The flat roofing is a bit different than the pitched roofs. Homeowners need to make decisions about flat roof replacement for many reasons, and one of the most common reasons is leaks. In that case, knowing more about flat roof replacement and its benefits may give homeowners the confidence to make the right decision.
Let’s read the article till its end to learn more about a flat roof replacement.
What Is a Flat Roof
The use of flat roofs is generally common to see in warehouses and other commercial industries. In some cases, you can expect to see balanced roofing options in residential houses, also.
The flat roof lies over the structure, relatively different from the sloped ceilings. The flat roofs are generally structured to be on the level with a slight inclination for helping the drainage system.
The main benefit of flat roof replacement is its less costly system feature. It also involves fewer materials, so you don’t need to spend hours. Please read the article till its end to know more about flat or replacement.
What Are The Signs That You Need Flat Roof Replacement
There is a high tendency of water leakage for the flat roofs as the water cannot roll over. The following signs can tell you whether you need a roof replacement:
- Stains over the walls, ceiling etc.
- There is a sign of bubbling over the painting
- Water drops from the ceiling.
- Mildew spotting on several parts of the wall.
Flat roofs are not a permanent solution, and the lifespan of flat roofs is between 10-15 years. If you notice your roofs show the signs, this is the tune for a flat roof replacement.
Different Flat Roofing Replacement Materials
EPDM Membrane Roofing: The complete form of EPDM is ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. This is a synthetic rubber membrane that is commonly used for commercial industries. For residential purposes, this is not recommended to use it for bedroom or living space due to its heat absorbance capability.
However, it can be an ideal choice for the garage as it will not catch diets as much that a white one catches. The bulletproof and rubber-proof system makes it highly durable and lasts 25 to 39 years.
TPO Membrane Roofing: TPO means thermoplastic polyolefin, which is a single-ply white membrane majorly used for residential and commercial both purposes. While the EPDM absorbs the heat, the TPO reflects the heat. If you are looking for a flat roof over the bedroom, TPO can be a good choice as it tends to keep the room cooler.
However, due to having white color, there is an excellent chance of catching first faster than the EPDM. You can expect the lifespan of this roofing to be up to 25 years.
PVC Membrane Roofing: PVC is another effective roofing option, especially for commercial and residential purposes. Apart from the chemical properties, PVC and TPO have the same characteristics. The significant difference between these two is that PVC is slightly more flexible than TPO. You can expect more than 25 years of lifespan from the roofing option.
Metal Roofing: The standing seam metal roofing consists of more than two or more metal roofing panels that are seamed mechanically. The best part of the metal roofing option is the better aesthetic and color options and its longevity compared to the membrane roofing options.
Under any ideal condition, the metal roofing can last up to 50 years. The price of metal roofing is a bit higher than membrane roofing, but it’s worth buying for its service life.
Which Flat Roofing Material Is Right For You
There are plenty of material options that you can get for flat roof replacement. But which one is to choose? If you have budget issues, choose the membrane roofing option rather than metal.
Apart from that, you must also consider which room will be beneath the roof for choosing the suitable material. If you want a bedroom or living room, go for TPO or PVC.
If budget is not a factor for you, then you can choose a standing seam metal roof that offers longevity in terms of the others.
All these four roofing materials mentioned above are suitable. It would help if you choose the right fit depending on your budget and the look you want.
Flat Roof Replacement vs Repair
This is one of the most common questions that people ask when having a flat roof replacement. Hopefully, the following questions will help you to decide about the best move that you can take:
How Old Your Roof Is
If you have installed the roof recently, then the repair option may work as best for you. But in case you have an older roof, go for the replacement option.
How Severe The Damage Is
You can manage some minor damages with the repair option. But for significant injury, you can get a flat roof replacement to avoid costly repairs.
What Type Of Roof Is It
Not every type of roofing option is the same. Some of them are easy to fix rather than any other options because they come with different lifespans and different repair options.
How Much Your Energy Bill Is
For high energy bills, the roof can be a culprit. The old and leaky roof might allow the air to escape. In that case, it might be time to upgrade the roofing system.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the article has provided enough information about a flat roof replacement. If you find your roof in serious condition, then don’t take much time. Call a professional roofer in your area and start working on replacing the damaged roof. So, why late? Let’s make your living space more secure and concrete.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When should you replace your flat roof?
The different roofing materials come with different lifespans. But you need to decide on the replacement depending upon the condition of your old roofs. Usually, this is recommended to repair or replace the top around 15-20 years
What is the major drawback of flat roof replacement?
The biggest drawback of roofing is the drainage issue. The flat roofs generally come with slight slopes for drainage systems that are less effective than the pitched roofs.
