Flat Roofing Tustin

A flat roof is a very low-sloped roof that looks almost perfectly horizontal. Flat roofs are often seen on commercial buildings, but some homes use them, too. They are easy to construct and are simple to keep up.

Flat roofing can be made from several different materials. Traditional built-up roofing (BUR), placed in layers, has long been the most common material for commercial flat roofs. Modified bitumen, a form of asphalt, has also been widely used in commercial roofs. Another increasingly popular option is the single-ply membrane, either thermoset or thermoplastic. Each type of material used for flat roofing has its advantages and downsides.

The materials determine how long a flat roof will last. Built-up roofs can last as long as 20 years. Modified bitumen roofs often last around 20 years as well. Single-ply membrane roofs can last between 20 to 30 years, but they require good maintenance.

There are many advantages to flat roofs. In comparison to pitched roofs, they are simpler and quicker to put together. They are space-efficient. If the need arises, they can accommodate enough heavy equipment to make flat roofspace function as a kind of habitat. And because flat roofs are built horizontally instead of sloping, they are easier to access and inspect and, one hopes, also easier to keep in good working order.

Many different climates can accommodate flat roofs. However, in places that receive a lot of rainfall, a flat roof must be sloped to drain properly, otherwise, it will pool and leak. In snowy climates, a flat roof must be strong enough to support the weight of the snow that will not slide off, which is a problem that many a flat roof has had over the years. Poor insulation and air sealing of a flat roof can lead to ice dams, which may eventually result in ponding in the roof membrane.

A low-slope roofing system requires routine upkeep. Keeps the roof clean, and free of debris, and ensures that the drains, or scuppers, are clean and functioning. Look carefully for anything that may be amiss, especially at the seams. If anything worries you, have a professional check it out. They can give you peace of mind for a year's worth of worry-free roofing.

If they are designed well, flat roofs can cope with serious downpours. They depend on a low-slope design that directs the water away and, in some cases, the roof itself may have a slight slope toward a drainage area. There must be a good drainage system to prevent the water from going where it is not wanted. Water pooling can cause damage over time—not just to the roof but to whatever is underneath it.

Installing a flat roof can be cheaper than a sloped roof—although the cost depends on the materials. If good waterproofing isn't done, or if the protective top coating isn't maintained, a flat roof can develop leaks. That's not something you want to happen. Repairing a roof leak can cost a couple of thousand dollars.

To stop leaks, the roof must be well sealed. This requires regular checking because the slightest defect could otherwise let water through. It is also important to keep the roof clean. An almost flat roof, with a slight slope toward the back, should have no puddles on it.

Flat roofs are one of our specialties. At Next Door Roofing, we do much more than simply throw down some shingles or roll out some built-up roofing. Instead, we use top-quality materials and detailed craftsmanship to ensure that our flat-roof customers get the kind of long-term durability and watertight performance they deserve. We put just as much life in our flat roofs as we do in any other kind of roof.