Why Should I Install A Flat Roof?
If you want to maintain the safety and value of your home or workplace, you will be in need of a good quality roof. When your roof is sturdy and durable, it prevents water leaks and other outside forces that can cause damage and decay. If you are looking for a simple and cost-effective roof for your residential or commercial building, you should consider having a flat roof installed.
There are many advantages to having a flat roof. Firstly, they are very versatile, as they are practical on small structures and look attractive on large ones. When it comes to installation and repair, a flat roof is easily accessible to workers. Also, your installation and repair costs will be surprisingly low because less labor, time and building materials are required. If you need to get it re-coated, that is also an easy and inexpensive endeavor. Flat roofs have a long lifespan of 10-20 years and require little maintenance.
You may be wondering how a flat roof could be beneficial in Iowa, with all the rain and snow we can get. Here is an interesting fact for you: Flat roofs aren’t completely flat! When built, they are slightly sloped downwards to allow for water runoff and proper drainage. They are even covered with a tar paper for extra waterproofing.
A popular use for flat roofing in Iowa is “garden roofs” or porch coverings. You can upgrade your home with a flat roof extension to cover your garden or sitting area in the front of your house. This would make your front yard a great place to hang out and be protected from the weather. It also boosts the value of your home and gives it more curb appeal.
Types of Flat Roofing
There are three different types of flat roofing that we will discuss. The first is called a “Built Up Roof” (BUR). BUR’s are your more traditional roof made of waterproof plies, hot tar, and smooth river stone. They work excellently against fire danger and are the cheapest option for flat roofing. They are also attractive if you have a window or porch that overlooks the roof. The only downside to BUR roofing is that it is a smelly and messy ordeal when installing. The material is very heavy and can clog the gutters if the process is not done correctly. If you are thinking of getting a Built Up Roof, hire a professional instead of attempting to do it yourself. This type of installation should only be done to a building that is unoccupied during the process.
Another type of flat roof is called a modified bitumen. These are rolled single ply roofs that can be installed in two different ways. It is safer and easier to get a “peel and stick” modified bitumen flat roof so that you can easily apply it. Otherwise, you will have to use the torch down method which requires to heat the adhesive as the roof is unrolled. This can be very dangerous, so if you are planning on doing this yourself make sure to get a peel and stick version.
Rubber membrane flat roofs are made of true rubber called EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). These flat roofs look like an inner tube and are designed to resist damage from the sun. They can be installed with glue, fastened mechanically, or ballasted with stone. Rubber membrane roofs are easy to install yourself because of their light but durable material, and they are also easy to patch if damaged.
If you are considering a flat roof for your home or business building, don’t hesitate to call Brincks Exteriors today! We are your flat roofing experts in Iowa.
