Roofing Materials:
Flat Roofs Photo Gallery
Flat roofs hare generally defined as
having a slope less than 2" of drop per foot. For example,
most Florida rooms on residences are considered flat, yet many
still have a slight pitch. Roofs that have a pitch below 2":12"
should almost always be replaced with a flat roof material such
as the ones listed here to prevent premature leakage. Installing
tile, shingle or other types of materials besides these listed
can result in premature failure and leakage. Many customers
have negative opinions of flat roofs because of past leakage
problems however, if the proper system and correct installation
is utilized, flat roofs can provide many years of trouble-free
performance. Some flat roofs do have ponding water problems
due to settling or structural deficiencies, but if properly
addressed most can be corrected to help alleviate the ponding.
The most common methods of correcting ponding are by installing
roof drains or creating a slope with a tapered insulation. Tapered
insulation is a type of insulation board laid in a series of
panels increasing and decreasing in thickness in order to create
a slight pitch to offset deviations. (See chart below.) Drains
can be installed by a plumber instead of tapered insulation,
or using a combination of both. One drawback to drains is finding
a route for the drainpipe. Without adequate attic space, routing
the drainpipe can be difficult, or not possible. In either case
correcting ponding problems can increase the price of a flat
roof by a considerable margin, but it is essential to extending
the life of your roofing investment and protecting your property.
Exposed wood beam ceilings on flat roofs can transfer great
amounts of heat from the outside air and sun, causing air conditioners
to overwork and raising the interior temperature of the room.
By installing a new roof in conjunction with rigid roof insulation,
hundreds of dollars per year can be saved in cooling costs,
not to mention creating a more pleasant atmosphere inside. Again,
this insulation can raise the cost of your roof considerably,
but the returns outweigh the cost. Many home-owners have attempted
to save money by eliminating the roof insulation only to regret
the decision on the first hot day of summer.
| Steps |
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| 1. Existing Flat Roof |
2. Roof Removal |
3. Roof Removal |
4. Tin-Cap |
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5. Heat Weld
Modified Bitumen |
6. Heat Weld
Close-Up |
7. Heat Welding
Complete |
8. Job Completed |
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| 1. Gravel Tear Off |
2. Tin Cap |
3. Fiberglass Mop On 1 |
4. Fiberglass Mop On 2 |
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| 5. Hot Mop Gravel |
6. Final Gravel Roof |
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Flat Roof at end of
Useful Life |
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The Most Common Flat Roof Materials are:
Modified Bitumen
Fiberglass with mineral surfaced cap sheet
Fiberglass with fibered aluminum coating
Fiberglass with gravel
EPDM or PVC rubber
Tapered Insulation Systems: |
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