Residential Flat Roofing Semmes, Alabama

First, flat roofs aren't completely flat. Also termed "low-slope", it's because they have a very tiny slope compared to a pitched roof. They're long lasting and cost-effective when properly installed, but they're not entirely flat. It's close enough. While most commonly used for commercial projects, they're still a great option for select residential properties and situations. You wouldn't use it across your entire home, but it could be perfect for a patio, sunroom, extension, garage, carport, or other.

Your roof is probably one of the most important parts of your home. A flat roofing can be a cheap, low-maintenance option for many homeowners, but it does require different care and attention than other types of roofs. The main concern with flat roofs is the lack of a pitch. This means that water can pool on the surface, which is why flat roofs are so prone to leaks and damage. Even if your roof has never been damaged or had a leak before, it’s important to get it inspected regularly to make sure that nothing serious is amiss. 

1. Water Leaks

Leaks are the most common warning sign that your flat roof needs repair. Leaks can happen from many different causes, but if you have a flat roof, it’s important to be on the lookout for any signs of damage because leaks can quickly lead to much more serious structural issues over time as water damage accumulates. So in other words, if your flat roof is leaking, don't hesitate to get a professional to it right away.

2. Sitting water

Standing water on your flat roof is a clear sign that it’s time for repairs. Standing water can lead to mold, mildew and other unwanted fungi growth. It also makes your roof vulnerable to damage from pests like rats, mice and raccoons who may try to make their homes in the wet spots on your flat roof.

3. Punctures, cracks, tears, splits

Punctures, cracks, tears, and other structural problems can also lead to leaks. A small puncture or tear in your flat roof can quickly expand if it’s not properly repaired early. These can happen from people being up there, branches and so on falling onto the roof, or even from weather conditions.

4. Blistering, pocketing, alligatoring

Blistering, pocketing and alligatoring are three types of flat roof damage that can lead to leaks. Blistering is when the membrane on your roof has lost adhesion and is starting to peel away from the surface underneath it. Pockets are little holes that form in between tiles due to pressure or heat build-up inside your flat roof system. Aligatoring is when temperature changes have caused your roof's membrane to expand and contract so many times that it starts to crack and begins to look like an alligator's skin. If you see a lot of this it's almost certainly time for a new flat roof.

5. Shrinkage of the upper layer

Shrinking and warping are also two forms of flat roof damage that can lead to leaks. Shrinking happens when your roof's membrane loses moisture and shrinks, pulling away from the surface underneath it. Warping is when your flat roof's membrane has been damaged by sun exposure or extreme weather conditions and starts to curve upwards into a bowl shape.

6. Algae, fungus, biological growth

Algae, fungus, and moss growth can also be considered forms of flat roof damage. These organisms thrive in moist environments and can start growing on your flat roof's membrane if it isn't properly maintained. They will have a negative effect on your roof's ability to keep water out and can cause leaks or even structural damage. Not only will they hurt it in the long term, they're a bad sign that it's not staying dry right now.

There are quite a few different types of flat roof materials used nowadays and the top three are forms of rubber roofing materials.



• TPO Roofing
• EPDM Roofing
• PVC Roofing
• Built Up Roofing
• Modified Bitumen Roofing
  

TPO Roofing Membrane Semmes

TPO membrane or thermoplastic polyolefin is the most common type of flat roofing membrane. It's a synthetic polymer with good UV resistance, but not as much as other materials like EPDM. It has its strengths and weaknesses but whether it's the right fit for you depends on your home. With the right residential roofing contractor, your TPO roof will last a long time. TPO is typically single-ply but along with EPDM and PVC, it can be doubled up -- called double ply -- for additional durability and longevity. Whether this is a good idea depends on your roof project though.

EPDM Rubber Roofing

EPDM is a synthetic rubber blend that's very durable, flexible and resistant to UV damage. Its full name is "ethylene propylene diene monomer" but nobody has time to say that all day so we call it EPDM. It's the most common type of flat roofing membrane. It's also very flexible, which means it can be installed on a wide variety of surfaces. It's a good option for commercial buildings that need to be waterproofed quickly and easily, but it's also not a bad option for the average Semmes homeowner with a flat roof who's looking for longevity.

PVC Roofing

Polyvinyl chloride roofing is stiff and brittle compared to flexible materials like TPO or EPDM, but it holds up better in wet conditions. It's a good choice for flat roofs that get a lot of snow or rain, but not so great for areas with lots of ultraviolet rays and heat. A PVC roof will crack if it gets too hot. However, its durability is quite high in dryer settings compared to the alternatives such as EPDM or TPO.

Built Up Roofing and Modified Bitumen Roofing

The built-up roof is one of the more old-fashioned and popular types of flat roofing in Semmes. It's closely related to modified bitumen roofing. In order to provide waterproofing for the structure underneath, a BUR is composed of layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabric that are put to a building's deck or surface.

A BUR roof contains gravel at the top layer, followed by a base sheet made of rubber or asphalt in most cases, and then a layer of polymer-modified bitumen. The gravel shields the membrane from ultraviolet rays radiation, which shortens the lifespan of the membrane, as well as from their impacts on the other layers.

To give further defense against UV ray damage, a BUR roof must be coated with an aggregate or a cap sheet, typically a gravel rooftop. As with all these options there are pros and cons, however lately rubber roofs are moving in the direction of lighter options such as TPO, EPDM, PVC, and so on.