There are many different types of Flat Roofs and we have listed the Pros and Cons of each below
Newer and newer flat roofing materials are appearing yearly. They wear better than older material and made with better technologies than before.
Domestic/Homeowners and Commercial business can choose among four kinds of flat roofs.
All 4 types of flat roofing systems can cost €250 to €350 per/square foot, prices do vary according to region and size of the roof. Flat roofs usually come with a 10 to 25 year warranty but the roofs can last up to 30 years if properly installed and maintained.
Built-Up Roof or Hot Tar flat roofing
The traditional hot tar and gravel roof is built from three or more plies of waterproof material alternated with hot tar and ballasted by a layer of smooth river stone. Once made of tar paper, these types of roofs gradually are using more-advanced materials such as fiberglass membranes.
- Pros: Gravel is an excellent fire retardant. Attractive for windows and decks that overlook the roof. It’s the cheapest of the four roof varieties.
- Cons: Very heavy. Joists sometimes have to be strengthened. Smelly and messy to install. Installation’s not recommended for occupied homes. It’s not a DIY installation job, and it is hard to find the source of leaks. The gravel has been known to clog gutters.
Heated Modified Bitumen
A single-ply rolled roof similar to ice-and-water shield, but impregnated with a mineral-based wear surface. Torch-down systems involve heating the adhesive as the material is unrolled. Newer peel-and-stick systems are safer and easier.
- Pros: Peel-and-stick material can be installed easily. Its light-colored mineral surface reflects heat and cuts energy bills. Its price is in the middle of the pack.
- Cons: Torch-down application is a fire hazard, and not recommended for occupied buildings. It has been know to scuff and tear rubber-membrane roofs.
Rubber Membrane Flat Roofing
EPDM (short for ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a true rubber. The durable material resembles an inner tube, but it’s engineered to resist damage from sunlight. EPDM can be mechanically anchored with fasteners, ballasted with stone, or glued in place.
- Pros: Homeowner-friendly installation. The material’s relatively light yet highly resistant to scuffs and tears. Leaks are easy to patch.
- Cons: The standard black material absorbs heat, and light-colored coatings (recommended in warm climates) add 30% or more to the cost. Even the black version, though, costs more than BUR or modified bitumen. It’s also more vulnerable to punctures than other choices.
For a complete flat roofing service in dublin see flatroofs.ie