materials - Advice from the Pros!
Today we decided to share the best types of roofing materials for flat roofs with you so if you were wondering what type of roofing material to choose for your flat roof, you’re in luck! We will be going over all off the main material types for flat roofs, and giving pros and cons for each one, so that you can know the difference like professional roofers do and make the best decision for your home or business.
While there are many different materials out there that could be used for flat roofing, understanding the differences and recognizing what fits your needs will be valuable when trying to decide what’s best.
Here are some of the best flat roofing materials that you could choose from for your next project:
EPDM Roofing
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, commonly referred to as EPDM, is classified as a rubber roofing material and is without a doubt one of the most popular and widely used types of flat roof materials for flat roofs around the world. This is partly because it is incredibly affordable, and partly because it is very durable and long lasting.
This rubber like material is naturally strong, meaning it will be able to withstand a beating from every type of weather you can think of. Additionally, this material is much lighter than standard roofing options and so you won’t have to worry about adding any sort of reinforcement before you start the installation.
On the other hand, EPDM does have its downfalls. The material is naturally dark in color, which means that it has a tendency to absorb much more heat from the sun throughout the day than some of the other available options. This will heat up the interior of your home, forcing you to use significantly more energy, and raising your energy bills. This can be combated however, by applying a white coating on top of the EPDM, but that will be extra material and labor costs to look at.
TPO Roofing
TPO stands for Thermoplastic Polyolefin. TPO is generally white in color. It’s made from a mixture of ethyl propylene and rubbers polypropylene. TPO is similar to PVC roofing in many of the advantages it offers. TPO shapes a perfectly flat, single membrane which, because of its light coloring, is very good at reflecting heat from the sun. This means that energy costs go down and that you will spend less money on your AC bill in the summer months.
PVC Roofing
PVC is another one of the most common flat roof materials used for flat roofing. They have an average lifespan of 30 years, and it is fairly lightweight. PVC roofing membranes are easy to work with and better for the environment. PVC membranes also resist airborne contaminates, mold, and bacteria, and they naturally resist leaks due to the ability to weld the seams. They are a time and money saver in instances where they can be applied over the existing roof, and they are highly reflective too. This means instead of absorbing the suns rays, they reflect them, and this will save energy, reducing electric bills instead of raising them.
The only downfall to PVC membranes is that they cost a little more than some of the other options. PVC material tests out at around 350 pounds per square inch, which makes it one of the toughest roofing materials that you can get. With all the benefits though, the extra money is well spent.
Modified Butumen
Modified bitumen membranes only use a single layer of adhesive roofing material, and with self-adhering options available, they make labor very easy and are ideal for the DIY types. Modified bitumen is generally applied by using a torch to melt down the layers and seal them together, but thanks to technological advancements over the past 30 years, the material can just be stuck down after cleaning the roof’s surface very thoroughly.
Modified bitumen roofs tend to be lighter in color than some of the other roofing materials, again reducing energy bills by reflecting the sun’s rays. Modified Bitumen is the ideal roofing material type for areas that get a lot of storms, hail damage, and high winds because of its resistance to gouges and scratches from falling debris.
Built-Up Roofing ( BUR )
Built Up Roofing, also referred to as BUR roofing, is applied to your roof by applying a waterproof ply sheet that is placed between layers of hot tar. Built-up roofs are made of a mixture of gravel and hot tar, making them heavier than some of the other options. Built-up Roofing meets higher fire ratings, is generally cheaper than other flat roofing materials, and requires less maintenance than the other options as well. It can also take on heavy traffic, so if you have access to your roof, like in commercial buildings, where a door exits onto the roof and people may be going out to smoke, break, etc.. You may want to consider BUR as an option.
One of the only downfalls to BUR roofing is its weight. It’s heavier than other roofing types and could eventually cause strain on the structure in some cases.
Flat Roof Materials - Final Thoughts
In the end, the durability and other advantages like energy savings end up being a deciding factor for many homeowners on what flat roof materials to choose for your project.. If you have any questions, or you are unsure of what flat roof materials to choose for your roof, we believe that it is important to be able to ask a professional any questions you have before making a decision. After all, your life’s investments are worth protecting. If you have questions or concerns, or would like a free inspection and estimate with one of our expert roofers, just click the button below or call us at (651)703-2336
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