Flat Roofing Methods

Single ply roofing is a popular option for commercial buildings and can be used on any slope of roof.

Flat roofing methods.

Getting the balance right here is crucial as too much weight will inevitably lead to an unstable roofing structure. There are several methods and materials for the design of the exterior surface of a warm or cold flat roof. Single ply attachment methods the project and situation will help determine the best attachment method. Flat roofs are an ancient form mostly used in arid climates and allow the roof space to be used as a living space or a living roof flat roofs or low slope roofs are also commonly found on commercial.

But if the slope of the roof is greater than 2 12 then this system may not be appropriate. Membrane roofing consists of a layer of insulation board topped by sheets the membrane of epdm rubber or other material. Fasteners are typically spaced 12 inches o c. Flat roofs usually come with a 10 to 20 year warranty but can last 25 years if you build the roofs right and maintain them using commonsense rules.

Flat roofing under construction plywood decking is then used to cover the joists with the width in between also determined by the weight being placed upon them. The hot applied asphalt or coal tar pitch blends with the bitumen soaked roof felt and creates a monolithic roof membrane. Hot tar and gravel also known as the built up roof bur this type of flat roof features three or more layers of waterproof material mixed in an alternating fashion with hot tar and a layer of smooth stone like gravel. The mechanically attached method consists of fastening each row of membrane to the roof deck with screws and barbed plates.

Thermoset membranes are made with layers of synthetic rubber polymers such as epdm cspe and neoprene. There are two main types of single ply roofing. If the roof deck can withstand the weight a ballasted loose rock roof may be the best option. Modified bitumen flat roofing modified bitumen is rolled out onto your roof typically using a blowtorch to secure the modified bitumen to your flat roof.

Understandably there are dangers involved with the installation especially with an inexperienced roof installer. The fully adhered method consists of gluing the membrane directly to insulation or to the substrate. Built up roofs are installed using several layers of a special type of roofing felt that has been asphalt impregnated and embedded in bitumen applied with a hot mop. Single ply roofing is either fully adhered or mechanically attached.

The most common type used for residential flat roofing is epdm ethylene propylene diene monomer a synthetic rubber sheet material that is also commonly used as a pond liner.