What type of roofing is best for a flat roof?

For many projects, PVC roofing is our preferred choice as the best flat roof material on the market. PVC roofing is somewhat more expensive than other single-ply commercial roofing materials, however it offers a wide range of benefits for the price.

What are the different types of flat roofing?

What are the different types of flat roofs? Built-up roof (BUR), modified bitumen roof (MBR), and rubber membrane roof (EPDM).

What is the longest lasting flat roof?

PVC Single-Ply Membrane

It is designed to last between 15 and 30 years, making it the longest-lasting flat roof material you will find. It should come as no surprise that many commercial roofing contractors will only install a flat roof if it is PVC.

How do I know what kind of flat roof I have?

If your roof appears to be covered in rubber and the HVAC curbs or roof flashings also have rubber on them, you likely have an EPDM roof. If the roof has been adhered, it is probably black in color. If it is ballasted, it is covered in large stones or other ballast that can be removed to expose the rubber roof surface.

How often does a flat roof need to be replaced?

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.

What is the most common flat roof material?

Common Flat Roof Materials

  • Modified Bitumen.
  • Built-Up Roofs (BUR)
  • EPDM Rubber.
  • Single-Ply (PVC, TPO)
  • Spray Polyurethane Foam.

How long should a flat roof last?

between ten and 15 years
How many years does a flat roof last? Most traditional flat roofs are made from either mineral felt or asphalt and will have a maximum life span of between ten and 15 years. Unfortunately though they have a bad reputation due to their propensity to leak or become damaged through pooling water.

What are common problems with EPDM roofs?

Common EPDM Roofing Problems

  • punctures in, or damage to, the membrane.
  • shrinkage.
  • incorrectly installed or improper flashing.
  • wrinkles extending into roof seams.

How do I know if I have EPDM or TPO?

If possible remove a staple so you can look at both sides of the roofing material. If one side is a white or a dove color and the other side is black it is EPDM. If the roofing material is all one color, top and bottom, it is TPO.

Do you need planning permission to replace a flat roof?

Unfortunately, the answer is YES, YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO CONVERT A FLAT ROOF INTO A PITCHED ROOF. Any time you make changes to a property that makes it higher than the previous highest point, you will need planning permission to carry out the work.

Are flat roofs covered by buildings insurance?

Buildings insurance protects the structure (the fixtures and fittings in your home). This would be any damage caused by a leaking flat roof – and the roof itself.

How many layers should a flat roof have?

Most flat roofs have two to four layers excluding a reflective coating.

Does a flat roof affect insurance?

If your house has a flat roof, your house insurance can be more expensive. This is because insurers consider flat roof homes to be at higher risk of water ingress, weather damage and burglary. If less than 30% of your roof is flat, it’s unlikely to make a difference to the cost of your insurance.

How do you know when a flat roof needs replacing?

Signs your flat roof needs replacing

  1. Design and installation.
  2. Tears, splits, cracks and exposed timbers.
  3. Adhesion failure, bubbling and blistering.
  4. Ponding, poor falls and small outlets.
  5. Organic growth.
  6. Adjoining walls and upstands.

Which is better EPDM or TPO?

EPDM roofs are the most economical choice for single ply roofing membranes. TPO roofing membranes are more expensive than EPDM. Regardless of which membrane you choose, it is better to spend more money and invest in a thicker membrane. Both EPDM and TPO roofs perform better and last longer if they are thicker.

Can you walk on EPDM roof?

Yes to an extent. EPDM is designed to take LIGHT foot traffic during installation and for occasional cleaning or maintenance. If you require more use than this, i.e. for a balcony then there are additional materials that can be laid over your EPDM for a more durable solution.

Is TPO more expensive than EPDM?

TPO roofing membranes are more expensive than EPDM. Regardless of which membrane you choose, it is better to spend more money and invest in a thicker membrane. Both EPDM and TPO roofs perform better and last longer if they are thicker.

Which is better TPO or EPDM?

TPO has better dimensional stability than EPDM. EPDM is more likely to shrink which can cause a variety of problems on your roof.

When should I replace my flat roof?

Roof’s Age
Some roofing materials have longer lifespans than others, but no roofing system lasts forever. Flat roof materials like EPDM generally last up to 20 years, with an upper limit of about 25 years.

Which lasts longer EPDM or bitumen?

1. Shorter life expectancy. The reality is that modified bitumen roof life expectancy is way shorter than that of EPDM. To maximize built up roof life expectancy, make sure to adhere the overlapping joints properly.

Why do insurance companies not like flat roofs?

These roofs tend to be a bit more to insure because they’re more vulnerable to high winds, but they can shed water and debris easily. Flat roofs have no pitch or slope and typically aren’t favored by insurance companies because flat roofs pool water easily.

How often should you check a flat roof?

twice a year
You should inspect the roof twice a year, whatever your flat roof construction type is.

Is it OK to put a new flat roof over an old one?

There are many ways to handle your roof replacement. A lot of commercial and residential flat roof owners know that you can install a new roof over top of an old one. Many old built-up roofs are still out there, and most even have rocks on them.

What are three typical top applications on a flat roof?

The 3 Best Waterproofing Applications for Your Flat Roof

  • TPO roofing membrane. TPO roofing (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply white membrane used in commercial and residential roofing.
  • PVC roofing membrane.
  • EPDM roofing membrane.

How many years does a flat roof last?

A properly maintained flat roof can last for decades, depending on the materials. A built-up roof or layers of modified bitumen can last for up to 20 years. Lightweight thermoplastic polyolefin or spray-on coatings of polyurethane foam, acrylic or silicon have a similar lifespan.