The most important thing to know about a flat roof says tom is that it s not flat to prevent water from pooling and eventually invading the home flat roofs are always built on a slight incline at least 1 8 inch per foot.
Residential flat roof specs.
Photo by russell kaye.
This flat roof system is still used in some residential applications because of its affordability and fire resistance.
Rubber epdm tpo or bitumen.
Used as an architectural device for residential homes flat roofs are more commonly seen in large industrial manufacturing or commercial buildings.
Most often used in commercial and industrial applications this flat roof system contains layers of waterproof membrane such as a treated fiberglass basemat tar and gravel to seal the flat roof surface.
We love the flexibility of a flat roof for certain design limitations but they have a bit of reputation for leaks and repairs.
Pros and cons for flat roof materials all three types of flat roofing cost 250 to 350 per square 100 square feet but prices vary according to region and size of the roof.
Verify color with owner.
Flat roofs that are truly horizontal can have a ballast or attached system put in place to create a pitch of at least 10 degrees.
A classic flat roof is either almost completely level or has a very slight pitch of 3 in 12 inches or less.
Most flat roofs are typically not as long lasting or durable as sloped ones because the latter shed snow and rain a lot quicker.
These are all relatively inexpensive materials and easy to install but most of them have a limited lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
However over the last few decades new and advanced materials have been developed.
Underneath the basics flat roofs are usually constructed with a ceiling nailed to joists which support a deck usually wood in residential construction a vapor barrier insulation and a roof board.
Furnish and install new aluminum coil stock to cover all fascia and roof trim.
Roofing nails long note.
Flat roofs usually come with a 10 to 20 year warranty but can last 25 years if you build the roofs right and maintain them using commonsense rules.
Never 100 percent flat these roofs have a slope of less than 10 degrees.
Advantages of a flat low slope roof system.
4 per shingle minimum 6 per shingle in high wind areas and the coast line.
Just enough slope to drain water but also flat enough to be a problem if not constructed properly.
Or stapled with crown width length per manuf.
All shingles shall be installed by galv.
Technology has improved to install non penetrating ballast systems to prevent leakage.