A Guide To Choosing The Right Materials For Your Flat Roof

It is often surprising to discover that homes with flat or low-slope roofs are typically unable to have common roofing materials such as asphalt or concrete due to the lack of pitch present on the roof. That is due to the fact that when rain or other precipitation hits the roof and finds a home under those shingles, gravity alone cannot always encourage the water to evacuate the area. Therefore, mold, mildew, and damage to the roof in the future is quite likely. When you want to be sure that the work being done on your roof in the near future does not need to be repeated in the foreseeable future, it is a good idea to be aware of the information listed below to help you choose the right materials for your project.

The Goal For Covering A Flat Or Low-slope Roof Should Be To Provide It With An Uninterrupted Surface

Once you are aware of the dangers associated with a flat or low-slope roof, it only makes sense that any opening on the roof itself is subject to the aforementioned concerns. A low-slope roof can pose the same risks as a flat roof, given that the difference between the two is often negligible. A low-slope roof has been defined as a roof with a slope equal to or less than 3:12. 

 As a result, it is crucial to choose materials that provide a consistent surface. It is often helpful to avoid the use of shingles and instead focus on options like rubber or fiberglass membranes.    

Choosing The Right Waterproof Membrane For Your Roof 

A rubber roof is a good choice for anyone who wants to make an eco-friendly choice, since it is made primarily of recycled tires. It is a more affordable option than many of its counterparts, and its installation can often be done by the homeowner in about a day. Unfortunately, its coloring can contribute unnecessary heat to the home itself, so if you live in a warm area, it will benefit you to have your rubber roof augmented with a light-colored covering.

Tar and gravel is also a good choice for your flat roof. Tar paper is installed as an unyielding base and must be installed immediately over the wood of the roof itself. A membrane is installed over the tar paper, and gravel can then be poured over it all. The gravel forms a cover that absorbs water, preventing the growth of mold and other problematic substances. 

In conclusion, the roofing materials that you use on a flat roof will usually differ from those that can be used on a slanted roof due to the possibility of damage to the roof after extended contact with precipitation. As a result, it is important for every homeowner with a flat roof that needs to be replaced to consider the facts listed above prior to making any binding decisions. For more information and advice, contact a roofing supply company like Harrington & Company.