Flat Roof Replacement

There are many ways you can replace your flat roof, and we won’t go into detail of all of them here. We will do a quick overview and if you’d like to learn more, call us for a free estimate.

Metal

Metal has been used on flat roofs for many decades, and it has proven that it is durable and can last about 35 years. Much past the 35 year mark, though, and you’ll start to see problems with the roof. Traditionally, metal roofs have been built out of terne – which is tin-steel alloy – or copper. These materials have almost entirely been abandoned by the roofing industry and replaced with aluminum. If you replace your leaking flat roof with a metal roof today, you will most likely get an aluminum roof that will last around 3 decades. There are many more details about metal roofs you should know before making a decision.

EPDM or TPO

These two roof types are very similar, and while there are subtle differences, it is safe to talk about them together without confusion or misinformation. EPDM has grown to be the most common commercial flat roof choice in the US thanks to its inexpensive price tag, quick installation, and a very long life expectancy. One aspect building owners love about this roof type is the “green” nature. These roofs are made from recycled materials and have an extremely long lifespan, which makes them easy on the environment.

Built-up Roof

Built-up Roofs, also known as BUR, are a hot tar and gravel roof system that has been around for ages. This roofing material is less expensive than the other materials already covered and is a great fire retardant. However, it also has some drawback. BUR are extremely heavy, and often requires reinforcing the roof structure prior to installation, which is an extra expense and delay that adds very little value.

Modified Bitumen

Modified Bitumen roofs are very similar to asphalt roofs, but they have polymers added into the system that provide added protection and an extended lifespan. These roofs are often rolled on to the roof surface and then heated with a blowtorch. While this creates a good seal, it is dangerous and has led to the burning of more than a few buildings during installation. Modified bitumen is environmentally friendly thanks to its reflective nature.

Spray Applied Coating

There are many different spray applied coatings that have been designed for any application you can think of. Coatings are great flat roof replacement options because they can be directly applied to the roofing surface. Flat roofs have three main options for their coatings: silicone, acrylic and aluminum coatings. These coatings are liquid applied directly onto the roof surface and then cure once in place. This allows for seamless installation that helps to fight leaks. Each of the three coatings has different strengths and weaknesses associated with it, so you’ll need to look at your current roof substrate and determine what aspects are most important to you prior to making a purchase decision.