What You Probably Never Knew About Flat Roofing Systems

Whether you need North East flat roofing solutions or not, there are many things worth knowing about flat roofing systems. Even if you have a flat roofing system of your own, you might not be familiar with all of the options you have to help your flat roof reach its full potential.

Read on to learn about these and a couple of interesting, lesser known flat roof facts along the way.

Flat roofing materials can be the most eco-friendly

Traditionally, most flat roofs were made with a waterproof substance called bitumen. This material is made using petroleum, so as you can imagine, it is not the most environmentally friendly roofing material.

Although bitumen is still used sometimes today, the roofing industry has sought to increase its use of roofing materials which are still waterproof but kinder to the planet. Enter EPDM.

EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is a kind of rubber that is used as a roofing material.

The main benefits of EPDM are that it’s very waterproof and it has incredible longevity. Another reason why it is such a popular flat roofing choice is that it is very environmentally friendly.

EPDM membranes can be made with recycled rubber, which can be recycled multiple times. This means that when your EPDM roof comes to the end of its life, which will be after approximately 50 years according to Roofing Megastore, the material can be— you guessed it— recycled!

It might be easier to get a green roof than you thought

In case you don’t know what a green roof is, it is a roof which has been sealed with a waterproofing membrane (like EPDM), and modified so that plants can be grown on it.

Green roofs are good for the environment because the plants on the roof will produce oxygen and they can provide a safe habitat for local wildlife too.

You may have seen a green roof before and thought it looks great but it would be too complex or costly to implement at your home. In this case you may have thought wrong!

To find out if you can have a green roof installed atop your flat roof system, speak to an experienced professional roofer for guidance. As well as being able to assess whether a green roof is a viable option for your home, they will be able to explain how a green roof would be installed and the upkeep that would be required.

Flat roof systems can be adapted to make your home warmer or cooler

Whether you live in a hotter or colder climate, a flat roof could be your secret to keeping your home at the perfect temperature.

Firstly, those living in a colder climate can have insulation installed with their flat roofing system to make sure it maintains more heat.

Meanwhile, homes in hotter climates can have their flat roofs covered with special membrane materials so that they absorb less heat and help the home below to stay cooler.

Are flat roofs actually flat? The answer might surprise you…

One of the most surprising flat roof characteristics is that they actually aren’t fully flat.

Of course, they are comparatively much flatter than their pitched counterparts, but from ground level you don’t see the full story of how a flat roof is shaped.

Typically, flat roofs are slightly sloped for practical reasons. The gentle slope allows water to run off the surface which prevents damage to the roof.

Flat roofs may also not be completely flat because they use parapets. These roofs have a parapet wall which stands slightly taller and surrounds the perimeter of the roof.

Flat roof work is best left to the professionals

Although it is possible to install a flat roof yourself, there are countless pitfalls that can arise along the way.

On the surface, it might also seem cheaper to install or repair your own flat roof. Unfortunately, the hidden costs of an improperly installed flat roof can quickly decimate any savings you hoped to make.

You may need to shell out to use a professional to refit the flat roof later on because any mistakes you made while installing it could harm your property. For example, leaks in the flat roof could eventually lead to serious water damage.

Therefore, if you are looking to have your flat roof repaired or replaced, you should hire a qualified roofer to save time, money and hassle.