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A Design & Materials Guide for Residential Flat Roofing Systems

11 MIN READ

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

  1. Flat Roofs Are Everywhere–But What About Homes?
  2. Why Are Flat Roofs Less Common For Houses?
  3. Flat Roof Drain Types
  4. It Looks Good
  5. Flat Roof Space Is Usable Space
  6. It Performs and Protects Well
  7. Examining Flat Roof Myths–What Are The Drawbacks?
  8. Parts Of A Flat Roof
  9. Other Flat Roof Components
  10. Warm vs. Cold Roofs
  11. Flat Roof Designs For Houses
  12. Built Up Roofing (BUR)
  13. Single Ply Membranes
  14. Thermoset (Synthetic Rubber)
  15. Thermoplastic
  16. Modified Bitumen (or Polymer Modified Bituminous Materials)
  17. Liquid Applied Roofing
  18. Spray On Roofing
  19. Metal Roofing
  20. Can you have a flat roof with shingles?
  21. How to Make a Flat Roof Last
  22. A crowning feature

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Flat Roofs Are Everywhere – But What About Homes?

Flat roofs are a familiar sight throughout North America. Any typical mall, warehouse, apartment building or school usually features a flat roof. This roof type is easier to install over large surfaces and is the most common choice for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.

From the start, you’ll likely have questions, including: is a flat roof the right choice for a home? Is it more expensive that a steeper pitched alternative? Is it harder to install? What about ongoing maintenance?

Whether choosing a roof design for a new home, or replacing/repairing a current flat roof, IKO Industries offers much of the information needed to make informed decisions for a lasting, sturdy cover for your investment. Explore the following guide to answer many of your flat roof-related questions:

 

Why Are Flat Roofs Less Common For Houses?

Also known as low slope roofs, flat roofs are less common in North American residential construction because the low slope of a flat roof has an increased tendency to collect water rather than shed, like its more steeply pitched alternative. This may make it less ideal for rainy or snowy climates.

Keep in mind, all flat roofs have a slope of between five and 15 degrees to allow water to flow into drain systems (such as eaves, drainage holes or outlets).

flat roof drain and downspout
overhead view of water on flat roof with skylights

 

Flat Roof Drain Types

So, even though flat roofs are ideal for drier landscapes, in climates with heavy precipitation, a properly installed flat roof can be a fine choice for a homeowner – especially thanks to ever-improving waterproof materials and installation techniques.

 

It looks good

Flat roofs are an attractive aesthetic choice that give homes a unique form. If you love the landscape or cityscape around your home, a flat roof can help complement that without obscuring the view.

residential home with a flat roof

Flat Roof Space Is Usable Space

Unlike a steeply pitched roof, most of the square footage of a flat roof is available for use. This offers the option to add a unique application such as a rooftop patio, garden or green roof. Solar panels also are popular among homeowners and are much easier to install – and hide from view – on a flat roof.

Any of these applications will require certain design considerations (such as adding guardrails and other safety protections and/or using more heavy duty materials to handle roof traffic and weight). Special permits may be required from the local building authority, but these efforts may result in an entirely new feature to enjoy on your home.

 

It Performs And Protects Well

Flat roofs are a cost-effective option for homes – thanks to generations of use in commercial flat roof construction, modern materials and application techniques – as viable, protective and long-lasting alternatives to pitched roof counterparts.

By choosing the proper materials, hiring an experienced professional to build and install the flat roof, and committing to regular inspection and maintenance, homeowners may count on many years of reliable performance when selecting a flat roof solution.

montage of buildings with flat roofs
flat roofs being used as roof top garden and patio space

 

Examining Flat Roof Myths – What Are The Drawbacks?

Flat roofs are hard to replace

Some observers suggest it’s harder to replace a flat roof than a traditional pitched shingle roof because of the labor required to remove its layers (especially on older flat roofs). But now, flat roofs often are constructed with fewer layers because of improved waterproofing technology. This could mean flat roofs may not raise the same red flags they used to among prospective homeowners who may want to replace or remodel the roof once they move in.

Prone to water damage or leakage

Many of the potential problems a flat roof may attract – such as water pooling, leakage and resulting rot or damage – are due to poor installation or poor maintenance. Pay careful attention to the roof at the construction phase and throughout its lifecycle to help prevent these problems in the first place.

 

Parts Of A Flat Roof

To an untrained eye, one flat roof looks very much like another (especially from the ground level!) but, in fact, there are several different flat roof systems to choose from.

At the most basic level, a flat roof consists of three basic components:

  • Weatherproofing
  • Reinforcement
  • Surfacing

Depending on the materials selected, these might be combined into a single product, but all these functions should still be there.

 

Other Flat Roof Components

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. From there, the flat roof system you choose will determine the materials you apply.

Consider geography, budget and use for the roof to determine the best option.
 

Warm vs. Cold Roofs

A note to consider before construction: if insulation is installed below the flat roof deck this is called a “cold” roof. Generally, roofers discourage this method for cold climates because it can promote condensation and requires ventilating the roof, which may be difficult to do in small or tight spaces. On the other hand, a “warm” (or hot) roof is one where the insulation is installed above the deck. This situation is suited for cold weather climates. (See more details here).

