The Different Roofing Materials Used for Flatroofs, Their Advantages and Disadvantages

The roof has had many different innovations in regards to the materials used to make them. Different designs through the years have made it a necessity to find newer, lightweight and more durable roofing materials. Add this up to other elements such as location, weather and natural elements and you have the requirement for different types of roofing materials.

There are two kinds of design for the roof. There is the Sloping or pitched and then there is the flatroof. Many architects and builders recommend the pitched or sloped because they are easier to maintain and install. Usually, flatroofs are used when pitched roofs cannot be. What must be watched out for is water infiltration when it is not regularly maintained and routinely repaired for damages.

For an effective flat roof, it should provide a waterproof casing for the building. Usually, Flatroofing materials form one or two layers of water resistant materials. These materials should be long lasting and cost-effective. Flatroofs should be perfectly aligned so as to redirect the water to the gutters, drains and downspouts to avoid buildup. Below are some of the roofing materials used for flat roofs, each will consist of their upside and downside, also the lifespan of the flatroof roofing materials.

One of the newest flatroof roofing materials available in the market that has been getting high praises is the Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofing Membranes or the TPO. The TPO is regarded as the new-generation of single-ply roofing materials. Even though its single ply, it consists of three components or layers that make up its entirety. It has a structural deck or the outer skin; in the middle you will find the thermal insulation barrier, then a waterproofing skin is what adheres to the roof. Its materials are very efficient in the task at hand, they can be reusable if installed properly or applied with water or pebbles. TPO is very durable and has low toxicity. TPO though is not recyclable since it has petrochemical in it. Since TPO has been around for only ten years, life span cannot be calculated yet.

Another flatroof roofing material is the Elastomeric membranes or EPDM. They are usually used for industrial, institutional and commercial buildings. EPDM is also a singly ply roofing material made from ethylene propylene rubber. EPDM can be installed by either ballasting, mechanical fastening or full adherence. If ballasted or mechanically applied, EPDM can be reusable; they are also durable with an average lifespan of 20 plus years. One problem with EPDM is that they have been known to shrink in some circumstances.

Polyvinyl chloride or PVC roof membranes have the distinction of having the longest track record of usage among any thermo plastic roofing membranes. They have been in use since the start of the 1960's. Even with the emergence of other flatroof roofing materials, PVC is still employed by many. PVC's offer many inherent features such as, can be produced in different colors, it has high resistance to perforation and impact, and resistant also to fire exposure. It has great flexibility and tolerance to extreme temperatures. The problem with PVC is that they are not reusable and unrecyclable. The average span of PVC flatroof roofing material is twenty-five years and some.

One of the most durable flatroof roofing material and has been use for a long time is the mastic asphalt. Mastic asphalt is the most durable waterproofing membrane on the market. It is very durable and flexible as well. Mastic asphalt is recyclable, non-toxic, and odorless and can withstand extreme temperatures. They can also last for over 60 years.

Depending on the location, use and budget of your structure, each and everyone of these flatroof roofing material can benefit you. Talk it over with your designer, engineer, architect and builders and find out which one would best suit your structure.

Online entrepreneur Sara Jenkins, is dedicated to helping others and their needs to succeed in life by offering free payroll tips everyday. To learn more about her free roofing tips, and to sign up for her FREE Roofing articles and FREE bonus how-to books and resources, visit http://www.RoofingUp.com

---

5 Window Treatment Ideas To Improve Your Home

Coming up with interesting window treatment ideas that bring out... Read More

The Dangers of Pesticides and the EPAs Harrowing Plan to Test Them on Kids

Pesticides are a ubiquitous toxin in our environment. We spray... Read More

Replacement Windows and Double Glazing - Essential Buyers Tips

Welcome to my essential tips for replacemnent windows and double... Read More

Marketing For The Home Builder

When one is looking into marketing for the home builder,... Read More

Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter

Imagine leaving a window open all winter long -- the... Read More

Building A Pair Of Heavy Duty Saw Horses

Start out by measuring and cutting all your stock according... Read More

Three Types of Lighting for Room Remodeling

When remodeling a room, choosing the correct lighting is one... Read More

Replacing Steel Casement Windows

I have been getting quite a few emails from homeowners... Read More

Expansion for Heat Absorption

In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant must undergo a change... Read More

Guides To Interior Design

These days, finding advice or guides to interior design is... Read More

Swimming Pools ? Lets Get Wet

"Beverly Hills. Swimming pools. Movie stars."That line from the theme... Read More

You Get What You Pay for when it Comes to Above Ground Pools

When you think about an above ground pool do you... Read More

A Few Concrete Suggestions

Up until a few years ago, my professional experience was... Read More

Why You Might Need a Waterproofing Consultant

Waterproof consultants perform a wide variety of functions. Why should... Read More

Interior Design For Babies

Babies, babies, babies-yes the topic of this article is based... Read More

The Ten Most Important Feng Shui Design Tips

If you wish to learn how to manage interior design... Read More

Heres How To Know Which Kitchen Design Is Right For You

Kitchen design is a sea of opportunity filled with potential.... Read More

How To Choose The Perfect Granite Work Surface

My Grandmother used to say to me "Nothing cheap is... Read More

Homeowners ? Here is a Step by Step Guide to Help You Hire a Quality Home Improvement Contractor

Before talking to any contractors the first thing to do... Read More

Seven Interior Design Psychology Ideas for Dining Pleasure

A separate dining room adds glamour, elegance, and excitement to... Read More

CCTV for the Home

Securing your property is one of the growing domestic issues... Read More

Hydronic vs Forced Air Heating and Cooling

Hydronic, or hot water, heating has been standard for years... Read More

Making the Most of a Small Bathroom

In bathroom terms at least, bigger doesn't have to be... Read More

So Youve Decided to Finish Your Basement!

When a family decides to finish a basement space, there... Read More

Color Help: Color Theory and Design Psychology

Color theory is an entire science unto itself, and to... Read More