What Is the Best Material for a Flat Roof?
Flat roofs have grown increasingly popular in recent years. In particular, commercial buildings have discovered an array of advantages to this roof type. However, before you hire commercial roofers, you need to know what material you want your new roof to be made out of. Flat roofs do not support traditional materials, such as asphalt shingles or corrugated metal. It is vital to weigh the pros and cons of each material so that you do not end up needing constant commercial flat roof repair.
PVC Single-Ply Membrane
The most popular flat roof material is a PVC membrane. This provides one layer of thermoplastic material, which is both durable and resilient. It features a minimum breaking point of roughly 300 pounds per inch, which is well over the industry recommended strength of 200 PPI. It is designed to last between 15 and 30 years, making it the longest-lasting flat roof material you will find. It should come as no surprise that many commercial roofing contractors will only install a flat roof if it is PVC.
EPDM Rubber
EPDM roofs are much more affordable than other options. However, it is vital to recognize you will not get the same kind of longevity out of it. While other types of roofs can last over 20 years, EPDM roofs only last between 10 and 15. Years. Additionally, the seams are glued together instead of having a heat-welded bond. As a result, they may be more susceptible to damage in extreme weather. If you get a dark EPDM roof installed, then it will absorb heat, which could increase your utility bills.
Modified Bitumen
Lastly, you have modified bitumen. This flat roof comes with multiple layers, too, but this just makes it more difficult for the roofers to install. It also absorbs a lot of heat, so you have those utility bills to worry about.
Deciding what flat roof material you want over your commercial building is just one step of a heavily extensive process. When you need help figuring everything else out, you should get in touch with the professionals at Summit Commercial Roofing. Contact us through our online form with any questions you may have. With the right flat roof, you can be confident it will not need any repairs any time soon.