Here is a diagram of a typical warm roof:

blueprint diagram of a typical insulated flat roof assembly
snow on home's rooftop

 

Flat Roof Designs For Houses

There is a wide variety of flat roof materials available, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. The following outlines ways to build, protect and reinforce your roof.

Here we’ll discuss types of flat roofing.

Built Up Roofing (BUR)

This multi-layer roof design is a proven system that has been around for generations. BUR is found in many low slope residential and commercial roofing applications.

Thermoset roof system

MATERIALS

  • Alternating layers of roofing felt (usually fiberglass) and hot-applied asphalt
  • The final layer of asphalt is topped with gravel or other chipped minerals for several reasons: to protect the asphalt from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, fire proof the material and add weight to secure the roof membrane
ADVANTAGES

  • Tried and true for decades
  • Considered the most affordable option
  • Durable, lasting
  • Redundant (if one layer fails there are more layers underneath to provide immediate protection)
  • Top layer of light gravel gives an appealing look and reflects the sun
DISADVANTAGES

  • Hot, messy and slow installation
  • Heavy, adds weight to the structure, which must be accommodated
  • Difficult to remove
  • Difficult to detect and repair leaks due to multiple layers of material
HOW IT’S APPLIED

  • A layer of roof felt is laid down and hot asphalt is mopped overtop – repeat for two to four layers (called plies)
  • Repair involves reapplication of original materials and/or roofing cement to fix cracks or leaks

 

Single Ply Membranes

In the last 30 to 40 years, these membranes have gained popularity as a single-layer, watertight alternative to traditional built-up flat roofs.

They take less time to apply and although they can be somewhat more expensive, they remain within 10% to 20% of the cost of other methods. Single Ply membranes come in a variety of mil thicknesses, including 45, 60, 80 and 90 mils.

Because they are applied in a single layer on often expansive roofs, they come in large rolls which may require the use of heavy equipment to get the product to the rooftop.

BUR
 

Thermoset (Synthetic Rubber)

Thermoset

MATERIALS

  • EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
ADVANTAGES

  • A flexible synthetic rubber that can be resistant to the sun’s rays (white EPDM) and weathers well against the elements
  • Popular and trusted in the commercial market (40% of roofing systems are made with this material)
  • Easy to apply
  • Hearty and puncture- resistant
DISADVANTAGES

  • As with all single- ply flat roof membranes, this roofing material doesn’t have the security of extra layers like BUR systems, so extra caution must be paid that the material isn’t punctured or damaged during installation or repair
  • There can be some vulnerability where the seams are cemented/taped together
HOW IT’S APPLIED

  • This is installed by taping or cementing its seams
  • It’s secured either mechanically, with adhesive, or using a ballast material (such as paving stones, gravel or green roof vegetation)

 

Thermoplastic

Thermoset

MATERIALS

  • PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
ADVANTAGES

  • Considered environmentally friendly because it doesn’t contain chlorine
  • Flame-retardant and sun-reflecting
  • Long-lasting, sturdy and penetration proof
DISADVANTAGES

  • Because TPO is a newer product, it hasn’t been time-tested over many decades
  • Be sure the contractor you hire has sufficient experience with this material
HOW IT’S APPLIED

  • Sometimes available in peel and stick for easy application; otherwise installed with fasteners and a heat gun

 

Thermoset

MATERIALS

  • TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin)
ADVANTAGES

  • Considered environmentally friendly because it doesn’t contain chlorine
  • Flame-retardant and sun-reflecting
  • Long-lasting, sturdy and penetration proof
DISADVANTAGES

  • Because TPO is a newer product, it hasn’t been time-tested over many decades
  • Be sure the contractor you hire has sufficient experience with this material
HOW IT’S APPLIED

  • Sometimes available in peel and stick for easy application; otherwise installed with fasteners and a heat gun

 

Modified Bitumen (or Polymer Modified Bituminous Materials)

Modified Bitumen (or Polymer Modified Bituminous Materials)

This flat roofing material is popular because it uses trusted weatherproofing materials (asphalt) reinforced with polymers. It has the advantage of multiple layers, but needs fewer layers than built up roofing and is less messy to apply.

MATERIALS

  • Waterproofing bitumen is strengthened with polymers (such as atactic polypropylene or styrene butadiene styrene) to add durability and is layered on top of sheets of fiberglass or polyester mats
ADVANTAGES

  • Highly puncture- resistant and long lasting
  • Affordable
  • Comes in smaller-sized rolls than single-ply membranes, making it more manageable to install
DISADVANTAGES

  • More labor- intensive than single-ply membrane systems because it requires extra layers
HOW IT’S APPLIED

  • Generally heated by a roofer’s torch to adhere to the roof and seal the seams; may also be applied with cold adhesive
  • Newer types are available in “peel and stick” variety

 

Liquid Applied Roofing

Often called Liquid Roofing, this technology is gaining ground in North America as it becomes more familiar to the industry. Proponents like this product because it’s easy to apply and provides smooth, effective coverage.

