Choosing A Material For Your Flat Roof

Flat roofing has become an increasingly popular choice for commercial and residential properties. Not only does it provide a sleek, modern aesthetic, but it also offers several practical benefits, including energy efficiency and low maintenance costs. However, the quality of the flat roofing largely depends on the material used.

Built-Up Roofing

Built-up roofing is a traditional and widely used flat roofing material. It consists of multiple layers of roofing felts and bitumen alternated with hot asphalt or coal tar pitch. One of the significant advantages of built-up roofing is its durability. The various layers provide excellent protection against harsh weather conditions. Additionally, proper maintenance can allow these roofs to last for decades.

This roofing also offers good fire resistance due to its multiple layers of bitumen and roofing felts. This roofing material creates a barrier that prevents fire from spreading, making it a safer option for commercial and residential properties. In fact, some insurance companies offer discounts to properties with built-up roofing due to its fire-resistant properties.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen roofing is a newer flat roofing material that combines the durability of built-up roofing with the flexibility of a single-ply membrane. It uses asphalt and synthetic rubber modifiers that create a durable and long-lasting roof. Modified bitumen roofing is easy to install, and it can be done in a relatively short amount of time.

Bitumen roofing is highly reflective, which helps to reduce energy consumption. The reflective surface reflects the sun's rays, which makes managing the interior temperature much easier. You can install a radiant heat barrier in the attic for additional efficiency gains. This can make it harder for heat to pass into the home's interior.

PVC Roofing

PVC roofing is a single-ply roofing material made of a synthetic plastic polymer. It is a popular choice for commercial and residential properties due to its longevity. PVC roofing is highly durable and can last for several decades. It is resistant to UV rays and other environmental factors, making it an excellent choice for harsh weather conditions. Additionally, PVC roofing requires minimal maintenance.

EPDM Roofing

Due to its unique benefits, synthetic rubber roofing material is a popular choice for commercial and residential properties. EPDM roofing is easy to maintain, requiring only regular cleaning to keep it in good condition. Additionally, it is resistant to tears, punctures, and abrasions, making it a low-maintenance option for commercial and residential properties. Large flat commercial roofs can be prone to damage from flying debris during strong storms. Rubber roofing is far less likely to be punctured by this debris impacting it.

For more information, contact a company like Aero Residential Contractors, Inc.

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