Flat roofs are very popular with commercial properties
despite the tendency to collect water.
That is because a flat roof offers the ability of access and ease of
maintenance to roof mounted devices and structures. However, when a flat roof is built properly,
they can last just as long as a conventional roof. With proper expertise and installation
experience a flat roof can last well over 20 years. In order to have a well performing flat roof,
several key steps must be done correctly.
1.
Proper
Roof Framing
Despite the name a flat roof is not completely flat. That is because well-built flat roofs have a slight incline grade to prevent water from pooling. A common incline found on flat roofs are 1/8 inch per foot. The slope of the flat roof should also be done in a direction that diverts water to the nearest downspout or off of the roof.
Despite the name a flat roof is not completely flat. That is because well-built flat roofs have a slight incline grade to prevent water from pooling. A common incline found on flat roofs are 1/8 inch per foot. The slope of the flat roof should also be done in a direction that diverts water to the nearest downspout or off of the roof.
2.
Gapping
Plywood Sheathing
Plywood sheathing is laid down on top of the roof frame during the installation process. A small gap is left behind intentionally to allow for contraction and expansion of the roofing system during cold and hot temperatures.
Plywood sheathing is laid down on top of the roof frame during the installation process. A small gap is left behind intentionally to allow for contraction and expansion of the roofing system during cold and hot temperatures.
3.
Complete
Underlayment
Iso-board is a big industry buzz word for the type of material used in underlayment. This material is laid down completely over the entirety of the roof, without any spacing or gaps. That is because this material is one of the most critical pieces of the water barrier in flat roofing systems. Without an underlayment major roofing components will fail.
Iso-board is a big industry buzz word for the type of material used in underlayment. This material is laid down completely over the entirety of the roof, without any spacing or gaps. That is because this material is one of the most critical pieces of the water barrier in flat roofing systems. Without an underlayment major roofing components will fail.
4.
Applying
EPDM
EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer is laid down as the outermost layer that you see. It is applied using special adhering glue. There should not be any ripples in the material as they will be the source of water damage. Ripples can occur from the material being stretched as it’s applied. The material will spring back once the tension is released.
EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer is laid down as the outermost layer that you see. It is applied using special adhering glue. There should not be any ripples in the material as they will be the source of water damage. Ripples can occur from the material being stretched as it’s applied. The material will spring back once the tension is released.
5.
Finish
the Edges and Beyond
In areas like corners and spaces near vertical walls, water will have a tendency to pool. To prevent that, the EPDM layer must extend up the vertical face of the wall and held in place with termination stops. Flashing called gravel stops are often used around the roof edges as well.
In areas like corners and spaces near vertical walls, water will have a tendency to pool. To prevent that, the EPDM layer must extend up the vertical face of the wall and held in place with termination stops. Flashing called gravel stops are often used around the roof edges as well.
Schulte Roofing is a Houston roofing repair contractor with over 100 years
of combined roofing experience and is “Home of the Bulletproof Roof™
Guarantee”, a 100% satisfaction program.
For more information on flat roofing, contact Schulte Roofing today.
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