Factor In the Material – The materials used to make a flat roof play a large part in determining its lifespan. A multi-layer built-up roof consisting of waterproof material, hot tar and gravel can last for 15 to 20 years. Roofs consisting of three to five layers of modified bitumen have a slightly shorter average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

These materials are heavy and may not be the best choice for every building. Lightweight single-ply roofing can last for as long or longer than layered roofs depending on the properties of the material, the design of the roof and reliance on commercial roof repair. EPDM and TPO roofing generally last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while TPO roofs have stronger seams than EPDM roofing.

With proper maintenance, a PVC roof can last up to 30 years.

Is a flat roof a good idea?

Advantages of Flat Roofs –

Lower construction and repair costs. Flat roofs take up less space and consequently use less material than sloped roofs. This makes initial construction cheaper but also means savings if any extensive repairs become necessary. Versatility. Some homeowners turn their flat roof sections into rooftop gardens, Flat roofs are also ideal for roof deck construction. Homeowners can use a flat roof to add a beautiful addition that also provides additional weather protection. Energy efficiency. Flat roofs are fantastic for keeping home utility costs manageable, especially in warmer climates. While sloped roofs can trap unwanted warm air or allow cooled air to escape, a flat roof means less overhead space for air to stagnate.

How often should you redo a flat roof?

But what happens when your flat roof is in need of a replacement? On average, flat roofing may need replacing or at least repairing around every 15 – 20 years.

Does a flat roof make your house hotter?

The problem with flat roofs – Although were popular in construction up until the 1980s, many older properties were built with poor or no insulation. may be great for providing extra space but a lack of breathable insulation mean that extremes of temperature can be created.

Can a flat roof collapse?

Prevent Flat Roof Collapse With These Tips Many businesses have flat roofs because of the distinct benefits such roofs have over their sloped counterparts. For instance, they offer an additional space that you can turn into an area for your HVAC outdoor units. To make the most of the features of a flat roof and to prevent it from collapsing, it’s important to keep it in great condition at all times. Exterior Building Solutions, one of the most trusted in the area, shares some tips: Inspect Your Roof Regularly What might seem like a minor issue can have serious consequences for flat roofs.

1. That’s why it’s important to have them inspected by a professional at least twice a year.
2. By getting ahead of leaks, you can prolong your roof’s lifespan.
3. Don’t Delay Repairs Apart from the harmful elements, high foot traffic can also hurt flat roofs.
4. This makes them prone to cracks and fissures.
5. Even if these are small, they still allow entry for leaks and moisture.

Once you spot signs of damage on your roof, make sure to seek the help of a reliable contractor like Exterior Building Solutions to perform the needed roof repair or replacement. Keep the Drainage Clear Flat roofs are prone to standing water because leaves, twigs and other debris can easily block the drainage, gutters and rainwater outlets.

When neglected, water can put excessive stress on your roof, which can cause it to collapse. It also increases the risks of leaks as hairline cracks could form. Have the gutters and drainage regularly cleaned to make sure water doesn’t affect your building’s structural integrity. Limit Traffic Unless your flat roof was specially designed to handle heavy foot traffic, limit access to it.

Anyone who has no business being there shouldn’t be there. The less punishment your roof is subjected to, the longer it can stay intact. Leave your roofing needs to the professionals at Exterior Building Solutions. We offer the commercial and you need. Call us now at (314) 729-7663.

How many layers can you have on a flat roof?

Can You Add More Than One Layer onto Your Flat Roof? – Many commercial and industrial building owners want to know if they can add another layer onto their flat roof instead of replacing the existing roof altogether. There’s no one simple answer since the best choice varies with every building and project.

Don’t make this choice on your own, especially since every city and county enforce their own unique roofing codes. Request the help of the local building department so that you can learn the exact number of roofing layers allowed in your area. In general, steep sloped roof products like tile, slate, and metal cannot be double-layered because they create a hazard.

Asphalt shingles are most often allowed in up to two layers, but no more. For flat roofs, materials such as EPDM and TPO are usually approved for use up to two layers.

Why would you want a flat roof?

Why Is Flat Roofing So Popular? – Why Flat Roofs Are Popular Choices for Homes and Commercial Buildings An increasing number of homeowners and business owners are discovering the advantages of flat roofing. Basically, flat roofing involves a horizontal or level base that’s fixed to the ceiling joists of a house or building.

A roof’s slope is known as its pitch. Compared to sloped or pitched roofing, flat roofing is practically level. But a flat roof isn’t 100 percent flat as it has a slope of about 10 degrees. Flat roofing has been used since ancient times and continues to be the norm in arid regions. Here are some reasons why flat roofing is so popular among homeowners, along with the advantages of having a flat roof on a commercial building.

