Although you may associate flat roofing with square, stocky commercial buildings, flat roofs are also a popular design for many residential homes as well. Even if your home’s roof is largely sloped, it may have sections of flat roofing as well. There are a number of different materials available for use in flat roofing, offering many options in terms of looks and longevity. Caring for your flat roof may require some extra steps to prevent leaks and offset the effects of wind and weather, but with the right maintenance, you’ll enjoy your flat roof for years to come.
Types of Flat Roofing
Built-up roofing, or BUR roofing, is an older type of flat roofing that layers waterproof materials with tar and gravel. This is the most cost-effective type of flat roofing, and often one of the most visually-appealing as well. However, BUR roofing can be quite heavy; if you want to install this type of roofing in a home built for another type of roof, you may need to strengthen your home’s joints first. Modified bitumen is another built-up roofing solution that is easy to install and incorporates a light-colored surface that reflects sunlight for energy savings inside your home. However, this type of roofing may not be as durable as other types of flat roofing, showing wear more easily and requiring replacement sooner. TPO (thermoplastic olefin) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofing are single-ply flat roofing solutions that also resist energy absorption for savings at home; these options are also more durable than modified bitumen over the long term. Ethylene propylene diene monomer roofing, or rubber membrane roofing, is another single-ply roofing solution that is long-lasting and resistant to scuffs and wear. The rubber’s natural black color will absorb rather than reflect heat, but a light-colored coating can be added for those concerned about energy savings.
Benefits of Flat Roofing
Many homeowners once balked at purchasing a home with flat roofing because flat roofs were notorious for leaks. Today, better roofing materials and installation practices have eliminated this problem, ensuring your flat roof is just as waterproof and weathertight as any other type of residential roof. Furthermore, flat roofing offers unique benefits that cannot be matched by sloped roofing. Flat roofing is the ideal location for the installation of solar panels, solar lights, and rooftop gardens. A flat roof can also be reinforced and used as a private deck or balcony, increasing the usable square footage of your home.
Special Maintenance for Flat Roofing
Just like any other residential roof, you should have your flat roof inspected by a roofing contractor once a year. Even if your flat roof remains in good repair, re-seaming is typically recommended every seven to ten years, which is the expected lifetime of the roofing’s initial adhesive. During re-seaming, a six inch-wide covering tape is applied to all the seams of your roof to enhance their integrity and prevent leaks from forming along these seams. In between inspections, it’s particularly important to keep gutters, roof drains, and scuppers clear to ensure that water or snow can run off your roof, rather than build up on the surface. You can perform this task yourself, or schedule regular cleaning services with your Alexandria roofing company.
Regardless of your home’s roofing style, our experienced roofers know how to maintain, repair, and replace it to keep your roof and your home looking beautiful. Visit us on the web for more details about our roofing services in Fairfax, Alexandria, and Bethesda, including green roofing solutions, skylight installation, and commercial roofing solutions.
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