Things You Need to Know About Flat Roof Construction
If you plan to build a new flat roof on your home, you should know a few things. A flat roof has several advantages, but it also comes with several disadvantages. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of flat roof construction, from costs to life expectancy.
Disadvantages of flat roof construction
While flat roof construction St Louis County MO may be environmentally friendly, it has several drawbacks. Replacing a sloped roof is more expensive than replacing it. In addition, flat roofs can lead to leaks because they cannot accommodate proper drainage. As a result, water can easily collect on them and even lead to ice dams.
Furthermore, a flat roof is less stable than a sloped roof, so it is more likely to collapse under the weight of snow and rain.
Another disadvantage of flat roof construction is its slower construction time, making it unsuitable for areas with high rainfall. In addition, flat roofs are also not as watertight as pitched roofs. Because flat roofs have no pitch, water can collect in pockets on the surface, causing leaks.
Despite its many drawbacks, a flat roof can be a good choice for your home. This type of roof can also be more environmentally friendly, allowing you to install solar panels. Also, flat roofs require less maintenance. Finally, unlike sloped roofs, flat roofs are much safer to clean than other types.
Cost
Several factors influence the cost of flat roof construction. For example, you should consider the number of stories and the working access to the roof. These factors determine how much labor it will take to move materials onto the top, secure hydro wires, and secure pedestrian walkways. The more complex the project is, the higher the cost.
The type of material used to construct a flat roof will also affect the cost. There are three main types of flat roofing material. The most affordable is EPDM rubber roofing. The second most popular type of flat roof material is TPO. Depending on the type and size of the roof, the cost of flat roofing construction may vary up to 30%.
The number of layers also influences the cost of flat roof construction. If there are no layers on the roof, the price of a new flat roof will be lower. However, if there are several layers of old roofing material, it will be more expensive. In the 1920s and 1940s, fibrous material was common on flat roofs.
Lifespan
The life span of a flat roof construction dramatically depends on the materials used. A multi-layer built-up roof, for example, can last 15 to 20 years. It comprises a waterproof material, hot tar, gravel, and some additional layers. This type of flat roof construction is less expensive and has a longer lifespan, but it also tends to be heavier than a modified bitumen roof.
Flat roofs are particularly susceptible to leaks and need periodic patching. They should drain well and should level any low spots. Regular inspections are also necessary to ensure that the structure is sound and that the covering is intact. If defects are discovered, they should fix them before they cause significant damage.
Flat roofs are widely used in commercial buildings. They are more affordable to install, and they are easier to maintain. Some homeowners choose flat roofs for style or architectural reasons. But regardless of the reason, it is natural to wonder how long they last. While flat roofs are known to last anywhere from 10 to twenty years, proper maintenance will increase their longevity.
Maintenance
It is essential to perform regular maintenance to extend the lifespan of flat roof construction. In general, it is recommended to conduct inspections twice a year. In addition, it is essential to ensure that the draining system is in good condition, which is vital because water sitting on a flat roof can damage the materials used in the roofing construction.
Additionally, water can travel under a flat top, making it more difficult to detect leaks.
Regularly inspect the flat roof for leaks and water pooling. If you notice a pool of water on the top after heavy rain, it is essential to repair it before it causes further damage.
Additionally, keep an eye out for cracks and splits. If these are present, call a professional roofing contractor to help you solve the problem. While you may be tempted to skip roof maintenance, this is essential to maintaining a flat roof.
Another critical aspect of flat roof construction is keeping it free of debris. Tree branches that touch the roof should be trimmed to avoid scratching the surface.
Similarly, to prevent damage to the roofing material should remove fallen leaves. Lastly, snow can cause significant damage if it freezes. The extra weight can damage the flat roof construction, causing leaks.