Benefits of a Flat Roof

Easy accessibility is probably the top reason for their popularity. Consider that a flat roof is much easier to climb and walk on when you need to inspect the surface of your roof. As a result, this type of roof is more stable and safer than sloped roofing.A flat roof has more square footage for accommodating equipment, such as exhausts and air conditioning vents. Additionally, as the surface is level, it’s able to provide stability for heavy items, even while they’re in operation.Durability and longevity are other reasons why many people choose this type of roofing. Consider that the average flat roof can serve you for 30 years or longer. This is mainly because it’s composed of gravel and tar.Flat roofs cost less than pitched roofs, and they’re also less expensive to install. What’s more, re-coating a flat roof is cheaper.Flat roofs can be used as roof decks. Besides providing a large space for relaxing and entertaining, a roof deck also helps in protecting a roof from damage.

Why Flat Roofs Are a Good Choice for Commercial Buildings Flat roofing is the typical roofing found on commercial buildings, such as shopping malls, warehouses, large department stores, condos, apartment buildings and manufacturing plants. This is mainly due to the considerably larger size of commercial buildings as compared to residential structures.

• Just think about what would be involved to have a sloped roof on a building as large as a department store.
• Moreover, the installation would entail an enormous amount of additional material.
• It’s easier to install a flat roof on a commercial building, and it doesn’t take as long.
• Also, just as a residential flat roof, flat roofing on a commercial structure is easier to maintain and to access, as well as offers more space for ventilation, heating and AC units.

Furthermore, flat roofs on commercial buildings provide green roofing options. Some people are even growing small, drought-resistant plants on their commercial roofs, which can help in lowering heating and cooling costs, in addition to extending the life of a roof.

Although both flat and sloped roofs require regular upkeep, flat roofs are easier to clean.Flat roofs are a good choice for people living in regions that receive minimal rainfall.This type of roofing is popular among homeowners who want a contemporary-styled home.Hire an experienced and trusted roof installer who’s able to handle challenging details, regarding specific installation instructions.Be sure your flat roof is able to withstand strong winds. Therefore, it’s important to know information, such as the wind uplift design pressures for a roof’s perimeter and corners.Check to be sure that your flat roof provides sufficient drainage and isn’t totally flat. A roof that doesn’t have a 10 percent slope can result in ponding water, in addition to fungus and algae developing, which can strain a roofing structure.Ponding water, which is water remaining of the surface of a roof for longer than 48 hours after rainfall, can be a problem for flat roofs. In fact, even the smallest low spaces of a flat roof can lead to ponding water.Fortunately, RoofSlope has a product that provides a low-cost solution for solving inadequate drainage that doesn’t affect the integrity of an existing roof.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to call RoofSlope. Our product for correcting ponding water offers an easy, quick method for filling in low areas on flat roofs for obtaining a positive slope. Please contact us and learn more about our products and services. Tags: benefits, benefits of flat roofs, commercial buildings, flat commercial roof, flat roofs, green roofing, homes, less expensive, popularity, roof surface, stability for heavy items, tips and tricks

What maintenance does a flat roof require?

Protect and Maintain your Flat Roof Flat roofs, while an attractive feature on a property, require more maintenance than angled roofs. Hence premiums tend to be higher than those for apex roofed properties. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways by which you can extend the life of your flat roof, and in doing so, potentially limit the restrictions applying to your policy.

Perform Yearly Inspections Although not a condition of our policy, flat roofs should be inspected every year. This allows building owners to take quick action if an issue arises and prevents any problems from worsening. If they do need work carried out, it is advisable to consult a professional before beginning.

Many flat roof insurance companies will not provide compensation for damage or destruction to your flat roof if any works carried out have not been conducted by a reputable contractor. Replace The Roof at Specified Intervals Your flat roof should be replaced every 15 years, to ensure the maximum protection of your property.

If the roof is not maintained regularly, it may need to be completely replaced a lot sooner than this. Check For Signs of Roof Drainage Issues Ensuring that your roof can drain properly is one of the most important things to do. If water cannot drain off the roof, it can cause ponding and blisters. Ponding is when water accumulates on areas of the roof; it can cause leaking and even roof failure.

It’s easy to spot as there will either be puddles of water on the roof or if there are dry conditions, a lowered area ringed by dirt. Blisters occur when water gets between the layers of the roof. To prevent this from occurring, make sure your drainage system is clear.

• If your property has trees growing nearby, it will need to be checked more frequently as leaves and debris can clog gutters and drains It should also be checked after heavy snowfalls, especially during a thaw, as snow and ice can cause blockages and damage.
• Regularly Check for Cracks & Punctures Flat properties should be regularly checked for cracks and punctures in the roof surface.

If these occur, like any other issues, they should be addressed before they worsen. Applying reflective aluminium paint can prevent or slow down sunlight from breaking down the roofing material, extending the life of your roof. Take Out Flat Roof Insurance It is also advisable to take out a flat roof insurance policy to make sure that, should something go wrong, you are properly covered.

Having the right cover could make all the difference and save you from a financial headache. Flat roofs are becoming a more and more common feature in modern builds, provide a property with a sleek, minimalistic appearance. Maintain your flat roof correctly and you can enjoy a durable, long-lasting property feature.

: Protect and Maintain your Flat Roof