The Different Roofing Materials Used for Flatroofs, Their Advantages and Disadvantages

The roof has had many different innovations in regards to the materials used to make them. Different designs through the years have made it a necessity to find newer, lightweight and more durable roofing materials. Add this up to other elements such as location, weather and natural elements and you have the requirement for different types of roofing materials.

There are two kinds of design for the roof. There is the Sloping or pitched and then there is the flatroof. Many architects and builders recommend the pitched or sloped because they are easier to maintain and install. Usually, flatroofs are used when pitched roofs cannot be. What must be watched out for is water infiltration when it is not regularly maintained and routinely repaired for damages.

For an effective flat roof, it should provide a waterproof casing for the building. Usually, Flatroofing materials form one or two layers of water resistant materials. These materials should be long lasting and cost-effective. Flatroofs should be perfectly aligned so as to redirect the water to the gutters, drains and downspouts to avoid buildup. Below are some of the roofing materials used for flat roofs, each will consist of their upside and downside, also the lifespan of the flatroof roofing materials.

One of the newest flatroof roofing materials available in the market that has been getting high praises is the Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofing Membranes or the TPO. The TPO is regarded as the new-generation of single-ply roofing materials. Even though its single ply, it consists of three components or layers that make up its entirety. It has a structural deck or the outer skin; in the middle you will find the thermal insulation barrier, then a waterproofing skin is what adheres to the roof. Its materials are very efficient in the task at hand, they can be reusable if installed properly or applied with water or pebbles. TPO is very durable and has low toxicity. TPO though is not recyclable since it has petrochemical in it. Since TPO has been around for only ten years, life span cannot be calculated yet.

Another flatroof roofing material is the Elastomeric membranes or EPDM. They are usually used for industrial, institutional and commercial buildings. EPDM is also a singly ply roofing material made from ethylene propylene rubber. EPDM can be installed by either ballasting, mechanical fastening or full adherence. If ballasted or mechanically applied, EPDM can be reusable; they are also durable with an average lifespan of 20 plus years. One problem with EPDM is that they have been known to shrink in some circumstances.

Polyvinyl chloride or PVC roof membranes have the distinction of having the longest track record of usage among any thermo plastic roofing membranes. They have been in use since the start of the 1960's. Even with the emergence of other flatroof roofing materials, PVC is still employed by many. PVC's offer many inherent features such as, can be produced in different colors, it has high resistance to perforation and impact, and resistant also to fire exposure. It has great flexibility and tolerance to extreme temperatures. The problem with PVC is that they are not reusable and unrecyclable. The average span of PVC flatroof roofing material is twenty-five years and some.

One of the most durable flatroof roofing material and has been use for a long time is the mastic asphalt. Mastic asphalt is the most durable waterproofing membrane on the market. It is very durable and flexible as well. Mastic asphalt is recyclable, non-toxic, and odorless and can withstand extreme temperatures. They can also last for over 60 years.

Depending on the location, use and budget of your structure, each and everyone of these flatroof roofing material can benefit you. Talk it over with your designer, engineer, architect and builders and find out which one would best suit your structure.

Online entrepreneur Sara Jenkins, is dedicated to helping others and their needs to succeed in life by offering free payroll tips everyday. To learn more about her free roofing tips, and to sign up for her FREE Roofing articles and FREE bonus how-to books and resources, visit http://www.RoofingUp.com

---

Home Sweet Home

All of us live in houses but how many of... Read More

Choosing Color Schemes: Colors and Physiological Response

Because colors have tremendous emotional impact, understanding how color affects... Read More

Trading in Corporate Office for Home Office

Six years ago, I had not yet turned on a... Read More

Do You Make These Window Replacement Mistakes ?

Whether it's a misguided baseball, or storm damage, sooner or... Read More

Choosing Blinds For Damp Atmospheres

There are some important things to consider when choosing blinds... Read More

Five Ways to Create a Healthy Home

Have you ever thought of your home as being healthy... Read More

A Healthy Home

Your home is your castle. You decide, possibly together with... Read More

Replacement or Retrofit Style Frame? Which is Right for You?

Last week I told you how to measure for your... Read More

Guides To Interior Design

These days, finding advice or guides to interior design is... Read More

Roof Cleaning - Making Your Old Roof Look Like New!

Many Florida residents that have come from the North are... Read More

Hardwood Floors: Beautiful, But a Pain to Keep Clean

Hardwood Floors are beautiful to look at and expensive to... Read More

Building Your Own Home

Most people think building their own home involves vast knowledge... Read More

A Checklist for Bathroom Remodeling Plans

Careful planning is the key to a successful bathroom-remodeling project.... Read More

Bathroom Interior Design

Any advice or guide on the interior design of a... Read More

Heart of the Home

It started with my need for a new mixer. OK.... Read More

Building a Garage Addition to Your Home

One of the most rewarding home improvements I made to... Read More

Kitchen Cabinets are The Soul of Your Kitchen

Kitchen cabinets reflect the heart and soul of the homeowner.... Read More

Worktops and Countertops for Kitchens - Buyers Guide to Materials

Worktops and Countertops for Kitchens - Buyers Guide to MaterialsThe... Read More

Top Tips When Planning a Conservatory or Sunroom

General advice.Negotiate fairly with suppliers. Don't expect to get all... Read More

Bathroom Magic

Believe it or not, the bathroom is one of the... Read More

Remodeling Online

Remodeling PlansMaking remodeling plans for a house helps you to... Read More

What is Wire EDM?

What exactly is wire electrical discharge machining, also referred to... Read More

Different Materials Used for Roofing and Determining the Cost of Each One

There is never a structure you will find that lacks... Read More

Operation Closet

When the wife comes to you one fine day and... Read More

What to Know Before Signing a Home Improvement Contract

It is important to be a very careful consumer when... Read More

Make Your House A Home

When thinking about polished floors, cushions in place, an exquisite... Read More

Eclectic Patio Furniture Shows Your Style

Your home's interior is exquisitely decorated in your favorite style;... Read More

Your Building Your Dream Home, But Where Do You Start?

You have finally found the perfect lot, in the neighborhood... Read More

Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter

Imagine leaving a window open all winter long -- the... Read More

Buy Area Rugs on the Web? What a Site!

After spending hundreds of dollars on your favorite Picasso print,... Read More

3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture

Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in existence.... Read More

Why Not Add a Shower To Your Bathroom?

If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom and redoing... Read More

Replacing Steel Casement Windows

I have been getting quite a few emails from homeowners... Read More