Flat Roofing

Flat Roofing If you want to resolve your problems with flat roofs, you have a number of solutions available to you. Flat roofs are everywhere, and people have chosen to go with flat roofs for many years now. In fact, the flat roof system is one of the oldest roofing systems used.

Although they are called flat roofs, the term "flat" is a bit misleading. No roof should be totally flat. Even a flat roofing system should have a slight slope to drain water. If completely flat, water will begin to pond in areas and eventually cause penetrating damage to the roof protecting material. This is specially probable in regions which get frequent rain or snow.

Here are some of the most used Flat Roofing Systems:

Tar and Gravel System

The tar and gravel system consists of a roofing felt which is attached mechanically to the roofing surface i.e. nailed down. After the surface is set, hot asphalt tar is mopped over the felt all over the roof area to provide a protective layer. Then, these two processes are repeated. Once completed for the second time, a layer of gravel is spread all over the roofing surface. This is done mainly to protective the roof covering material from the sun's UV rays. The tar and gravel system used to be very popular in the past but has been used less and less because of its messy nature of application and due to its improbability to keep leaks out.

Self Adhering Membranes

This roofing system is not the most popular but is often used because of its simple application. Self adhering membranes are basically just applied on top of each other to form various layers of protection. The layers are each flattened out with a heavy roller to make sure all parts are in contact with the layer underneath and therefore adhered. This roofing system is used a lot for repairs and is more predominant in areas with warmer climate due to its limit in temperature application.

Torch On System

The torch on system is very similar to the self-adhering membrane system, with a couple of differences. First of all, the torch down system can be performed in any climate due to the use of a torch to heat the membrane in order to seal it with the next. Also, this system is much cheaper when compared to others, the only thing is that there is a lot more risk of injury when working with a hot torch in order to adhere the membranes. Caution should definitely be taken!

Rubber Coatings

This roofing system is a great way to protect your roof by applying a thin layer of rubber over most existing flat roofing material. There are a few different ways to apply this system, and is mostly a very secure system to protect your roof from future leaks. This system can save you loads of time by avoiding the tear off of the old existing roofing system. Although even avoiding those costs, this roof system is quite expensive when compared to other roofing systems available.

There are several different flat roofing solutions. When deciding to go with a flat roof you will most likely use your climate and budget as the main reasons for your choice of roofing style.

Built Up Roof System (BUR)

For BUR Systems, a base sheet is usually first applied as the first layer and mechanically fastened to the deck. Felt layers are then applied using either mopped hot asphalt or coal tar applications. Once one or two layers of felt are applied, the surface layer is installed. As the last layer, either a cap sheet or modified rubberoid paper is used. This roofing system is very dependable and usually preferred by costumers for its affordability and duration.