Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are often used on modern-style buildings, which are meant to broaden the horizontal lines of the natural landscape. Of course, you don't need to live in a modern house to deal with a flat roof. Traditional homes often have sections of flat roof-over shed dormers, above porches and garages, and on balconies. Flat roofs take a beating from harsh weather, and generally don't last as long as sloped roofs. However, as long as they are properly maintained, they can certainly stand the test of time. A flat roof is extremely cost efficient, as all room space can be fully used, both below and above the roof line. This roof also allows easy revision and placement of solar panels and provides space for such activities as rooftop gardens. If you are interested in a rooftop garden, applying a tough waterproofing membrane is critical to protect the structure.
Modern materials for covering flat roofs have improved considerably over the past two decades, carrying warranties approaching those for sloped-style roofing.
What Do I Look for in Flat Roofs?
The life expectancy of a flat roof can be proportional to the maintenance done on it. Generally, the average life cycle of a flat roof runs about 10 years, although this is dependent on the type of flat roof system in place.
Top Brands & Materials Available for Flat Roofing
Traditionally flat roofs would use a tar and gravel based surface which, as long as there was no pooling of water, was sufficient to prevent penetration. However, in colder climates these surfaces tend to fail, and ice dams could block the flow of water. Flat roofs are also very sensitive to sagging, which could reverse the subtle grade of the surface, preventing proper drainage. Modern flat roofs tend to use a continuous membrane covering which can better resist pools of standing water.
