Roofing Systems – Flat Roof Options

Many people have a flat roof on their residential or commercial premises, and this has traditionally been a great concern. Water damage from a leaking and damaged roof can ruin the inside of any building, causing a great deal of distress and financial loss. However, the good news is that now there is a material which is fast becoming the preferred option for customers needing roofing systems. The two main flat roof options are single ply roofing membranes and traditional built up roofs. The following gives you an overview of both.

Built Up Roofing (BUR) systems are what their name implies. The roof will be covered with a built up layer, traditionally three layers of felt and then a protective gravel layer will be spread on top. The gravel is designed to stop the felt being damaged by the suns (UV) rays and the three layers bonded together correctly will result in a waterproof surface. This roofing system adds weight to your roof and may, in time, be affected by expansion and contraction through heat & cold, allowing leaks to develop at the seams, joints and edges. There is also the possibility of the gravel becoming loose over time and ending up in gutters resulting in the need for them to be cleaned by the home owner. This is still a common solution for many people, but fortunately there is a superior product on the market today.

EPDM membrane roofing systems utilise a smooth rubber material which can easily be installed over the entire flat roof to form a strong, protective barricade. It is extremely flexible and will fit round all roofing contours. If seams or joints are necessary, the rubber membrane will be just as strong, long lasting and impermeable as the body of the material. Therefore, you can be sure that no water will seep through such seams or joints, even at the edges. This flat roofing system will endure for at least fifty years and can carry up to a 20 year guarantee.

Another benefit of rubber membrane roofing systems is that no heat or flames are used during the installation process, unlike BUR systems. This makes these flat roof options better for the environment, less weighty and are still safe to be walked on. The rubber roofing membranes can easily expand and contract in extreme weather conditions and can endure the severest storms. These flat roof options are available in a pleasing natural slate grey colour. You can surely now see why these roofing systems are becoming the flat roof option of choice when people need their flat roof replaced or protected from the start.