Flat roofs are not your everyday roofing solution yet it has seen popularity as many owners of residential and commercial buildings have flat roofs on their properties. It’s said that property owners choose to go with flat roofs thanks to their affordability and good-looking design.
Are you looking to install a flat roof on your property too? Picking out the appropriate flat roofing material can be challenging as there are various options available such as bitumen, rubber, metal, and built-up roofing, among many others.
Choosing the right material can be a wise investment as it’ll save you costs and ensure fewer repairs in the future. Also, the perfect flat roof material will look good with your house’s exterior look.
But what should you be keen on to ensure you have the right material for your flat roof? This post will touch on multiple pieces of advice to assist you in picking the perfect roofing material.
Bitumen roofing., with a gas burner and a roll of tar paper. Flat roof installation.
1. Consult With A Roofing Expert
The best way to choose the best flat roofing material is to consult with a roofing expert such as D’Angelo & Sons Roofing, among others, and listen to their advice about what would be best for your home. It’s also important that you get a quote for the roofing work to understand the total cost of the whole process. The roofing expert will consider multiple aspects before coming up with a recommendation.
It’s advised that you explore your options. Look around multiple roofers in your area and ask for an initial assessment or consultation. Compare and contrast each flat roofing installer’s service packages, experience, and the like to gauge which business is a great fit to work with.
2. Consider The Climate Conditions In Your Area
When choosing a flat roofing material, your property address’ climate is essential. The weather you experience will determine the best materials for your home’s flat roof. Some materials are more likely to withstand extreme temperatures and heavy snowfall, while others may be better suited for milder climates.
For example, suppose your area experiences severe winters with heavy snow accumulation. In that case, you can choose a kind of flat roofing material that can handle the weight of snow without breaking or cracking under its weight. In such cases, you can use metal roofing as they are more durable and don’t break easily.
3. Keep In Mind The Material’s Maintenance Requirement
Maintenance frequency depends on the material in use, but you should expect regular inspections, repairs, and replacements.
Asphalt shingles are said to be less expensive but require more frequent replacement than other materials. Meanwhile, metal roofing may require more upkeep because it’s not naturally waterproof and susceptible to damages brought upon by the elements.
Luckily, some types of flat roofing can be made waterproof by applying a coating or membrane over them. This effectively extends their lifespan and reduces your need for repairs by keeping water out. However, a flat roof’s waterproofing membrane can be damaged by the sun’s rays, chemicals, and debris.
As a golden rule, regularly check for any signs of damage on the roof such as curled or buckled shingles, cracks or ripples in the membrane, and leaks inside your home.
Top view flat roof with air conditioners and hydro insulation membranes on top of a modern apartment.
4. Be Aware of The Pros and Cons of Each Material
Several different types of flat roofing materials are available, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each material before you choose one.
If money is an issue for your business or home, it may be worth considering less expensive alternatives such as rubber or asphalt shingles. These shingles aren’t ideal for every location, but they provide good protection against leaks at a lower price than other options.
Some materials are more labor-intensive to work with than others. For example, standing seam metal roofs require special tools and training to install properly. Some contractors will charge extra for this additional skill set when installing a standing seam metal roof on top of their initial estimate. So, make sure not only that you’re comfortable with working with this type of material but also that the contractor has enough experience installing it before committing yourself financially.
5. Look Into Aesthetic Value
Aesthetics is important when choosing a roofing material because they can make or break the way your home looks. The best way to determine what type of aesthetic you prefer is by looking at different types of roofs in your area. Case in point, if you live in an older part of town with many flat roofs with asphalt shingles, it’d be best to select the same material for your roofing project.
Conclusion
Picking the appropriate flat roofing material isn’t something to be taken lightly. The key is to do the proper research and understand the limits of multiple flat roofing materials to ensure that you can make an informed decision. Depending on your needs and tastes, you may always compromise on some features to get the best flat roofing material that meets your purposes.
