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What type of flat roof should I choose?

Flat roofs are horizontal, or very near it. They have very little slope when compared to roofs on a home or residential building. There are several replacement options for your flat flat roof. Sprayed polyurethane foam, probably the most impressive option, is still largely unheard of in the construction community, and is relatively rarely used. If you’re looking to replace your commercial or industrial roof, read on for a description of some of your options.

Flat Roof Option 1: Built-Up Roof (BUR)

A Built-Up Roof with gravel as the top layer

This option is very common because it is very inexpensive, and most facility managers and companies like to save money. Don’t you? BUR is also a very attractive and aesthetically pleasing roof as the top coat is typically gravel and looks very nice. It is also a great insulator because it has many layers. These layers also contribute to this roofing systems most significant problem, however, as BUR roofs become very heavy and often requires joists in the existing roof to be reinforced, which increases cost and construction time. BUR is also not recommended to be installed with occupants in the building; any delay in construction time results in increased down time for the company.

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Modified Bitumen application.

Flat Roof Option 2: Modified Bitumen

This is a single ply roofing system that is often rolled onto the roof surface. The older systems require the material to be laid on the roof and then heated with a blowtorch. This is obviously a dangerous installation method, so newer systems have been designed that allow the material to be peeled and stuck to the roof surface. This is one of the more environmentally friendly flat roof options as it reflects the sun and therefore cuts back on energy costs. However, this system is not very scuff or tear-resistant and cannot resist much foot traffic once applied.

Flat Roof Option 3: PVC

PVC roofing system

This roofing system is highly reflective and very durable. PVC is one of the top flat roof options because it is easy to install and lacks water permeability, meaning it can resist water ponding. It’s three main benefits are very comparable to number 5 on the list, spray-applied roof coatings. The problem with PVC, and the biggest difference from roof coatings, is that it is applied in rolls, and therefore it has seams that can lead to roof failure. When it is rolled out, these seams must be taped or glued together. While this may resist water for a while, it will not hold up for 10-15 years as a seamless roofing system would.

Single-Ply EPDM finished product

Flat Roof Option 4: Single Ply EPDM

EPDM is similar to PVC as both are single ply, but EPDM is a rubber compound rather than plastic. EPDM systems are very durable and have built a reputation around durability, but they are not without their weak points. The seams in the EPDM system are treated with adhesives and this makes the seams vulnerable over long periods of time. This sealing system often leads to maintenance on the seams, or building owners living with leaks. This is one of the more maintenance-intensive flat roof options.

Flat Roof Option 5: Spray-Applied Roof Coating

Silicone coated roof

Specifically, silicone roof coating systems. These are the roofing systems that some contractors apply, and we believe they are the best because of their seamless application (sprayed on), ability to resist ponding water, and reflective properties. As the roof reflects the sun, it helps to reduce energy consumption inside the building. These roofs are also extremely sustainable, as a new roof can be applied over top of most substrates, including on top of our own substrate, meaning no operations inside the building must stop for application. The downside of this system is cost, which is expected for a system that provides such high quality and so many features. Silicone roof coatings are typically one of the top two most expensive roofing solutions, depending on the roof layout and the specific situation.

What's the most popular growing flat roof type?

Are you interested in installing a TPO roof, but are not sure which product to choose?
This is our favorite roofing application to recommend to our clients!

Because of TPO’s quickly growing popularity, in recent years many flat roof manufacturers have started their own lines of TPO to get a piece of the growing market share.

With so many offerings, and marketing hype it may be hard to discern which product offers the best features.

To help you, we have selected 3 of the BEST products from top manufacturers, who have a solid reputation for producing quality TPO roofs for many years.

Each offers unique features and benefits that may be suitable for your home or business.

Before making your final decision we strongly recommend discussing your options with our choice of professional roofing contractors, who have experience with TPO.

1. Sure-Weld TPO from Carlisle

Did you know that a single ply membrane can replicate the look of metal? At Carlisle, they have done precisely that; developed a high quality TPO roof that has the profile of standing seam metal panels! Sure-Weld TPO is available in a Contour Rib Profile, which is secured to the membrane to mimic the look of real metal. Color options include white, gray and tan.

The profile offers the same weatherability as the membrane itself, and has fiberglass reinforcement for increased dimensional stability. Designed with a none-penetrating application to ensure that the system remains watertight (the profile is heat welded to the membrane).

Sure-Weld TPO membranes are ENERGY STAR qualified and Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) certified. This line is also available in extra thickness of 135 and 155 mil. (Note, a thicker membrane offers improved durability and protection, especially in harsh weather conditions).

2. EverGuard Extreme TPO from GAF

If you are looking for extra protection from the elements and increased longevity, EverGuard Extreme TPO roofs meet the mark. These membranes have been designed to offer industry’s best performance for up to 35 years! GAF’s TPO roof system exceeds all key ASTM standards, but more importantly it offers superior resistance to heat aging and UV degradation. These are the two main factors that contribute to the TPO’s membrane’s aging and reduce the length of its service life. (Note, these membranes have been developed using advanced next generation technology, which is still pending patent).

Everguard Extreme TPO membranes are available in 50, 60, 70, and 80 mil thicknesses. Moreover, GAF offers the largest color selection in the industry, with specially formulated pigments to minimize fading. You have virtually a limitless variety to choose from, between standard, pre-formulated and custom colors. Most options are made with a “Cool Color” technology, which improves the membrane’s solar reflective property, helping reduce your cooling costs.

3. GenFlex EZ TPO from GenFlex

For many years, GenFlex has been one of the industry’s leaders in developing top of the line TPO products that can stand up to the harshest weather conditions. One of the unique features of the EZ TPO roof is that it is a 12-foot wide instead of a standard 10-foot wide system. In fact, GenFlex was the first to develop this innovation in membrane size, which offers some major benefits:

-Significant installation and materials cost savings, because you will need fewer seams to weld the sheet and fewer panels to install.

-Compared to a 10 ft sheet, the 12 foot system requires 16% fewer seams. This greatly increases the membrane’s resistance to leaks, as there are fewer points for water infiltration.

Additionally EZ TPO line is available in the greatest variety of both product and system types, as compared to all other TPO roof manufacturers. Among the choices, is the revolutionary Peel and Stick TPO, which was developed in 2003. This system comes with a pre-applied adhesive and tape for easier and faster installation.

Tips on Choosing the Right TPO Membrane for Your Needs

Here is what you can do to select a high quality TPO roofing system:

– Contact each manufacturer whose product you like and ask what the warranty is. If a rep tells you the products comes with a 20 year warranty, inquire exactly what it covers and what is excluded. Some warranties are marketing gimmicks meant to lure you in to buying the product.

– Request from the manufacturer any studies or field tests that have been conducted on the TPO system. Review them to see how the membrane performed.

– As a rule of thumb, invest into the thickest membrane you can afford, regardless of the manufacturer.

– However we make sure that the roofing contractor you are working with has the most extensive experience installing TPO using the method and standards outlined by the manufacturer. Different TPO roofs have their own installation specs that need to be strictly followed to ensure the membranes integrity. Improper installation will not only put your roof at risk for leaks and other serious damage, but will also render your warranty null and void.

Bottom line: We guide you to choose your installer very carefully!