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Best Roofing Materials for Flat Roofs in the Mid-Atlantic
December 7, 2022Pitched roofs have been preferred by people in the U.S. and European countries for decades. Pitched roofs were used in regions that received heavy snowfall as they enabled homeowners to easily get rid of the snow being collected on the roof.
However, flat roofs are now widely being used in the U.S. both for commercial properties as well as for residential homes. The popularity of flat roofs among U.S. consumers is because of their cost-effectiveness, easy accessibility to the roof, increased utility, and the technological advancements that help people deal with the problem of snow despite not building a pitched roof.
Read ahead as we give info about the best roofing materials for flat roofs if you’re considering the change or want to learn about maintenance for your flat roof in Maryland.
Benefits of a Flat Roof in Maryland
Flat roofs were primarily preferred for commercial properties because of their huge size when compared to residential properties. It was assumed to be both impractical and expensive to go with pitched roofs, but lately flat roofs are being used for residential properties too. The increased use of flat roofs is because of the following advantages it has to offer to homeowners and business owners alike.
Flat Roofs for Residential Homes are Less Expensive
When compared with the pitched roofing type, the cost incurred for a flat roof is less. For the same house, you might end up spending more on a pitched roof than you would on a flat roof. This is major because pitched roofs take up more surface area for covering a property than a flat roof.
Flat Roofs Are Easy ToAccess and Easily Maintained
Unlike pitched roofs, which cannot be
easily accessed (as it is not flat), the owners can easily access a flat roof. This helps them save a ton in maintenance costs as they don’t have to call an expert for the same; it is also easy to clean. However, make no mistake — just because
a flat roof is more easily inspected or cleaned does not mean a professional should not be called for flat roof repairs.
Get More Use Our of a Flat Roof
People are left with more usable space in a flat-roof house when compared to an attic and can use them as proper rooms. This is also because flat roofs can be repurposed to be green roofs and give more attic space overall or even can help create another story of the home.
When Energy Efficiency Matters, Go With a Flat Roof
A flat roof, when paired with appropriate roofing material, can help the owner save on energy costs as it would decrease the pressure on the heating system and similar appliances. This is great for cost saving and even home resale value.
Factors That Determine Your Choice for Flat Roofing Material
A flat roof, however, can only be of full utility when it is complimented with appropriate roofing material. A person can choose from different varieties of flat roofing materials available in the market based on the following factors:
- Cost: When investing in roofing material, price is a very relevant factor. There are various flat roofing materials available in the market at different price points. Depending on the size of the area that is to be covered, a buyer may choose between different roofing material types.
- Durability: The question of how long your roofing material is going to last is, again, a relevant one that you should consider while selecting a roofing material for you. Although almost all roofing materials have a long life (more than a decade), few are more durable than others.
- Purpose: As flat roofs are now being used for both commercial as well as residential properties, the type of property for which the roofing material is required acts as a major factor in choosing the right one. A commercial area, which is usually huge, would need something durable and economical. Whereas in a residential property, qualities like insulation and design play an equally important role.
- Installation: The ease of installation is another important factor to consider while choosing a flat roofing material. The tougher and more time-consuming the installation is, the less favorable it will be for the consumers.
Different Types of Flat Roofing Materials
EPDM Membrane
Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer, commonly used as a roofing material in commercial properties, is a thick black membrane made out of rubber. The EPDM is most preferred for its durability as it lasts for over 30 years without spending much on maintenance.
Being black in color, the EPDM, instead of reflecting heat like the white-colored roof materials, absorbs it. This makes the membrane unsuitable to use over bedrooms and living rooms as it might overheat the living space.
TPO Membrane
The TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) membrane is a single-ply white membrane that is used as a roofing material. It is preferred for its waterproofing capabilities.
If you wish to start your own small garden over your roof, then TPO is just the right thing for you. It will prevent the water from seeping down your roof. The white color of the membrane helps it reflect the heat from the sun, which makes it suitable to be applied over the whole house (unlike the EPDM membrane).
The heat reflection also helps buyers save on energy costs as the house remains relatively cooler than the surroundings with TPO roofing.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is among the most expensive when it comes to roofing materials but is also the most durable. With proper maintenance, the roofing material could last more than five decades.
Apart from its high durability, the metal roofing also adds to the aesthetic beauty of the house. Because of its high cost (purchase, installation, and maintenance cost), it is not preferred for commercial properties with huge areas.
PVC Membrane
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is also a single white ply roofing material (similar to the TPO membrane). The PVC membrane is less expensive than the metal roofing type.
Being white in color, the PVC membrane reflects the heat that falls on it and, as a result, makes the space under it cooler. The white color also makes this roofing material more vulnerable to getting dirty, and therefore it requires regular cleaning.
Conclusion
If you feel ready to talk about a flat roof installation in Maryland, talk to Politz Enterprises today. We’ll help identify the best options for you for cost, lifespan, and maintenance plans. Already have a flat roof? We can help you maintain it and repair it as needed. Contact us today to begin!