Most flat roofing systems are found on business structures and were probably set up by professional business roofing contractors with flat roofing experience; however, you will find some residences with this kind of setup. Sadly, many of these installs were done by professionals with little or no experience handling this kind of roofing and wind up needing repair long in the past reaching the minimum life span of the products.
Products
The majority of the leaks needing repairs are those installed with a single ply rubber membrane called EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer). This type of roofing product has actually replaced the earlier design of flat roofing which was made up of a base sheet and several layers of felt paper and hot asphalt or coal tar. Typically this was covered with gravel to offer it increased life. This type of flat roof is called BUR ( developed up roofing). In many cases this kind of roofing although utilizing less high tech products out lasts the EPDM roof in property applications due to the disparity in setup treatments.
Discovering a Contractor
If you choose that repairing your flat roof is unworthy the cost and you wish to have actually the roof replaced, be sure to find a roof contractor with experience installing flat roofings. Get recommendations and examine them out prior to you sign a contract. You may discover it hard to locate a competent roofer that will install flat roofing on a residence. You can be an professional asphalt shingle roofing contractor and not understand how to place on a flat rubber roof. Many of the pros restrict their projects to business setups, but if you take your time and keep looking, you can find them.
Which System is Best?
Today's brand-new flat roof setups provide a range of materials. There are those that still declare EPDM single ply membranes - the most typical system in the US and the product of choice for the low-slope business roofing market for over 40 years - is still the very best system to use. Others claim the more recent materials like TPO (thermoplastic polyefin, SBS (self adhering membrane systems) or a PVC membrane utilizing hot air bonded joints would be a better Roof Replacement solution. You will discover roofer that strongly safeguard their favored system. Your best choice is to find a roofing professional in your area with a long history of service and take a look at his recommendations. Some of these systems work best in extreme heat or cold, so your place may make a distinction.
Do It Yourself Flat Roof Repair
If you have an EPDM membrane and it appears like it can be repaired you are still confronted with a number of choices. There is a black rubber glue or a Peel-and-stick flashing material with a rubber guide that covers the joints of the membrane which is where most leakages occur.
Each of these methods offers a restricted life extension to your roof. These repair products do not usually come in small amounts, so unless you can find a roofing professional that will sell you just the amount you need, you may end up spending quite a lot cash on products.
This type of roof product has actually replaced the earlier design of flat roofing which was made up of a base sheet and numerous layers of felt paper and hot asphalt or coal tar. This type of flat roof is called BUR (built up roof). If you choose that repairing your flat roof is not worth the expense and you desire to have the roof changed, be sure to find a roof specialist with experience setting up flat roofs. You might find it hard to find a proficient roofing contractor that will install flat roofing on a residence.