If you've bought a house with a flat roof for the first time, you might wonder what will happen when you need to get a new roof. You won't be able to put asphalt shingles on a flat roof, but you'll still have a few options. Here's a look at how flat and sloped roofs differ and the choices you have for a new flat roof.
The Differences Between A Flat And Sloped Roof
Besides looking different from each other, flat and sloped roofs have different ways of dealing with rain. A sloped roof sheds water while a flat roof has to be waterproof since water might pool on the roof.
Pooling is not a desirable condition, and a flat roof is built so it has enough of a slant that rain rolls toward a drain. However, it's common for water to stand on flat roofs. That's why the roofing materials differ. Asphalt shingles overlay each other so water rolls off the roof. If the shingles were put on a flat roof, water could back up under the shingles.
The Roofing Choices Available For Flat Roofs
Residential flat roofs might be foam, membrane, or built-up roofing. Membrane roofs come in plastic and rubber. You might choose your new roof based on your budget or on the way the roof makes your home look. Some of the choices can be topped with rocks for an interesting appearance.
A built-up roof is made with layers of felt membranes that alternate with hot or cold tar. These roofs are watertight since they have so many layers. However, this can be a more expensive roof option.
Membrane roofing consists of a single membrane that's applied over insulation boards. The seams of the membrane are bonded together to make the membrane watertight. If the seams come loose or if the membrane is punctured, the membrane might leak.
Spray foam roofing is coated to protect the foam from UV damage. The coating and the white color of the roof reflect the sun so your house might have lower power bills in the summer with a foam roof.
No matter what type of roofing you get on your home, it's important to inspect it regularly so damaged areas can be repaired before a roof leak causes a lot of water damage. When you're ready to get a new roof on your home, talk to a contractor about your choices so they can explain the good aspects and disadvantages of each one. Materials for flat roofs can last for many years, so you'll want a choice you're happy with and that will protect your home for a long time.
