A variety of materials can be used to make a flat roof. The most common include EPDM rubber, one-coat (TPO, PVC), modified bitumen, built-up roofing (BUR), and polyurethane spray foam. Many homeowners choose EPDM or TPO. EPDM roofs are affordable and can achieve a lifespan of more than 30 years.
What are the different types of flat roofs? Recessed roof (BUR), modified bitumen roof (MBR) and rubber membrane roof (EPDM). The most popular flat roof material is a PVC membrane. This provides a layer of thermoplastic material, which is durable and resistant. It has a minimum breaking point of approximately 300 pounds per inch, which far exceeds the industry recommended strength of 200 PPI.
It's designed to last between 15 and 30 years, making it the most durable flat roof material you'll find. It should come as no surprise that many commercial roof contractors only install a flat roof if it is PVC. Flat roofs are a cost-effective option for homes, thanks to generations of commercial flat roof construction use, modern materials, and application techniques, as viable, protective, and durable alternatives to pitched roof counterparts. Flat roof materials have improved dramatically over the past few decades to provide better waterproofness.
Of all these types of membranes, EPDM synthetic rubber is the most common single-layer membrane roofing material in both residential and commercial use. Pitched roofs have a physical advantage over flat roofs in their ability to allow rain to cascade into gutters to drain the ground. Summit Commercial Roofing is proud to be an industry leader in commercial flat roof replacement, repair, maintenance and installation. Over the past 30 to 40 years, these membranes have gained popularity as a single-layer, waterproof alternative to traditional constructed flat roofs.
By using the same material in your flat roof structure, you can count on watertight performance even if you experience temporary waterlogging or even exposure to plants and bacteria. It's vital to weigh the pros and cons of each material so you don't end up needing the constant repair of commercial flat roofs. Therefore, pitched roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, are designed to ensure that water flows well over the surface. Roofing experts install a thin sheet material (0.03 inch) and apply it to the roof as a single layer.
Roofing material is at least a century old and can handle roof challenges better than asphalt shingles. However, EPDM is a great choice for a flat roof over a garage or other non-living space that can be seen from a window because black won't get as dirty as a white membrane. Flat roofs generally come with a 10-20 year warranty, but they can last 25 years if you build the roofs correctly and maintain them using common sense rules. While flat roof systems are more affordable from the start, they can be more expensive over the life of your building.
