myjobquote

Home Blog Best Flat Roof MaterialArticle

Best Flat Roof Material

Are you considering installing a flat roof? If so, it's important to know which flat roof material is the best for you. With many options to choose from, it can be difficult to understand which is the right choice for you.

In this article, we will go over the various flat roof materials. We will highlight the pros and cons of each type and provide information on the factors to consider when choosing the best flat roofing material for you.

Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Material

Understanding which flat roof material is best for you is crucial as it can affect the longevity of the roof's performance and can also affect your building. With this in mind, you need to know which material is best suited to your project.

There are several things that can affect which material to choose, such as the local climate, the type of building, what the building is used for, and your budget. Below, we will go over the most common flat roofing materials, highlighting the pros and cons of each type to help you make the right decision with your flat roofing material choice.

Asphalt Roofing

Asphalts roofing is a very popular choice of roofing material for both commercial and residential buildings. It is versatile, durable, and affordable. There are two main types of asphalt roofing – build-up roofing (BUR) and modified bitumen roofing.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

This is a traditional type of roofing system which consists of multiple layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabric. These types of roofs are known to be very durable and can last for around 30 years or more with the right levels of maintenance. However, they are also the most expensive type of asphalt roofing.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

This is a more modern type of asphalt roofing material that uses a modified asphalt membrane rather than multiple layers of fabric and asphalt. Modified bitumen roofs are cheaper than BUR roofs. However, they can still last for around 20 – 30 years. They are also more resistant to cracking due to their flexibility, making them a great choice for areas with extreme weather conditions.

Pros and Cons of Asphalt Roofing

PROS

✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Durability
✔ Versatility
✔ Resistant to fire
✔ Waterproofing
✔ Low maintenance

CONS

✖ Weather damage
✖ Shorter lifespan
✖ Not environmentally friendly

Asphalt roofs are quite durable and can last for around 20 – 30 years or more with the right kind of maintenance. However, the lifespan may be affected by things like the type of asphalt used, the quality of the installation, and the climate in your area.

Single-Ply Membranes

Single-ply membranes have become increasingly popular in the roofing industry as there are many advantages over traditional roofing materials. These membranes are composed of a single layer of synthetic material, which provides a seamless, waterproof barrier for many types of roofs.

There are several types of single-ply membranes, which we will go over below:

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane that is known for being very flexible, able to withstand extreme temperatures, and resistant to UV radiation. This type of material is often ballasted with stone or gravel for added stability.

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)

TPO is a type of thermoplastic membrane made up of a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene. It is highly reflective, lightweight, and energy efficient. So, this type of roofing material is appropriate for most buildings and uses. TPO is also resistant to UV radiation and heat.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a type of synthetic membrane that is known for being low in cost and easy to install. It is often used in commercial and industrial applications as it is durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic. PVC membranes are also resistant to chemicals and fire.

Pros and Cons of Single-Ply Membranes

PROS

✔ Durability
✔ Energy-efficient
✔ Environmentally friendly
✔ Versatility
✔ Easy to maintain

CONS

✖ Cost
✖ Punctures
✖ Seams
✖ Susceptible to fire
✖ SPonding water
✖ Wind uplift
✖ Limited colour choices
✖ Less durable

With the right level of maintenance and care, single-ply roof membranes can last for around 20 – 30 years or more.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has been increasing in popularity over recent years as it has a lot of advantages over other roofing materials. Metal roofs are very durable, energy efficient, and require little maintenance.

Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

PROS

✔ Durability
✔ Low maintenance
✔ Energy efficiency
✔ Aesthetics
✔ Lifespan
✔ Fire resistant
✔ Snow shedding
✔ Range of options

CONS

✖ Cost
✖ Noise
✖ Dents

Green Roofing

Green roofs are a relatively new concept which is looking to become very popular in the future with a shift towards more eco-friendly homes. Green roofs offer sustainability and transform rooftops into vibrant ecosystems. Green roofs are adorned with a layer of vegetation and offer several benefits, making them a component of sustainable urban development.

Green roofs are usually made up of vegetation, a waterproof membrane, a drainage system, filter fabric, a protective layer, and an access layer.

Pros and Cons of Green Roofing

PROS

✔ Improved water management
✔ Enhanced energy efficiency
✔ Improved air quality
✔ Increased biodiversity
✔ Extended lifespan
✔ Reduced noise pollution
✔ Aesthetics

CONS

✖ Cost
✖ Maintenance
✖ Potential leak
✖ Not suitable for all roofs
✖ Pest issues
✖ Weight restrictions
✖ Fire hazards

Roof Coatings

Roof coatings play an important role in maintaining and extending various roof systems. These layers of protection offer a range of benefits which can enhance the durability and performance of the roof.

Pros and Cons of Roof Coatings

PROS

✔ Extended roof life
✔ Water resistance
✔ Energy efficiency
✔ Reduced maintenance
✔ Enhanced aesthetics

CONS

✖ Cost
✖ Potential damage
✖ Limited lifespan
✖ Not suitable for all roofs
✖ Environmental considerations

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Material

There are several factors that you’ll need to keep in mind when choosing the right roofing material for your flat roof. Here is a list of things to consider when choosing your roofing material:

Climate

Consider the temperature in your area, as some materials are more resistant to extreme changes in hot and cold environments. Some areas have higher UV radiation than others, so you may need to think about choosing materials with good UV protection.

Heavy rainfall may be common in some areas, so you may need to consider choosing a roof material which is highly resistant to water.

Maintenance Requirements

Consider the time and money that you can put into maintenance. Some materials may require more maintenance than others. It's also a good idea to choose a material with a long lifespan to minimise the need for repairs and replacements.

Cost

Compare the initial costs of different materials and see how the costs fit in with your budget. Also, evaluate the longevity of the materials and the long-term costs to see how this fits in with your lifestyle and future budgets.

Check out the costs of flat roofs here.

Aesthetics

Consider the colour options and the finishes of materials and choose one that fits in well with the overall aesthetics of the building.

As you can see, there are many different flat roof materials. When it comes to choosing the best roofing materials for you, you will need to consider various things, such as the climate, the type of building, the costs, and the aesthetics. This will help you to make the right choice for your roofing material.