What Are The Types of Flat Roofing Systems?

Flat roofs offer one of the most flexible roofing options for both homes and industrial warehouses alike. Easy to maintain and requiring less materials than other forms of roofing systems, a flat roof can be designed in any style that complements its surroundings perfectly. You can see more information to find out more about this topic.

Choose the ideal flat roof system for your property based on factors like budget constraints, aesthetic preferences and local building regulations. Being well informed of all of your options will enable you to make an informed decision that fits with your individual needs and wants.

The first type of flat roofing system is built-up (BUR). BUR roofing is made up of a base layer of hot tar and gravel, followed by a top layer that has been covered in a reflective coating.

Another common option is spray polyurethane foam, which is also a popular choice for commercial and industrial buildings. This material is very affordable and easy to install and has a long lifespan, as it doesn’t degrade or lose its flexibility after several years.

Rubber membranes are a good choice for areas with high temperatures or for buildings that receive heavy foot traffic. These roofs have a light colour that helps reflect heat, and are moderately priced.

Modified bitumen, or MBR, is another common roofing material for flat roofs. This single-ply system consists of a mineral-based outer surface that is adhered to the roof using an adhesive. Leaks can be stopped by melting together the seams of the sheeting.

PVC is another popular single-ply roofing system that uses a plastic film that has been coated with a waterproof membrane. This type of membrane is more expensive than modified bitumen but it is very durable and can withstand a lot of wear. The downside is that it can be hard to clean.

EPDM rubber is another common material that many people use on flat roofs. This rubber roofing is extremely durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an ideal option for any type of building.

If you are looking for a long-lasting flat roof, EPDM is an excellent choice. This type of roofing material has a lifespan of 30+ years and it is resistant to the UV and infrared rays that can damage other types of roofing materials.

PVC Single-Ply Membrane

PVC single-ply membrane roofs have long been used on low-slope roofs since their introduction into commercial roofing in the 1960s.

PVC window film is an attractive option due to its fire and chemical resistance, reflective qualities, durability, easy installation process and cost-effective nature.

Although HVAC systems have a great deal of prestige, it is essential to remember that they may experience mould or mildew growth that leads to expensive maintenance and repair costs.

Reflective properties may deteriorate over time due to pollution and other environmental influences, making a good quality roof essential in order to withstand this challenge. To make sure it stands up against this danger.

TPO Single-Ply Membrane

Single-ply membrane roofing is an increasingly popular choice for flat roofs, thanks to its lightweight yet durable nature and strong UV ray protection capabilities.

TPO membranes are one of the most popular single-ply roofing membranes for commercial buildings, offering numerous advantages over PVC and EPDM membranes in terms of energy savings and weatherproofing resistance.

Seam strength of TPO membrane roofs is three times stronger than traditional rubber roofs with tape systems and six times stronger than those utilising glued seams, making them an excellent option for supporting pipe supports that must be fastened directly onto the membrane surface. This makes TPO an excellent choice when fastening pipe supports directly to it.

As there are various TPO membrane types and each has their own set of advantages and disadvantages, you should carefully consider your unique requirements to select and install an optimal TPO system in your building.

Modified Bitumen

Modified Bitumen roofing systems combine asphalt with fibreglass material and other modifiers to form a flexible flat roofing solution that outlives traditional tar-and-gravel systems in terms of durability. With its strengthening agents such as fibreglass reinforcements, modified bitumen creates a roof with increased longevity than its competitors.

Due to its superior tensile strength, tear resistance, and durability features, EPDM roofing membrane is the ideal choice for commercial buildings subject to heavy foot traffic or weathering conditions. Furthermore, EPDM is one of the best waterproofing membranes on the market.

There are three popular methods for applying modified bitumen: self-adhesive, cold adhesive, and hot asphalt. Each produces an efficient connection between sheets that provides an impenetrable seal against leaks. Click here to learn more.

Modified bitumen roofing solutions offer great carbon footprint reduction benefits for buildings. Materials used can often be recycled, eliminating wasteful practices like sending it straight to landfills. Plus, this energy-saving material comes equipped with thermal emission and solar reflectance properties to help lower heating and cooling bills!

Build Up Roof

Built-up roofs (BUR) are one of the oldest and most economical forms of flat roofing systems.

BURs are constructed from multiple layers, such as a base board, insulation sheets, bitumen/ply sheeting alternated with stone/gravel surface material. BURs provide superior waterproofing while reflecting UV radiation for increased safety – an attractive feature in commercial properties.

Modern BURs not only offer exceptional water resistance, but they also feature rigid insulation layers to maximise energy efficiency and often include fire resistant top layers that offer extra protection.

Built-up roofing is an ideal choice for properties with flat or low sloped roofs, providing durable fire resistance at minimal maintenance costs.

Read our other article: How Many Layers Do I Need For a Flat Roof?