Flat Roofs

Built-up roofing (BUR) has a long history and is very economical. This “old-school” flat roof treatment involves the application of roofing felt (tar paper) and asphalt-based roof pitch, often in multiple layers. A high layer of gravel or a reflective coating is required to cut down on heat gain and enhance durability. Maintenance and repair work usually call for more felt and coating layers to be applied. Over time, this adds weight to the roof and increases the mess and expense of its eventual removal. Although BUR remains a lower cost option, it can not compete with more modern flat roofing materials concerning low maintenance, light weight and durability.

PVC roofing offers top performance for a premium price. This single-ply roofing material is made of polyvinyl chloride, the same high-performance plastic used in plumbing pipes. Like EPDM, PVC is most often used on larger commercial roofing jobs. Seams between PVC sheets are welded together with a specially designed heat gun. The resulting membrane is impermeable to moisture, with excellent durability. Since PVC roofing is white in color, it has excellent heat-reflective qualities without any coating or extra materials.

EPDM roofing has a good track record. Despite its exotic compound makeup, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM for short) has the appearance and feel of a regular rubber inner tube. EPDM comes in huge rolls and is well-suited to program over any large flat roof surface, providing the substrate is clean and uniform. The elastic rubber material is glued to the roof substrate and to adjacent EPDM sections (Setup with mechanical fasteners is also possible). An EPDM roof, can last well over 20 years with minimal maintenance, but its dark tone absorbs a lot of heat. To prolong the life of this single-ply roof and reduce cooling costs, a reflective top coating is critical. As an alternative, you can pay a little more for the EPDM membrane with a white surface.

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) combines roofing, flashing & insulation. Rather than tearing off an old flat roof, SPF technology enables our team to spray on a continuous layer of high-density foam that seals leaks, bridges gaps and forms a waterproof barrier – even around roof penetrations like vent stacks. As a bonus, the cured foam coating has good insulation value, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs. Building owners who wish to avoid the mess, disruption and expense of tearing off an old flat roof often find SPF roofing their very best option. Once cured, the foam is coated with a sealant that protects against ultraviolet degradation.

TPO roofing is a mild, affordable single-ply option. TPO is short for thermo-plastic olephine, the chemical makeup of the fabric-like roofing material. TPO represents a newer roofing technology that’s still being refined by different producers. The material comes in rolls of different sizes, making it suitable for a variety of flat roof projects. It can be installed with adhesives, mechanical fasteners or heat welding. Like EPDM and PVC roofing, TPO calls for a clean, uniform substrate; it can’t be installed directly over existing roofing material. Although TPO generally costs less than EPDM or PVC, it does not yet have the same track record of proven performance. Modified bitumen works well on residential & small-scale commercial flat roofs. Since it comes in 3-ft. -wide rolls, modified bitumen roofing is easy to handle and apply. The material is rolled out so that seams overlap. Seams can be fused with a flashlight or sealed with special adhesive. The roof surface receives a reflective coating for durability and reduced heat absorption.

Whether you are looking for a residential-commercial flat roof or just have some questions, Hargrove Roofing is here to help. Call us today, at 318-626-5599 to get your free roof evaluation.