What is the Cheapest Way to Do a Flat Roof?

When replacing a flat roof, there are various replacement options available to you. Each has their own benefits and drawbacks so it is essential to select the option which best meets your budget needs.

There are various materials you can choose for a flat roof replacement project, including asphalt, fibreglass, metal, rubber and EPDM. On average, an estimated replacement cost ranges between $4 and $9 per square foot depending on material costs and installation expenses. In addition, there are many other costs that are associated with a flat roof replacement, such as removal and disposal of old roofing materials.

As far as the materials go, there are several options that you can choose from. The most popular ones are asphalt, metal, rubber and EPDM.

Most of these roofs are rolled and can be made from bitumen, TPO, Thermoplastic Polyolefin, and rubber. Each of them has its own advantages and drawbacks.

Flat roofing systems are becoming more and more common over the years, for a number of reasons. Among them are their modern aesthetic and energy efficiency.

One of the most popular and cost-effective roof systems is spray polyurethane foam, also known as SPF. It has a high level of R-value, is water-resistant and can be used for a variety of roof types including flat roofs.

Another common type of flat roof material is PVC, which comes in a range of colours and thicknesses. It can be installed as a single-ply membrane or in multiple layers, and is available in a variety of materials.

If you need a new flat roof for your home, it’s important to consider the different options available and their costs. Some of these include asphalt shingles, metal, and rubber.

Asphalt

Asphalt paving material is an eco-friendly sustainable paving material commonly used for roads, railway tracks, parking areas, bicycle lanes, sidewalks and play- and sports areas. Asphalt is composed of aggregates (processed mineral materials such as crushed rock, sand gravel and slags), binder and filler that is mixed together before use in its composition.

This mixture is applied and compacted onto road surfaces using a hot mix process that combines aggregates with bitumen at high temperatures to form an adhesive binder layer that will withstand both traffic loads and weather conditions.

Asphalt’s binder of choice, bitumen, is usually oil-based; however, bio-based alternatives are being researched as possible solutions for environmental sustainability. Asphalt molecules are polar – meaning that when assembled together in clusters they bind directly with aggregate surfaces via intermolecular attraction.

Metal

Metal roofs are an incredibly popular choice due to their long lifespans, energy efficiency, and durability. Furthermore, their aesthetic is striking – with numerous colours to match the style of any home!

Metal roofing is also environmentally-friendly as it can be recycled and reused – unlike asphalt shingles and other forms of roof materials that end up in landfills, metal roofs are commonly accepted at recycling centres for reuse or recycling.

Metal roofing also has the added advantage of reflecting solar heat, helping reduce cooling costs in summer months and saving on cooling costs by up to 25% in some regions. In fact, coating a metal roof with reflective paint could potentially lower it further and bring further savings – up to 25% in some cases!

One potential drawback of metal roofing is its susceptibility to being dented by falling branches or large hailstorms, though this usually isn’t a concern for most people living in regions prone to such events. If this is something worth considering in your region, however, be wary if hail storms are commonplace in your location.

Rubber

Rubber roofs offer the least expensive way to cover a flat roof surface, being easy to install, highly durable, and capable of withstanding all weather conditions.

Rubber can be produced either naturally or synthetically. The two primary sources are liquid tree sap (commonly referred to as latex) and petroleum by-products.

Rubber must undergo vulcanization in order to remain strong and durable; this process fuses its molecules together by cooking with sulphur to strengthen them further.

This process creates tough and durable materials, which is one of the reasons for their immense popularity. These products also boast high resistance against punctures, cracks and water damage.

An average-quality rubber membrane costs approximately $2 to $3 per square foot, though repairs could run between $5 and $8.

EPDM

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) roofing material has been around since the 1960s, providing durable yet flexible protection to commercial flat roofs with low slope.

Material ranges in thickness from 45 mils to 90 mils and comes in either black or white colour options, as well as non-reinforced or reinforced varieties depending on the needs of a project.

EPDM material makes installation and clean-up simple; however, liquid solvent cleaners with citric acids should be used with caution as these cleaners could damage its fabric properties.

If you’re considering installing an EPDM roof, be sure to hire a professional with appropriate training. This will ensure your roof lasts as expected and any necessary repairs can be addressed quickly – saving both money and hassle in the long run.

Read our other article: Do I Need Treated Timber to Do a Flat Roof?