Residential Flat Roof Construction Materials
- Many flat roofs get covered with traditional materials such as heavy roofing felt, hot asphalt or tar and gravel. These low-cost roofing materials offer good weather resistance, although areas that get high amounts of snow or rain should avoid tar and gravel roofing. The process involves laying down a layer of heavy roofing felt followed by a layer of hot asphalt or tar. Most homeowners use between three and five layers of felt and tar. Once the layers are finished, a final thick layer of gravel is added to the top.
- Another flat roof option involves using polyester or fiberglass fortified with bitumen. The materials are put on the roof in layers, eventually creating a roof that’s resistant to weather while adding strength. The low-cost material dos not work well in areas with rainy or snowy climates.
- Metal works well for flat roofs since it’s lightweight and helps lower heating and cooling bills due to its ability to reflect the sun’s heat. Some manufacturers warranty metal roofs for up to 50 years. Since the roofs are lightweight, they generally should not be walked on. Metal roofs come in all styles and textures, including those that look like wood shakes, asphalt shingles and even tile. These roofs offer excellent weather resistance and give your home more appeal than traditional tar and gravel material.
- Some homeowners cover their roofs with low-cost rolls of asphalt that resemble felt in appearance and weight. Roll roofing does not work well in areas that receive lots of snow or rain. The material is sold in rolls that weigh about 90 pounds and cover about 100 square feet.
- Polyurethane foam gives your roof a seamless cover that stands up to almost any kind of weather. The foam contains isocyanate and polyol, two liquid components that expand 20 to 30 times their original size when sprayed on the roof. The material saves energy since it provides thermal insulation that helps cool a building. After the foam hardens, it becomes durable enough to walk on. Foam roofs require little maintenance, although you may need to reapply it every 10 to 15 years.
