When it comes to insulating a flat roof, there are two options, a Warm Roof or a Cold Roof. While it is possible to DIY an SPF roof, most experts recommend leaving the job to a professional to make sure your roof gets appropriately installed and has a warranty.Flat roofs are a very common and cost effective way of roofing and are mainly used on smaller additions to a main dwelling and outbuildings, but can also provide an ideal solution where the bulk of a pitched roof is impractical or not permitted.Ĭontrary to the name, it is imperative that flat roofs have a slight pitch between 1:40 to 1:80 to allow water to run off. SPF can cost $3 to $4.50 a square foot for installation, including materials and labor fees. And you'll need to give it a good examination after severe storms. These roofs do need to receive professional inspections twice a year. Some contractors may even top the foam layer with granules.īenefits of an SPF roof include improved energy efficiency (has 6.25 R-value per inch) - many of which can qualify as cool roofs - seamless construction for waterproofing, low maintenance and repairs, and a long lifespan of 20 years with additional years possible by recoating. First, there is typically the SPF layer, a base coat, then a reflective topcoat. Once the foam dries, one or more elastomeric or silicone coatings go over the top to protect the roof from fire, UV damage, and weather elements. As it contacts the roof, the foam expands to 1 to 1.5" in height to create a waterproof seal. And it has a higher UV resistance and an insulating layer for better energy efficiency.Īfter cleaning the roof thoroughly to remove any contaminants, the top gets a coat of foam pumped out of a sprayer. Due to high-temperature tolerance and easy melting, APP is a popular choice for smaller residential roofs and commercial buildings.ĪPP-modified bitumen has more flexibility in lower temperatures, allowing for resistance to stress caused by temperature changes. This material requires less heat to melt for installing, making for faster installation for all three methods.ĪPP makes the asphalt have a more plastic quality that melts into a liquid wax with a torch then mopped over the roof during installation. And it won't crack from the stress caused by contraction or expansion.Īpplication of SBS-modified bitumen can be through the use of hot-mopped, cold adhesive or with self-adhesive backing. In addition, this synthetic rubber modification provides better resistance to high winds, aging, oxidization, and temperature fluctuations. SBS gives MB more of a rubberized texture, giving it greater flexibility. Pro Tip: Modified bitumen will have two types of polymers - SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene) or APP (Atactic Polypropylene). Modern advancements have made BUR roofs less common, although they are still used on commercial buildings and residential homes. Built-up Roofing (BUR)īuilt-up Roofing - referred to as tar and gravel - is one of the oldest covering for flat roofs. So, let's look at which material might be suitable for your home. Picking the correct type of material for your flat roof reduces the chances of these dire travesties. These problems can lead to potentially huge repair costs. And due to the design of most flat roofs, it's often hard to locate the damaged area to make repairs. Leaks can also cause structural damage and potentially lead to mold, mildew, or wood rot. Areas that hold water for too long are at a higher risk of developing collapsing, cracks, and leaks. Water puts additional weight on the affected areas which can cause too much strain to the structure. Pooling Water ProblemsĪ professional contractor must be sure to install the proper drainage to ensure the roof doesn't collect water since standing water can cause a lot of trouble for flat roofs. Although a flat roof with a ½ "1" gradient will drain most of the precipitation, it will not drain all of it. Pitched houses have an advantage, as the slope allows water to drain off. The biggest concern about flat roofs is standing water. The construction of a flat roof allows for the use of multiple types of roofing materials, which we'll discuss shortly. The higher the slope, the more visible the pitch will be when looking at the roof. The first number - 3 - refers to the number of inches that the roof rises (vertical rise) for every 12" in depth towards the roof peak (the run or horizontal span) - the second number. This ratio defines the roof's slant or pitch. Flat roofs classify as low-slope due to a pitch of less than 3:12, whereas steep-slope roofs have an angle greater than 3:12. Roofs come in two classifications - low-slope or steep-slope. EPDM - Cured Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer.
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