Flat roofs are a popular choice in modern architecture, offering a sleek, minimalist design. From residential buildings in ancient cities to ultra-modern commercial buildings, flat roofs are used all over the world. When considering a flat roofing system, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of recessed roofs, modified bitumen roofs, and single-layer membrane roofs. Factors such as durability, installation cost, and environmental impact should guide your decision.
Built-up roofs (BUR), also known as tar and gravel roofs, are a time-tested flat roof system. This symphony of meticulous layers consists of bitumen (asphalt or coal tar) and robust reinforcement fabrics. The top layer is adorned with gravel or mineral granules to protect against the sun's UV rays, giving it long-lasting resistance. Modified bitumen roofs are a modern twist on traditional BUR.
It incorporates bituminous sheets modified with polymer additives, which improves their performance. Single-layer membrane roofs, such as TPO and PVC, are renowned for their environmentally friendly characteristics, mainly derived from their reflective characteristics. These roofing materials play a critical role in decreasing energy use and in promoting the development of green building designs. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a type of flat roof material that is made of synthetic rubber. For any construction of a roof terrace, there are three types of supporting materials: recessed roof (BUR), modified bitumen roof (MBR), and roof with rubber membrane (EPDM). The cost of the elastomeric membrane is higher than that of asphalt roofs, but you should keep in mind that the former has a longer lifespan, which is around 25 to 40 years.
It is important that it incorporates a slope; the slope varies between 1 and 5% and depends on the accessibility or not of the roof. Ideally, the roof drain should be at least 4 inches in diameter to drain water properly. Even if the membrane will remain waterproof during its lifespan, keep in mind that it is still sensitive to stagnant water, which can reduce its lifespan by at least 10 years. In addition, keep in mind that algae and ice present on its surface can deteriorate the top layer aggregate if they are not removed in a reasonable time.
Flat roofs
are also found in single-family homes and other small buildings where climate, style, design, and budget make them the right choice. They tend to be more practical in areas such as the dry Southwest, where there will be little rain and there will be no snow load that can withstand the roof.Flat roofs can be part of an energy efficient green home solution, with space for solar panels or a green roof covered with living plants. For large buildings, flat roofs are a much more practical solution, as they prevent excessive weight on the building frame and also reduce construction costs. In addition, this type of flat roof is lightweight and relatively quick to install, making it a suitable option for self-installation. Homeowners can choose from several different types of flat roof materials, each of which has its own application and construction process, as well as its own advantages and disadvantages. Flexible and easily customizable, a flat roof with PVC membrane is constructed with what is known as mesh, which is basically a flexible and resistant non-woven polyester fabric that creates an attached seal and is also fireproof. There are many types of commercial flat roofs available, but some options aren't necessary for certain buildings. The following examples illustrate how a flat roof can be combined with other elements of contemporary architectural design to create an elegant, modernist home.
With Capitol Improvements, you can trust that the flat roof of your home in the Washington DC area will last for years or decades. Of course, flat roofs are also commonly used for high-rise residential and office buildings in urban environments where access to service is also important.
