RoofsOnly.com is the leader in flat roof repair and other flat-roof systems, serving residents and commercial property owners in Austin, Buda, Manor, Hutto, Round Rock, Leander, Dripping Springs, Westlake, and across Central Texas.
Our professional roofing experts have extensive experience handling flat roof repair, installations, inspections, maintenance, and replacement. For the highest-quality materials and workmanship to the attentive customer service you deserve, call or contact us online today.
When Are Flat Roof Systems Used?
Flat roof systems have been utilized since the earliest construction projects. They are often valued for their ease of access and often match the local landscape. Flat roofs are most frequently found on commercial buildings but can be utilized for residential structures as well.
Some property owners might find that flat roof systems are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat and cold, and they will require expert installation and routine maintenance to keep leaks from developing.
What Are Some Advantages of a Flat Roof?
Flat roofs are interesting from an aesthetic point-of-view and are more energy efficient than the traditional sloped roof. They are easier to maintain and are quite versatile, which has made them popular for modern homebuilders and commercial property owners.
Some of the most notable benefits are:
Versatility
A flat roof can expand the structure’s usable living or workspace. Some homeowners might choose to install a rooftop garden or a deck. These additions are not just usable but also provide additional protection from the elements.
Cheaper construction and repair costs
Flat roofs do not take up as much space as sloped roofs, and they require less material. This makes construction and installation cheaper and means that any repairs that are needed will be less costly.
Energy efficient
Flat roofs help you keep your utility costs down, especially in the hot Texas heat. Sloped roofs will often retain warm air inside or will let cooled air escape. With less overhead space for air to become trapped, a flat roof will be much more energy efficient for your structure.
Flat Roof Materials
Some of the most common materials that comprise flat roofs include:
Single-layer membrane roof
Many modern commercial roofs utilize the relatively new membrane roofing technology. They are also frequently referred to as plastomeric or elastomeric roof membrane roofs. These single-ply roofs come In varieties that include:
- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)
- Chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated polyethylene sheets
- Neoprene (polychloroprene)
- Polymer-modified bitumens
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
EPDM synthetic rubber is a single-ply membrane roof material that is the most commonly used material for commercial and residential roofs. The material is a thin sheet and will be applied in a single layer over the roof. Since it is made from polymer or synthetic rubber, it is quite flexible and can handle extreme temperature changes.
Installing a membrane roof can be done by laying down the material and holding it in place with river rock ballast or by adhering it directly to the roof deck.
Modified bitumen roof
This type of flat roofing system was introduced in the 1960s as a replacement for build-up roofing (or BUR, which we’ll discuss below). It utilizes polymer-reinforced wear layers that are also known as cap sheets.
Depending on the materials, a modified bitumen roof can be applied by:
- Self-adhesive
- Cold application
- Hot application
- Torch application
The cap sheet’s polymer provides increased flexibility and elasticity during the cooler months.
Built-up roof (BUR)
One of the oldest flat roofing systems is the build-up roof (BUR). Rather than having a low-pitched roof with shingles, built-up roofs use several layers of roofing felt with asphalt added to them and embedded in bitumen. The bitumen-soaked felt will blend with hot-applied coal tar pitch or asphalt to create a thick roof membrane with several repeated and overlapping layers.
Crushed stone granules will typically be added to the top layer of tar to protect the BUR from inclement weather and the sun’s UV rays.
Contact an Austin Flat Roof Repair and Service Professional
To ensure that your flat roof system withstands the test of time and the intense Austin weather, make sure your roof is properly installed and routinely inspected and maintained. Not every roofing company has the skills and materials to do the job right.
At RoofsOnly.com, our Austin roofing contractors have experience handling all types of flat roof systems. We pride ourselves on our workmanship and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Call us or reach out to us online today for an inspection and estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flat roof?
A flat roof is exactly what it sounds like: it’s flat (almost). A flat roof has a slope of fewer than 10 degrees across the entire surface area. Flat roofs appear to be flat, but they have a little pitch to allow water to drain. Flat roof systems have a higher risk of allowing water to accumulate, so drainage is a top issue. To learn more about flat roof solutions, contact a local RoofsOnly.com specialist.
What are the benefits of installing a flat roof system?
There are numerous advantages to installing a flat roof system. One of the most advantageous characteristics is versatility. This roof structure can be used for a garden or even another location to eat by both homeowners and business owners. Flat roof systems have a smaller surface area than other roofing systems, which results in lower construction and labor costs. The less surface area you have, the less resources you’ll need and the less labor you’ll have to do! Another advantage is that they save energy. In comparison to sloped roofing systems, flat roofs are better at releasing heat. Find out if a flat roofing system is perfect for you by contacting a local RoofsOnly.com specialist.
How long do flat roof systems last?
If properly maintained, a flat roofing system can easily last 20 years or more. Standing water is a common issue with flat roofing systems. To prevent water from building up and causing additional problems, make sure your flat roof has an easy way to drain it. If you have any questions regarding your flat roof or want to learn more about flat roof installation, contact RoofsOnly.com now!
