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Having a roof on your head gives you a sense of protection, whether it’s a house, working place, or any commercial area; there are different types of roof structures, mainly depending on the locality and region where they exist.
Mainly there are two types of roofs, pitched and flat. Flats roofs are most common in the southern Mediterranean and Asian countries where the environment is more on warmer side. In contrast, pitched surfaces are common in colder regions such as European countries.
The reason behind the variation in roof structures is to provide reliable house waterproofing and make it capable of withstanding accumulating loads. In southern countries where the weather is mostly sunny, basic or cheapest options also provide enough coverage. Pitched roofs are necessary for northern countries where the weather is mostly cold and snowy, but they are more expensive to construct.
What are Flat Roofs?
According to Blue Collar Roofing St. George roof that sets at a ten-degree angle or less is termed a flat roof; although a flat roof looks flat, they are slightly inclined to provide water drainage, as is the main concern while building a flat roof. If water drainage is improper in a flat roof, it can deteriorate or damage the roof in the long term and cause leakage in the short term.
Reasons to Have a Flat Roof
Previously flat roofs are part of industrial facilities or multi-story residential or commercial buildings, but with the improvement in roofing materials and advancement in technology, flat roofs, and horizontal coverings are equally popular among small residential units.
With a flat roof in place, building a second or third floor of a house is no problem anymore; you can even develop a whole green area on top of your roof, which is possible due to modern materials and techniques that ensure the reliability and durability of the roof.
Flat roofs are cheaper and simple to construct than pitched roofs. If the price of pitched is about 20-25% of the total cost of house construction, the cost of roofing materials in a flat roof is determined by the cost of strengthening the upper floor.
Flat Roof Materials:
As flat roofs are exposed to all external environmental factors, the materials used in flat roof coverings should be high quality. The materials used for flat roofs must have these traits to resist any wear and tear of nature and provide robust waterproofing.
| Durability | Chemical Protection | Lightweight |
| Heat Insulation | Resistance to solar radiation | Fire resistance |
| Cost-effectiveness | Flexibility in Application | Long-lasting Quality |
Flat Roof Types
There are three basic types of flat roofs, and almost all three types cost the same price, $250 to $350 per 100 sqft, but the prices may vary per size and region. Almost all flat roofs come with a warranty of 10-25 years. The three types of flat roofs are:
Built-Up Roof (BUR):
Built-up roofs are made up of three or more layers of tar and gravel; all these materials create a waterproof layer; more advanced materials like fiberglass membranes are also used in this roof to increase its effectiveness against leakages and to enhance waterproofing.
Pros:
- Simple to Repair
- The life span of 10-15 years
- You can choose between smooth and ballast asphalt roof finishes.
- Provides excellent waterproofing and protection again other external factors
- Low maintenance cost
- Durable
Cons:
- Time taking Installation
- Harder to find the source of drainage without dismantling the whole or a large portion of the roof
- Rains and strong winds are the adverse enemies
Modified Bitumen Roof
A modified form of BUR but with extra reinforced coverings increases the effectiveness, and extra layers add to the strength and durability of the roof. The application process involves overlapping reels that create a large smooth area.
Pros:
- Variety of application methods
- Low maintenance
- Have better flexibility and elasticity at low temperatures
- Less expensive and essay to set up
- Better then BUR
Cons:
- The use of a burner or flame in the application requires extra safety measures
- Overlapping between layers can cause leakage if not done properly
Also, Check – Creating a Design Theme in Your Home
Single –Ply Membrane Roofing (EPDM)
Polymer membrane is widely adopted and in demand in the US, Canada, and Europe due to their efficiency and durability; they are usually made of recycled rubber. The upper layer composes rubber, while the lower layers are made of bitumen polymer.
Pros:
- They have more elasticity than any other roof covering with less cost
- The coating provides good resistance against all weather conditions
- The life span is more than any other, usually lasting for 30-50years
Cons:
- Absorb more heat, low heat reflecting properties
- Not environmental friendly
Final Thoughts:
Flat roofs are gaining popularity due to their flexibility and ease of use; they are durable, low-cost, and easy to install. There are different types of flat roof coverings available, all of which have pros and cons, and you can use the type that suits you best and serves your purpose. Read the article for more details.
