The Flat Roof
You may have a flat roof or a nearly flat roof, or you may have an extension such as a patio or carport which is roughly flat and wonder how we can keep that roof from leaking. Flat roofs are notorious leakers since there isn’t much of an incline for the rain to drain off. It is essential that before reroofing, any areas which have leaked in the past should have the wood examined for structural integrity and repaired if needed.
There are several options which have been proven to be effective for flat roofs. Here, we present some of the choices which we provide for flat roof owners which we think are the most effective options:
Self-adhesive rolled roofing membrane
Self-adhesive roofs, professionally known as Self-adhering modified bitumen system, and commonly addressed as "peel and stick" roofs are commonly used on patios especially in Arizona, but can be used as the primary roofing material in a livable space if a base sheet is used under the cap sheet. The base sheet is not required for non-livable areas such as a shed or a patio. Peel and stick roofs are installed in three foot wide sections and have an overlap of 3" at each seam for water to not be able to penetrate the roof. Multiple color options including white, tan, and black are available so the material can be similar in color to the primary roof color.
Foam repair and recoating of foam roofs
Foam roofing offers the benefits of being lightweight and seamless. Because it is a malleable material, it can be built up in areas which are known to pond, thereby eliminating them to promote better drainage. Pipes, skylights, and other roof features can be waterproofed with a foam coating. Foam roofing is an effective option for roofs which have many flaws, as it is seamless. Foam roofs are also an excellent option for older mobile homes which cannot hold the added weight of shingles. An additional benefit of foam roofing is the structural integrity it provides as well as insulation value.
Closed cell spray foam
A closed cell system foam is what we apply to roofs. ‘Closed cells’ means the cells are packed tightly together so water and air can’t permeate the material. It offers an insulation value of an R-7 per 1".
If the foam roof system is installed, most homes will have one or two inches of foam applied to their roof. Foam roofs do require a recoating every three to five years and can be recoated by a roofing professional or a homeowner. If yellow is visible at all on the roof, it needs to be recoated immediately. Color options include white.
TPO roofing
TPO, or Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a low-maintenance, energy saving roofing material, thanks to its heat reflective properties. TPO is a sheet of roofing material, similar to flexible PVC, which is welded together on each roof providing incredible strength. Since it is flexible, with the proper transition pieces, TPO can be applied around tricky vents such as ac unit penetrations and others for a great water shedding roof system.
TPO roofing is lightweight and flexible, which makes it an excellent option for installation on commercial and residential flat roofs. Also, it’s durable, so it stands up well against wind and UV rays. This durability means TPO roofing can last a long time. Our manufacturer's warranty can be up to 50 years if the whole roof system is installed. Color options include white.
The right materials, coupled with a great roofing company, can create a roof which will protect your home and family for years to come.
Patterson Construction Company installs and repairs residential roofs of all kinds, skylights, roof ventilation, fascia and underlayment on Phoenix-area homes. Call 602-825-3638 for a free quote today!
