When working on a new flat roof or repairing an existing one, using the best roofing material for a flat roof is ideal. So, it would help if you considered factors such as the roof’s overall look, the size of your flat roof, and the type of weather it will face.
Various flat roof materials have been around for a long time. But in recent times, roofing technology has grown. That has made property owners demand more energy-efficient and cheap flat roofing systems. So, how can you find the best material for a flat roof?
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Roofing for a Flat Roof
Choosing the best roofing material for a flat roof can be tricky when you have to do it yourself. But with the help of a reliable roofing expert like Roof Master & Construction, you can quickly find the roofing material that works best for your flat roof.
To identify the best flat covering, consider the following factors.
1. Overall Cost
Your budget sets the tone from the beginning when roofing your building. What you have at hand defines what to spend. This makes you see which roofing materials are the best or not. However, expensive materials don’t mean they are necessarily the best.
2. Native Weather
Extreme local climate determines how strong and heat resistant your roofing for a flat roof ought to be. However, different roofing materials work better in particular climates. Ensure to discuss your options with your roof installer to get the ideal fit for your house.
3. Preservation Necessities
Consider the time and effort you are willing to spend on maintaining your roof. Certain materials such as metal require less maintenance, making it the best for busy homeowners.
4. Weight of Material
Some roofing materials are heavy than others. Therefore, it is crucial to consider a roofing material that doesn’t have nasty effects on your absolute structural integrity. Make sure your house is structurally rigorous enough to withstand the overall weight of the roofing material your choice.
5. Colour Variety
Never limit your choices as a homeowner. Different varieties of color and finish mean a lot since you can have what you want.
6. Energy Efficient
Your roof’s ability to reflect heat can increase or reduce your indoor comfort. Check the thermal properties of every option to pick the one that is ideal for energy efficiency.
Flat roof construction, repair, or maintenance requires a critical choice from best materials shingles materials. Some of the materials include the following.
Best Roofing Materials for Flat Roof
Here are the options to consider when looking for a roofing material for a flat roof.
1. PVC Roofing
Polyvinyl chloride roofing is among the leading flat roofing material in various markets. The PVC roofing material is durable and can last for more than twenty-five years. It is also flame-resistant, allowing the PVC roofing systems to qualify for Class-A ratings.
2. Tiles
Balconies and or roof terraces are among flat roofs designed to walk on regularly. That brings the necessity of a more substantial material like tiles. There are many materials for flat roofing tiles, such as rubber, plastic, porous concrete, bitumen, and fiber cement.
3. Metal Roofing
Usually known as aluminum roofing, metal roofing provides the lengthiest product life due to its complete durability. In addition, the roofing material’s reflective nature reflects heat, hence increasing your building’s energy efficiency.
The amplified duration and energy rating come at a cost, as materials and installation are the priciest material alternatives.
4. EPDM Roofing
EPDM is an ideal value option for your flat roof. The roofing material is cheap and often lasts for more than twenty years. Also, it is lightweight, strong, and resilient and can bear foot traffic without damage.
EPDM is a single-ply rubber roofing system that fits without joints, making it a striking prospect on numerous levels. Thankfully, the roofing material is safe and easy to install without using naked flames. Instead, a wet bonding adhesive and a stronger contact adhesive get applied around the perimeters.
5. Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified bitumen is a single-ply material for roofing available in sheets made from bitumen. Bitumen product comes from a mixture of distilled crude oil and sand or crushed limestone.
The sheets are melted with a heat gun or blow torch to install them on a flat floor. Next, the roof installer uses a roller to install the roofing material where the heat enables the material to adhere to the roof surface.
6. Built-Up Roofing
Also known as gravel and tar roofs, BUR consists of layer upon layer of bitumen, with a final gravel layer on top to safeguard the membrane. The durable roofing materials can withstand heavy footsteps. It also hardly catches fire if a neighbouring structure is on fire.
Every layer of material you add to your built-up roofing extends its lifespan by close to five years. Also, the BUR’s thick layer of stone and gravel comes as a strong shield for the roof membrane.
7. Green Flat Roof
A flat green roof is a type of living roof that consists of a layer of vegetation placed on a rooftop. Green roofs offer a wildlife habitat for birds and insects in an otherwise redundant space. Therefore, the roofing materials are attractive and deliver a natural and environmental value by absorbing the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
The green roof’s heat-regulating effects keep your house warm during cold seasons and cool during hot seasons. Also, a flat green roof offers protection from noisy aircraft and heavy rainfall, which can cause problems on a flat roof.
8. Fiberglass Roofing
You can find fiberglass roofing materials in any color. Not to mention, you can also lay the best material for a flat roof in one or two layers with a joint finish. Fiberglass is also weatherproof, resistant to damages, and easy to carry any repairs if need be.
Though fiberglass is costly, its pros supersede the cons. The material is durable and can serve you for close to thirty years. Also, you can easily clean the roof with a mop.
Final Words
No matter how good-looking your preferred choice of roofing material could be, it will be a waste of time and resources if you never hire a professional to do the installation. Besides, when you find it’s time to change that big flat roof you have on your business or home, you need to use the best roofing material for a flat roof.
