Flat Roofing Materials

Your roof is probably one of the most important places of your entire house. There are a number of reasons why you should consider carefully the roofing materials you use. As you know, weather can seriously affect the condition of your roof, and the materials you choose will also have a bearing on how much your building insurance costs.

Choosing the Right Materials

If you have a flat roof then you will have a number of factors ultimately affecting the materials you choose. Flat roofs do not have a slope, meaning that any rainwater is not going to drain off the roof on its own. This means that you have to be very careful when it comes to building a water proof and water tight roof. This is essential if you want to prevent any damage to your roof and your home in the future.

There are many types of flat roofing materials available, including new ones all the time. The newest methods generally are the best at protecting against water, though they will also be more expensive. Therefore, you should weight up the pros and cons of each available flat roofing material before settling on one choice.

Built Up Roofing

Built up roofing simply means using layers of tar and water resistant equipment which is then covered up with gravel. This technique has been used for many years, though the waterproof materials used have improved over time, giving your roof and home more protection.

The good thing about built up roofing is that it is relatively cheap compared to other flat roofing materials. The gravel is often an attractive option. However, this flat roofing option will not be suitable in a number of circumstances due to its smell and also the fact that this option is extremely heavy and required strengthening of joists.

Modified Bitumen

This option is also extremely popular. Advancements in this kind of material mean that it can now come in light colours that reflect the heat and the sun. This is a great way of cutting down on your energy bills during the summer, and it is possible to install this roofing option yourself.

Rubber Membrane

This kind of flat roof coating is extremely durable and lasts for a while. If you do come across any leaks then they are easy to repair. However, rubber membrane is generally a more expensive option than those mentioned above. If you wish to fit a lighter coloured membrane in order to reflect light then it is going to cost you more again. However, it may be worth the initial cost due to the ease of this particular roofing option.

Conclusion

There are pros and cons to all of the flat roofing materials mentioned here, so it will depend on your budget and your circumstances as to which option you ultimately choose. If you are unsure then seek professional advice. You can also use this as an opportunity to get quotes for the work and compare the services of various roofing specialists.