There are several types of flat roofing systems. They range from an asphalt roof to a TPO roof system. Modern flat roofs tend to use a continuous membrane covering. These membranes are applied as a continuous sheet where possible, and can use sealants and adhesives to allow for bonding multiple sheets and dealing with structures that may penetrate the roof surface, such as a/c stands and plumbing stacks. Flat roofs do tend to be sensitive to foot traffic. Most systems require walk pads to be installed to allow foot traffic on the roof; these pads would be installed around the areas that may need the most work to be done by other trades. It is recommended that if you are going to have any work done to the building that requires other trades to walk on the roof that you have the roof inspected before and after the work is done to insure that no damage was done by the workers.
EPDM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer or EPDM is a synthetic rubber most commonly used in a single-ply (SP) roofing system. EPDM is a readily available and fairly simple to apply. There are two installation methods that Advanced Roofing & Sheet Metal uses. Mechanically attached is where the membranes are attached by screws to each other as well as to the plywood decking. The other method is to Fully Adhere the system. This means the system is attached using a bonding adhesive. This is generally the more expensive system to have installed, however it has also proved to be the system that has the longest performance life.
Modified Bitumen
Modified Bitumen is asphalt that has had modifiers added to it to give it plastic or rubber-like properties. The most common types of modifiers being used are Atactic Polypropylene or APP and Styrene Butadiene Styrene or SBS. A Modified Bitumen roof is installed in sheets on the roof and offer the same protection as other flat roofing products with more flexibility and better resistance to foot traffic.
TPO
Modified Bitumen is asphalt that has had modifiers added to it to give it plastic or rubber-like properties. The most common types of modifiers being used are Atactic Polypropylene or APP and Styrene Butadiene Styrene or SBS. A Modified Bitumen roof is installed in sheets on the roof and offer the same protection as other flat roofing products with more flexibility and better resistance to foot traffic.
Benefits:
The benefits of flat roofing are that they can last longer by being maintained properly. Most of the manufacturers of Flat roofing systems require that the roof be inspected on a semi-annual basis to maintain the warranty. This inspection needs to be done by someone with experience in the roof systems and with the ability to repair anything that is considered a maintenance issue. We are proud to be able to provide Maintenance Inspections for all flat roofs to our customers as well as to any clientele who may have had their roof installed by another company. Please visit our Service Department page for more information on the benefits of having your roof inspected annually or semi-annually.
