Although flat roofs are most common in the dry, arid climate of the American Southwest, they can be found throughout the country. They were reasonably popular when mid-century design reigned supreme, so if you live in a Carolina home constructed in the 1950s or 1960s, you might have a flat roof. Because this type of roof doesn’t allow water to run off like pitched roofs do, they can quickly develop leaks, especially in the Carolinas’ moist, humid air.
If you are having serious leak issues with your flat roof, or if the materials are damaged in some way, you might be wondering what you should use to replace it. In this guide, you will discover several of the best flat roof replacement materials. Hopefully, one of these will jump out as a great option for your upcoming roofing project. If, however, you still aren’t sure what to do when you finish reading, talk to your contractor to get his or her suggestions.
Metal Roofing – Metal roofing is an extremely popular choice for flat roof replacements. One of the main reasons for this is its durability; many manufacturers offer 30 to 35-year warranties on their products. Furthermore, metal roofs generally reduce energy costs because they reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb their heat. They are also ideal for flat roofs because they are easier to walk on than other roofing materials, making them perfect for rooftop patios or other outdoor living spaces.
The main downside to choosing a metal roof is that they are usually harder to repair than other styles. If your roof becomes damaged in a storm, for instance, your contractor will probably have to replace the whole thing instead of just one section. They can also be quite loud when it rains, which is annoying to some people.
EPDM roofing – Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a man-made rubber roofing material that is manufactured using recycled objects. It is known for its affordability, durability, and long lifespan. EPDM roofing tiles are often rated to last even longer than metal roofs.
The main problem with EPDM roofs are that they require seams to be put in during the installation process. These seams can lead to leaks and, ultimately, water damage. There is an application method called “spraying,” however, that greatly reduces the risk that leaks will form.
Built-up roofing – Built-up flat roofs are the most common in the United States. These originally became popular decades ago and are constructed of multiple layers of gravel and tar. Because built-up roofs are so thick, they provide effective insulation and, in most cases, are aesthetically appealing.
The primary issue with built-up flat roofing is its weight. Depending on how structurally sound your home is, it may not be able to support a built-up roof unless it currently has one. In other words, homeowners can generally replace built-up flat roofs with the same style, but it may not be possible to replace other sorts of flat roofs with this material.
If you have questions about installing a flat roof replacement on your home, contact the team at Hatch Homes. We take pride in handling a wide variety of roofing jobs throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. No matter what type of flat roof you are interested in, we can help you understand the pros and cons for your specific region.