What Materials Are Commonly Used for Flat Roofing?

Recessed roofs, also known as BUR, are a traditional flat roof material consisting of multiple layers of asphalt and felt or fiberglass carpets. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a black synthetic rubber membrane that is commonly used in commercial and medical facilities. While mainly used in commercial areas, EPDM has its place in residential roofs. Since 1990, the Bill Ragan Roofing team has been providing high-quality roofing services in and around Nashville.\Whether you need repairs or a total roof replacement, we take the time to inform you about every aspect of your project.

Once the job is complete, you'll have a lifetime warranty on our workmanship to protect your investment. A variety of materials can be used to make a flat roof. The most common include EPDM rubber, single layer (TPO, PVC), modified bitumen, constructed roofing (BUR), and spray polyurethane foam.\Many homeowners choose EPDM or TPO. EPDM ceilings are affordable and can reach a lifespan of more than 30 years.

TPO roofs are easy to install and maintain, and their white color can help reflect heat from the sun and improve a building's energy efficiency. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a black rubber material made from a mixture of oils (hence ethylene-propylenediene, part of its name) that is normally applied to a roof with an adhesive. Although it's still called EPDM because of the way it was manufactured in the past, what we use today is made of three monomers, making it a terpolymer. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-layer membrane with a white reflective coating.

That coating is important because of the way it reflects heat, keeping the space underneath it much cooler. If EPDM and PVC are the traditional powerhouses of flat membrane roofs, TPO is the upstart that has been making noise.\PVC (polyvinyl chloride) membranes have been around for a long time. And they're one of the most popular flat roof options, especially in buildings that want to keep the space underneath them cool and don't have to worry about glare coming from the building's roof. Another rolled membrane roofing system, modified bitumen roofs are mainly made of asphalt.

Their construction resembles that of three-barbed asphalt shingles, but in a more flexible form, and they have an additional waterproof coating applied. This type of material has an adhesive on the bottom and has no seams, making it much easier to install than the other materials we've been talking about. Modified bitumen roofs, such as asphalt shingles, come in several different colors, making it much easier to match them with the building's color scheme than other types of flat roofs that only come in black or white. For those reasons, this material is very popular among homeowners for use on a flat section of their home's roof.\Flat roofing refers to a type of roofing system that has a minimum slope, generally less than 10 degrees, and is generally used in commercial and industrial buildings.

It differs from sloped roofs, which have a steeper slope and are more commonly found in residential buildings. Some of the most popular flat roof materials include EPDM, TPO, and PVC, which are both durable and durable. The polymer used in the top layer provides improved elasticity and flexibility at lower temperatures. The most commonly used polymers are atactic polypropylene (APP) and styrene butadiene styrene (SBS).

SBS imparts a rubber-like characteristic to bitumen.\Modified bitumen, or mod bit, is an asphalt-based flat roof material that is modified with special polymers to increase flexibility and performance. It is made in rolls consisting of a smooth or grainy surface finish and can be applied hot, cold or self-adhesive. The main drawback of a modified bitumen roof is its relatively short lifespan. It can also be difficult to identify the source of a leak in this particular cover substrate.\Built-in ceilings (BUR) have been around for a long time, in fact, more than 100 years.

They are one of the most common types of systems used in commercial and industrial roofs. While not as common as the options mentioned above, spray polyurethane foam is probably one of the most effective flat roof systems available. This type of roof combines closed-cell, multi-component spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation with a protective elastomeric top coating.\Asphalt, or coal and gravel tar, is by far the most common material used to build flat roofs. This material is a by-product of petroleum and has a high melting point.

Gravel also protects the roof from fire. This type of roof is created by alternating layers of waterproof material with coal tar and gravel, until a solid, waterproof platform is obtained. Also known as a “recessed roof”, flat asphalt roofs are durable, inexpensive and quite attractive. Unfortunately, they also produce toxic and heavy fumes during the construction process and are not recommended as a DIY project.

It's a popular choice for flat roofs because of its durability and flexibility, making it resistant to UV rays, ozone, and extreme temperatures.\TPO is quite cost-effective for flat roofing materials and is very lightweight, making it much easier to install than some of its counterparts. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a synthetic rubber compound that is often used in low-sloped flat roofs. In addition to pure EPDM with a rubber base, replacement composite materials for flat roofs are also available. Many of the potential problems a flat roof can cause, such as water accumulation, leaks, and subsequent putrefaction or damage, are due to poor installation or poor maintenance.\Commonly referred to as “rubber roofs”, EPDM roofs have earned a reputation as a versatile and effective roofing solution.

These roofs are installed as thin laminate materials from 0.030 (30 thousandths of an inch) to 0.060 inches (60 thousandths of an inch) thick and are applied to the roof in a single layer. Because of this durability, you can expect to get 25 to 30 years with a fully bonded 0.060-thick flat EPDM roof. Fiberglass flat roof materials are relatively inexpensive, durable,...