The Different Types Of Flat Roof Materials to Know

Commercial buildings, like residential, must maintain and protect their roof. This includes ensuring you use the proper flat roof materials from the get-go.

Changing out the roof on your commercial building is a different beast to changing a residential roof. As a business, you need to know whether you’re going to get the right roof for your needs and budget. If you’re looking at getting a flat roof, you’ll see there are different flat roof materials available to you.

Which one is the best for you? Here’s the types that you can choose from.

1. Modified Bitumen Roof

This is the roofing style that’s commonly seen on commercial buildings, so it’s one to consider. Most businesses use it because it’s such a cost effective option. It’s certainly cheaper than other methods out there. If you’re trying to keep costs to a minimum, then you’ll want to use this kind of roofing. Despite the cost of the material, it’s still an excellent way to keep water out of the roof and building as a whole.

The only problem with this roofing type is that it doesn’t have a long lifespan. Typically, you can expect it to last around 10 to 15 years. It does also have a tendency to crack or blister when exposed to the weather. Despite this, it is still a good option for many commercial properties.

2. PVC Roofing

This is an option that many businesses are choosing, as it offers a lot of advantages. Firstly, the material is impact resistant, so you don’t have to worry about hail storms or an errant branch falling on it and damaging it. Also, you’ll see that it’s low maintenance, perfect for many businesses as you just don’t have the time or resources to be dealing with it.

Many businesses are also finding that PVC roofs help them save money on their utility bills. PVC roofs are usually white, which helps reflect heat back into the atmosphere. Because of this, they can spend much less on cooling the building in the summer months.

3. TPO Roofing

TPO roofing is seen as a good alternative to PVC. Many businesses are trying to go green, and that means making changes when improving or replacing parts of the building. TPO flat roof materials are more environmentally friendly than PVC, making it the perfect choice for many.

It’s also a great roofing choice as it’s so water tight. The seams in this material are heat welded together, so there’s a greatly reduced chance of leaks. It has the same white coloring as PVC roofing, so you’ll get the same energy saving effect with them, too.

4. Metal Roofing

This isn’t many people’s first thought when they think of flat roof materials, but it offers a lot of benefits to you as a business. It’s a good choice for roof slopes that are more than 2 inches high, and will last the longest, up to 20 years if well taken care of. Metal roofing is a highly durable material, so you won’t have to worry about cracks in it over time.

Be aware that metal is the most expensive of flat roof materials to install, thanks to the high level of expertise needed to work with it. For you though, that may well be worth the cost.

5. Torch On Felt

This is a cheaper option, one that will work well in more mild climates. As the name implies, felt is applied in layers with a hot torch, binding it together. As there are layers of felt, it does make the roofing quite robust. It’s also quite easy to get the felt around corners and in awkward spots, as the heat helps it bond properly.

6. EPDM Rubberized Roofing

This is another roofing option that’s becoming more popular with commercial building managers. EPDM material comes in rolls and is cut to measure your roof. It uses adhesive to stick to the substrate of the roof, ensuring that it will stay put for years to come. In fact, some rubberized roofs are guaranteed to last for around 30 years.

7. Green And Blue Roofs

These roofs are a little different to the norm, as they offer very ecologically friendly roofing solutions. A green roof is one that grows grasses and mosses, which looks fantastic. However, these roofs do need a little more work to keep them in good condition. Of course, you’ll have to cut the grass to keep it from overgrowing.

You’ll also need to install a root barrier, to stop the roots from interfering with the roof structure. It will also need a drainage layer to help the roof retain water. These do add to the weight of the roof, so you’ll need to think carefully before adding one.

A blue roof, on the other hand, is a roof that’s designed to temporarily store water, most commonly rainwater. These are designed for use in areas that are prone to flooding, as they stop the water making it’s way to the ground. After a storm has passed, they will either let the water evaporate or drain it away. If you have problem with flooding in your area, this is something to consider.

Choosing Flat Roof Materials

Now you know what’s available to you, you need to decide what material to use. All these options are great, but the one you choose is based very much on your individual needs.

For example, if you want a roof that will last for decades, a metal roof is what you need. If you’re looking to be more ecologically friendly, a TPO or even a green or blue roof is the way to go. If you’re trying to save money on your roof, then you’ll want a torch on felt or modern bitumen roof.

You’ll have to think carefully about what you want from your roof before you choose the material. If you’re still not sure, you can talk to a roofing expert and see what they recommend to you.

Whatever you need from your roof, you’ll see that there’s flat roof materials that’s right for you. Use this guide to help you pick the right materials, and get started with your new roof.