Flat Roofing Los Alamitos

Roofs with a very slight slope are called flat roofs. They look almost level in comparison to a curved, hipped, or pitched roof, so they are common roofing systems, especially since they offer more usable space and are thought to be less costly in commercial or public buildings and certain types of residential buildings. The materials and designs used for flat roofs have changed over the years, but flat roofs of all types require careful attention to drainage to avoid the problems that result from water buildup.

A flat roof can have a 15- to 30-year life span, precisely because of the materials used in construction. A flat roof will last longer if regular inspections and maintenance are done. Weather conditions also count for the life span of a flat roof. Year's worth of snow and unforeseen weather conditions can lead to roof damage and lessen the lifespan of a flat roof. The materials chosen—quality or otherwise—play a large part in the life of a flat roof and can affect roof life as much as poor maintenance or improper choice of roofing materials.

Several materials are commonly used for flat roofs. These materials are built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen, and single-ply membranes like TPO and EPDM. Every material is chosen based on the appearance and qualities that are most appropriate for the specific roofing project. BUR is probably the most classic flat roof material—it’s been used for a very long time. BUR is very strong and is only rivaled by the flat roofing systems that were used thousands of years ago (with little to no changes between then and now).

A flat roof requires regular inspections to stay in good shape. You should check it often for any cracks, leaks, or other signs of damage that might allow water to sneak in and create bigger problems. You also need to keep the roof clean so water doesn't have a reason to hang around. And when you do find a problem, it's important to do the necessary repairs immediately, so even the smallest leak doesn't evolve into a major issue.

Proper installation and regular maintenance can prevent flat roofs from leaking, but they are still more vulnerable to leaks than other roof types. The reason is simple, water has a natural tendency to run off a slope. If a roof is too flat, water can pool instead. And the longer water remains on the surface of a roof, the better the chances it will find its way inside.

There is more than one step to flat roof installation. The first is to remove the existing roof if there is one. Then follows the application of underlayment to provide protection. Afterward, the chosen roofing material is applied, and it is here where a flat roof installation can either go awry or achieve its desired result. The final step is often to apply a sealant to finish the job. Although this can seem like a fairly elementary project it requires a certain amount of professional expertise, or at the very least, the kind of good handyman whose efforts rarely yield "good enough to get by" results.

A flat roof is not something one should attempt to install on their own. Indeed, flat roofing requires special skill and know-how, and even the tiniest mistake risks serious leaks and associated problems. My advice? Hire a professional flat roofing company, like Next Door Roofing, if you want a flat roof.

Roofs that are not slanted are simpler and safer to get to for upkeep purposes. They give the people in the building extra outdoor space, on the roof, for things like HVAC units or even roof gardens. Flat roofs are generally less expensive to put in and are much simpler to build for single-family homes. At this point, flat roof houses are mostly in the sunbelt and in very arid regions where they are often roofed with tile for a stretched-out adobe look.

Installing a flat roof doesn't have a single price tag. It's possible to gauge the charge for putting in a flat roof, but it requires knowing what materials were used and how large the roof is. On top of that, one has to consider labor costs and how intricate the job of installing the roof is. We recommend getting an estimate, and Next Door Roofing can help you with that process.

Next Door Roofing provides professional installation, repair, and maintenance services. Our crews work with only the best materials and up-to-the-minute technological innovations. We offer not only several different basic roofing services but also a handful of specialty services for rooftops that require a little more TLC or for customers who happen to be living in more dangerous and unpredictable environments. Finally, Next Door Roofing's promise of service in the customer's best interest is what serves to differentiate it from its competitors.