In the construction and renovation industry, roof types can be classified according to two main factors. One is the material of manufacture and the other is the pitch of the model. In this sense, a flat roof is a roof with a very low pitch.
Specifically, a flat roof is generally defined as a design with a slope of less than 10°. This means that a flat roof will not have the classic pyramidal appearance of most homes in Canada and North America.
Now, you may be wondering about the installation process, maintenance, and other details associated with having a flat roof and not a pitched roof. Of course, there will always be pros and cons.
Advantages of flat roofs include the use of spaces such as roof decks and terraces and the ease of installation on large buildings such as hospitals or schools.
However, it is not common in residential properties because it is much easier to drain water off sloped roofs. Especially in areas where it rains a lot.
Special attention should be paid to the siding and gutters of a flat roof to avoid moisture and deterioration from other environmental stresses. Therefore, it is important to know the right type of siding to purchase.
We also suggest that you hire a roofing maintenance service on a regular basis. Removing snow, leaves and other debris will prevent the materials from becoming damaged and losing their durability and strength.
Flat roof cladding
When it comes to choosing a roof covering, there are several options. While these roofs are not common for family homes, there is a wide range on the market.
The one thing you should avoid is the idea of installing traditional asphalt shingles, because while they are high quality materials and work great for other projects, they don’t work as well when it comes to flat roofs.
You will need to assess the slope of your roof and see if it meets the minimum slope for the use of this type of tile. To verify these details, you can seek advice from a team of experts with a proven track record of excellent results.
If not, here are some of the options available to you:
Elastomeric membrane
It is a material used as a flat roof membrane. Its life span is 20 to 30 years. It consists of two layers applied with a flashlight or by the heat method.
One layer is glued to the surface and the other layer is covered with gravel. Although this is not the most striking alternative in terms of appearance, it is one of the most affordable and durable alternatives.
EPDM coating
EPDM is a rubber-based compound whose properties make it ideal for preventing water infiltration. It is a waterproof material and is also invulnerable to electricity.
It has a high level of elasticity and strength, which helps to avoid cracks and splits in surfaces.
TPO coating
A great advantage of TPO or thermoplastic polyolefin flat roofing is that in addition to resisting various climatic impacts such as wind, rain or ultraviolet rays, it is a material that contributes to the preservation of the environment, because it is recyclable.
It has a long service life and offers the advantage of also functioning as a thermal insulator. In addition, one advantage is that it is easy to install, restore or modify the application of this material.