Flat roofs are an easy way to keep a building safe from water. Knowing precisely what related to a flat roof will make sure you have a working roof system that will last a long time.
Though they may look good, and therefore are very common, flat roofs do require routine maintenance and detailed repair in order to effectively prevent water infiltration. If this sounds like done correctly, you'll be pleased with your flat roof for a long time.
Flat roofs aren't as glamorous and/or popular as its newer counterparts, such as slate, tile, or copper roofs. However, they are just as important and require much more attention. To prevent throwing out cash on short-term repairs, you need to know just how flat roof systems are made, the different types of flat roofs that are available, and the need for routine inspection and maintenance.
A set roof system functions by providing a waterproof membrane on the building. It consists of a number of layers of hydrophobic materials that is placed over a structural deck having a vapor barrier that's typically placed between the deck and also the roof membrane.
Flashing, or thin strips of material for example copper, intersect with the membrane and the other building components to avoid water infiltration. Water will be directed to drains, downspouts, and gutters through the roof's slight pitch.
There are four most common kinds of flat roof systems. Indexed by order of growing durability and price, they're: roll asphalt, single-ply membrane, multiple-ply or built-up, and flat-seamed metal. They can range between as little as $2 per sq . ft . for roll asphalt or single-ply roofing that is applied over and existing roof, to $20 per square foot or even more for brand new metal roofs.
Used since the 1890s, asphalt roll roofing generally consists of one layer of asphalt-saturated organic or fiberglass base felts that are applied over roof felt with nails and cold asphalt cement and usually engrossed in a granular mineral surface. The seams are typically covered over with a roofing compound. It can last about 10 years.
Single-ply membrane roofing may be the newest kind of roofing material. It is often used to replace multiple-ply roofs. 10 to 12 year warranties are normal, but proper installation is crucial and maintenance is still required.
Multiple-ply or built-up roofing, also called BUR, is made of overlapping rolls of saturated or coated felts or mats that are interspersed with layers of bitumen and surfaced with a granular roofing sheet, ballast, or tile pavers that are used to protect the underlying materials in the weather. BURs are made to last 10 to 3 decades, which depends upon the types of materials used.
Ballast, or aggregate, of crushed stone or water-worn gravel is baked into a coating of asphalt or coal tar. Since the ballast or tile pavers cover the membrane, it makes inspecting and maintaining the seams of the roof difficult.
Lastly, flat-seamed roofs happen to be used because the 19 th century. Produced from small pieces of sheet metal soldered flush at the joints, it can last many decades depending on the quality of the material, maintenance, and exposure to the elements.
Galvanized metal does require regular painting to prevent corrosion and split seams need to be resoldered. Other metal surfaces, for example copper, may become pitted and pinholed from acid raid and usually requires replacing. Today copper, lead-coated copper, and terne-coated stainless steel are favored as long-lasting flat roofs.
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Using a repair or re-roof on your property could be a difficult project. Make sure you rely on a Woodstock GA Roofing Company that is going to get the job done right. We handle roofing in Woodstock, GA for a broad range of clients. Please contact us to learn more.
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