Flat Roofing Systems are easily the most popular choice of Commercial Roof used for commercial buildings. This roofing style has been around for decades, and many property managers have chosen to go with flat roofs for their durability and efficiency.
However popular flat roofs might be, the term “FLAT” is quite misleading, as no roof should be completely flat. It’s a well-known fact that even a flat roofing system should have a slight angled slope to make room for draining rainwater. If a roof were completely flat, water would begin to pool in areas, and eventually result in penetrating damage to the protective material covering the roof.
One of the major reasons why flat roofing systems have been the preferred roofing style for commercial buildings is the availability of several options to choose from. Let’s check out some of the most popular Flat Roofing Systems below;
Commercial Roof Coatings
Commercial Roof Coatings are a very efficient way of protecting your roof by applying a thin layer of Roof Coating Material over an existing flat roofing material. There are several ways of applying this system, and it helps to secure your roof from future leaks. Commercial Roof Coatings can save you a lot of money by preventing wear and tear of the existing roofing system, as well as in energy savings!
Self Adhering Membranes
Single Ply Roofing Systems are a commonly used Commercial Roofing System due to its simplicity of application. Self-adhering membranes are simply applied atop each other to form different protective layers. A heavy roller is then used to flatten out each of the layers to ensure all parts are in contact with the layer beneath it. This roofing system is very popular in areas with warm climates because of its ability to lower building temperatures.
Tar & Gravel System
A Tar & Gravel Commercial Roofing System is made up of roofing felt which is mechanically attached to the roofing surface. Immediately the surface is ready; hot asphalt tar is applied on the entire felt, all over the roof to provide a protective layer. These two processes are further repeated for the second time before a layer of gravel is spread over the roofing surface.
This process helps to protect the roof covering material from the sun’s UV(ultraviolet) rays. Tar & Gravel system used to be quite popular in the past, but due to its complex and messy application method, and also its inability to effectively shut out leaks, other roofing styles are becoming more fancied in its place.
Torch On System
This roofing system shares striking similarities with the self-adhering membrane, with only a few differences to separate them. One of the features which make the torch down system unique is that its application can be made in any climate due to the use of a torch to heat the membrane in order to seal it with the next one. Also, this system is a cheaper alternative when compared to other flat roofing systems.
BUR (Built-Up Roofing) System
Built-up roof systems are a preferred and dependable choice for a flat roofing system. Most customers prefer going for it because it’s durable and easily affordable. For BUR systems, a base sheet layer is first applied as the primary layer and manually fastened to the deck. Felt layers are then applied using either coal tar applications or mopped hot asphalt. After one or two layers have been applied, the surface layer (usually a cap sheet or rubberoid paper) is then installed.
Selecting a flat roof system is always a combination of design criteria, performance requirements and cost, and it is important to find a balance for all three requirements. At MAZE Roofing & Construction, we can help you with everything you need for your flat roofing systems. From choosing the best products to quality installation and Commercial roof replacement, we’ve got you covered. Talk to us today; don’t delay.
Click on any of the links below to learn more about our many commercial roof repair and replacement services in Dallas Texas:
Single Ply Roofing Dallas TX
Metal Roofing System Dallas TX
Commercial Steep Slope