Top floor apartments and finished attics are possibilities without the sloped walls produced by traditional pitched roofs. In homes that need maximum interior space, flat roofs are a significant advantage. Flat roofs are typically more accessible than roofs that are sloped. They are easier to climb upon to inspect.
Care and caution should be taken any time a person climbs on a roof. Flat roofs are easier to check and much safer. Flat roofs are substantially more stable than slanted roofs when the building is small. They have an architectural appeal. In the right setting, they are economical as long as they are adequately maintained. Because flat roofs are quicker to install, the wait to move in is shorter. If repairs or replacement are needed down the road, re-roofing is relatively painless and quick.
As the areas of a flat roof increases, the stability decreases. Industrial buildings and businesses that have flat roofs have to compensate for the weight on the interior. Flat roofs have limited options. Material for flat roofs is a bit scarce. There are not many options from which to choose. Rolled roofing is used on the majority of flat roofs.
Each of these is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They have a limited lifespan. The life expectancy is between ten and 15 years. There are rubber shingles that can be installed along with rolled rubber roofing. Some new materials such as PVC and polycarbonate roofing are becoming available. They are more expensive. Because they are recently developed products, there is no information about how long they will last.
Draining, or rather lack of it is the biggest disadvantage. Flat roofs do not drain as efficiently as roofs with a pitch. Water tends to puddle and stay on the roof. The standing water can lead to the breakdown of roofing material or future leaks, especially along the seams. Built-Up Roof BUR The traditional hot-tar-and-gravel roof is built from three or more plies of waterproof material alternated with hot tar and ballasted by a layer of smooth river stone.
Pros Gravel is an excellent fire retardant. Attractive for windows and decks that overlook the roof. It's the cheapest of the four roof varieties. Cons Very heavy. Joists sometimes have to be strengthened. Smelly and messy to install.
Installation is not recommended for occupied homes. It's not a DIY installation job, and it is hard to find the source of leaks. Gravel can clog gutters and scuppers. Modified Bitumen Roof A single-ply rolled roof similar to ice-and-water shield, but impregnated with a mineral-based wear surface.
Pros Peel-and-stick material can be installed by homeowners. Its light-colored mineral surface reflects heat and cuts energy bills. Its price is in the middle of the pack.
You want to remove algae, mold, and stains from your roof regularly to prevent debris from building up. Pressure washing is the best way to clean your flat roof without damaging it, especially if you have a flat concrete roof.
The Disadvantages of Flat Roofing With the good comes the bad, and it is important to learn the cons of a roofing system so you can figure out if it is right for your home. Lack of Drainage: The biggest disadvantage of a flat roof is the lack of drainage, and this is why it is important to check your roof regularly.
If you do not inspect it regularly, your drains may become clogged with snow and water. You want to clean out the drains as needed and be sure to use a waterproof seal regularly to prevent leaks. Remember, there are no slopes for the water or snow to slide down.
Debris and Dirt Can Build Up: Snow and water are not the only things that can cause problems on a flat roof. Leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris can also clog up the drain, and this leads to snow and water not draining properly. You can avoid a clogged drain by regularly inspecting and cleaning the dirt and debris off your roof.
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