Thermoset

MATERIALS

  • Waterproofing material made of bitumen and reinforced with glass fibers
ADVANTAGES

  • Easy to apply, no heat required
  • Liquid creates one monolithic, smooth and effective watertight membrane (no seam adhesion required)
  • Highly resistant to sun’s UV rays and heat
  • Dries rapidly
DISADVANTAGES

  • May require finding a specialized contractor experienced with its application
HOW IT’S APPLIED

  • A first layer of liquid cold-poured on top of insulation, with a second layer applied on top of reinforcing asphalt or felt

 

Spray On Roofing

Often called Liquid Roofing, this technology is gaining ground in North America as it becomes more familiar to the industry. Proponents like this product because it’s easy to apply and provides smooth, effective coverage.

Thermoset

MATERIALS

  • A sun-reflective protective coating made of silicone, acrylic or aluminum
ADVANTAGES

  • Easy to apply
  • Creates an effective weatherproof, fire-resistant and UV-reflective barrier
  • Because it’s sprayed on, creates a seamless layer
DISADVANTAGES

  • Expensive
  • May require searching for specialized contractor who is experienced with its application
HOW IT’S APPLIED

  • Sprayed directly over insulation

 

Metal Roofing

Metal is an expensive, but stylish option because it is straightforward, unique and non-chemical.

Thermoset

MATERIALS

  • Large panels of standing seam steel, aluminum, zinc or copper
ADVANTAGES

  • Long-lasting
  • Easy to install
  • Acts as both waterproofing and sun/fire protection for the roof (no top layer required)
  • Easy to maintain
  • Made of recycled materials (which can again be recycled after use)
DISADVANTAGES

  • High cost of materials
  • Can be noisy during a rain event.
  • Hail can create a great deal of damage to the roof surface.
HOW IT’S APPLIED

  • Installed over insulation
  • Repaired using soldering (for aluminum, use fiberglass patches or aluminized caulking)

 

Can you have a flat roof with shingles?

Roofing experts discourage the use of shingles on a flat roof. As few points of sealing as possible will reduce potential for leakage. This is why most flat roofs use large squares or single sheets of materials. In some cases, a homeowner may choose an option such as a Self-Adhering Membrane Residential Roof System, which offers the multi-layer protection of a membrane roof, with the traditional granule look of a shingled or built-up roof. These offer lasting protection against snow, ice and elements – and hold up well to foot traffic on low-slope roofs. They’re peel-and-stick cold application, and availability in single, double or triple layer reinforcement make them a popular choice for roofs with at least 1:12 slope.

 

How to Make a Flat Roof Last

It is incumbent upon the owner of a flat roof to regularly inspect and maintain the roof. This will make a significant difference in maintaining its integrity and longevity.

A basic inspection is suggested twice a year and after any major rain storms. We recommend consulting a roofing professional who is fully versed in rooftop safety techniques and precautions.

Flat Roof inspection checklist:

  • In normal circumstances, wait until 48 hours after a rainfall to clean and inspect the roof. Any water should have evaporated by this time. If it hasn’t, that’s a sign of a problem with roof drain parts or the drainage system.
  • To help see where any water might be collecting, clean any debris from the flat roof surface, including sweeping or gathering fallen leaves or branches and clearing any loose debris or gravel that may block drainage holes.
worker sweeping debris on a flat roof
two drains on flat roofs
skylight and other penetrations on a flat roof

 

  • Inspect flashings around the chimney and skylights. If the flashing material is cracked or rusty, you will want to have it repaired as soon as possible.
  • Inspect the integrity of the top layer of protection (often a gravel or chipped mineral mixture) to ensure it hasn’t dispersed and left a bald patch. This is key to protecting the membrane underneath while also providing sun and fire protection. On a built-up roof, when gravel becomes sparse, the asphalt layer underneath can dry and crack under the sun. This could lead to “alligatoring,” which may eventually cause the layer to leak and fail.
  • Check for any damage, puncturing, rips or wrinkling of the membranes. This might be difficult to see if a layer of chipped material or gravel is on top. Regardless of your flat roof design, take time to thoroughly check the surface for flaws.
  • Any damage should be repaired immediately to return watertight protection to the roof and prevent further deterioration.
  • If the top layer of gravel needs to be replaced or replenished, consult a roofing professional for proper application over the surface of the roofing material.

(Source: CAA Quebec.)

wrinkled and buckled roof membrane
granule erosion on roof surfaces
wrinkled vertical flashing membrane on a flat roof

 

A crowning feature

Education is the key to choosing a flat roof that fits your budget, style and geography.

Regardless of the type of roof selected, with an experienced contractor and a solid understanding of materials and maintenance, you’ll be well on your way to constructing a protective, lasting feature for your home.

Transitioning from a flat roof to a shingle roof requires special attention. Read more in our article on how to join a flat roof to a shingle roof.