When it comes to flat roofing, traditional materials like asphalt and concrete tiles are not options. This is because flat roofs have little to no pitch, which means seams on your roof can allow water to enter and cause leaking. The most popular flat roof systems include PVC, TPO and EPDM rubber.
In this post, your trusted roofing contractor, Howard Roofing & Home Improvements & Home Improvements discusses how different flat roofing materials are installed.
1. PVC Single-Ply Membrane
The most popular flat roofing material made of a single layer of thermoplastic material. It can be installed by using hidden metal plates to conceal overlapping parts of the membrane to the deck or by fully adhering or gluing it onto the roof deck.
2. EPDM Rubber
Also known as rubber roof, EPDM is not as popular as PVC. Though it’s waterproof, its darker membrane has a tendency to absorb heat. In installing the EPDM, an adhesive is applied to both the material and the roof. After that, the EPD is rolled flat to the surface until the whole roof is covered.
3. TPO
Another single-ply material made of rubber, ethylene, propylene and other filler materials. It’s been a popular choice for commercial roofing since the early ‘90s and available in white, light gray and black. It is welded like PVC and improper installation or folding the membrane can lead to a hard crease and cracking.
4. Modified Bitumen
When it comes to modified bitumen which is a multi-ply material, a base layer is mechanically installed to the roof surface with plates or bars. This is followed by sealing a ply overlap to the base layer using a permanent adhesive. The last step is applying a granule top surface to make the roof more energy-efficient and appealing.
5. Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
BUR, also called tar and gravel roof, consists of multiple layers of bitumen topped with an aggregate layer of gravel. It’s more impact resistant and durable compared to the other materials.
The installation begins with attaching base sheets to the roof’s sub-system using roofing nails. Adhesive or tar is then used to adhere the membrane on top of the base sheets. After that, a layer of gravel or cap sheets is installed and then topped with asphalt.
Choose a trusted commercial and residential roofing contractor like Howard Roofing & Home Improvements & Home Improvements for your roof project. Our team has been helping create better and more energy-efficient homes for over 40 years. Call us at (636) 296-1057 or complete our online form for a free estimate. We serve clients in St Louis, MO.