Flat roofs have a lot of advantages that make them a great choice for residential and commercial buildings. They are more cost-effective to construct and repair, require less material than pitched roofs, and are incredibly durable in harsh weather conditions. Modern flat roofs include high-performance membranes such as EPDM, which is made of rubber materials and is environmentally friendly. This roof is waterproof, fireproof, and windproof, and can remain intact for up to 50 years.
Another alternative to EPDM is modified bitumen, which consists of sheets reinforced with polymers for greater strength. Flat roofs are also more stable than sloped roofs when the building is small, and they are easier to inspect and much safer. Additionally, they are faster to install, so the wait time is shorter. If repairs or replacements are needed in the future, reroofing is relatively simple and quick. Industrial buildings and businesses that have flat roofs have to compensate for the weight of the interior.
The most common type used for residential flat roofs is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), a synthetic rubber sheet material that is also commonly used as pond liners. Flat roofs have not always had a good reputation, mainly because of their low resistance to heavy rain. However, the depth of the structure needed to build a flat roof usually matches the amount of insulation you would want to install anyway. Installing these energy-saving and eco-friendly solutions on a flat roof allows you to get the most out of them. A flat roof that covers an extension or garage of a house is the perfect place to place a roof terrace, since it allows you to take advantage of the space that would be wasted with a sloped roof and provides a privileged place to enjoy the views of the outside.
While recessed ceilings are still used in some commercial applications, they are not a common type of roof for homes, mainly because of their weight and thickness, as well as the strong odors and dirt they generate during installation. This type of roof, which is usually made of synthetic rubber and asphalt, is not really flat, but has a slope of between ¼ and ½ inch per foot to drain water efficiently. Flat roofs may not be the most attractive or stable option for residential or commercial buildings, but they have plenty of benefits. They reduce construction and repair costs, take up less space, are more accessible than sloped roofs, are substantially more stable than sloped roofs when the building is small, are economical as long as they are properly maintained, and are faster to install. Werner Roofing offers free roof inspections for every customer so you can be sure of the condition of your roof.
