Among the many styles of roofs that Florida residents have, flat roofs are very common. Partial flat roofs for homes, as well as low-slope roofs on businesses are also often seen in No. 1 Home Roofing’s service areas of Pasco and Pinellas Counties. For roofs with low to no slope, pooling and other weather-related problems may occur. Being certain that your roof is installed and repaired properly will ensure the life of your roof for years to come.
Here are five flat roofing systems available:
1. Single-ply membrane roofs
“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. Once made of tar paper, these types of roofs gradually are using more-advanced materials such as fiberglass membranes” describes This Old House.
Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be ballasted, mechanically fastened or chemically adhered to insulation creating a layer of protection on your commercial facility. This flat roof system contains layers of waterproof membrane consisting of a treated fiberglass basemat, tar and gravel to seal the flat roof surface.
2. Bitumen roll roofs
Bitumen roofing or a modified bitumen roof are one of the longer lasting roofing options for flat roofs. Modified bitumen is a type of asphalt product that can be applied in a number of ways to the roof in both hot and cold temperatures. Modified bitumen roofs have a lot of advantages over other types of membrane roofing and are often seen as the modern alternative to the built-up roof.
Bitumen roofs are one of the longer lasting types of flat roofing materials, easily lasting 20 years or more. It has a long, proven track record that can be counted on. These roofs usually have a very long manufacturer’s warranty that can help to guarantee the roof’s longevity and they are rated against wind, fire, and hail so they are very durable.
The material is applied with self-adhesive sheets, hot-mopped asphalt, or cold-applied adhesives. Leaks are stopped by melting together the seams.
3. Built-up roofs
Another popular material used on low-slope roofs is built-up roofing which is composed of several layers of bitumen surfaces and is finished up with an aggregate layer or coating.
Built-up roofing has been around for over 100 years with improvements along the way. Recent built-up products incorporate a rigid layer of insulation. Ply sheets are the fabrics or layers used on built-up roofing. The ply sheets are commonly reinforced with fiberglass mats or organic mats. Built-up roofing has an average life expectancy of 15 to 30 years and lasts longer in warmer climates like Florida.
4. Sprayed polyurethane roofs
Spray polyurethane foam application provides a seamless roof system with no joints, seams or cracks. It prevents any issues with moisture, heat and cold and provides superior insulating power, improves your roof’s resistance to severe weather and incorporates energy efficiency.
5. Self-adhesive roofs
A self-adhering system (SAS) is similar to a conventional MBS. The SAS uses coated bitumen basemat to provide a waterproof seal on flat and low-sloping roofs. This product is ideal when a torch cannot be used. Add-on porches or garage roofs that intersect with wood or vinyl siding are common places where you’ll see an SAS flat roof system.
Because flat roofs are particular in design and require quality care in installation and repairs, No. 1 Home Roofing strives to make certain that you’re covered with services, from re-roofing your flat roof to coming out for an emergency.
No. 1 Home Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company conveniently located on US Highway 19 in Palm Harbor, Florida. We are dedicated to providing top quality workmanship and materials to ensure that your new roof is done right. We specialize in shingle, tile, and flat roof installation, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us for an appointment and/or estimate at 727-781-7663.