Flat Roofing Services
Call Us Today- Home
- »
- Residential Roofing
- »
- Flat Roof
Flat roofs can be tricky to deal with, whether you need a full replacement or repairs done to make it stronger. At Action 1 Roofing, we understand the complexities that this type of roof can present. That’s why we are knowledgeable in this field and work with the best roofers in your city. They are licensed, insured, and have experience working on flat roofs. We’d love to help you take care of your flat roof to make it stronger than ever before.
What are the Best Options for Flat Roofing?
Flat roofs are more difficult to work with than sloped or pitched roofs. This is why it’s crucial to have an experienced roofer help you with the job. They’ll make sure the right type of material is used and the slope is just right for water to avoid pooling. If you need repairs, a roofer will make sure they are properly completed no matter the degree of damage.
Common Materials Used in Flat Roof Construction
Built-Up Roof System (BUR)
This roof is made with alternating layers of reinforcing fabrics and tar or asphalt. The number of layers will depend on the structure and preference of the building owner, as needs vary from place to place. The top of the roof is completed with stone or gravel to provide additional protection. The price for this roof can vary anywhere from $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
Pros:
- Multiple layers of protection
- Durable to withstand fires and winds
- Improved energy efficiency thanks to added insulation
- Easy repairs
Cons:
- Installation can be time-consuming
- Hazardous fumes can be involved in the installation
- Price is higher than other materials
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride, otherwise known as PVC, is common on flat roofs because it’s durable and energy-efficient. It’s installed through hot air welding, which permanently bonds the PVC membrane seams to the base of the roof. The total cost to have this type of roof installed will vary on the project size and how much labor is involved. However, the average cost is around $3.10 per square foot for a PVC roof.
Pros:
- Resists water, fire, wind
- Better longevity than other materials
- Durable and strong
Cons:
- Must completely remove the old roof before installation
- Repairs will be necessary and can be complicated
- PVC can become brittle in extremely cold climates
Rubber
Rubber roofing is common on flat roofs or residential roofs that have low slopes. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is one of the most popular types of rubber roofs used today, is it was the first rubber roof used on top of commercial buildings and residential homes with flat roofs. The average cost of a rubber roof can be anywhere from $4.00 to $8.25 per square foot, depending on the size of the structure and difficulty of the job.
Pros:
- Has incredible longevity, so you can expect it to last decades
- Affordable for large buildings
- Aesthetically appealing
- Doesn’t take long to install
Cons:
- The black color of most rubber roofing absorbs heat
- Can be prone to leaks if seams are not properly sealed
- Color can fade over time due to sun and weather exposure
Spray Foam
Spray foam roofing has become incredibly popular in recent years, especially on large commercial buildings with flat roofs. It’s sprayed on as a liquid that quickly expands into foam that solidifies to create a solid layer on top of an already existing roof. This liquid is made of two different chemicals that are combined in the spray gun and then applied to create the foam. Foam is something that many roofers recommend because of its proven longevity. The average price of installation for this type of roof can be anywhere from $4.00 to $7.00 per square foot for a large commercial space.
Pros:
- Foam expands to create a watertight and airtight seal
- Improves energy efficiency to save you money
- Very low maintenance; repairs are easy
- Affordable and effective
- Can be installed over an existing roof
Cons:
- Must be installed during good weather conditions
- Overspray due to lack of installation experience
Modified Roofs
Although similar to asphalt roofs, modified bitumen roofs are made of a strong polymer material that is excellent for protecting flat roofs. The material comes in a large roll that’s installed by being rolled out and heated with a blow torch. The heat helps the material attach to the top of the roof to create a secure bond. The price for this type of roof will generally vary anywhere from $4 to $8 per square foot.
Pros:
- Reflective properties help keep your roof cool in the summer
- System installs well because the heat bond is very strong
- Good longevity
Cons:
- Can be dangerous to install with a blow torch
- Foot traffic can easily damage roof and cause scuffing
Metal
Metal is one of the most common materials used to protect flat roofs because it’s long-lasting and durable. It can also be used on flat roofs that have a slope of more than 2 inches, so older buildings can benefit from it. The average cost of a metal roof is around $5 to $14 per square foot, depending on the type of metal used and the size of the structure.
Pros:
- Very long lifespan; can last 20-30 years
- Durable against the sun and inclement weather
- Aesthetically appealing
Cons:
- One of the most expensive types of roofing materials
- Can be loud during rain or hail
How We Can Help with Your Flat Roof Needs
When you call our team at Action 1 Roofing, we work diligently to get you the roofing help you need. From there, we follow a strict process to make your flat roof strong and secure.
