Flat Roof Coverings Explained.

Flat roof construction is one of those things that can be approach in all kinds of difference ways. It’s up to you to learn more about the covering options, and we’re going to help you do that. You need to know about the difference between all the different options if you’re going to make the right decisions regarding which roof covering to pick. The information below will give you all the details you need in order to make those choices.

There are clear pros and cons associated with each and every flat roof covering option. It’s always worth filling gaps in your knowledge, and we guarantee you’ll find out things you didn’t know about the benefits and shortcomings of the various covering options in the text below. So without further ado, read on and find out all you need to know about the various options out there right now.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

EPDM is a rubber based covering option that’s becoming more and more popular. This wasn’t a solution that was used often at all in the past, but that’s all changed now. It’s useful because it’s very easy to use and install, and it provides the kind of finish that many people are looking for when fitting a new flat roof.

It can be bought in a roll and cut down to size to fit the requirements of the specific task at hand. When it’s in place, it certainly looks the part and offers the smooth finish that most flat roofs need. Of course, this also make it very easy for water to run down the roof and off the side as you want it to with a roof like this.

Asphalt

Asphalt is, in many ways, the original flat roof cover material, and the fact that it’s still used to this day actually says a lot about it and why it’s seen as such a good option. Felt is bonded with the asphalt and can be attached to the flat roof with asphalt cement or simple nails depending on the needs of the job.

The top layer of the asphalt will usually be covered in gravel, and you’ve probably seen these roofs yourself plenty of times before. One of the things that makes this option so attractive is the fact that it’s very cheap to have installed. However, this is negated slightly by the fact that it has to be replaced relatively often.

Fibreglass

There are many benefits associated with the use of fibreglass on flat roofs. For a start, the material is waterproof and very easy to repair should any damage be sustained by the roof at any point in the future. It doesn’t wear and tear very easily either.

It’s certainly not the strongest option, but it’s certainly strong enough for the vast majority of flat roof construction jobs. And the material itself isn’t really worth anything, meaning it doesn’t become a target for thieves the way some covering materials do. That’s something to definitely bear in mind.

Tiles

For flat roofs that are designed to be walked on by people regularly, tiles are often used. This is because they are strong and more durable, and that’s ideal as long as the roof beneath the top layer has been reinforced so as to make walking on it possible without any risks or dangers.

Tiles can be made from all sorts of different materials, and it again depends on the situation and what kind of roof is being built. They can be made from concrete, plastic, rubber, fiber cement and many other materials besides. If you’re thinking of using tiles, you will need to think carefully about which material to go for.

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP)

The major benefit of using GRP is that it’s incredibly strong compared to most of the other covering options. That’s what the reinforcement part of the process is all about when this material is manufactured. It’s even used on boats and things that need to be very durable like that.

Once in place, a flat roof covering made from glass reinforced plastic can last for four decades or more. There is no real movement or flexibility with this kind of material though, so it can only really be used for flat roof coverings that are relatively straight and uncomplicated in terms of the shape. That’s something you’ll need to keep in mind.

Single Ply Membranes

If what you’re looking for is the combination of strength and flexibility, the roof covering material you’re looking for is single ply membrane. It has to be fastened in place securely with tubes that screw into the structure of the deck underneath. Many people opt for the material because of the durability, but it offers much more than that.

The fact that it’s so flexible for a material of this strength is what makes it really stands out in comparison to other options. Of course, there are stronger and more flexible materials out there. But none over the combination of the two, and that’s perhaps what’s most interesting about this material for builders.

Lead

When buildings are focused more on aesthetics than anything else, lead is always a material option that gets discussed. It’s been used on many churches and buildings that have elaborate and intricate designs. It looks great and create a that high-class finish that many people are looking for.

It’s both heavy and durable, so you won’t have any real problems in that area if you do choose to go with lead. It’s actually still used more commonly than many people think for the reason that it has that very iconic styling combined with a strength and durability you can rely on.

There are more flat roof coverings than many people realise, but now you know a bit about the main options if you didn’t already. So if you’re thinking about installing a flat roof for whatever reason or function, you can now make an informed decision regarding which covering is right for you.