PROS AND CONS OF FLAT ROOFS
Flat roofs have various advantages if you install the right material, roofing system and hire the right contractor. If you do not take extra care of your flat roof, then you can have roof issues like leaks or pooling water. Before you consider the flat roofing system, you need to know the roof's pros and cons. This will help you with the informed decision for your home. This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a flat roofing system. We will also go over some popular options you can consider and how long a flat roof lasts.
WHAT IS A FLAT ROOF
Flat roofs are a stark contrast to sloped or pitched roofs. The approximate angle of a flat roof is no more than 10°. It is an ancient roofing system popular in areas with less rainfall and dryer climates. This roofing option is perfect for you if you need any additional space on top of your roof such as a balcony or garden.
Flat roofs are not completely flat, however. They come with a slight pitch so that water can run off the roof. Normally a flat roof can last for more than 10 to 15 years. However, it depends on the material you are using and the roofing option you are installing.
PROS OF A FLAT ROOF
1. COST-EFFECTIVE
Flat roofs are typically cheaper. There are two ways in which flat roofs are cost-effective. Firstly, labor and material costs are less, and contractors will require less time to install this roofing system. On the other hand, a pitched roof needs extra material and additional support.
2. ADDITIONAL SPACE
As you already know, you can maximize the area of your home by installing a flat roof. There are various projects that you can try on your roof. You can grow a garden on your roof for an eco-friendly environment. The garden will cool down your rooms and help save energy. Moreover, the heat from the sun will not directly hit on the roof. You can also install solar panels, get gym equipment and use your roof for a workout. Or, if you feel very eccentric, you can use your roof as a dining area or garden.
CONS OF A FLAT ROOF
1. LEAKAGE
Flat roofs are worth installing, but these roofs are prone to leakage. That is not the case every time as it depends on the maintenance and installation. However, flat roofs are not entirely flat, they are slightly angled to allow water runoff. This can extend the lifespan of your roof. Furthermore, you should hire a professional to inspect the damage after heavy rainfall.
2. DEGRADATION
The sun directly shines throughout the day on a flat roof due to its flat shape. As pitched roofs have various angles, they receive less exposure to the sun. However, this drawback is not enough to affect your decision to install a flat roof. You can apply a reflective roof coating like the Shasta White Deckseal from Owens Corning to protect your roof from the heat of the sun.
FLAT ROOFING MATERIALS FOR YOUR HOME
1. BUILD UP ROOFING
“Built-up” or “Bur” roofs are the best choice roofing system in North America for more than 100 years. People also know these roofs as gravel or tar roofs. Layers of these roofs are mostly three feet wide and cover melted hot tar. While installing this roof, professionals will melt the coal pitch or asphalt tar in a large kettle and spread on the roof. After two to four layers, they will use gravel or small stones to protect your roof from UV rays. These roofs can last for up to 15 to 30 years.
2. MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOFING
A Modified Bitumen contains three to four-foot-wide asphalt rolls similar to the buildup roofing system. However, this roofing system only consists of two layers of materials. One will be the base sheet, and the other will be the cap sheet. Modified Bitumen roofing system can last 12 to 20 years. You can install the Modified Bitumen through four methods:
· Applying the hot layers with hot tar.
· Using a cold adhesive solvent without using the heating agent.
· Torching down and melting both the sheets together with a flame.
· Peeling and sticking together both the sheets after removing the release tape. The top layer or cap sheet is granulated and has a light color.
3. SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE ROOFING
This roofing system is the latest technology and the ideal pick for commercial buildings. This type of roofing system is also known as the elastomeric or plastomeric roof membrane. You have various options in single-ply roofs, depending on the material. So how long does a flat roof last that contains these materials? You can expect to see 25-40 years of life out of these kind of materials.
CONCLUSION
Flat roofs can be glamorous for buildings and homes and have various advantages. You need to consider the pros and cons to decide if this roofing system will be the best option for your home. Furthermore, there are many different options to choose from.
So, if you are wanting to know how long does a flat roof last? It really depends on the material you select from above and the location of your home.